Norway has one of the largest coastlines in the world, stretching 15,534 miles (25,000 kilometers). The Norwegian fjords let you experience diverse landscapes, latitudes, and climates. You can even experience the land of the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. For the past 14 years, superyacht agent Nord Ship Agency has been helping visitors get the most out of their Norwegian fjord charters. It has partnered with Heritage Adventures, which customizes private getaways. Here are highlights and cruising tips for the Norwegian fjords from the two companies, as related to Victoria Hockley of our new editorial partner Yachting Pages.
WHEN TO VISIT
Most visitors head to the Norwegian fjords during the summer, but the greatest wonders are reserved for spring and autumn. Norway is at its best and brightest for much of May to September. Daylight hours grow longer, and most tourist sites are uncrowded. Be aware that if you’ve come to hike, many routes won’t be open until late June or early July. The main tourist season runs from mid-June to mid-August, so expect it to be busy!
BERTHING
The only port specializing in superyacht berthing is Rosendal, in the heart of the magnificent Hardangerfjord. The harbor has top modern marina facilities, with several hundred feet of moorings plus electricity, Internet, laundry, and fuel pumps. It’s a short distance from the town and a great starting point for picturesque hikes. In low season, berths aren’t hard to find, but in high season book early. The waters around the protected islands offer good anchoring, too.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO
Cruising the Norwegian fjords is very different than the Mediterranean or Caribbean, the largest difference being weather. At the coastline, it can change quickly. When sailing in the Norwegian fjords, be wary of strong gusts from the mountains. Among the large number of well-protected islands, however, waters are generally calm, and there is little wind. There are only a few areas where sailing conditions can be rough among the Norwegian fjords and expose you to the capricious nature of the North Sea. These include Jæren, Sletta, Stad, Hustadvika, Folla, and Vestfjorden.
When it comes to navigating the Norwegian fjords, the coastline is well marked, and the charts are good. However, some charts are based on old measurements. Stick to the regular sailing routes, and be aware in shallow waters and close to shore. Internal waters are home to many bridges and overhead electricity cables, which may require longer routes.
You can explore a specific area, such as one or two fjords, or see most of Norway as an overview. Suggestions:
South coast. Apart from the popular Oslo, Arendal, and Lillesand, there are plenty of picturesque villages and narrow skerries. Plan your route in advance, as some places are too narrow and shallow for yachts to pass. For example, the inner route between Arendal and Kristiansand can be a challenge for larger yachts; the alternative is to simply take the outside route.
West coast. This is a favorite destination for yachts on their first visit to the Norwegian fjords, home to the magnificent fjords and waterfalls of Lysefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, Sognefjorden, Nordfjorden, and Geirangerfjorden. Research in advance to find “secret” places. For example, the not-so-well-known Hjorundfjord fjord (above), which cuts straight through the Alpine Mountains, creates a spectacular landscape. The west coast is also home to the largest Norwegian fjords, the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The Sognefjord area has the world-famous Urnes stave church, thought to be the oldest of its kind and the only stave church on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The charming city of Bergen, also on the UNESCO list, boasts everything from fine-art galleries to lively football matches at Brann Stadium.
North coast. The far north is relatively unexplored by yachts. Visit the fishing islands of Lofoten (below). The short distances between ports, plus the traditional culture and variety of activities, make them a must. Get your heart pumping on a water-rafting adventure, get up close to orcas, and marvel at the wonder of the midnight sun. Steigen, north of Bodo, is largely unexplored by tourists, yachts, and even Norwegians, but can easily be combined with sailing in Lofoten. Relax on a secluded fishing trip, hike magnificent landscapes, and dive in their crystal-blue waters. North of Tromso, the area of Lyngenfjord is a must-see, with spectacular mountains and glaciers. In Jøkelfjord, visitors can experience the only glacier on mainland Europe that calves into the sea.
Svalbard. The “Land of the Polar Bear,” Svalbard is home to about one-sixth of the world’s polar bear population. A dramatic landscape of glaciers, ice fields, and icebergs epitomizes the Arctic wilderness and is perfect for adventurers. Hike under the midnight sun, explore by dog sled, and witness giant glaciers fall into the icy sea. The Governor advises keeping a minimum of 656 feet (200 meters) away from calving glacier fronts to avoid direct hits by ice and big waves. There are a number of regulations when visiting, too. For safety, the Governor recommends that all sailboats carry an AIS receiver and transmitter, VHF radio (25 watt), Iridium telephone, and certified survival suits and life rafts. All vessels exceeding 79 feet (24 meters) are required to report positions to the NCA when entering or leaving the waters around Svalbard, on arriving at or leaving the harbor, arriving or departing from anchorage, and every 12 hours when underway. It’s prohibited to bring or use heavy fuel oil in the Northeast and Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, Northwest and South Spitsbergen National Park, and Forlandet National Park. Yachts entering these areas are required to carry DMA (in accordance with ISO 8217 Fuel Standard).
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