Assens
Assens Havn · Assens Fjord
55°16.1'N 09°53.8'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for the Assens outer anchorage in 2–4m. The anchorage is a good stopping point in settled conditions but is exposed to SW and W across the wider Little Belt approach. In westerly above F4, use the harbour.
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only on sandy or muddy bottom free of vegetation
- 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — the Little Belt is almost tideless (0.3–0.5m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding, not tide
- 3.Remember: anchoring is tolerated for 1 night only in unoccupied natural anchorages — it is not a legal right in Denmark
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 65m before sleeping — tidal currents through the narrows can cause unexpected swinging
About This Anchorage
Assens is a small market town on the southwest coast of Funen — a historic post town (700 years old) that served as the crossing point to Jutland before the Lillebælt Bridge was built. The town has a well-preserved medieval centre, an interesting local museum, and a well-equipped marina. The outer anchorage is comfortable in northerly and easterly conditions but exposed to the SW — Assens faces the widening southern end of the Little Belt where it opens towards the Great Belt. A good waypoint for passages between the Funen archipelago and the Lillebælt.
Protected From
E · NE · N · NW
Exposed To
SW · W · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 130–165/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Eelgrass on inshore shallows — anchor in central sandy area; anchoring tolerated 1 night; speed limit 5kt.
Hazards
- !Exposed to SW and W across the southern Little Belt approach — uncomfortable in westerly above F4
- !Eelgrass fringe close inshore — anchor in central sandy area only
- !Shoal water extends SW of the harbour entrance — follow buoyed channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Assens is the best waypoint for passages between South Funen Archipelago and the Kolding/Haderslev fjords
- →The old town of Assens has a pleasant medieval street pattern — well worth a half-hour walk
- →From Assens the passage north to Middelfart (17nm) or south into the Aabenraa Fjord area (35nm) is straightforward in settled conditions
Facilities
Assens town has restaurants and cafes. Good local bakery. Supermarket within 500m.
Nearest provisions: Assens town centre (0.4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Primarily a waypoint harbour — most sailors pass through rather than staying multiple nights.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Little Belt, tidal currents and eelgrass proximity require constant vigilance. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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