Reykhólar
Reykholar · Reykjaneshreppur · S Westfjords geothermal
65°27.6'N 022°12.4'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 4–12m on mud and sand. Good holding in the Breiðafjörður mud. The W–NW exposure across the open bay is the principal vulnerability — Breiðafjörður is a wide, shallow bay (Iceland's largest by water area) that can build steep chop in W–NW winds. The islet labyrinth provides partial wave break but not complete shelter. In strong W–NW conditions consider relocating to the more sheltered inner point near the village fish farm.
About This Anchorage
Reykhólar is one of the most remote villages in Iceland — population around 100 people on the S side of the Westfjords peninsula where it meets Breiðafjörður. The village sits on a geothermal area (the name means Steam Hills) with natural hot pools accessible to visitors. Breiðafjörður (Wide Fjord) is Iceland's largest and most complex bay — hundreds of small islands and skerries creating a labyrinthine shallow archipelago extending 75km. The bird life of Breiðafjörður is extraordinary: white-tailed eagles (Iceland's largest breeding raptor), eider ducks, oystercatchers, and Arctic terns in abundance. Reykhólar has a small seaweed processing facility (the primary industry) and farming. The sense of extreme remoteness here is profound.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free — no formal harbour structure for visiting yachts
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Fish farm operations near the village — give fish farm cages minimum 50m clearance; approach cages is prohibited. Breiðafjörður is an important protected area for white-tailed eagles and seabirds; no disturbing of nesting sites. The geothermal hot springs are on private land near the village — ask permission before visiting. No discharge within 300m of shore.
Hazards
- !Breiðafjörður navigation: the hundreds of islets and rocks in the S Breiðafjörður approaches require meticulous chart work; many features are poorly charted; proceed at slow speed with constant depth monitoring; approach at mid-tide or higher
- !W–NW exposure: Breiðafjörður is open to Atlantic W–NW swells and wind — the bay is shallow (10–20m average) and builds steep, short-period chop rapidly in W–NW winds; the anchorage becomes untenable in strong W conditions
- !Tidal range: 3–4m tidal range in Breiðafjörður combined with the shallow islet zone creates strong tidal currents (2–3 knots) in channels between islands; time approach for the favourable flood or ebb
- !Complete isolation: no services, no reliable mobile coverage, no VHF repeater in the inner Breiðafjörður area; satphone or SSB radio recommended; nearest medical care is Stykkishólmur (by sea) or Búðardalur (by road)
Skipper's Tips
- →Geothermal pools: the natural hot pools at Reykhólar (ask at the community hall for access) are a genuine Icelandic experience — not a tourist attraction but a real community amenity; soak in geothermal water in this extraordinary remote location
- →White-tailed eagle watching: Breiðafjörður has one of Europe's densest white-tailed eagle populations; scan the islets and rocky outcrops from the anchorage — eagles are visible almost daily from the boat; binoculars essential
- →Breiðafjörður navigation challenge: the islet-studded S Breiðafjörður is one of the most challenging pilotage exercises available in Iceland; experienced sailors find it a fascinating exercise in coastal navigation using chart, depth sounder, and eyeball
- →Seaweed industry: Reykhólar's seaweed processing facility is one of Iceland's unusual industries — if the opportunity arises, enquire about a tour; the sustainable harvest of Icelandic kelp and other seaweeds is a growing sector
Facilities
Reykhólar has a community hall that occasionally functions as a cafe in summer for tourists. No reliable fuel or provisions. The geothermal hot pools are free to use. Complete self-sufficiency required — bring all provisions from Reykjavik or Patreksfjörður. The nearest fuel is Búðardalur (30km by road) or Patreksfjörður (60nm by sea).
Nearest provisions: Búðardalur (30km by road) or Patreksfjörður (60nm by sea) (60nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Reykhólar requires the most careful navigation of any harbour in this guide due to the Breiðafjörður islet labyrinth. Approach in daylight only (midnight sun provides this in June–July) and with the tide at mid to high water. A pilot book or detailed local chart overlay is strongly recommended.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the remote Westfjords, williwaw gusts and 3–4m tidal range can drag anchors overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — your first warning in a place where SAR is 90 minutes away.
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