Bellsund
Van Muyen Bay · Rindersbukta · Reindalen valley fjord
77°36.5'N 014°16.9'E
Depth
6–30m
Bottom
glaciomarine mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 6–25m on glaciomarine mud. Outstanding holding. S/SE exposure to Bellsund and the approaches from the Barents Sea — this is real ocean exposure. Monitor Barents Sea weather systems carefully. Shore lines are primary safety in this remote location.
About This Anchorage
Bellsund is the major fjord system on the west coast of Spitsbergen, between Isfjorden and Hornsund. It divides into Van Keulenfjorden (S arm) and Van Muyen Bay (N). The Reindalen valley, the largest valley in Svalbard, opens into Bellsund — it is home to the largest concentration of Svalbard reindeer (over 5,000 animals) and is an important polar bear hunting area. The Norwegian Polar Institute operates a research station in the area. Bellsund provides access to some of Svalbard's finest glacial and tundra landscapes accessible by the outer west coast route. Rindersbukta inner bay (E) offers the most sheltered overnight position.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · NW
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: West Spitsbergen National Park rules apply in parts of this area — check Sysselmannen boundaries (sysselmannen.no). POLAR BEAR PROTOCOL: Firearms mandatory. Cultural heritage at Calypsobyen and other historical sites — protected; no entry to cabins. Norwegian Polar Institute research station: no unauthorised access. No discharge of waste.
Hazards
- !POLAR BEARS: Bellsund is prime bear territory; the Reindalen valley reindeer population attracts bears — armed shore party mandatory at all times
- !Barents Sea weather: Bellsund opens to the Barents Sea via the open west coast of Spitsbergen — Barents Sea lows can arrive with rapid deterioration; S/SW storms are the primary threat
- !Ice: pack ice can drift into Bellsund in cold years from the N; check Norwegian Ice Service (is.met.no) for current ice edge position
- !Extreme remoteness: 62nm from Longyearbyen; rescue response time 12+ hours by sea; EPIRB and PLB for all crew are essential not optional
Skipper's Tips
- →Reindalen reindeer: the Svalbard reindeer in Reindalen are among the densest wildlife concentrations in Svalbard — approach quietly by dinghy along the valley river; extraordinary wildlife viewing
- →Calypsobyen trapper station: the historical trapper cabins at Calypsobyen on the N side of Bellsund are among the best-preserved in Svalbard — photograph only from outside, cultural protection applies
- →Rindersbukta inner bay: for the most sheltered overnight in Bellsund, push into Rindersbukta (5nm E of the main bay) — better protection from Barents Sea weather systems
- →VHF weather: Norway Radio/Longyearbyen Radio broadcasts Arctic weather reports; download the Norwegian Meteorological Institute Svalbard forecast from yr.no before every offshore passage
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Longyearbyen (62nm N) (62nm)
Best Months & Season
July, August
July–August. Bellsund is accessible on the outer west coast route between Longyearbyen and the southern fjords. Passage along the west coast of Spitsbergen is exposed to the Greenland Sea and Norwegian Sea — must have settled, sustained high pressure for this coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In Svalbard, ice movement and katabatic winds from glaciers can drag anchors overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously in Arctic conditions.
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