Hvalvík
Hvalvik · Hvalvíkur
62°10.9'N 006°59.9'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m at anchor in 5–12m on mud/clay in Sundini strait. Tidal stream runs through the strait at 2–3kt — set anchor to hold in the stream as well as wind. In NW gales the hilltop above does not provide adequate shelter — proceed to Kaldbak or Tórshavn.
About This Anchorage
Hvalvík ('Whale Bay') on the eastern shore of Streymoy is a small village of approximately 130 residents situated on the Sundini strait, the main navigable passage connecting the southern and northern Faroe Islands along the inner route. The anchorage offers reasonable shelter in the lee of the Streymoy hillside and good access to the strait, which is one of the most active areas for pilot whale sightings in the archipelago — pilot whales (grindahvalur) enter the Sundini regularly during their migration. The historic stone church of Hvalvík (1829) is visible from the anchorage. The Sundini route avoids the exposed outer passages around Streymoy and Eysturoy and is the preferred inner route between Tórshavn and the northern islands, but tidal streams require careful management at 2–3kt at springs.
Protected From
S · SE · E · NE
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Sundini strait: keep to the marked navigable channel; tidal streams 2–3kt at springs — time passage; grindadráp (whale drive): if a whale drive is in progress, the strait may be closed to navigation — comply with Coast Guard instructions.
Hazards
- !Sundini tidal stream: 2–3kt at springs — anchor must hold in tidal stream as well as wind; use long scope
- !NW/W exposure: Streymoy hillside provides partial shelter but does not block strong NW gales — monitor forecast continuously
- !Grindadráp (pilot whale drive): strait may be closed without notice — VHF Ch 16 for Coast Guard instructions
- !Deep water (5–12m) requires generous chain scope — use minimum 5:1 in settled conditions, 8:1 if wind forecast above F4
- !Passage through Sundini: the southern entrance is shallow in places — use chart carefully; 2.6m minimum depth reported in some areas
Skipper's Tips
- →The Sundini inner route saves significant sea miles versus the outer passages — ideal for moving north toward Klaksvík without exposed offshore sailing
- →Pilot whale sightings in the strait are common July–August — maintain watch and slow speed when whales are sighted nearby
- →The anchorage is best used as an overnight stop when moving between Tórshavn and the northern islands — secure in settled conditions
- →Allow for tidal stream on the anchor — the boat will weathercock into the stream rather than the wind in 2–3kt current
Facilities
No facilities at Hvalvík. Nearest full provisioning at Tórshavn (12nm S). The village is small and residential — do not expect shops or services.
Nearest provisions: Tórshavn (12nm S) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Acceptable in settled spring and autumn conditions for experienced crews. Winter is not recommended due to frequency of gales and short daylight. The inner route via Sundini is the most sheltered passage in the Faroe Islands and is viable in most summer conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In the Faroe Islands, williwaw gusts off basalt hillsides and unexpected tidal surges can drag anchor before dawn. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS