Norheimsund
Norheimsund havn · Hardangerfjord main arm · Norheimsund guest harbour
60°22.4'N 006°09.2'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 3–7m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Well-sheltered harbour anchorage. Shore line optional but recommended overnight. Good facilities make this the best provisioning stop on the eastern main arm.
About This Anchorage
Norheimsund is the principal service town on the northeastern arm of the main Hardangerfjord, offering the best provisioning, fuel and facilities in this section of the fjord. The town sits in a sheltered bay with good north and south protection, making it a reliable overnight base from which to explore the inner arms (Eidfjord, Ulvik, Fyksesund) by day. The Hardangerfjord Aquarium and the open-air boat museum in the town document the fjord's seafaring and salmon-farming history. Bergen is 65km by road (or a pleasant fjord crossing by express boat), making Norheimsund a natural transition point between the city and the deep fjord world.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE · W
Exposed To
SW
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 3–8m, 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 70m before sleeping. Under Allemannsretten, anchoring on natural shores is free for up to 48 hours; private quays require permission.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchor out)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Guest harbour pontoons charge a nightly fee (pay at machine). Anchoring outside the harbour in the bay is free. Fishing gear in the approach — watch for floats.
Hazards
- !SW exposure: fetch from the lower fjord on southwesterly winds — anchor on northern side of bay for best protection
- !Weekend visitor boats from Bergen fill the guest pontoons in July — arrive before noon for a berth
- !Ferry traffic across the fjord — maintain watch in the approach channel
- !Katabatic gusts possible from the valley above on clear nights — anchor alarm recommended
Skipper's Tips
- →Fuel here before heading into the inner arms — Eidfjord and Ulvik have no fuel pontoons
- →The Hardangerfjord Aquarium is excellent — a good wet-weather day option with live salmon and fjord ecology displays
- →Stock up thoroughly: the inner arms have limited provisioning; Norheimsund's supermarket has the best range on the fjord
- →The express boat to Bergen (Skyss) runs from the ferry quay — a useful option for crew changes or a city day-trip
Facilities
Good range of facilities: supermarket, fuel pontoon, restaurant, chandlery supplies. Bus connections to Bergen and Odda. This is the best-equipped harbour on the inner Hardangerfjord.
Nearest provisions: Norheimsund town centre supermarket (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Norheimsund is busiest in July when Bergen residents arrive by express boat for weekend cruising. Facilities open June–August; limited from September. Good base for autumn equinox fjord sailing in September.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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