Sweden — Gothenburg & West Coast

Falkenberg (Ätran River)

Falkenberg anchorage · Ätran river approach

56°54.2'N 12°28.4'E

Depth

25m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

65m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

65m

65m in 2–4m on sand — good holding when properly set. This is an open coastal anchorage; the alarm is essential for any overnight stay. Increase to 75m if any swell running and consider moving to Falkenberg gästhamn inside the river for protected overnight.

About This Anchorage

Falkenberg is a charming small town at the mouth of the Ätran River — known for its medieval stone bridge, historic town centre, and the Ätran salmon river that runs through it. The coast here is part of the Halland plain — flat, sandy beaches stretching for kilometres north and south, a contrast to the granite skerries further north. The outer anchorage is exposed to the prevailing westerly swell, but the gästhamn inside the river provides complete shelter. The town has excellent provisions and a weekly market in summer.

Protected From

E · NE · SE

Exposed To

W · NW · SW

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free (Allemansrätten)
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Approach to river entrance follows buoyed channel — do not cut corners. River bar may restrict entry at lowest water level — check with harbour master before entry.

Hazards

  • !Exposed to Kattegat W-SW swell — temporary anchorage only in offshore winds
  • !Ätran river bar — restricted entry at low water; check with harbour master
  • !Sandy bottom requires careful anchor set — drag risk in soft sand

Skipper's Tips

  • Prefer the gästhamn inside the Ätran river for protected overnight — short dinghy ride from anchorage
  • Historic medieval bridge over Ätran is Sweden's oldest surviving stone bridge
  • Excellent salmon fishing in the Ätran — local tackle shops will advise
  • Sandy beaches extend north and south — beautiful swimming and walking

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Falkenberg town (0.3nm) has multiple restaurants and a bakery

Nearest provisions: Falkenberg town (0.3nm)

Best Months & Season

June, July, August

June–August. Halland coast anchorages are essentially fair-weather stops; move to the gästhamn in any unsettled conditions. The sandy beaches make this a popular summer resort — town busy in July–August.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusSpade

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m

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