Amsterdam (Sixhaven)
Sixhaven · NDSM werf · Amsterdam IJ North Bank
52°23.2'N 04°54.5'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on Amsterdam IJ mud and clay in 2–4m. No tidal swing (IJ level controlled). The anchorage is sheltered by the north bank — NW is the only significant exposure across the IJ. Ferry wash and commercial vessel wash can cause rolling — use adequate scope and fenders.
About This Anchorage
Sixhaven is the legendary free anchorage of Amsterdam — the most central free mooring for visiting yachts anywhere in a European capital city. The site on the north bank of the IJ (Amsterdam Noord district) is directly across from Amsterdam Centraal Station; the free GVB ferry (5-minute crossing, running 24 hours) delivers sailors to the heart of the city. The mooring area is a mix of anchor space and pontoon mooring — free of charge for small yachts (check current regulations as rules evolve). The NDSM wharf to the west is a former shipyard turned cultural hub with restaurants, street art, and the Eye Film Museum nearby. The north bank of the IJ has been transformed since 2010 — the A'DAM Tower (observation deck), EYE Film Museum, and NDSM arts quarter are all within cycling distance. The canal ring (UNESCO World Heritage since 2010), the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are 15–20 minutes by bicycle from Sixhaven.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (up to 3 nights; check current regulations with Port of Amsterdam)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Maximum 3 nights (check current rule — regulations change); commercial IJ waterway — keep strictly to small-craft lane (recreatievaartgeul); monitor VHF 14 (Amsterdam Port Control) at all times on IJ; no anchoring in main IJ shipping channel; bicycle ferry to Centraal Station is free 24hrs; speed limit in harbour area; fenders essential for ferry wash.
Hazards
- !Commercial IJ waterway — continuous commercial ship, ferry, and cruise liner traffic; strict small-craft lane discipline required
- !Ferry wash — GVB IJ ferries (large double-deck) create significant wash; fenders and anchor scope essential
- !Speed restrictions — 9km/h in Sixhaven area; check signs
- !Extremely busy in July–August — Sixhaven fills quickly; arrive before midday for good position
- !Bicycle theft risk ashore in Amsterdam — use quality locks; chain to immovable objects
Skipper's Tips
- →The GVB IJ ferry to Centraal Station is free, 24 hours, and runs every 7–10 minutes — the most civilised way to arrive in any European capital by yacht
- →The canal ring (grachtengordel, UNESCO 2010) is best explored by bicycle — hire from any Amsterdam shop; the Jordaan district, the Achtergrachten, and the Herengracht are all within 2km of the ferry
- →The Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 263) — book tickets well in advance online; no walk-in tickets available
- →NDSM wharf (15-minute walk west along north bank) has the best street art in Amsterdam and hosts festivals; the Pllek beach bar has IJsselmeer views and good food
- →A'DAM Tower observation deck (swing on the edge) — 100m height, directly behind the ferry jetty on the north bank; skip the 'swing' and take the rooftop view for free
Facilities
NDSM wharf (10-minute walk) has restaurants, cafés, and bars. Eye Film Museum café/restaurant adjacent. Full Amsterdam city facilities across the ferry (Centraal Station, Albert Heijn, markets). Fuel at IJmuiden or Westerdok.
Nearest provisions: Amsterdam city centre (5min ferry) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Amsterdam is a year-round destination but the waterways are most pleasant May–September. July–August is the most crowded. The Sixhaven is busiest on weekends. Winter sailing to Amsterdam is possible but cold and dark.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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