Loen (Nordfjord, Lovatnet area)
Lovatnet fjord · Briksdalsbreen area · Nordfjord inner arm
61°52.1'N 006°51.2'E
Depth
5–22m
Bottom
silt
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 5–20m on deep glacial silt. Outstanding holding from the Loenelva/Jostedalsbreen drainage. W/SW exposure to main Nordfjord channel. Shore line to shore recommended for overnight. Allow extra scope in the deep anchorages (7:1 in 15–20m).
About This Anchorage
Loen at the inner end of Nordfjord marks the transition from fjord to glacier country — the Jostedalsbreen ice cap (Norway's largest glacier, 487km²) dominates the skyline. The Loen Sky Lift (opened 2017) is one of Norway's most dramatic attractions: a cable car ascending 1,011m in only 5 minutes to the Hoven mountain restaurant with 360° views of Nordfjord, the fjord system and the Jostedalsbreen. The anchorage gives access to glacier walks on Briksdalsbreen and Bødalsbreeen (both arms of Jostedalsbreen accessible from Loen). The historical note of the 1905 and 1936 Lodalen rockslide disasters (both killed over 60 people) is sobering — the valley above was struck by rockslides causing tsumani-like waves up the fjord.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); Guest quay fee
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Jostedalsbreen National Park rules apply for glacier area excursions — guided tours required for blue ice walks. Loen Sky Lift: book online in advance for July. No discharge of waste. Maintain 150m from inhabited dwellings.
Hazards
- !Historical rockslide area: the Lodalen valley above Loen was struck by catastrophic rockslides in 1905 and 1936 — the geological conditions are now stable but the area is a reminder of Norwegian fjord instability
- !Loenelva river flooding: the glacial meltwater river can flood significantly in June–July snowmelt peak — river mouth area may shoal or change; verify depth with echo sounder
- !Katabatic glacier winds: cold air from Jostedalsbreen descends the valley at night — consistent overnight katabatic flows of 10–25 knots; shore lines essential
- !W/SW exposure to main Nordfjord: any W wind builds fetch over the 60km Nordfjord fetch — check forecast carefully for overnight stays
Skipper's Tips
- →Loen Sky Lift: book in advance online (loenskylift.no) — the ascent to Hoven (1,011m) in 5 minutes is extraordinary; the restaurant at the top has one of Norway's most spectacular dining views
- →Briksdalsbreen glacier walk: the electric trolley car (Briksdalen Troll) runs from the Briksdal hotel to within 2km of the glacier snout — one of Norway's most accessible glacier visits; morning departure recommended
- →Norwegian glacier etiquette: blue ice walking requires crampons and a guide (available at glacier base) — never walk on glacier ice unguided
- →Stryn kayak: rent kayaks at Stryn and paddle the inner Nordfjord — crystal-clear glacial water and dramatic landscape; one of Norway's finest kayak environments
Facilities
Loen village has the famous Hoven mountain restaurant (via Sky Lift), Loen Aktivpark adventure centre, hotel restaurants and a café. Stryn (10nm W along Nordfjord) has a supermarket and fuel.
Nearest provisions: Stryn town centre (10nm W) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The Jostedalsbreen glacier is most impressive in June when snowmelt is at peak and ice is at maximum size. July–August is warmest for glacier walks. The Loen area is a major Norwegian domestic tourist destination — book activities in advance.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In Geirangerfjord, cruise ship wash and katabatic gusts can displace anchors rapidly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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