Kvívík
Kvivík · Kvívíkur
62°07.1'N 007°04.2'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m in the open bay in 4–10m. The anchorage is exposed to NW/W/N — use only in settled calm or easterly conditions. Set anchor with engine test and use generous scope over sand/gravel. Not for overnight unless forecast is settled and easterly for the full duration.
About This Anchorage
Kvívík is a tiny village on the west coast of Streymoy, notable primarily for the archaeological site on its northern hillside: the best-preserved Viking Age longhouse complex in the Faroe Islands, dating from the 9th to 10th centuries. The excavated remains include a longhouse (approximately 20m long), a byre, and outbuildings — all visible from the anchorage and accessible by a short walk from the beach landing. The site was discovered in 1942 during road construction and excavated in the 1940s. The village (population approximately 250) is accessible from Tórshavn by road, but by sea it offers an extraordinary perspective on how the early Norse settlers approached this exposed Atlantic coastline. The bay is open and suitable only in calm conditions — this is strictly a fair-weather stop.
Protected From
S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Open bay — day stop only in other than settled E conditions; Viking longhouse site: access on foot via public path — do not dig or disturb the archaeological area; small beach landing by dinghy is possible in calm conditions.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed to N, NW, W — Atlantic swell wraps into bay; do not anchor overnight in any forecast with westerly or northerly component
- !Sand/gravel holding is only fair — set anchor with engine test at full throttle; use scope of at least 10:1
- !Dinghy landing on beach: swell can surge on beach at any time — approach with care and be ready to abort
- !No facilities or rescue services nearby — self-sufficient navigation only
- !Approach from north: rocks extend from the headland SW of the bay — stay in the middle of the bay approach
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit only in calm settled conditions — even light westerly swell makes the anchorage uncomfortable and the landing dangerous
- →The Viking longhouse is a 10-minute walk from the beach — the information boards (in Faroese, Danish, and English) give excellent context
- →Best combined with a stop at Vestmanna (5nm north) — do the cliffs, then anchor at Kvívík for lunch and the archaeology in settled conditions
- →From seaward, the village is identifiable by the distinctive V-shape of the valley (Kvívík means 'bay at the narrow valley') cutting into the hillside
Facilities
No facilities at Kvívík. Nearest provisions at Vestmanna (5nm N). Return to Tórshavn for fuel and full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Vestmanna (5nm N) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only, and only in settled fair conditions. Do not overnight here. The Viking site is accessible year-round by road for those who wish to visit by car from Tórshavn.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
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.
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