Steinkjer (Beitstadfjord)
Steinkjer havn · Beitstadfjord head · Steinkjer inner fjord
64°00.8'N 011°29.7'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 4–8m on excellent mud. Actual depths far greater than CD — Norwegian tidal range 1-2m. The Beitstadfjord is virtually fully enclosed — one of the most sheltered anchorages in Norway. Shore line recommended as best practice. Katabatic gusts from the valley walls at night are the only hazard.
About This Anchorage
Steinkjer at the head of the Beitstadfjord is the most sheltered anchorage in the entire Trondheimfjord system — the narrow fjord arm is effectively enclosed on all sides by low hills, making it a natural harbour of extraordinary security. The town of Steinkjer is a small regional centre of northern Trøndelag with a large church (rebuilt after WWII bombing), good provisioning and a relaxed atmosphere. The surrounding landscape is gentler than the dramatic southern fjords — rolling farmland and forest meet the fjord edge. Rock carvings (helleristninger) from 5,000 years ago are found at several sites within walking distance of the anchorage — among the best-preserved Bronze Age rock art in Norway.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Setting Your Anchor in Trondheimfjord
Shore lines are mandatory in the Trondheimfjord system. Norwegian practice: drop a bow anchor on the shallow nearshore shelf in 4–10m, 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. The Norwegian tidal range in Trondheimfjord is 1–2m (increasing toward the inner arms) — actual depths are far greater than Chart Datum; always verify with your echo sounder. Katabatic gusts from valley walls and glacier slopes can arrive without warning on clear nights — set your anchor alarm to 70m before sleeping. Under Allemannsretten, anchoring on natural shores is free for up to 48 hours. NATO restricted zones around Ørland: drone flying strictly prohibited throughout the region.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchor out)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Winter icing risk November–March. Guest harbour available. Rock art sites at Bøla, Berg and Bardal are protected — do not touch or photograph with flash.
Hazards
- !Winter icing: Beitstadfjord can freeze November–March in severe winters
- !Katabatic night gusts from the valley walls even in this enclosed fjord — anchor alarm recommended
- !Very shallow at the extreme head of the fjord: use echo sounder approaching Steinkjer quay area
- !Rock art sites nearby: the bronze age carvings are irreplaceable — do not disturb
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Bøla rock carvings (3nm by road): 5,000-year-old Bronze Age hunting scenes of deer and reindeer are extraordinarily well preserved
- →Steinkjer makes an excellent provisioning stop before the passage north to Bodø or Lofoten — the best-equipped town north of Levanger
- →Train to Trondheim (1h20m) or Bodø (4h30m) from Steinkjer station — useful for crew changes on a long passage north
- →The Beitstadfjord is magical for kayaking and rowing — completely flat water and outstanding bird life on the mud flats
Facilities
Steinkjer is a genuine service town: full supermarket, fuel, restaurants, pharmacy, hardware stores. Train connection to Trondheim and Oslo. Excellent provisioning base for the passage north toward Lofoten.
Nearest provisions: Steinkjer town centre supermarket (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Best provisioning stop between Trondheim and Lofoten. Very sheltered in all summer weather — one of the few anchorages in Norway that can be used in almost any conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Trondheimfjord, tidal streams through the sounds and katabatic gusts from fjord walls can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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