Reykjavik Old Harbour (Gamla Höfnin)
Gamla Höfnin · Reykjavik Harbour · Old Harbour Reykjavik
64°09.2'N 021°56.4'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
40m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m
40m in 3–6m on mud and sand. Fully enclosed harbour — the alarm radius accounts for tidal movement and line stretch on visitor pontoons. This is a marina berth situation, not open anchorage. Tidal range 3–4m means significant vertical movement: ensure fenders and lines are adjusted for the tide. Harbour master on VHF Ch. 12.
About This Anchorage
Reykjavik Old Harbour (Gamla Höfnin) is the natural first and last port of call for any yacht visiting Iceland. The old commercial fishing harbour has been revitalised with visitor facilities while retaining its working character — fishing boats, whale-watching vessels, research ships, and the occasional tall ship share the basins. The harbour sits immediately below Mount Esja's dramatic ridge north of the city. Downtown Reykjavik is a 15-minute walk: the famous Hallgrímskirkja church, the National Museum, geothermal swimming pools, and one of the world's most vibrant small-city food and nightlife scenes are all accessible. The harbour master office handles yacht arrivals; check-in with Icelandic Customs (Tollstjóri) is required for non-EU vessels arriving from outside the Schengen area.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fees apply at visitor pontoons — contact harbour master for current rates. No free anchoring within the harbour.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Harbour master VHF Ch. 12 required on approach. Commercial vessel traffic has right of way — whale-watching vessels and fishing boats operate continuously. Customs declaration required for non-EU vessels. No overnight anchoring in the outer harbour approach — use designated visitor pontoons only. Speed limit 3 knots inside harbour.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 3–4m: lines and fenders must be set up for full tidal cycle — a boat left untended at high water can be stranded on a pontoon edge at low water; tidal adjustments required every 2–3 hours in large tide cycles
- !Commercial vessel traffic: whale-watching boats, research vessels, and fishing fleet operate 24 hours; maintain watch and keep clear of commercial channels; ferry terminals adjacent — large ferry wash
- !Icelandic weather: Reykjavik is relatively sheltered in Faxaflói bay but NW gales can create swell in the outer approaches; inner harbour is protected but strong SW–W winds create surge in approaches
- !Volcanic/geothermal context: air quality can be affected by volcanic SO2 from Reykjanes eruptions in SW wind conditions; check vedur.is air quality warnings
Skipper's Tips
- →Vedur.is: bookmark the Icelandic Met Office website before arriving — the coastal marine forecasts are the most reliable available for Icelandic conditions; the 'hafsvæðaspá' (sea area forecast) is updated 4x daily
- →Midnight sun: in late June and July, the sun barely dips below the horizon — Reykjavik in the midnight sun is extraordinary; most restaurants and shops operate late into the evening
- →Blue Lagoon day trip: the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is 45km from Reykjavik (near Grindavík); pre-book well in advance — it sells out weeks ahead in summer season
- →Provisioning: stock up fully in Reykjavik before sailing west or north; it is by far the best-stocked city in Iceland; Bónus supermarket is the cheapest option for passage food
Facilities
Reykjavik Old Harbour area has multiple excellent restaurants and cafes. Supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan, Hagkaup) within 10–15 minute walk. Fuel dock at the harbour. Chandlery and marine supplies available — Rafbúð Akureyrar and similar marine suppliers in greater Reykjavik. Full city provisioning: Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and the only place with comprehensive marine supplies.
Nearest provisions: Reykjavik city centre supermarkets (15 min walk) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Iceland's sailing season is genuinely short — late May sees variable conditions but increasing daylength; September sees rapid deterioration. July–August offers the most settled weather windows and continuous daylight. Reykjavik is accessible year-round but sailing conditions outside the summer window are challenging for visiting yachts.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 40m
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.
Download Free for iOS