Vrångö
Vrångö harbour · Vrångöviken
57°34.2'N 11°44.9'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m appropriate for the north bay in 2–4m depth. The north bay is more protected than it appears — island mass to the south and west blocks most swell. If any southerly swell is running, add 10m to scope and confirm holding. Check the forecast before sleeping — Vrångö's outer position makes it vulnerable to overnight wind shifts.
About This Anchorage
Vrångö is the southernmost island in the Gothenburg archipelago — a nature reserve with no cars, limited permanent population, and a wild, windswept character that contrasts with the more visited northern islands. The island sits at the boundary between the sheltered Gothenburg archipelago and the open Kattegat/Skagerrak, making it an excellent departure point for passages south to Kungsbacka or north into the archipelago. The north bay offers good shelter in SW-W winds, while the south face has a beautiful sandy beach for day-swimming. As a nature reserve, Vrångö retains abundant birdlife — Eurasian oystercatchers, common eiders, and red-breasted mergansers nest on the outer skerries.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Nature reserve — no open fires, no camping (only anchoring allowed). Bird sanctuaries on outer islets closed to landing Apr 1–Jul 31. Stay on marked trails.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed south face — southerly and easterly swell from open Kattegat
- !Nature reserve — no facilities whatsoever; self-sufficient passage planning required
- !Rocky outer skerries around the island — approach from N through the marked channel
- !Ferry wake from Saltholmen–Vrångö line (summer service)
Skipper's Tips
- →Use north bay in S/SW/W winds; avoid south anchorage if any swell running
- →Excellent wild swimming from both north bay and south beach — clear water, no jellyfish in summer
- →Bring all provisions from Gothenburg — no shop on the island
- →The lighthouse on the south tip is a 20-minute walk — excellent views over Kattegat
- →Best departure point for passages south to Kungsbacka/Onsala in settled SW-W conditions
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Styrsö (island north) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season June–August. Very short facilities season — no services outside this period. Outside settled summer weather, Vrångö's outer position makes it unsuitable for extended stays. Strong W and SW gales possible even in summer — monitor weather from VHF Channel 78 (Swedish Maritime Radio).
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
On Sweden's Skagerrak coast, North Sea swells can build quickly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS