Gotska Sandön
Gotska Sandön is the most isolated island in the Baltic sea. It consists of sandy beaches, dunes and ever green forests. The coast along the southern part of the island is elevated.
As there is neither harbour nor shelters around Gotska Sandön, staying overnight should only be considered in stable anticyclonic conditions. Visiting boats should anchor downwind from the island. Note that anchoring is forbiden in the seal sanctuary and in the launching area for SAR boats close to the lighthoouse.
The anchoring ground consits of gravel and sand, and sudden shit of wind may result in dragging anchor a nd boat drifting.
Being a National Park, it is not allowed to bring pets ashore, nor to pick plants, mosses, lichen and trees. Fire and barbecues are not allowed, and tents can only be set in designated areas around the lighthouse and i the north of the island.
There is a large colony of seals along the northern coast f Gotska Sandön. A sanctuary has been established there and entry is not permitted. However, seals can be observed very clsoely from an observation deck.
Click here to locate the Sälhudden observation deck on Google maps...
The Gotska Sandön ferries operating from Nynäshamn and from Fårösund are the only way to get to Gotska Sandön.
Day trips need to be booked through telephone (see link below). Otherwise, packages including 1 to 6 nights on the islands in tents of cottages are available for booking.
As there is no harbour on the island, the ferry drops visitors directly on the beach from the prow. The choice of the landing point is made by the Captain according to weather conditions on the days of the trip.
Getting there
By commercial boat
Gotska Sandön is accessble from Nynäshamn (3 hours) and from Fårösund (2 hours). All bookings should be made through Sandresör website. Day trips can only be booked through telephone.
By own boat
There is no harbour on Gotska Sandön and the coast is not well sheltered. Anchoring off the coast is only safge during nice anticyclonic weather. The seal sanctuary and the SAR boat launch site, both along the north coast are not allowed for anchoring.
Gotska Sandön
- Coordinates: 58.397754, 19.204788
- Sandy island, 9km by 6 km
- National park
- 24 mile noth of Gotland, 53 miles south of Nynäshamn