Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord)
Whale Fjord · Hvalfjörður inner reaches · Hvalfjörður anchorage
64°21.9'N 021°39.5'W
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 5–18m on mud and clay. Outstanding holding in the deep fjord mud typical of Icelandic fjord systems — cohesive glaciomarine-derived clay provides excellent anchor purchase. Hvalfjörður is the principal storm refuge for SW Iceland. The fjord's orientation running E–NE means it is fully protected from the dominant SW Atlantic weather. No significant exposure in any direction once inside the fjord bight. Large swinging room available — no nearby hazards in the inner basin.
About This Anchorage
Hvalfjörður — Whale Fjord — is 30km long and the most important storm refuge on Iceland's SW coast. The fjord takes its name from the whaling industry that operated here historically (there is still a whale processing station at Hvaleyri near the fjord mouth, controversial but legal under Icelandic quota). The inner fjord is a place of extraordinary peace and beauty: steep mountain slopes rising from calm water, the Glymur waterfall (195m, Iceland's highest), waterfalls feeding directly into the sea, and the complete absence of development in the upper reaches. During WWII, Hvalfjörður was a major Allied convoy assembly point — concrete gun emplacements and military ruins are visible on the hillsides. The anchorage in the inner fjord is one of the finest overnight spots available to a yacht within easy reach of Reykjavik.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free in the inner fjord anchorage areas. The whaling station at Hvaleyri (fjord mouth area) is private — do not approach within 200m of processing operations.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Whale processing station (Hvaleyri) near fjord mouth — private industrial operation; give a wide berth. No restrictions on anchoring in the inner fjord. Shore access is unrestricted — Icelandic right of access (almennur aðgangur) applies to uninhabited shores. Environmental care required near streams and freshwater inflows. No discharge within 300m of shore.
Hazards
- !Katabatic winds (vindsveiflur): Hvalfjörður's surrounding mountains channel overnight katabatic gusts from the highland plateau; in clear, cold nights gusts of 30–40 knots can arrive suddenly from the N/NE mountain slopes even when the fjord appears dead calm
- !Whaling station at Hvaleyri: the whaling station near the fjord mouth handles whale carcasses — an industrial operation with strong odours and restricted working area; maintain a respectful distance from processing operations
- !Freshwater density layers: rivers feeding the inner fjord create freshwater lenses above the seawater — anchor holding is unaffected but echo sounder readings can be variable near freshwater inflows; verify depth with lead line if in doubt
- !Limited mobile signal: the inner fjord has limited or no mobile phone coverage; VHF Ch. 16 is the primary emergency communication; ensure batteries are charged and VHF range is verified before anchoring
Skipper's Tips
- →Glymur waterfall hike: Iceland's highest waterfall (195m) is accessible from the fjord head by a 1.5-hour walk up the Botnsá river valley; cross the log bridge (bring dry bags for the knee-deep river crossing) — a stunning day hike from the anchorage
- →WWII history: the gun emplacements and military roads visible on the hillsides date from 1940–1945 when Hvalfjörður was a major Allied convoy assembly and escort base; explore the ruins on shore with respect
- →Storm waiting: if a serious SW gale is forecast and you are in the Reykjavik area, sail to Hvalfjörður inner reaches before the weather arrives — this anchorage has held yachts in force 10+ conditions while the coast outside took a beating
- →Night photography: the midnight sun reflecting on the completely calm inner fjord in late June is exceptional — the combination of still water, mountain reflection, and 24-hour daylight creates photographic conditions found almost nowhere else
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Reykjavik (22nm S by sea) (22nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. As a storm refuge, Hvalfjörður is accessible whenever you can safely reach the fjord entrance (25nm from Reykjavik) — even early June or late September in emergency. As a cruising destination, July–August offers the most settled conditions for exploring the inner reaches.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Iceland, tidal range of 3–4m and sudden williwaw gusts from the highland plateau can drag anchors overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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