Vágur
Vaagur · Vágur harbour · Vágursfjørður
61°28.2'N 006°48.5'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in the inner fjord in 4–12m on excellent mud/clay. The most sheltered anchorage on Suðuroy. The NW exposure is partially blocked by surrounding hills. This is the best base for exploring Suðuroy — secure enough for an extended stay in settled to moderate conditions.
About This Anchorage
Vágur is the main town on the southern part of Suðuroy island — the most remote and exposed major island in the Faroe Islands — and provides the best natural harbour on the island for visiting yachts. The fjord (Vágursfjørður) runs northeast from the southern tip of Suðuroy and provides good shelter from most directions. With a population of approximately 1,900, Vágur has a supermarket (Miklagarður), pharmacy, fuel (at the ferry terminal, advance arrangement required), and limited chandlery. The town is connected to the rest of the Faroe Islands by ferry to Tvøroyri and helicopter. The surrounding landscape of southern Suðuroy is spectacular: the Lopranseiði isthmus to the south, the Hvannhagi valley (accessible only by boat or on foot), and the extraordinary Beinisvørð cliff (469m, the highest vertical sea cliff in the Faroes after Enniberg). Vágur is the furthest point from Tórshavn reachable by cruising yacht in the Faroe Islands — a genuine achievement in North Atlantic sailing.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; quay berth — ask at harbour office; fuel: contact local agent in advance
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: The Suðuroy passage requires a minimum 2-day settled weather window; Vágursfjørður: the outer fjord approach past Nakkur headland can have strong tidal streams — approach at slack; no anchoring in the ferry terminal approach zone.
Hazards
- !Suðuroy passage (from main archipelago): 40–50nm of exposed North Atlantic sailing with no shelter en route; requires 2+ days of settled forecast with no southerly or westerly gales forecast
- !Dimunargróv passage (between Lítla Dímun and Suðuroy): notorious tidal race reaching 6–7kt with breaking overfalls — RAK app mandatory; avoid at peak flow
- !Beinisvørð cliff (469m): spectacular but creates violent williwaw gusts in the fjord approach in any NW wind
- !NW exposure in outer fjord: Nakkur headland provides limited shelter from NW in strong conditions; the outer fjord can be uncomfortable in gales
- !Remote emergency response: helicopter from Tórshavn is the only realistic emergency medical evacuation option
Skipper's Tips
- →The Suðuroy passage is a genuine North Atlantic offshore leg — prepare the boat as for an offshore passage: storm gear accessible, jack lines rigged, crew briefed
- →Beinisvørð cliff south of Vágur is one of the highest vertical sea cliffs in Europe — approach by dinghy in flat calm for the most dramatic perspective
- →The Hvannhagi valley (south of Vágur, accessible only on foot via a 3-hour hike or by dinghy) is one of the most remote and beautiful places in the Faroe Islands
- →Allow 3–4 extra days in Vágur for the return passage to Tórshavn — southwesterly gales can pin you in Suðuroy for several days at a time
- →The ferry from Vágur to Tvøroyri (30 minutes) gives access to the east coast of Suðuroy including Lopra, the southernmost settlement in the Faroes
Facilities
Small restaurant and café in Vágur. Supermarket (Miklagarður) for provisioning. Fuel: diesel available at the ferry terminal with advance arrangement — contact harbour master. No dedicated yacht fuel berth.
Nearest provisions: Vágur town (0.3nm) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August only. Suðuroy is the most demanding destination in the Faroe Islands. Experience required: offshore passage sailing, rough weather management, and North Atlantic conditions. Build a minimum of 5 extra days into your schedule for weather delays on both the passage out and the return.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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