OJ0YL & OJ0W Märket Reef DXpedition September 20–26, 2025
Between Finland and Sweden lies Märket Reef, a rocky outpost that has captured the imagination of DXers for decades. With no trees, only a lighthouse and seabirds standing guard, this tiny Baltic island is split by a uniquely zigzagging international border re-drawn in 1985 — a result of a century-old lighthouse placement mistake in 1885.
From September 20–26, 2025, the island will come to life on the airwaves. OJ0W and OJ0YL will be activated by the Finnish-based team of: Anne OH2YL, Jari OH6QU, Juha OH6XX and Panu OH7CW.
Landing is weather-dependent, with access planned via Finland.
On the air:
- Bands: 160 to 6 meters, emphasis on low bands
- Modes: CW, FT8, and SSB
- Equipment includes multiband wire antennas, verticals, VDAs (10–20m), and a 6-element beam for 6m
- At least two stations active around the clock, using amplifiers for strong, reliable signals
A full VOACAP propagation forecast is available at https://www.voacap.com/dx/oj0yl/, featuring band-by-band predictions and sunrise/sunset data for Märket and wherever your QTH is — great for planning those low-band QSOs.
If landing occurs early, the team plans to participate in the Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW).
ClubLog uploads will be live-streamed if connectivity allows; otherwise, logs will be updated several times daily. OQRS will open once the DXpedition concludes.
This activation offers DXers a rare opportunity to log OJ0 from one of Europe’s smallest and most weather-beaten entities. With skilled operators and powerful gear, Märket Reef will definitely be heard — far and wide.
QSL: OJ0YL via OH2YL and OJ0W via OH7CW.