Virolahti
Virolahti bay · Finnish-Russian border bay
60°32.4'N 27°37.5'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for excellent holding in soft mud at 2–4m. Full shelter — one of the most protected bays on the Gulf east coast. GPS essential: Russian border 12nm east — confirm position in Finnish waters at all times.
About This Anchorage
Virolahti is the innermost significant bay on the Finnish Gulf coast before the Russian border — a deeply sheltered embayment where the Virojoki river flows into the very eastern end of the Gulf of Finland. The water here is close to fresh — the eastern Gulf of Finland is barely brackish, and river outflow makes the salinity even lower. The shelter is exceptional, and the anchorage is one of the most protected on the entire Gulf coast. The landscape has a frontier character: forested shores, few habitations, and the knowledge that Russian territory begins approximately 12nm east. The Salpa Line — Finland's 1940s defence fortification line — runs through the area; some concrete bunkers are visible in the landscape.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Russian border 12nm east — do not proceed east of Finnish territorial waters; GPS monitoring essential; military history zone — Salpa Line fortifications are cultural heritage.
Hazards
- !Russian border 12nm east — GPS essential to confirm Finnish waters; serious consequences if border crossed
- !Very low salinity — near-freshwater conditions; different antifouling requirements
- !Remote eastern Gulf position — few other vessels; monitor VHF
- !Shallow river approach — echo sounder essential
Skipper's Tips
- →The Salpa Line fortifications in the area are historically fascinating — a reminder of Finland's wartime experience
- →GPS monitoring essential here — the Russian border is close enough that position awareness is critical
- →The near-freshwater conditions mean Baltic organisms behave differently — observe the transition ecology
- →One of the most remote and rarely visited anchorages in Finnish sailing — genuine frontier experience
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Village of Virolahti approx 3nm inland. Hamina (22nm W) for full services.
Nearest provisions: Hamina (22nm W) (22nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August. Remote frontier anchorage. Excellent shelter. GPS essential — Russian border proximity. Historic Salpa Line area. Experienced sailors only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Gulf of Finland where steep short seas build quickly and the Russian border is close, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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