Pagensand
Pagensand Insel · Pagensand anchorage · Elbe sandbank island
53°43.3'N 09°32.8'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for the Pagensand anchorage in 2–4m mixed sand and mud. The variable bottom requires careful setting — drag the anchor to confirm it is in the mud rather than loose sand. Increase to 90m in fresh easterly conditions.
About This Anchorage
Pagensand is an uninhabited island in the middle of the lower Elbe — a nature reserve of willow scrub, reed beds, and sandy beaches that provides one of the most peaceful anchorages on the entire river. The island has been uninhabited since the last farm was abandoned in the 1980s; it is now managed as a wildlife refuge. The southeastern bay gives shelter from the main shipping channel and the heavy commercial traffic of the Elbe's Hauptfahrrinne. The sandy bottom (unusual on the predominantly muddy lower Elbe) makes for a cleaner, firmer anchorage. Pagensand is a popular lunchtime stop for Elbe cruisers transiting between Hamburg and Brunsbüttel — the peace of the nature island contrasts dramatically with the constant industrial traffic of the main channel. Tidal range 3m.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (river anchorage)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Nature reserve — landing restrictions on the island (nesting birds April–August); NO anchoring in main Elbe Fahrwasser; VHF Ch 73 Elbe Traffic; tidal range 3m.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 3m — anchor depth changes significantly between HW and LW; set at HW slack and check at LW
- !Variable sandy/muddy bottom — set anchor carefully; drag test before sleeping
- !Commercial shipping wash from Hauptfahrrinne (500m to west)
- !Nature reserve landing restrictions April–August
Skipper's Tips
- →Perfect lunchtime stop on the Hamburg–Brunsbüttel tidal passage — arrive HW+2 for the ebb departure to Brunsbüttel
- →The sandy southeastern beach is one of the few sandy beaches on the lower Elbe — take the dinghy for a swim in summer (outside nesting season restrictions)
- →The view from the anchorage: to the west, giant container ships pass at 15kt; to the east, the reed beds of Pagensand are completely silent — the contrast is one of the defining Elbe experiences
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest: Glückstadt (8nm) for full provisions and fuel.
Nearest provisions: Glückstadt (8nm upstream) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Day anchorage or overnight in settled conditions. Not suitable for prolonged stays in fresh easterly weather.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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