Skagaströnd
Skagastrand · Spákonufell coast · remote N coast
65°49.1'N 020°18.4'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m in 2–5m on sand and mud. Fair holding — adequate in settled conditions. N–W exposure to the open Húnaflói bay makes this a fair-weather stop only; the bay is large and exposed to the Denmark Strait; northerly and NW conditions can generate significant swell here rapidly. Plan to be away before any N or NW weather develops. The 55m radius reflects the need for adequate scope on fair-holding bottom in a tidal environment.
About This Anchorage
Skagaströnd (population ~450) sits on the W side of the Skagi Peninsula, facing across the broad Húnaflói bay toward the Westfjords. The Spákonufell mountain above the town (417m) is associated with the legendary prophetess Þórdís spákona — the mountain is a significant place in Icelandic medieval mythology. The town has a small marine museum (Músík og Minjasafn) and is known for its folk music heritage. The Skagi Peninsula — the slender headland extending N between Skagafjörður and Húnaflói — has almost no road access in its northern section; a handful of isolated farms survive here. The birdlife on the Skagi coast (Arctic terns, fulmars, eider, skua) is excellent. Skagaströnd is one of the most remote harbours accessible to visiting yachts on the N coast.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free — community harbour with no formal fee for visiting yachts
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No VHF harbour watch — use Ch. 16 for any emergency communication. Fishing vessel priority in harbour. The Spákonufell area is culturally significant — treat with respect. No discharge within 300m of shore. Shore access unrestricted.
Hazards
- !Open N–W exposure: Húnaflói is a large bay exposed to the Denmark Strait; N and NW gales arrive rapidly; the harbour provides inadequate shelter in N–W conditions above Force 5; departure planning must account for rapidly developing N/NW weather
- !Shallow harbour at MLWS: with 2.5–3.5m tidal range and minimum depth 2m at MHWS, the harbour may be unnavigable at MLWS — verify tidal predictions before approach and plan arrival for half-tide rising or higher
- !Remote coast rescue: the Skagi Peninsula coast has limited SAR response — helicopter from Akureyri or Reykjavik is 30–60 minutes in good weather; medical emergency capability must be entirely within the vessel
- !Skagi Peninsula headland: rounding the N tip of Skagi (Þórbergsnef) is an exposed headland with tidal races and overfalls in onshore winds; time the rounding for calm conditions and favourable tide
Skipper's Tips
- →Húnaflói seals: the Vatnsnes Peninsula (SE shore of Húnaflói, visible from the anchorage) has Iceland's largest grey seal colony at Hvammstangi — visible from the sea; approach within 300m with engine off for best viewing
- →Spákonufell hike: the 417m summit above Skagaströnd is a rewarding 2-hour hike with panoramic views over Húnaflói, the Westfjords to the W, and the Skagi Peninsula to the N; the folklore associated with the mountain adds to the experience
- →Photography: Skagaströnd's position on the W-facing Húnaflói coast means sunsets (and midnight sun settings in June) are outstanding — the sun sinks toward the Westfjords mountains across the broad bay; plan to be at anchor here for late evening photography
- →Complete self-sufficiency planning: before leaving Akureyri or Sauðárkrókur for the W Skagi coast, ensure full fuel tanks, complete provisions, comprehensive medical kit, satphone or SSB radio, and fresh batteries for all safety equipment — this is a genuinely remote coast
Facilities
Very limited. A small cooperative store has basic provisions (hours variable). No fuel at the harbour. The nearest fuel and comprehensive provisions are at Sauðárkrókur (20nm SE by sea and road). Complete self-sufficiency required for any passage visiting Skagaströnd.
Nearest provisions: Sauðárkrókur (20nm SE by sea/road) (20nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Skagaströnd is for sailors seeking genuine remoteness — the Skagi Peninsula coast is one of the least-visited in Iceland and rewards those who make the effort. Allow extra time for this section and do not plan to deadhead the passage; wait for the right weather window.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In North Iceland, katabatic gusts from fjord valleys and the midnight sun making it hard to track time mean anchor watch is critical. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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