Hvaler Archipelago
Hvaler Nationalpark · Skjærhalden · Storesand Hvaler
59°02.7'N 010°54.9'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in 3–7m. Good holding on sand and mud. National park: must anchor on sand/mud only — no anchoring on eelgrass (ålegras) or other seagrass beds. Check bottom type visually or with echo sounder before setting anchor. E/SE exposure is the main concern in any forecast from the Skagerrak.
About This Anchorage
Hvaler archipelago, at the mouth of the Oslofjord at the Swedish border, is Norway's first and only marine national park — a stunning scatter of smooth granite islands, skerries and sounds with exceptional biodiversity. The marine park was designated in 2009 and the underwater landscape of kelp forests, eelgrass meadows and rich fish habitat is extraordinary. The outer islands (Herføl, Spjær, Asmaløy) have remote beaches, old lighthouses, and sheltered coves. Skjærhalden on Kirkeøy is the main settlement and guest harbour — a charming island village accessible only by ferry from the mainland. The archipelago is extremely popular with Oslo sailors — it is the city's closest sailing grounds — but there is space for visitors who explore beyond the main harbours.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: HVALER MARINE NATIONAL PARK RULES: No anchoring on seagrass or other sensitive bottom habitats. No discharge of any waste within the park. No landing in certain restricted zones during bird nesting season (April–July 15) — check park maps at Skjærhalden visitor centre. Speed limit in designated areas within the park. Allemannsretten applies for anchoring on sand/mud.
Hazards
- !Extremely busy in July–August with Oslo powerboats and sailboats — main anchorages near Skjærhalden fill by noon on weekends; wake is the primary nuisance
- !National park regulations: anchoring on seagrass prohibited — verify bottom type carefully; fines apply for violations
- !E/SE exposure to Skagerrak swell on outer islands — choose cove orientation carefully for overnight stays
- !Strong tidal currents in the narrow sounds between islands — 1–2 knots at spring tides; allow for set when maneuvering under power
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive midweek or before noon on weekends to secure space; Saturday afternoon the main anchorages are impossibly crowded
- →The outer islands (Herføl, 14nm SW of Skjærhalden) are far less crowded — worth the extra sail for more remote anchoring in the park
- →Snorkelling in the park is outstanding — bring a mask and fins; kelp forest, eelgrass meadows and large cod in the clear water
- →Fredrikstad (10nm N) is a superb walled Renaissance town accessible from Hvaler via the Glomma river — excellent provisioning and a remarkable medieval city wall
Facilities
Skjærhalden guest harbour has water, fuel, restaurant and provisions. The outer island anchorages have no facilities — pack all supplies.
Nearest provisions: Skjærhalden island village (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The Hvaler archipelago is the most accessible Norwegian cruising ground for boats arriving from Denmark or the Kiel Canal via the Skagerrak. Peak weekend season (mid-July) is extremely busy — arrive early or plan for midweek visits.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Norway's skjærgård archipelago, summer katabatic squalls and tidal streams can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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