Melfjord
Melfjord Nordland · Rødøy municipality fjord · Melfjord anchorage
66°32.4'N 013°49.2'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 5–15m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Shore line mandatory — narrow fjord, no swinging room. Katabatic gusts at night from 1,000m+ ridges above; anchor alarm essential. One of the most dramatic anchorages in Nordland.
About This Anchorage
Melfjord is a hidden gem of Nordland — a narrow, spectacularly steep-walled fjord in the Rødøy municipality that sees few visiting yachts despite its extraordinary scenery. The fjord walls rise to over 1,000m on both sides with dozens of waterfalls streaming from the plateau above, creating a perpetual sound of cascading water. The inner fjord is sufficiently sheltered that it can be used in almost any weather once inside — the challenge is navigating the outer approach in the right conditions. There are no facilities and no road access to the innermost part — this is genuine Norwegian fjord wilderness at its finest.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Setting Your Anchor in Nordland
Shore lines are mandatory in Nordland fjord arms. Norwegian practice: drop a bow anchor on the shallow nearshore shelf in 5–20m, 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. Tidal range in Nordland is 1.5–2.5m (increasing northward) — actual depths are far greater than Chart Datum; always verify with your echo sounder. Survival suits (immersion suits) are mandatory for all crew on deck in Nordland: water temperature is 4–12°C year-round and hypothermia can incapacitate in minutes. Midnight sun (May–July) means 24h daylight — maintain a strict watch schedule and set your anchor alarm to 90m before resting. Saltstraumen (4nm SE of Bodø): ONLY transit at slack water — never at any other state of tide.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Shore line mandatory — narrow fjord. No facilities. Survival suit required on deck. Katabatic wind hazard — anchor alarm mandatory.
Hazards
- !Katabatic gusts from 1,000m+ ridges: anchor alarm mandatory; shore line essential — these gusts arrive without warning at night
- !Narrow fjord: no swinging room — shore line is not optional; it is mandatory for safe anchoring
- !Survival suit mandatory: Arctic water in the fjord is cold even in summer (5–10°C)
- !No facilities: arrive completely self-sufficient for 48h minimum
Skipper's Tips
- →Fresh water: the waterfall streams are clean and abundant — use a filter and you have unlimited fresh water throughout the stay
- →Midnight sun photography: in late June and early July the midnight sun reflects off the fjord walls in extraordinary light — one of the best photographic anchorages in Norway
- →The inner fjord is narrow enough to explore by dinghy from wall to wall — rowing between the cliff faces with waterfalls overhead is an experience unlike any other in Norway
- →Carry a satellite communicator: VHF coverage is limited in the deepest fjord arms; safety communication requires satellite
Facilities
No facilities. Fresh water from waterfall streams (filter recommended). Nearest provisions: Ørnes (Meløy municipality, 15nm by sea) or Bodø (60nm).
Nearest provisions: Ørnes (Meløy municipality, 15nm by sea) (15nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August only. The outer approach requires settled conditions. The inner fjord is sheltered once inside. Do not attempt in uncertain forecasts — isolation is total.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In Arctic Nordland, midnight sun means you can sail 24h — but fatigue and anchor drag are constant risks. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position even while you sleep.
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