Þórlákshöfn (Thorlakshofn)
Thorlakshofn · Þórlákshöfn harbour · Vestmannaeyjar ferry port
63°50.9'N 021°22.4'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in 4–8m on sand and mud. Good holding — the combination of sand and mud in the inner harbour provides reasonable anchor purchase. The ferry operations mean the harbour has commercial traffic throughout the day; the alarm radius accounts for vessel wash and any tide-induced movement. S–SW exposure through the harbour mouth is the key vulnerability in southerly weather.
About This Anchorage
Þórlákshöfn is the most important harbour on Iceland's south coast between Reykjavik and Vík. It is the main ferry terminal for the Herjólfur vehicle and passenger ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) — one of Iceland's most dramatically situated archipelagos, rising from the sea 10nm offshore with the active Heimaey volcano. The town itself is small (population ~1,500) but the harbour is well-organised. The south coast of Iceland (Suðurland) is exposed to the full force of North Atlantic southerly and SW systems — the coast has no natural shelter for 150nm and ground swells build quickly. Þórlákshöfn offers the only significant refuge on this exposed coast.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fees apply — contact Þórlákshöfn harbour master VHF Ch. 12
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Ferry operations: Herjólfur car ferry operates multiple crossings daily to Vestmannaeyjar — give ferry absolute right of way in the harbour; ferry loading/unloading operations have priority. VHF Ch. 12 for harbour communications. Speed limit 3 knots within harbour. No overnight mooring alongside ferry berths.
Hazards
- !South coast exposure: the Suðurland (south Iceland) coast has no natural shelter for 150nm; southerly and SW Atlantic swells build rapidly and can make harbour approaches dangerous; check forecasts carefully before approaching
- !Ferry wash: the Herjólfur ferry is a large car ferry and creates significant wake in the harbour on manoeuvring; ensure lines are doubled and fenders adequate during ferry arrivals/departures
- !Icebergs from Jökulsárlón: in rare years, icebergs calved from the Vatnajökull glacier (120nm E) have drifted west past the south coast in late summer — extreme rarity but worth noting as a navigation hazard
- !South coast surf and current: the black sand beaches of the south coast (Reynisfjara, etc.) have powerful shore break and rip currents; do not anchor close to beaches — the surf can develop in minutes with wind change
Skipper's Tips
- →Vestmannaeyjar ferry: the Herjólfur car ferry sails multiple times daily (2.5 hours); the Westman Islands are one of Iceland's most rewarding side trips — the puffin colony on Heimaey (over 1 million birds) is extraordinary
- →Seljalandsfoss/Skógafoss access: the famous south coast waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss) are 30–50km E by road — a possible hire car excursion from Þórlákshöfn if staying overnight
- →South coast weather window: the south coast is famous for rapid weather deterioration — the met office saying 'gentle SW breeze' can mean a stiff S force 5 by afternoon; plan arrivals for morning with a full day in hand
- →Vatnajökull glacier views: on clear days from offshore, the Vatnajökull ice cap (Europe's largest glacier) is visible on the horizon to the E — a dramatic sight from the Þórlákshöfn approaches
Facilities
Þórlákshöfn has a supermarket, fuel station, and a petrol station that sells basic provisions. Limited restaurant options (service station type). For comprehensive provisioning use Selfoss (20km inland) or Reykjavik. Marine fuel available at the harbour dock.
Nearest provisions: Þórlákshöfn supermarket (0.3nm) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The south coast of Iceland is best sailed on a northerly wind — rare, but when it arrives the coast is magnificent. Prevailing SW–W means this coast is typically a dead run heading E or a hard beat heading W. Plan for the south coast passage to take longer than expected.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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