Funningur
Funning · Funningsfjørður
62°16.6'N 006°55.5'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in the inner fjord in 5–15m. Good holding on mud/clay. The fjord opens NW — monitor for NW weather; in strong NW gales return to Klaksvík or find a more enclosed anchorage. Inner section (nearer the village) has shallower water and better holding.
About This Anchorage
Funningur is a tiny village (population approximately 60) on the northeast coast of Eysturoy, sitting at the inner end of Funningsfjørður with the mountain Slættaratindur (882m — the highest peak in the Faroe Islands) rising directly behind it. The village's yellow wooden church (1847), reflected in the still fjord water with the mountain behind, is one of the most reproduced images in Faroese photography and appears on numerous postcards and travel guides. By sea, the approach from the north gives increasingly dramatic views of the mountain mass and the village nestled at the fjord head. The anchorage provides good shelter from south and east but is exposed to the NW. The fjord is accessible from Klaksvík via the outer northern route or from Tórshavn via the Sundini inner passage through Eysturoy. Funningur is a classic Faroese village stop — completely unspoiled, with no facilities, but extraordinary scenery.
Protected From
S · SE · E · NE · N
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No formal restrictions. Small quay at the village — space for 1–2 yachts alongside; fishing boats have priority. Respect the private farmland above the shore.
Hazards
- !NW exposure: the fjord opens toward the NW — in any NW gale, the anchorage becomes untenable; monitor forecast continuously and be prepared to leave
- !Tidal streams in outer approaches: 2–3kt in Funningsfjørður approach — time arrival and departure
- !Deep water (up to 15m in mid-fjord) requires significant chain scope — 100m+ recommended
- !Slættaratindur creates katabatic gusts in strong winds — williwaw-type gusts can hit the anchorage without warning
- !No rescue services at Funningur — nearest coast guard response from Tórshavn; remote anchorage
Skipper's Tips
- →The yellow church photograph is best from the water at the anchorage — bring a long lens; the reflected image in calm conditions is exceptional
- →Walk to the summit of Slættaratindur (882m) from the village — 3 hours up, 2 down; panoramic views of all 18 islands on a clear day
- →Approach the fjord from the north on a clear day for the most dramatic views of the mountain emerging from cloud
- →The fjord in the early morning light (pre-0700 in midsummer) is extraordinarily still and mirror-flat — perfect for photography
- →The inner fjord section below the church has shallower water (5–8m) and is the best overnight spot in settled conditions
Facilities
No facilities at Funningur. Nearest full provisioning at Klaksvík (20nm NE via outer route) or Tórshavn (via inner route). Self-sufficient — provision fully before visiting.
Nearest provisions: Klaksvík (20nm NE) (20nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only. A clear day is essential to appreciate the mountain backdrop — the summit is often in cloud. July has the best statistical chance of clear conditions. Do not overnight here in any NW forecast above F5.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In the remote outer islands of the Faroe Islands, an undetected anchor drag in the night can put you on rocks with no assistance available for hours. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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