Åhus (Helge å)
Åhus anchorage · Helge å river mouth
55°55.4'N 14°18.4'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m ideal in 2–3m on mud — outstanding holding in river sediment. The river mouth provides natural additional shelter. This is one of the most peaceful anchorages on the Swedish south coast. Monitor E/NE forecast — river alignment means E winds funnel directly into the anchorage from the open Baltic.
About This Anchorage
Åhus is a small town at the mouth of the Helge å river — a quiet, unhurried contrast to the more visited coastal towns. The town is perhaps best known internationally as the home of Absolut Vodka (produced at the local distillery since 1879). The Helge å river flows from Lake Ivö and the inland lake system, bringing dark, tannic water that meets the Baltic here. The river mouth anchorage is tranquil — reeds, waterbirds, and the sound of the river current. The town has a small old quarter, a medieval church, and excellent smoked fish direct from local smokehouses. A hidden gem on the Swedish south coast.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: River approach follows buoyed channel — do not deviate in shallow entrance. Bird nesting in reeds Apr 1–Jul 31 — minimal disturbance required. Approach slowly.
Hazards
- !River bar at entrance — minimum depth varies; check with local harbour master
- !E/NE Baltic winds funnel directly into anchorage through river alignment
- !Very limited swinging room in narrow river channel
- !Reeds along river bank — approach carefully to avoid fouling propeller
Skipper's Tips
- →Absolut Vodka distillery in Åhus — guided tours available in summer
- →Buy smoked eel directly from the smokehouse near the harbour — Åhus is famous for it
- →River environment: bring insect repellent for warm summer evenings
- →Very quiet and peaceful — ideal last night stop before Öresund passage westbound
- →Simrishamn (15nm E) has better provisions — use Åhus as a transit stop
Facilities
Åhus town has a few restaurants and cafes; local smoked fish available direct
Nearest provisions: Åhus town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. River mouth anchorage is one of the few quiet, unhurried stops on the increasingly busy Swedish south coast. Excellent for those wanting to avoid the Malmö/Helsingborg ferry and commercial traffic by timing the Öresund passage for dawn.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In the Kalmar Sound, wind-driven currents can shift your position more than expected overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS