Stokmarknes (Vesterålen)
Hadselfjorden · Hurtigruten Museum port · Stokmarknes harbour
68°34.1'N 015°01.4'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 5–18m on excellent mud. E/NE exposure to Hadselfjorden is the main vulnerability. Tidal range 1.8m — calculate depth before anchoring in shallower areas. Shore lines recommended for overnight stays in the inner bay sections.
About This Anchorage
Stokmarknes on Hadseløya is the home port of the Hurtigruten coastal express service — the famous Norwegian Coastal Route (Bergen to Kirkenes, 11 days each way) that has served as the Norwegian coast's lifeline since 1893. The Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes includes the retired M/S Finnmarken vessel permanently moored as a museum ship — an excellent history of the Norwegian coastal service. Stokmarknes is also the gateway to Vesterålen, the archipelago north of Lofoten that is arguably equally beautiful but far less crowded — Vesterålen also offers Norway's best whale watching. The sperm whale (kaskelott) and orca (killer whale) populations that follow the herring schools into Andfjorden (N of Vesterålen) are accessible November–January primarily but humpback sightings occur in summer.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); Guest harbour fee for marina berths
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Keep clear of the Hurtigruten ferry approach — the coastal express calls at Stokmarknes twice daily. VHF Ch. 16 for harbour master. No discharge of waste.
Hazards
- !Hurtigruten ferry twice daily: the coastal express creates significant wake — ensure anchor is deeply set and lines are secure when the ship approaches
- !Hadselfjorden E/NE fetch: easterly systems build swell across the fjord channel — check forecast carefully for E wind before overnight anchoring
- !Vesterålen weather: the archipelago receives frequent Atlantic depressions; weather windows can be short — monitor yr.no carefully
- !Strong tidal currents in Hadselfjorden approach: 1–2 knots at springs — plan arrival/departure with the tide
Skipper's Tips
- →Hurtigruten Museum: the M/S Finnmarken museum ship is remarkably well done — the history of the Norwegian coastal service told through original artefacts and the ship itself is compelling
- →Whale watching: Andenes whale safari (40nm N) operates guaranteed sperm whale safaris in summer — a day trip from Stokmarknes by boat or bus is highly recommended
- →Vesterålen cycling: the archipelago has excellent cycling on quiet roads between the islands — rent bikes at Stokmarknes for a flat-terrain day ride with fjord views
- →Lofoten vs Vesterålen: the key difference for sailors — Vesterålen has fewer tourists, slightly gentler terrain, but the same dramatic fjords and midnight sun; consider spending half the time in each
Facilities
Stokmarknes has a supermarket, restaurants, cafes and the Hurtigruten Museum café. Guest harbour has water, fuel and electricity. Best-provisioned stop in Vesterålen.
Nearest provisions: Stokmarknes town supermarket (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August for summer sailing. Stokmarknes is the best gateway to both the northern Lofoten (via Raftsundet) and the Vesterålen archipelago. Full facilities make it an ideal restock stop.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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