Mundheim
Mundheim beach anchorage · Hardangerfjord outer mouth · Mundheim strand
60°00.9'N 005°59.1'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m in 3–5m on sand and gravel. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Outer fjord anchorage — suitable only in calm or northerly settled conditions. Shore line not applicable here (open beach). Monitor forecast carefully — this is a daytime or early evening stop, not recommended for overnight in summer when S/SW thermal breezes can develop.
About This Anchorage
Mundheim sits at the outer mouth of the Hardangerfjord where the fjord widens toward the North Sea approaches, offering a rare sandy beach anchorage in this generally rocky fjord system. The beach is a pleasant daytime stop for swimming (the outer fjord water is slightly warmer due to greater wind mixing) and the outer fjord scenery is dramatic with the fjord walls receding into the distance and the offshore skerries visible to the west. This is primarily a lunch stop or early evening anchor in settled high pressure — not an overnight anchorage in summer due to southwesterly thermal winds developing after midnight.
Protected From
N · NE · E
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 3–6m, 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 65m 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. Open beach — suitable for landing by dinghy. Do not anchor in the ferry lane (Jondal–Tørvikbygd ferry passes offshore).
Hazards
- !S and SW exposure from the outer fjord and North Sea approach: only use in northerly or calm conditions
- !Southwesterly thermal winds develop most summer nights after midnight — not recommended for overnight stay
- !Sandy bottom with gravel patches: anchor well-set before leaving unattended even briefly
- !Ferry route nearby: Jondal–Tørvikbygd ferry passes offshore; maintain watch
Skipper's Tips
- →A perfect lunch stop on passage up or down the fjord — anchor in calm midday conditions and swim off the sandy beach
- →Outer fjord swimming: water is marginally warmer here than the inner arms due to better wind mixing
- →Move to Rosendal (8nm E) or Jondal (10nm NE) for the overnight — Mundheim is a daytime anchorage only
- →Photography opportunity: the outer fjord panorama from this anchorage, looking up toward Eidfjord with the fjord walls converging, is exceptional
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest: Rosendal (8nm E) or Norheimsund (18nm NE).
Nearest provisions: Rosendal (8nm E) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August as a daytime or early evening stop only. SW exposure makes overnight impractical in summer. A pleasant transit stop on passages to/from the outer coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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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