Tórshavn Harbour
Thorshavn · Havn · Tórshavn Marina
62°00.6'N 006°46.2'W
Depth
2.5–3.5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
40m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m
40m on pontoon berth in 2.5–3.5m. In fresh easterly conditions, surge can rock boats on pontoons. The harbour offers excellent overall protection — the alarm radius is tight because swinging room is minimal in a marina berth.
About This Anchorage
Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands and home to the Faroese parliament (Løgting), one of the oldest functioning parliaments in the world. The historic Tinganes peninsula — colourful turf-roofed wooden buildings perched on a narrow headland between the two harbour basins — is uniquely photogenic and was the site of the original Norse parliament from the 9th century. The city of approximately 22,000 (nearly half the Faroese population) provides every provisioning need: supermarkets (Bonus, Miklagarður), chandlery, diesel, water, and internet. The National Museum and Nordic House offer extraordinary cultural context for the archipelago. Tórshavn is the essential base for any Faroe Islands cruise — fuel, provisions, and repairs are largely unavailable elsewhere. Arrive from Bergen or Shetland via the Nólsoy fairway. The town has a vigorous café and restaurant scene concentrated around the old harbour.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- DKK 250/night (pontoon berth, flat rate, all vessel sizes)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Marina berths — contact harbour master on VHF Ch 12 or +298 300 302 before arrival; anchoring in the harbour is not practical — use pontoon berths; Faroese customs: report on arrival from non-Faroese/non-Danish waters.
Hazards
- !Approach from east — shipping channel well marked but tidal streams reach 2–3kt in narrows; time arrival for slack or fair tide
- !Strong E/NE winds cause surge in marina — secure lines well and use fenders generously
- !Faroese customs: mandatory check-in from non-Danish/non-Faroese waters — harbour master will advise
- !Basalt cliffs on approach can cause GPS reflections — verify position with visual bearings
- !Limited yacht-specific chandlery — bring critical spares from home port
Skipper's Tips
- →Contact Tórshavn harbour master on VHF Ch 12 approximately 30 minutes before arrival to arrange berth — fills quickly in July
- →Fuel (diesel) available at the commercial quay — arrange with harbour master; marine diesel quality is good
- →The Tinganes peninsula old town tour takes 90 minutes and is exceptional — red-painted government buildings still in active use
- →Bonus supermarket (20-min walk or short taxi) has the best selection; stock up here before heading north or south
- →The Nordic House cultural centre has a good café with locally sourced Faroese lamb and fish — lunch is excellent value
- →RAK tide app is available on the App Store and is essential for planning passages between islands — download before leaving Tórshavn
Facilities
Multiple restaurants and cafés in central Tórshavn (10-minute walk from marina). Áarstova restaurant in historic Tinganes area is recommended. Supermarkets: Bonus (large, 15-min walk) and smaller stores near harbour.
Nearest provisions: Tórshavn centre (0.5nm) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only for reliable conditions. May and September possible for experienced crews in windows between depressions. June has the longest daylight (near-continuous in mid-June). July is peak visiting month — marina can be full. August has more settled weather statistically.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 40m
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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