Fanø — Nordby
Nordby Havn · Fanø east anchorage · Fanoe
55°26.6'N 08°24.8'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m allows for tidal current swing in the Fanø Løb channel. The boat will swing to current (2–3 kt at springs) rather than wind — ensure radius accounts for full swing in both current directions. Critical: set alarm BEFORE the tide drops; if anchor drags onto the flats the vessel will ground. Reduce to 55m only in neap tides with light current.
About This Anchorage
Fanø is the most accessible of the Danish Wadden Sea islands — a short ferry ride from Esbjerg — and its eastern anchorage in the Fanø Løb tidal channel is the most sheltered stopping point in the Danish Wadden Sea. The island is famous for its two historic villages (Nordby and Sønderho), its extraordinary wide North Sea beaches (Fanø Bad), and its tradition of seafaring and colourful traditional dress. The anchorage in the Fanø Løb is tidal — navigate within 2 hours of HW, anchor firmly in the sandy channel, and monitor the tidal drop carefully. Current 2–3 kt at springs. The Nordby harbour has full facilities including a marina, fuel, and an excellent supermarket. Sønderho village (south Fanø) is one of the most perfectly preserved 18th-century villages in Denmark.
Protected From
W · NW · N · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring in channel); marina fee approx DKK 170/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO/National Park: anchor in tidal channel ONLY — never on mudflats; navigate near HW only; tidal range 1.5–2.0m; current 2–3 kt; speed limit 5kt; no access to bird sanctuary Langli island Apr 1–Jul 15; no eelgrass anchoring.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 1.5–2.0m — channels dry at LW; ONLY navigate within 2 hours of HW
- !Current 2–3 kt in Fanø Løb on spring tides — anchor must be firmly set
- !Never leave the tidal channel — vessel will ground on mudflats and be stranded for 6 hours
- !Buoyed channel positions shift after winter storms — use current chart edition
- !Ferry Esbjerg–Nordby crosses the channel every hour — maintain clear passage
Skipper's Tips
- →Time arrival for HW -1 hour: approach from Esbjerg via the Grådyb channel (well-marked, depth 4–7m), enter Fanø Løb at HW, anchor in 3m, wait for neap tide
- →Fanø traditional dress (Fanødragten) — still worn at festivals; the Fanø Museum has the finest collection; particularly visible at midsummer festival (Sankt Hans, June 23)
- →The west beach (Fanø Bad) is extraordinary — cycle 5km across the island; the North Sea beach stretches 16km and is 2km wide at LW
- →Sønderho village (10km south by cycle) is the jewel of Fanø — 18th-century captains' houses, cobblestone streets, reed-thatched roofs; UNESCO heritage candidate
- →Listen for the seal colony on the Langli sandbank (visible from the channel) — grey seals haul out on the exposed sand at LW
Facilities
Nordby has several restaurants including Sønderho Kro (historic inn, 25 min cycle). Supermarket in Nordby. Fanø Bad tourist area has cafes.
Nearest provisions: Nordby town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Tidal navigation requires preparation and planning — read the tidal atlas before attempting Wadden Sea cruising. Ideal for experienced tidal sailors.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Wadden Sea's tidal channels, water level can drop 2m overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical for tidal anchorages.
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