Leirfjord
Leirfjord havn · Leirfjord Nordland · Leirfjord anchorage
65°52.2'N 013°16.8'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–10m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line recommended overnight. W and SW exposure from the outer Helgeland coast — shore line essential in westerly conditions. The Seven Sisters mountain backdrop makes this a particularly scenic anchorage.
About This Anchorage
Leirfjord is a sheltered fjord arm in the Helgeland archipelago, within sight of the famous Seven Sisters (Syv søstre) mountain range whose seven distinct peaks rise to over 1,000m above the surrounding coastline and form one of the most distinctive mountain silhouettes in Norway. The fjord offers excellent mud holding and good north through south protection. The town of Sandnessjøen (4nm by water) provides full provisioning facilities. The Helgeland coast between here and Bodø (100nm N) is one of the finest coastal sailing areas in Norway — an intricate archipelago of outer skerries and inner leads navigable with local Sjøkart charts.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Setting Your Anchor in Nordland
Shore lines are mandatory in Nordland fjord arms. Norwegian practice: drop a bow anchor on the shallow nearshore shelf in 4–12m, 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. Tidal range in Nordland is 1.5–2.5m (increasing northward) — actual depths are far greater than Chart Datum; always verify with your echo sounder. Survival suits (immersion suits) are mandatory for all crew on deck in Nordland: water temperature is 4–12°C year-round and hypothermia can incapacitate in minutes. Midnight sun (May–July) means 24h daylight — maintain a strict watch schedule and set your anchor alarm to 80m before resting. Saltstraumen (4nm SE of Bodø): ONLY transit at slack water — never at any other state of tide.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Shore lines to natural rocks. Aquaculture farms in the wider fjord system — keep 20m clear. Survival suit recommended on deck.
Hazards
- !W and SW exposure from the outer Helgeland coast: westerly swells reach the fjord entrance in any sustained westerly
- !Aquaculture farm mooring lines in the wider fjord — navigate slowly and watch for subsurface ropes
- !Survival suit mandatory on deck in this Arctic latitude
- !Limited facilities — must use Sandnessjøen (4nm) for provisioning
Skipper's Tips
- →The Seven Sisters (Syv søstre) hiking trail is accessed from Sandnessjøen — a serious mountain route requiring good fitness; one of Norway's classic hikes above the Arctic Circle
- →Sandnessjøen guest harbour (4nm by water) makes a better base if facilities are needed — anchor at Leirfjord for the wilderness experience
- →The Helgeland inner lead route (indreled) from here to Bodø is one of Norway's finest coastal passages — use the Sjøkart charts for the inner channel
- →Evening light on the Seven Sisters from the anchorage (viewing W) is extraordinary — one of the iconic Norwegian coastal sunset views
Facilities
Limited village facilities. Full provisioning at Sandnessjøen (4nm by water): supermarket, fuel, restaurants, pharmacy. Use Sandnessjøen as the base for this area.
Nearest provisions: Sandnessjøen (4nm by water) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The Helgeland inner lead route is navigable all summer with the right charts. September offers stunning autumn colours and fewer boats.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Arctic Nordland, midnight sun means you can sail 24h — but fatigue and anchor drag are constant risks. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position even while you sleep.
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