Keflavík / Njarðvík
Njarðvík harbour · Keflavik harbour · Reykjanes coast · Keflavik airport bay
63°59.7'N 022°33.4'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m in 2–4m on sand and gravel. Fair holding — gravel and sand in the Reykjanes coastal zone is less cohesive than fjord mud. SW–NW exposure to the open North Atlantic is the principal vulnerability; this area is fully exposed to the dominant Atlantic swell direction. Use as a fair-weather stop or transit anchorage only — do not stay overnight in unsettled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Keflavík and Njarðvík (now merged as Reykjanesbær municipality) sit on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland's most geothermally active region. The international airport (KEF) makes this a logical arrival or departure point for crew changes. The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced intense volcanic activity in 2023–2025 with repeated eruptions near Grindavík — check current volcanic status before approaching the SW coast. The Viking World museum at Njarðvík has a full-scale replica of a Viking longship. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is 10km away. This is primarily a transit stop rather than a cruising destination — the peninsula coast is exposed and geologically active.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Small harbour fee applies — contact Reykjanesbær harbour master
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Check current volcanic hazard status for Reykjanes Peninsula before approach — lava flows near Grindavík have altered the coastal environment 2023–2025. Do not approach within 2nm of active eruption zones (vedur.is has current volcanic maps). VHF Ch. 16 monitored by Icelandic Coast Guard. International airport operations — no drones without aviation authority permission.
Hazards
- !Volcanic hazard zone: the Reykjanes Peninsula is Iceland's most volcanically active area 2023–2025; new lava fields near Grindavík have closed roads and altered the coastline; check vedur.is volcanic status maps before and during approach
- !SW Atlantic exposure: the Reykjanes Peninsula is fully exposed to prevailing Atlantic swell from SW–W; even in settled conditions a 1–2m ground swell can make the harbour uncomfortable; departure windows can be short
- !Tidal range and rocks: 3–4m tidal range combined with partially charted rocks on the Reykjanes coast requires careful timing and constant depth monitoring; never approach at low water without prior chart study
- !Airport airspace: the proximity to Keflavik International Airport (Iceland's main international hub) means VHF traffic is heavy on aviation frequencies; marine VHF Ch. 16 is separate but be aware of aircraft operations
Skipper's Tips
- →Crew change logistics: KEF airport is the practical crew change point for Iceland voyages — Reykjavik city is 45–50km by taxi/bus from KEF; bus (Flybus) runs every 30 minutes to Reykjavik BSÍ terminal
- →Volcanic tourism: the ongoing eruptions at Reykjanes (2023–2025) have become a major tourist attraction; guided hike access changes daily; check vedur.is and safetravels.is for current access status before visiting from the boat
- →Blue Lagoon booking: book the Blue Lagoon (10km from harbour) via bluelagoon.com at least 2–3 weeks in advance in summer; the spa is Iceland's most visited attraction and sells out rapidly
- →Fuel planning: fill up at Keflavik if planning to head west to the Westfjords — the next reliable fuel stops are Ísafjörður (150nm) or Patreksfjörður (130nm)
Facilities
Reykjanesbær town has supermarkets, fuel stations, and restaurants. Marine fuel available at harbour. Provisioning adequate for crew changes but not as comprehensive as Reykjavik (30nm NE). Blue Lagoon pre-booking essential — cannot walk in during summer season.
Nearest provisions: Reykjanesbær town (0.5nm) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August for visiting yachts. The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the most weather-exposed areas of Iceland — the peninsula extends into the open North Atlantic and receives the full force of Atlantic depressions. Use only in settled conditions as a transit stop.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In Iceland, tidal range of 3–4m and sudden williwaw gusts from the highland plateau can drag anchors overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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