Amrum
Wittdün auf Amrum · Amrum Kniepsand
54°37.2'N 08°21.6'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for the approach channel in 2–4m at HW. Amrum is the shallowest approach of the North Frisian islands — draught limit 1.5m strongly recommended. The tidal cycle gives limited departure windows.
About This Anchorage
Amrum is the smallest and wildest of the three accessible North Frisian islands — a 10km-long island where the western half is the enormous Kniepsand (Germany's widest natural beach, 1km wide at low water, 10km long). The eastern shore faces the Wattenmeer, and the central island is a mixture of pine forest (planted in the 19th century to stabilise the dunes), heathland, and historic Frisian villages. The Wittdün harbour at the south end of the island is small but well-run. Amrum has approximately 2,300 inhabitants and a strong North Frisian cultural identity — the Öömrang dialect is still spoken. The island's dune landscape (Dünenheide) is one of the most unspoilt in Germany.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (approach); harbour fee approx €12–16/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Schleswig-Holstein Wattenmeer National Park; approach HW only (draught 1.5m max); ferry traffic (Dagebüll–Föhr–Amrum route); Kniepsand completely inaccessible to vessels — shoal water; bird sanctuary areas Apr–Aug.
Hazards
- !Very shallow approach — draught 1.5m maximum strongly recommended; consult current Amrum Fahrwasser chart
- !The Kniepsand extends 1km west of the island — absolutely no sailing within 1.5nm of the west coast
- !North Sea swell wraps around Amrum's south tip in SW conditions — anchorage can be uncomfortable
- !No fuel on island — plan ahead
- !Schleswig-Holstein Wattenmeer bird sanctuary areas are extensive around Amrum
Skipper's Tips
- →Amrum's Kniepsand beach at LW is extraordinary — the exposed sand extends 1km out to sea; at low spring tide, walk 45 minutes across the sand to the water's edge
- →The Amrum lighthouse (Amrumer Leuchtturm, 1875, 63m) in the centre of the island is one of the tallest in Germany — guided climbs available in summer; views to all North Frisian islands
- →The Dünenheide (dune heath) nature trail from Wittdün north to Nebel village (4km) passes through pine forest, open heathland, and ancient Frisian burial mounds
- →The North Frisian islands circuit (Dagebüll → Föhr → Amrum → Sylt → Föhr → Dagebüll) can be done in 4–5 days with careful tidal planning — an exceptional regional cruise
- →The three-island ferry ticket (Föhr-Amrum) allows day trips between islands — useful for crew changes or provisioning while the boat is berthed
Facilities
Wittdün restaurants and cafes. Small supermarket. No fuel — arrive from Wyk auf Föhr (5nm). North Frisian specialties including Krabben and smoked fish.
Nearest provisions: Wittdün village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The shallowest of the North Frisian islands — planning the tides is more critical here than anywhere else on the German coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the German North Sea coast, tidal currents and North Sea swells make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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