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Sailing area Norway - Sailing in the archipelago and fjords of Scandinavia

Short Overview Scandinavia

Norway offers many scenic spots. In the fjords it is easier to sail than in the archipelago.

  • Adequate infrastructure
  • Sophisticated navigation
  • Low temperatures
  • Season: June to August
Marinas nearby
  • Dyvig Solskin Marina
  • Svendborgsund Marina
  • Mariehamn East Harbour Marina
  • Taalintehdas Dalsbruk Harbour
  • Tromso Harbour
  • Kongen Marina
  • Bergen Yacht Haven
  • Stockholm Harbour
  • Goteborg Langedrag Marina
  • Franckes Marina

Norway is located in the North Atlantic on the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the east it borders with Sweden and the in north-east with Finland and Russia. Geographically the country is very impressive, and is marked by mountain ranges and barren plateaus. In addition to the highest elevation Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m) there are 25 other peaks over 2,300m. The coast is impressive with many islands, islets, inlets and fjords cutting into the mainland. Norway is surrounded by about 150,000 islands, including Jan Mayen in Greenland and the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Together with the shores of the fjords, bays and islands of the Norwegian Atlantic coast it measures over 80,000 km. Southern Norway is a very popular area for sailing, in particular the Oslo Fjord and the area around Bergen. The landscape in this region is very diverse. Around the Oslo Fjord there are many islands, side arms and quiet bays to drop anchor. It extends 100 km inland and connects the capital Oslo with Stavanger. The mountainous coast is very rugged, the high forested mountains, deep fjords and numerous small islands form a terrific sailing landscape. Between the islands there are many anchorages and several jetties. It is worth a trip to the Hanseatic city of Bergen, the picturesque old town adjacent to the port. Another beautiful sailing area is Lofoten, an archipelago located north of the Arctic Circle. Sailing between these remote islands is an unforgettable experience. Yachtcharter Scandinavia, and enjoy the wild beauty of the northern landscape. Navigationally the area is very demanding and requires good sailing skills. In addition, you cannot expect high-tech marinas. In Lofoten you go to small fishing and natural ports to anchor.

Image Gallery Scandinavia

Norway has a long seafaring tradition. A good charter area is the Oslo Fjord with the ports Asker, Drøbak and Hoarding. On the north coast there are ports in Bodø and Tromsø. The infrastructure density and supply options deteriorate considerably in the north. Outside the fjords, suitable harbors can only be found off the islands. The west coasts of the islands and those of the mainland are not appropriate to anchor. Sailing in Norway can be challenging in parts and depending on the coastal region navigation varies. In the archipelago there are numerous rocks above and below the water and the passages are sometimes very close. Navigating here requires an increased level of attention and focus. Night time sailing can be very difficult and is not recommended. Within the fjords, navigation is much easier. Shoals are rare and the individual rocks in the fairway are buoyed extensive. Anyone who has sufficient experience can sail here at night.

Cities in the sailing area Norway
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Airports nearby Scandinavia
  • Airport Oslo-Gardermoe to Oslo: 53,6 km, 37 minutes
  • Airport Bergen to Bergen: 15,8 km, 21 minutes
  • Airport Moss-Rygge to Son: 21,8 km, 22 minutes
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Climate & Weather

In Norway the yacht charter season is very short and limited to the few warm months of June, July and August. During these months there is plenty of sunshine and the weather is often better than one would expect. The long, narrow coastal strip in the west is separated by mountains from the Scandinavian continental and is influenced by an eastern climate. The North Atlantic Current on the west coast creates a mild, humid climate. From lower latitudes, relatively warm water flows north and the coast is largely free of ice in winter. Nevertheless, temperatures in summer rarely exceed 15 °C. The onshore wind blows at 3 to 4 Bft. from the west. The wind conditions are always dependent on the coast. There are shielded areas by mountains, but also jets or wind squalls and distractions occur. It is important to regularly listen to the wind and weather forecasts, as strong winds and storms are not uncommon.