Loshavn (Farsund)
Lista Light area · Farsund Archipelago · Loshavn pilot station
58°04.5'N 006°41.3'E
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 3–9m. Good holding on mud. S and SW exposure means this anchorage should be vacated if southerly forecast is received — Lista peninsula is exposed and southerly swells reach directly into the bay. Shore line to rocks recommended.
About This Anchorage
Loshavn is one of the most evocative anchorages on the Norwegian south coast — a small, historic pilot station community of red and white painted wooden houses perched on the rocky headland at the eastern end of Lista peninsula, one of Norway's most southerly points. The pilots here guided ships past the Lista Lighthouse (Norway's oldest lighthouse, 1836) for generations. The anchorage in the natural harbour below the cottages has excellent character. Lista peninsula forms a natural barrier between the Skagerrak and the inner archipelago — the area around Farsund and Lista is excellent cruising country with white beaches (unusual for Norway), calm lagoons and a mild microclimate.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Loshavn itself has privately owned cottages — respect the quiet character of this tiny community. Do not anchor directly beneath the cliff faces where rock fall is possible. Lista peninsula has a NATO radar installation — do not approach the military areas on the cape.
Hazards
- !Lista peninsula is fully exposed to S and SW swells — any southerly forecast requires immediate departure or repositioning into the inner archipelago
- !Lista Light creates a shipping separation scheme nearby — large vessel traffic passes close to the point; maintain radar and AIS watch
- !Rocky approaches: the shoreline around Loshavn has numerous underwater skerries — approach only with detailed Sjøkart chart
- !Limited swinging room in the inner bay — stern line ashore is mandatory for overnight stay
Skipper's Tips
- →The Lista Lighthouse (Norges eldste fyr, 1836) is accessible by dinghy landing and short walk — one of Norway's most historically significant lighthouses
- →Lista beaches (Bortebygda beach, 3nm E) are Norway's longest and whitest sandy beaches — anchor off or dinghy across for a swim
- →This anchorage is best visited midweek and in settled high pressure — SW exposure makes it weather-dependent
- →Farsund guest harbour (5nm E) has full facilities and makes a good base for exploring Lista by dinghy
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Farsund town (5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August in settled conditions only. Lista is the southernmost point of Norway's main coast — it catches southerly weather systems directly. Best in midsummer high pressure. Do not use Lista anchorages in any forecast with S or SW in the wind sectors.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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