Föhr
Foehr · Wyk auf Föhr · Frisian island
54°41.4'N 08°34.2'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for the approach channel in 2–5m. North Frisian islands have stronger tidal currents than the East Frisian chain — 3–4kt at springs in the Föhrer Ley. Check tidal predictions for Wyk and approach within 2h of HW for draught over 1.5m.
About This Anchorage
Föhr — the 'Green Island' of the North Frisians — is the only North German island still where the ancient Frisian language (Fering, a North Sea Germanic language) is actively spoken. The island (82 km², Germany's second-largest Wadden island) has a mild microclimate — the sheltering effect of Sylt to the west and Amrum to the south creates unusually warm summer temperatures. Wyk auf Föhr is the island's main town — a Biedermeier and historicist seaside resort with the oldest bathing establishment in Germany (1819). The 16th-century Frisian church at Nieblum has the largest collection of medieval north Frisian grave slabs in existence. The island's flat landscape and extensive cycling network make it ideal for bicycle touring. Föhr is one of Germany's best-kept sailing secrets.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (approach); harbour fee approx €14–18/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Schleswig-Holstein Wattenmeer National Park — strict nature rules; approach within 2h of HW for draughts over 1.5m; ferry traffic in Föhrer Ley channel (monitor VHF 16); bird sanctuary areas Apr–Aug.
Hazards
- !Tidal currents 3–4kt in the Föhrer Ley (approach channel) at springs — approach and departure within 2h of HW
- !Open to W and NW from Wyk harbour — in strong westerlies the harbour entrance is exposed; the marina inside offers more shelter
- !Schleswig-Holstein Wattenmeer strict rules — GPS positions for bird sanctuary boundary
- !Ferry traffic (Dagebüll–Wyk–Amrum route) — several crossings daily; monitor AIS and VHF 16
- !Fog is common in summer in North Frisian waters — radar and AIS transponder essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Föhr is best explored by bicycle — hire at the harbour and cycle the complete island circuit (35km) in a day, visiting the Nieblum church, Oldsum tower house, and the quiet north coast
- →The Frisian language Fering is taught in island schools and used on local signs alongside German — ask locals about it; they are proud and helpful
- →The best shrimp (Krabben) in Germany come from Husum, 20nm north — Föhr's harbourside restaurants serve them fresh-peeled in Krabbenbrötchen; outstanding
- →From Wyk, the sail south through the Wattenmeer to Amrum (5nm) and then to Sylt via the Hörnum Tief is a classic North Frisian island circuit — plan 3–4 days
- →North Frisian sunsets are extraordinary — the flat landscape and wide sky produce colours rarely seen elsewhere in Germany; the anchorage at Wyk in westerly evening light is memorable
Facilities
Wyk auf Föhr has full resort facilities: restaurants, cafes, supermarket, small chandlery. Famous for North Frisian Krabbenbrötchen (shrimp rolls) and Frisian cake.
Nearest provisions: Wyk auf Föhr town centre (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. The North Frisian islands have a milder autumn than the East Frisian chain — September sailing is excellent. The prevailing SW winds give good sailing between the islands.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the German North Sea coast, tidal currents and North Sea swells make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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