Ánir lies about 3 km north of the northern isles' capital Klaksvík on the west coast of Borðoy and was founded in 1840, as the increasing population demanded more land for cultivation.

[4] Additionally, a real estate development involving the construction of 15 modern villas on Edmundstrøð at Ánir's entrance has affected the visual aspect of the village.

Today the "old Ánir" looks half-abandoned and out of place in its current setting, with broken down cars parked haphazardly and rubbish lying around.

The extension of Klaksvík's port in recent years is a direct consequence of the opening in 2006 of a sub-sea road tunnel between Borðoy and the Faroe's main islands.

[5] The Port of Klaksvík recently signed a contract with Smyril Line on the use of Ánir as an alternative terminal for the ferry Norröna.