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If you have already battled the meltemi winds in the Aegean Sea and the tramontana in Costa Brava, we have an exciting challenge for you: sailing along the coast of Norway!
It’s a unique experience along the longest coastline in the world. It includes the country’s iconic fjords: long, dramatic and often narrow inlets that glaciers sculpted with time. These idiosyncratic waterways cut into the country’s mainland for miles. They are often surrounded by gorges and mountains, creating some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. A reminder that mother nature is the greatest artist of all!
Like Sweden and its famous Stockholm archipelago, there are more than 150,000 islands and islets around Norway, most of them uninhabited. This is why sailing along the coast of Norway offers you a range of landscapes to feast your eyes on. From charming bays to steep cliffs landing in the water, there’s always something different around the corner.
Sail in the Oslo Fjord and Bergen
In the south, a boat ride is a great way to enjoy the famous Oslo Fjord, surrounding the country’s capital. You can sail along the stretch of land that links Oslo with Stavanger. The latter is another popular sailing destination of raw natural beauty.
Asker, Drøbak and Hoarding are some of the towns you can visit during your trip in the region. The rocks on the coast are steep and graceful, and the forested mountains in the background offer a unique sight. Close to Stavenger is Lysefjord (or Lysefjorden), a 42-km fjord in the Ryfylke region. It’s famous for the steep Preikestolen cliff towering over the area. The view from the cliff is lovely – you will feel like you are at the end of the world!
You can hop from one island to another before you reach Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a popular sailing hub. Bergen is a good starting point for a trip to two of the country’s most beautiful fjords. Just a few miles south of Bergen is Hardangerfjord. It’s surrounded by picturesque villages, beautiful islets, lush mountains and meandering hiking trails to explore. Also located to the south of Bergen, is Sognefjord, the longest natural fjord on the planet.
Explore Lofoten
To the north of the Arctic Circle, start your trip from the town of Lofoten to explore the eponymous archipelago. The islands here are practically untouched by human presence, offering you a unique experience into the wild. With choppy waters and low temperatures, Only seasoned sailors should opt for a bareboat charter here. You will not find many marinas to dock here, apart from small fishing villages.
A unique boating experience: sailing along the coast of Norway
The boating season in this Nordic country is from June to August, with temperatures rarely exceeding 20 °C. Sailing along the coast of Norway can be a challenging experience. Shoals and reefs abound, particularly in the north of the country, and passages can be very narrow.
The distance between anchorages can be great, and the waters can be treacherous, so it’s important to plan well. Even in the summer, the winds coming down from the mountains can be unpredictable if you hire a sailboat. Beware of jets and squalls that may render sailing and docking more difficult. The West Coast, however, benefits from a milder climate.
