Kaldbak
Kaldbaksfjørður · Kaldalón fjord
61°57.9'N 006°49.0'W
Depth
8–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in the inner fjord in 8–20m on excellent mud/clay. The fjord provides complete shelter from external weather but williwaw gusts off the mountains can briefly hit anchor with full force — use 7:1 scope minimum. In the deeper outer section use more chain.
About This Anchorage
Kaldbaksfjørður is the preferred deep-fjord anchorage for sailors based at Tórshavn who want complete shelter without paying marina fees or dealing with harbour traffic. The fjord runs approximately 8nm northeast from Tórshavn and is accessed via a straightforward channel between the Streymoy mainland and the small island of Nólsoy. The surrounding mountains — Húsafelli and Oyrnafjall — create a completely enclosed basin with no meaningful exposure to external weather. The small village of Kaldbak (population approximately 350) at the fjord head has a simple quay but no services for yachts. The landscape is classic Faroese: basalt columns, waterfalls cascading from the mountain walls, and grazing sheep on every available slope. The fjord is used as a hurricane hole by local fishing boats in severe weather — a reliable indicator of its shelter quality.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No formal restrictions. Respect the working quay at Kaldbak village — fishing boats have priority. The fjord is used by local fishing vessels in all weather — keep clear of the navigable channel.
Hazards
- !Williwaw gusts: strong winds outside the fjord create violent katabatic gusts off the mountain walls — these can briefly hit 50+ kt even when ambient wind is F5; use 7:1 scope minimum
- !Deep water: the outer fjord is 15–20m — requires substantial chain length for adequate scope; use 100m+ chain in the outer section
- !Poor holding in the outer section (clay over rock in some areas) — test the anchor with engine at full throttle before settling
- !No anchor watch possible without crew on board — anchor alarm is essential in this williwaw-prone environment
- !Night fog: the fjord can fill with low cloud overnight in summer — GPS and anchor alarm mandatory
Skipper's Tips
- →The inner fjord section (8–12m, 1–2nm from the head) has the best combination of shelter and holding depth — aim for this area
- →The waterfalls off the Oyrnafjall ridge above are spectacular in spring and after rain — they can be heard from the anchorage
- →Row ashore by dinghy and walk up the mountain track above Kaldbak village for views over the entire fjord and back toward Tórshavn
- →This is the best anchorage in the Faroe Islands for a quiet overnight without marina noise — completely peaceful in settled conditions
- →Use a stern anchor or shoreline to prevent swinging in the narrow inner fjord section — the fjord is too deep for a conventional berth but a Faroese moor (bow anchor, stern line to cliff) works well
Facilities
No facilities at Kaldbak. Tórshavn (10nm SW) has all facilities. The fjord is a pure anchorage stop — provision fully before entering.
Nearest provisions: Tórshavn (10nm SW) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Accessible year-round for experienced crews seeking shelter in severe weather — the fjord is used by local fishing boats throughout winter. Summer provides the best combination of conditions and daylight.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Faroe Islands, williwaw gusts off basalt hillsides and unexpected tidal surges can drag anchor before dawn. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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