Byviken (Öland West)
Byviken anchorage · Öland limestone coast
56°43.9'N 16°36.3'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for 2–3m depth. Fair holding on limestone/sand — set carefully and use a trip line for retrieval from rocky bottom patches. Alarm should be set conservatively. If anchor does not hold well after two attempts, move to Borgholm (10nm N) with better facilities.
About This Anchorage
Byviken is a small bay on the west coast of Öland representing the typical character of the island's limestone coastline — flat, windswept, and geologically unique in Sweden. The Öland limestone (alvar) landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the vast limestone plain (the great alvar) supports rare orchids, wildflowers, and migrating birds including cranes. The anchorage is quiet and wild in contrast to the busier Borgholm further north. From the water, the flat Öland skyline is punctuated by a series of ancient windmills — Öland has more windmills than any other part of Scandinavia, remnants of the island's agricultural history.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW · N
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO landscape — no damage to limestone alvar. Keep clear of limestone shoal areas shown on chart. Bird nesting on shore areas Apr 1–Jul 31.
Hazards
- !Limestone shoals and rocky patches — use current chart and echo sounder
- !Fair holding only on limestone/sand — always test anchor set
- !Exposed to Kalmar Sound W-NW weather — leave before deterioration
- !No facilities — self-sufficient overnight required
Skipper's Tips
- →Explore the UNESCO alvar landscape ashore — rare orchids flower June–July
- →Count the windmills visible on the skyline — over 400 on the island
- →Use a trip line on the anchor — limestone bottom can trap anchors
- →One of the best spots in Sweden for migrating crane watching (Apr and Oct)
- →Move to Borgholm (10nm N) for overnight if any W wind forecast
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Borgholm (10nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Quiet wilderness anchorage with no facilities — for self-sufficient sailors only. The UNESCO alvar landscape is best in June when rare orchids and wildflowers peak. Autumn brings spectacular crane migration.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the Kalmar Sound, wind-driven currents can shift your position more than expected overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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