Herand
Herand farm anchorage · Maurangsfjord · Herand cove
60°05.6'N 006°19.9'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–10m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line to rock face mandatory overnight — the cove narrows rapidly and a dragging anchor could put you on the rocks. Excellent holding but shore line essential for security.
About This Anchorage
Herand is one of the Hardangerfjord's truly secret anchorages — a secluded cove at the entrance to the small Maurangsfjord arm, backed by a traditional Norwegian farm settlement that has been continuously occupied for centuries. The farmhouses and their traditional outbuildings (løe, stabbur) are maintained in authentic condition and the pastures run directly down to the water's edge. Goats and sheep graze on the hillside. The nearest road is a one-lane track barely accessible by car. This is genuine Norwegian wilderness anchoring — no facilities, no visitors, extraordinary peace. The silence and the scale of the mountain walls above make this one of the most atmospheric overnight stops in the Hardangerfjord.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Setting Your Anchor in Hardangerfjord
Shore lines are mandatory in the Hardangerfjord system. Norwegian practice: drop a bow anchor on the shallow nearshore shelf in 4–12m, then run a stern or bow shore line to the nearest fortøyningsbolter (iron ring) set into the cliff face. Use at least 7:1 scope on the anchor rode. The Norwegian tidal range in the Hardangerfjord is 1–2m — small compared to Atlantic tides but actual depths are far greater than Chart Datum. Always verify with your echo sounder. Katabatic gusts from glacier valleys can reach 30+ knots at night on clear settled days — set your anchor alarm to 80m before sleeping. Under Allemannsretten, anchoring on natural shores is free for up to 48 hours; private quays require permission.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Respect the farm — this is a working agricultural settlement. Do not disturb livestock. Shore lines to natural rocks only — do not use farm infrastructure. UNESCO Hardangerfjord landscape protections apply.
Hazards
- !W and NW exposure: outer fjord swells can reach the cove in westerly conditions — shore line essential
- !Katabatic gusts at night from the mountain walls above: the steep terrain amplifies cold-air drainage — anchor alarm mandatory
- !No facilities of any kind — must arrive completely self-sufficient
- !Narrow cove: limited swinging room — shore line mandatory to prevent dragging onto rocks
Skipper's Tips
- →This is the quintessential Norwegian wild anchorage — if you value solitude and authentic fjord atmosphere, prioritise Herand over the more touristy village stops
- →Shore line technique is critical here: the cove is narrow; use 60–80m of 12mm warp to a natural rock or boulder, not farm fences
- →The farm is active — if you see the farmer, a friendly greeting (hei!) is appreciated; this is their home
- →Dawn in this anchorage is extraordinary — the mountain walls reflect the early light and there is complete silence
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. Arrive completely self-sufficient. Nearest provisions: Jondal (10nm) or Rosendal (12nm). This is a wild anchorage — treat it accordingly.
Nearest provisions: Jondal (10nm) or Rosendal (12nm) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The most secluded anchorage in the Hardangerfjord — may well be empty even in peak July. Only attempt in settled weather with a good shore line technique.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Hardangerfjord, katabatic gusts from glacier valleys above can reach 30+ knots without warning on clear settled nights. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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