Hatvik
Hatvik ferry terminal · Samnangerfjord junction · Hatvik anchorage
60°19.3'N 005°50.9'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in 4–8m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Good shelter at the fjord junction. Shore line recommended overnight. Large enough for comfortable overnight stay. Useful transit anchorage between the inner Hardangerfjord and Bergen (30nm W).
About This Anchorage
Hatvik sits at the strategic junction where the Samnangerfjord branches north from the main Hardangerfjord, near the ferry terminal that connects the eastern and western shores. This is a large, well-sheltered anchorage in excellent mud — one of the most secure overnight stops on the western Hardangerfjord. The ferry terminal area provides some wind shelter and the fjord junction creates a natural wind shadow in most conditions. Bergen is 30nm to the west by sea, making Hatvik a natural first or last night stop on a Bergen–Hardangerfjord cruise. The Samnangerfjord to the north is a quieter alternative exploration route to the inner fjord.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · 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 4–10m, 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 75m 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. Keep clear of the ferry terminal approach lane — the ferry has right of way. Do not anchor in the main fairway. Shore lines to natural rock recommended.
Hazards
- !W and NW exposure from the main fjord — shore line essential in westerly forecasts
- !Ferry traffic at the terminal — maintain watch; ferries operate frequently
- !Large anchorage but no facilities — arrive self-sufficient
- !Katabatic gusts from the Samnangerfjord valley at night
Skipper's Tips
- →Ideal first night anchorage from Bergen — 30nm passage, then settle into excellent mud and shore line before exploring the fjord
- →The Samnangerfjord arm to the north is a peaceful alternative route to the inner Hardangerfjord — less visited than the main arm
- →Monitor the Bergen forecast: the outer fjord between here and Bergen can be rougher than the sheltered inner arms
- →This anchorage works well as a waiting area for a Bergen weather window — good holding for an extended wait
Facilities
No facilities at the anchorage. Ferry terminal has a waiting room. Nearest full facilities: Norheimsund (12nm NE) or Bergen (30nm W).
Nearest provisions: Norheimsund (12nm NE) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Year-round accessible but facilities nil and weather unpredictable outside summer. A reliable transit stop in any settled summer conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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.
Download Free for iOS