Svolvær / Austnesfjorden
Svolvær harbour area · Austnesfjord anchorage · Svolværgeita backdrop
68°17.2'N 014°35.9'E
Depth
6–25m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 6–22m on excellent mud and silt. Outstanding holding. The Austnesfjorden arm is extremely sheltered but the Svolværgeita and adjacent peaks generate powerful katabatic flows that funnel down the fjord. Shore lines are a safety requirement. Use 7:1 scope in the deeper (15–22m) anchorage positions.
About This Anchorage
Austnesfjorden provides one of the most dramatically enclosed overnight anchorages in all of Norway — a narrow fjord arm cutting between the most spectacular peaks of the Lofoten island chain, overlooked by the twin granite towers of Svolværgeita (the 'Svolvær Goat'), which is considered the most iconic climbing peak in Norway. The fjord arm is navigable by yacht for approximately 15km inland, with depths of 6–25m in the inner section making anchoring feasible near the head. The combination of near-vertical 1,000m rock walls, excellent shelter, and the extraordinary midnight sun light makes this an unforgettable anchorage.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Svolvær guest harbour (VHF Ch. 16) for marina berth. Keep clear of the fish farming cages present in some sections of Austnesfjorden — marked on chart. No discharge of waste. Maintain 150m from inhabited dwellings.
Hazards
- !Svolværgeita katabatic winds: the twin summit towers create powerful katabatic drainage that can reach 40+ knots down the fjord at night — shore lines are a survival necessity
- !Fish farm mooring lines: some sections of Austnesfjorden have salmon farm cages with submerged mooring lines — approach carefully at slow speed and check chart
- !Depth changes rapidly: from the anchoring zone at 8–15m to 200m depth in the mid-channel within 30m — if anchor drags there is no recovery; shore lines are primary safety
- !Rock fall: the extremely steep walls occasionally shed small rocks; do not anchor directly beneath vertical cliff overhangs
Skipper's Tips
- →Svolværgeita rock climbing: the twin summits are one of Norway's classic rock climbs — guides available in Svolvær; the view from the top looking down into the fjord is extraordinary
- →Midnight sun in Austnesfjorden: in June–July the sun dips toward the horizon at midnight and the granite walls glow orange-gold for hours — set an alarm for midnight and watch from the cockpit
- →Kayak exploration: rent kayaks at Svolvær and paddle into Austnesfjorden — the perspective from sea level looking up at the Svolværgeita towers is remarkable
- →Norwegian Wildlife Centre (Lofoten Villmarkssenter, Svolvær): dogsledding in winter, wildlife tours year-round — eagle safaris on Vestfjorden are excellent
Facilities
Austnesfjorden inner section has no facilities. Svolvær city (2nm W) has comprehensive facilities: fuel, water, restaurant, supermarket, laundry, chandlery. The best-provisioned port in Lofoten.
Nearest provisions: Svolvær city centre (fuel, supermarket, chandlery) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The midnight sun at Austnesfjorden in June–July with the granite peaks lit 24 hours is one of the finest natural spectacles in European sailing. Svolvær (2nm W) is the best base for exploring the entire Lofoten chain.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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