Karlskrona (Naval City)
Karlskrona anchorage · Stumholmen anchorage
56°09.6'N 15°35.4'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for 2–4m on mud — excellent holding in Karlskrona's sheltered inner harbour. The archipelago provides good all-round protection. Only strong NE winds (across open Baltic) create significant motion. The gästhamn at Fisktorget is the preferred overnight option — anchor in the outer approaches if no berth available.
About This Anchorage
Karlskrona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the best-preserved naval city of the late 17th century in northern Europe. Founded in 1680 as Sweden's main naval base, the city was purpose-built across 30 islands and exhibits extraordinary baroque city planning. The Swedish Naval Museum (Marinmuseum) is outstanding, with full-size historic warships including the frigate Chapman. The city's archipelago of 1,650 islands extends east and south — a beautiful sailing ground in its own right. Karlskrona has excellent facilities for visiting yachts, including customs (convenient entry point from Bornholm, Poland, or Germany), fuel, and full provisions. One of Baltic Sweden's most significant ports of call.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S · SE
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Respect naval base restricted zones clearly marked on chart. Non-EU boats: customs clearance available at Karlskrona (recommended entry point). Naval vessel traffic in inner harbour — maintain proper lookout.
Hazards
- !Naval restricted zones — do not enter without chart guidance
- !NE Baltic exposure through outer approaches
- !Naval vessel traffic — keep clear and give way
- !Outer archipelago: rocky approaches require careful navigation with current chart
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Swedish Naval Museum (Marinmuseum) — full-size historic warships on display
- →Customs clearance for non-EU boats — most convenient Baltic entry point in southeast Sweden
- →Walk the UNESCO city layout — baroque city planning is extraordinary to experience at street level
- →Archipelago sailing east of Karlskrona is outstanding — 1,650 islands to explore
- →Torhamn (outer skerries, 20nm E) is an excellent next stop after Karlskrona
Facilities
Extensive city dining; Fisktorget waterfront restaurants particularly good
Nearest provisions: Karlskrona city centre (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September with June–August peak. Karlskrona is a year-round city but sailing facilities are best June–August. The Blekinge archipelago provides a longer season than the exposed Halland coast — September sailing in this area is excellent.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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