Lyø Island
Lyø · Lyø Havn
55°03.5'N 10°09.1'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for typical overnight in 3–4m. The sound gives good protection from W through N but is open to the south — in southerly conditions increase radius to 90m and ensure anchor is well set in sand, not eelgrass.
About This Anchorage
Lyø is one of the smallest and most charming inhabited islands in the South Funen Archipelago — 60 residents, no cars allowed (tractors only), a round medieval church, and a tradition of weaving and craftwork. The island is a designated nature reserve: the heathland, meadows, and coastal habitats are protected. The anchorage in Lyø Sund south of the island is excellent in westerly and northerly winds, with 2–5m over sand and mud. The small harbour has limited space for visiting yachts (2–3 alongside); anchoring off is comfortable in summer. The ferry from Faaborg runs twice daily.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 120/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Nature reserve — land only on designated paths; no camping outside designated area; no dogs on beaches Apr–Sep; no anchoring on eelgrass beds (marked on charts); speed limit 5kt within 300m of shore.
Hazards
- !Eelgrass beds marked on charts — anchor on sandy patches only; fine DKK 10,000
- !Shallow approach to the small harbour — draught limit approximately 1.8m alongside quay
- !Open to southerly wind and swell — uncomfortable if S wind exceeds F4
- !Ferry wash from Faaborg ferry (twice daily in summer)
- !Nature reserve regulations — fines for landing outside designated areas
Skipper's Tips
- →Approach from the north via Lyø Sund — well buoyed; give the northeast point a wide berth (shoal extends 200m)
- →The round medieval church (Lyø Kirke, 12th century) is a 10-minute walk from the harbour — one of the finest in the archipelago
- →Visit the island weaving cooperative — handmade textiles available; supports the local economy
- →Best holding: anchor 300m south of the harbour entrance in 3m over sand — sandy patch is clearly visible on Navionics
- →Combine with Bjørnø (4nm east) for a perfect 2-island day in the archipelago
Facilities
Lyø Kro (island inn) — traditional Danish kro, open in summer; provisions from small island shop (limited stock).
Nearest provisions: Lyø island shop (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. The island is quieter than Ærøskøbing and Svendborg — ideal for sailors seeking a quieter experience. Autumn visits possible in settled weather.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the South Funen Archipelago, eelgrass bed proximity and overnight wind shifts require constant vigilance. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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