Raufarhofn (ISRAU)

Raufarhofn is the most northern port in Iceland with a harbour that is both safe and easy to enter. The port is small port which handles general cargo and liquid cargo.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, Winter Oct 16 to Apr 15, Summer Apr 16 to Oct 15.

Raufarhofn is located on the NE coast of Iceland.

Anchorage, in a depth of approx 10m, sand and shells, is obtainable in the roadstead outside the harbour, slightly N of the leading line, with the trading station seen over a gap in Holminn, bearing approx 323°. With onshore gales the sea breaks right across the entrance to the harbour and anchorage there is untenable.

The approach channel has a min depth of about 9.0m. In clear weather Raufarhafnarhofdhi may be easily identified, and the position of Raufarhofn is further indicated by the termination of the mountains about 3nm to the S, but in low visibility great caution must be exercised. From N, take care to avoid the reefs surrounding Asmundastadhaeyjar. From a position ESE of the harbour entrance, the initial approach is on the following leading line. Leading lights: Front light (red triangle, point up, on yellow tower, 3m in height), (66°27.0'N 015°56.5'W). Rear light (red triangle, point down, on framework tower) (66m W from front). The alignment (281°) of these lights leads W passing (with positions from Raufarhofn Light): S of a lightbuoy (starboard hand) moored close S of Baka (300m S), then close SW of the buoy, and as a church (700m NW) is seen clear W of the islet of Holminn (300m SW), a vessel should alter course onto the following leading line. Leading lights: Front light (red triangle, point up, on post) (66°27.3'N 015° 56.8'W). Rear light (red triangle, point down, on post) (133m NW from front). The alignment (323°) of these lights leads towards the harbour.

BA 2900. Admiralty Pilot NP11, NP286(2).

Available, but not compulsory. The entry to the harbour should not be attempted without local knowledge.

Raufarhofn Light (yellow square stone tower, 10m in height) (66°27.0'N 015° 56.0'W) stands near its S extremity. A radio beacon transmits from approx 0.8nm SW of the light. A light is exhibited at the head of the breakwater.

Range 1.4m (spring), 1.0m (neap).

RAUFARHOFN 66°27'N 15°54'W ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

Pilotage is arranged through the agent.

Raufarhofn, Port Authority: Tel: +354 465 1151. Fax: +354 465 1121.