Tunø Island
Tunø · Tunø Havn · Tunø Ø
55°57.4'N 10°26.3'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for the Tunø anchorage in 1–3m. Shallow water — keelboat draught limit approximately 1.8m; larger vessels should stay in 2–3m. Open to east across the Kattegat — in easterly above F4, use the harbour or leave.
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only on sandy bottom free of vegetation; fine DKK 10,000
- 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — the Kattegat is almost tideless (0.3m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding quality
- 3.Remember: anchoring is tolerated for 1 night only in unoccupied natural anchorages — it is not a legal right in Denmark
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 65m before sleeping — Kattegat weather can deteriorate rapidly; be ready to leave
About This Anchorage
Tunø is one of the most magical of the Kattegat islands — tiny (3.6km²), car-free, approximately 80 residents, no supermarket, and a wonderful sense of stepping back in time. The small round church (Tunø Kirke, 14th century) doubles as a lighthouse — one of only two church-lighthouses remaining in Denmark. The island is reached by ferry from Hou (south of Horsens) and is a popular destination for Danish sailors. The anchorage off the harbour in 1–3m is comfortable in westerly conditions. The island is primarily agricultural — the residents produce excellent local lamb. No cars means the lanes are peaceful for cycling.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 120–150/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No cars on the island; speed limit 5kt within 300m of shore; eelgrass fine DKK 10,000; ferry traffic from Hou; anchoring tolerated 1 night.
Hazards
- !Shallow approach and anchorage (1–3m) — draught limit approximately 1.8m for safe anchoring
- !Open to east across the Kattegat — uncomfortable in easterly above F4
- !Very small harbour — limited space in July–August; anchoring off is often necessary
- !Ferry traffic from Hou — maintain clear passage from ferry berth
Skipper's Tips
- →Tunø Kirke (church-lighthouse) is unique — the church tower doubles as an active lighthouse; one of only two in Denmark
- →The island lamb (Tunø lam) is outstanding — the Tunø Kro serves it in summer; book a table by VHF if possible
- →Car-free cycling is delightful — the 8km circuit of the island takes 90 minutes; borrow or bring a folding bike
- →Best position: anchor 200m east of the harbour in 2m, bearing 090° from the harbour light, in settled W conditions
Facilities
Tunø Kro (island inn) — traditional Danish cuisine, open in summer. No supermarket — basic provisions from the harbour shop. Bring sufficient supplies.
Nearest provisions: Tunø harbour shop (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. One of Denmark's most charming island stops — the combination of the church-lighthouse, car-free lanes, and local lamb make it memorable.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Kattegat, rapid weather changes and exposed anchorages make continuous GPS monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch so you can rest.
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