Lofthus
Lofthus quay · Hardanger fruit coast · Lofthus anchorage
60°21.5'N 006°40.9'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in 4–8m on good mud and sand. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line to rock bolts recommended overnight. Do not use in southerly or southwesterly wind — the fjord has a long southerly fetch in this section.
About This Anchorage
Lofthus is a classic Hardangerfjord fruit-farming village on the southeastern shore, part of the UNESCO Hardangerfjord Cultural Landscape. The terraced hillsides above the fjord have been cultivated with fruit orchards since medieval times — Cistercian monks from the monastery founded here in 1150 AD (ruins visible above the village) introduced systematic fruit cultivation to the region. The village sits below the towering Folgefonna glacier (Norway's third-largest ice field), whose meltwater feeds the waterfall streams that irrigate the orchards. Traditional Hardanger embroidery (Hardangersøm) originated in this district and local craftspeople still practice the intricate geometric lacework patterns.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
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 4–10m, 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 75m 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. Private quays and orchard waterfront — always ask permission before landing on private ground. UNESCO cultural landscape: no disturbance of orchard walls or archaeological features. Shore lines recommended overnight.
Hazards
- !Southern exposure: the fjord has a long southerly fetch here — do not anchor in southerly or SW wind forecast
- !Katabatic risk from Folgefonna glacier above: cold air from the ice field can accelerate down the valley at night
- !Private orchard waterfront: the terraced shore is private agricultural land — landing only by permission
- !Folgefonna glacier meltwater creates colder-than-expected water temperatures even in summer
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk up to the Cistercian monastery ruins (1150 AD) above the village — 30-minute walk with extraordinary fjord views from the terraces
- →The farm shop at the jetty sells freshly pressed apple and cherry juice, local cider and preserves — stock up for passages
- →Folgefonna National Park is accessible from Lofthus — glacier walks depart from Juklavassneset (organised tours available)
- →The Hardangersøm embroidery tradition originated here — look for authentic pieces at local craft shops
Facilities
Lofthus has a well-regarded hotel and restaurant (Lofthus Retreat), a farm shop selling local fruit and cider, and limited provisions. Fuel: carry reserves from Norheimsund (8nm).
Nearest provisions: Lofthus farm shop / Norheimsund (8nm) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August in settled northerly or calm conditions. Southerly forecasts mean moving to a more sheltered bay. The Folgefonna glacier is snow-free above the glacier edge in July–August — best time for glacier access.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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