BUILT ON A FLOURISHING HERRING TRADE
The quaint town of Skanör, nestled 30 kilometres southwest of Malmö in southern Sweden, has roots dating back to the end of the 12th century, when it emerged as a bustling fishing village. By the 13th century, it had become home to the renowned Scania Market, the largest in Northern Europe, drawing merchants from as far afield as Lübeck, Flanders, Normandy, England and Scotland. Skanör’s strategic location, where the sailing routes of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea intersected, coupled with its abundant herring stocks, made it an ideal hub for commerce. However, when the great herring period came to an end in the 16th century, the town was almost abandoned. The late 19th century saw it resurrected as a summer haven for the wealthy, including members of the royal family. Today Skanör and its pristine white beaches are a popular destination for day trips and summer vacations.
Constructed between 1879 and 1881, Skanör’s harbour has undergone a transformation over the years, evolving from a humble fishing port to a modern pleasure boat marina. The municipality of Vellinge, which oversees the harbour, recently sought to improve and strengthen its infrastructure. Partnering with SF Marina, they embarked on a project to replace the aging fixed wooden docks with state-of-the-art floating concrete pontoons, measuring 220 metres in total length and 3 metres in width. The pontoons feature galvanized steel Y-finger booms, providing 165 well-protected berths. SF Marina’s innovative design optimised space within the basin, accommodating an additional 20 guest berths at minimal extra cost. The pontoons are anchored securely using piles, as the water is too shallow for a mooring line system (held by anchors).
In June 2023, the newly inaugurated floating dock welcomed back boaters, just in time for the summer season.
