Øystese
Øystese havn · Kvam municipality · Øystese fjord anchorage
60°23.2'N 006°11.9'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m in 3–6m on good mud and sand. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Quieter than Norheimsund. Shore line recommended overnight. Not suitable in southerly wind — move to Norheimsund (3nm SW) in any S forecast.
About This Anchorage
Øystese is a quiet village on the north shore of the Hardangerfjord main arm, less visited than its neighbour Norheimsund and offering a more authentic glimpse of traditional fjord village life. The Ingebrigt Vik Museum in the village houses an important collection of Norwegian sculpture in a waterfront building overlooking the fjord — an unexpected cultural treasure in a tiny community. The hillside above the village is terraced with apple orchards and the ferry route to Tørvikbygd provides a useful shortcut across the fjord to avoid retracing the main arm.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
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 3–7m, 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 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 65m 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. Shore lines to natural rock recommended. Private farm ground above the shore — land only on public foreshore. Do not anchor in the ferry lane.
Hazards
- !Southern exposure to the main fjord — not suitable in southerly winds; move to Norheimsund (3nm SW) in any S forecast
- !Ferry crosses here (Øystese–Tørvikbygd) — maintain watch; the ferry has right of way in the channel
- !Katabatic gusts from the valley above on clear nights — anchor alarm recommended
- !Limited facilities — stock up at Norheimsund before arriving
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Ingebrigt Vik Museum — a world-class sculpture collection in an intimate waterfront gallery; free in summer
- →The ferry to Tørvikbygd (5 min crossing) saves 20nm of fjord retracing if heading west toward Bergen
- →Øystese is notably quieter than Norheimsund on weekends — a better choice if you value peace over facilities
- →Morning light on the fjord from Øystese (north shore facing south) is spectacular — anchor here for an early photography session
Facilities
Small supermarket and café in the village. Fuel: Norheimsund (3nm). The Ingebrigt Vik Museum has a small café in summer.
Nearest provisions: Øystese village / Norheimsund (3nm) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. September offers excellent quiet fjord sailing with low visitor numbers. Museum closes after summer season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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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