Short answer
In a guest harbour you pay per night, usually via an app, a payment machine or the harbour office. Moor at a free berth marked as a guest berth, often with a green sign, or as directed by the harbour master. The fee usually includes toilets and showers, and sometimes electricity. See guest harbours on a map under guest harbours.
What to expect on a visit
- Call or check the app before the midsummer weeks. Popular harbours fill up by early afternoon.
- Rig fenders and mooring lines on both sides, plus a stern line or mooring hook.
- Enter slowly and look for green signs or free finger berths.
- Pay before evening and display the receipt if the harbour requires it.
- Vacate the berth by check-out time, often in the morning.
What's included
| Service | Typical |
|---|---|
| Toilet and shower | Often included, sometimes token-operated |
| Electricity | Included or extra, see shore power |
| Pump-out | Available in many harbours, see map |
| Waste sorting | Yes, harbours must accept waste from boats |
| Fuel | In some harbours |
Transportstyrelsen requires harbours to be able to accept waste from boats calling at them.
Harbour etiquette
- Go slowly and without wash inside the harbour.
- Keep quiet after the evening quiet hours set out in the harbour rules.
- Never empty toilet waste in the harbour – it is prohibited, see pump-out.
- Leave diesel and oil waste at the harbour's waste station.
Mooring in a new harbour
Mooring is often the hardest part, especially with wind and an audience on the pontoon. Get everything ready before entering the harbour:
- Fenders out on both sides, at the right height for the pontoon.
- Bow and stern lines ready, with one end made fast on board.
- Boathook or anchor ready if the harbour has buoys or stern anchoring.
- Decide who steps ashore and who handles which line. Never jump across a large gap.
Approach into the wind if possible, and keep your speed low enough that the boat still steers. It's better to abort and try again than to force it. Feel free to ask the neighbouring boat to take a line – it's common courtesy in most guest harbours.
Always have a backup plan, another harbour or a natural harbour nearby, in case it's full when you arrive late in the day.
Alternative: natural harbour
Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access) lets you anchor and moor temporarily in nature, with consideration for landowners, birds and protected areas, according to Naturvårdsverket. Don't moor close to houses, and respect bird sanctuaries. It's a good idea to learn the mooring hitch and bowline first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to book a guest harbour?
Many guest harbours don't take bookings; it's first come, first served. More and more offer app booking in high season.
What do I do if the harbour is full?
Ask the harbour master about rafting up alongside another boat, or choose a nearby natural anchorage.
Can I stay in a natural harbour for free?
Yes, under the right of public access (allemansrätten) you may anchor or moor temporarily as long as you show consideration and don't disturb landowners or wildlife.
Can I charge my batteries in the guest harbour?
Often yes, if the harbour has power outlets on the pontoon. Carry your own outdoor-rated cable with the right connector and an RCD on board.
Sources
- Mottagning av avfall i hamn, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Allemansrätten, Naturvårdsverket naturvardsverket.se
- Symbol för sugtömning, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se