Rosendal
Rosendal baroni · Baroniet Rosendal · Hatteberg anchorage
59°59.1'N 006°00.7'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–9m on excellent mud and sand. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line to rocks on the east cliff face recommended overnight. The most dramatically situated anchorage in the Hardangerfjord — glacier above, baronial gardens below.
About This Anchorage
Rosendal is arguably the most dramatic anchorage in the entire Hardangerfjord system — a sheltered bay backed by the Folgefonna glacier (visible on the mountain wall above) and containing Norway's only surviving baronial estate, Baroniet Rosendal, built in 1665 and surrounded by ornamental rose gardens, orchards and a waterfalls-fed river. The barony's rose gardens (over 4,000 rose plants) bloom from late June through August and are open to visitors. A 30-minute walk up the Hattebergsdalen canyon leads to a spectacular waterfall gorge. The anchorage itself has excellent holding and the setting — glacier, medieval barony, rose gardens, fjord — is unique in Norway. This is genuinely one of the finest overnight anchorages in Northern Europe.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE
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 4–10m, 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 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. Baroniet Rosendal charges an admission fee for the gardens and house — well worth paying. Shore lines to rock bolts recommended in W-facing position. UNESCO Hardangerfjord landscape protections apply.
Hazards
- !W and NW exposure: outer Hardangerfjord westerly swells reach the bay — monitor forecast and use shore line
- !Katabatic gusts from Folgefonna glacier at night: the ice field above generates cold-air drainage on clear nights
- !Narrow dinghy landing at the baronial quay — approach slowly, strong tidal stream in the small river outlet
- !Tourist day visitors arrive by express boat and bus — the village is busy midday but quiet in evening
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk the Hattebergsdalen canyon (30 min from village) to the spectacular Hattebergsfossen waterfall gorge — one of the finest short walks in the Hardangerfjord region
- →Visit Baroniet Rosendal in the evening when day visitors have gone — the rose gardens in late afternoon light are exceptional
- →Anchor off the eastern shore of the bay for best NW protection — the cliff face at that end has fortøyningsbolter for a shore line
- →Folgefonna glacier guided walks depart from Juklavassneset (20nm by water) — a day trip worth planning from Rosendal
Facilities
Baroniet Rosendal has an excellent restaurant and café serving local produce in the manor house. Small supermarket in the village. Fuel: Norheimsund (15nm by fjord) or Sunndalsøra.
Nearest provisions: Rosendal village / Baroniet café (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The rose gardens peak in late June and July. The baronial restaurant is open May–September. This is a consistently popular anchorage — arrive before 17:00 to secure the best position.
Recommended Anchor Types
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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