Saltfjord (Rognan)
Rognan havn · Saltfjord inner arm · Saltdal fjord
67°06.0'N 015°23.4'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–10m on excellent mud and silt. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. Fresh water discharge adds river current to tidal flow — set anchor firmly against current. Shore line essential. One of the finest mud-holding anchorages in Nordland.
About This Anchorage
Rognan at the head of the Saltfjord represents the end of a remarkable 60nm inner fjord passage from Bodø — one of the longest navigable fjord arms in Nordland. The Saltfjord is deep, dark and dramatic — steep forested sides rising to bare Arctic mountain ridges. The Saltdal river at Rognan is one of the great salmon rivers of northern Norway. World War II history is inescapable here: the Botn prisoner of war camp, where Yugoslav prisoners were worked to death building the arctic railway (Nordlandsbanen), is commemorated at the Saltdal Museum. The fresh water from the Saltdal river creates a remarkable stratified water column — the surface layer is almost fresh while the deep fjord retains full salinity.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · 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 4–12m, 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 80m 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. River current in anchorage — set anchor against current. Shore lines to natural rocks. Salmon fishing rights are private — no fishing without licence.
Hazards
- !River current in the anchorage: the Saltdal river creates additional current added to the tidal stream — anchor alarm essential; set firmly against current
- !W and NW exposure to the upper fjord — shore line essential overnight
- !Arctic weather: even in July, cold fronts can deliver snow squalls and near-freezing air in this inner fjord
- !Survival suit mandatory: water temperature 5–8°C even in summer
Skipper's Tips
- →Saltdal Museum (adjacent to village): the WWII Yugoslav prisoner camp documentation is sobering and historically important — a visit takes 2 hours
- →The Saltdal river salmon run (July) is one of the finest in northern Norway: if fishing, enquire about day licences at the tourist office
- →The 60nm fjord passage from Bodø to Rognan is one of the great inland sailing experiences of Norway — plan 6–8h passage time each way
- →Fresh water stratification: the surface layer is nearly fresh from the river — your watermaker will perform differently here; taste before using
Facilities
Rognan has a supermarket, hotel and restaurant. Fuel: Bodø (60nm by sea). The Saltdal Museum is adjacent to the village — excellent WWII prisoner documentation.
Nearest provisions: Rognan village supermarket (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The inner fjord passage to Rognan is one of the finest in Nordland — plan a 2-night stay to explore by dinghy. September is quieter with stunning autumn colours on the fjord sides.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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