Jondal
Jondal havn · Jondal quay · Hardangerfjord SW shore
60°08.8'N 006°14.0'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 3–7m on good mud and sand. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line recommended overnight. Not suitable in southerly forecast — move to Rosendal (15nm E) which has better S protection.
About This Anchorage
Jondal is a traditional Hardangerfjord fruit-growing village on the south shore of the main fjord arm, between Rosendal and Norheimsund. The village has a long history as a centre of apple and cherry cultivation, and the hillside orchards above the fjord are still maintained in the traditional terraced style introduced by Cistercian monks in the medieval period. The ferry connection across the fjord to Tørvikbygd provides a useful transit route. Jondal is quiet and authentic — one of the Hardangerfjord villages that sees few international visitors despite its beauty.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
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 3–8m, 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 70m 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. Ask permission before using any private quay. Shore lines to rock face recommended. Do not anchor in the ferry lane.
Hazards
- !South and SW exposure from the main fjord — do not use in southerly forecasts
- !Ferry route passes close — maintain watch and give ferries right of way
- !Very limited facilities — must arrive self-sufficient for fuel and provisions
- !Katabatic gusts from the mountain above on clear nights
Skipper's Tips
- →The ferry to Tørvikbygd (Norled) saves retracing 20nm of fjord when heading west toward Bergen
- →Arrive self-sufficient: Jondal has minimal provisioning; treat this as a wild anchorage
- →Walk the orchard road above the village in the evening for extraordinary fjord views — few visitors make it here
- →Best midweek: the tiny bay has limited space and local boats use the quay on weekends
Facilities
Limited — small shop in the village. Nearest restaurant and fuel: Norheimsund (18nm by fjord) or Rosendal (15nm). This is a genuine wild-provisioning anchorage — arrive self-sufficient.
Nearest provisions: Jondal village shop / Norheimsund (18nm) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August in settled conditions only. Very quiet anchorage — ideal for those seeking solitude in the Hardangerfjord system. Facilities effectively nil outside summer season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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.
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