Ulvik (Hardangerfjord NE arm)
Ulvik havn · Ulvikfjord · Ulvik village anchorage
60°34.7'N 006°54.5'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. Very sheltered bay with good protection from most directions. Shore line recommended overnight. Ulvik is one of the most pleasant and sheltered anchorages in the Hardangerfjord system.
About This Anchorage
Ulvik lies at the head of a short north-eastern arm of the main Hardangerfjord, surrounded by terraced hillsides covered in cherry, apple and pear orchards — the most concentrated fruit-growing landscape in Norway. The village is small, traditional and un-touristy by Norwegian standards, making it a welcome contrast to the cruise-ship landings at Flåm or Eidfjord. The orchards are particularly spectacular in May (blossom) and August (harvest) though June and July bring the best anchoring weather. A cider distillery in the village produces award-winning Norwegian cider from the local apple varieties. Kayaking through the orchard shoreline is a memorable experience from this anchorage.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SW · W
Exposed To
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 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
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Shore lines to rock face bolts recommended overnight. Orchard waterfront sections may be private land — do not land without permission. UNESCO Hardangerfjord landscape: no discharge or dumping.
Hazards
- !Katabatic night gusts from the valley above — less severe than Eidfjord but still possible on clear cold nights; anchor alarm recommended
- !Orchard shore private — do not land in the orchards without asking permission
- !Limited fuel availability in this arm — plan fuel reserves carefully
- !Ferry traffic: car ferry operates across the fjord; maintain watch in the approach channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Ulvik cider distillery — Norwegian cider from Hardanger apples is genuinely excellent and the farm shop sells at cellar-door prices
- →Cycle or walk the orchard road along the fjord shore for 2–3km — the views of the valley and fjord from the orchard terraces are extraordinary
- →Arrive before 15:00 on summer weekends — the small bay fills with Norwegian recreational boats
- →Cherry season (late June–early July) is the most spectacular time — the trees overhang the fjord edge and petals fall on the anchorage
Facilities
Ulvik has a hotel and restaurant, small supermarket and local cider distillery shop. No fuel pontoon — carry adequate reserves from Norheimsund or Bergen.
Nearest provisions: Ulvik village supermarket (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August for best weather and full facilities. May blossom is magical but facilities limited and weather unpredictable. August harvest brings good weather and produce markets in the village.
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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