Munkholmen (Trondheim)
Munkholmen island · Monk's Island Trondheim · Nidarholm monastery
63°26.9'N 010°19.9'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 3–6m on sand and gravel. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Tidal stream around island up to 1 knot — anchor alarm especially important here. Shore line to island rocks recommended. Best anchored off NE or SW depending on wind direction.
About This Anchorage
Munkholmen ('Monk's Island') is one of Norway's most remarkable anchorages — a small island just 2nm from Trondheim city centre with a history spanning over 1,000 years. Originally a Viking execution site (Nidarholm), it became a Benedictine monastery (1100s), then a fort and cannon battery (1600s), then a political prison (where King Haakon VII's ministers were interned during WWII). Today it is a popular summer island with a small café and beach, accessible by tourist ferry from Ravnkloa fish market in the city. Anchoring here gives extraordinary views of the Trondheim waterfront and Nidaros Cathedral (Norway's national cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Olav) visible across the water.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Setting Your Anchor in Trondheimfjord
Shore lines are mandatory in the Trondheimfjord system. Norwegian practice: drop a bow anchor on the shallow nearshore shelf in 3–7m, 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 Trondheimfjord is 1–2m (increasing toward the inner arms) — actual depths are far greater than Chart Datum; always verify with your echo sounder. Katabatic gusts from valley walls and glacier slopes can arrive without warning on clear nights — set your anchor alarm to 70m before sleeping. Under Allemannsretten, anchoring on natural shores is free for up to 48 hours. NATO restricted zones around Ørland: drone flying strictly prohibited throughout the region.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Tourist ferries operate to the island in summer — maintain watch for ferry traffic and keep the ferry channel clear. Do not anchor in the main Trondheimfjord shipping fairway.
Hazards
- !Tidal stream of up to 1 knot around the island — time arrival near slack water; anchor alarm essential
- !Tourist ferry traffic to Munkholmen in summer — keep ferry channel clear
- !S and SW exposure to Trondheimfjord — not suitable in southwesterly winds
- !Trondheim harbour shipping traffic: large vessels use the main channel; maintain AIS watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Take the dinghy to Trondheim for the evening — the Nidaros Cathedral is open until 18:00 and the city has excellent restaurants in the Nedre Elvehavn warehouse district
- →Visit Munkholmen by dinghy early morning before the tourist ferry begins running at 10:00 — you will have the island to yourself
- →Trondheim's Ravnkloa fish market (right by the city harbour) has the freshest seafood in Trøndelag — worth the 2nm dinghy trip
- →The view of Trondheim from the anchorage at night, with Nidaros Cathedral floodlit, is one of the finest in Norwegian sailing
Facilities
Small café on Munkholmen in summer (June–August). Full facilities in Trondheim city (2nm): water, fuel, restaurants, provisioning, chandlery, repairs. The Ravnkloa fish market is the city's best food source.
Nearest provisions: Trondheim city centre / Ravnkloa fish market (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Munkholmen café and tourist ferry operate June–August only. The anchorage is usable year-round but exposed to winter SW winds — use the city harbour pontoons in winter.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Trondheimfjord, tidal streams through the sounds and katabatic gusts from fjord walls can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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