Bergen Outer Skerries (Øygarden)
Øygarden archipelago · Fedje island approaches · Sotra outer coast
60°30.7'N 004°50.4'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 5–18m on mud and sand. Good holding throughout. The outer skerry landscape is more exposed than the inner fjords — check forecast carefully for E wind before anchoring on E-facing shores. Shore line to rocks recommended in narrow coves.
About This Anchorage
The Øygarden archipelago stretching north and west of Bergen forms Norway's first line of defence against the North Sea — a dramatic outer coast of bare granite skerries, pounded by Atlantic swells, that shelters the inner fjord world. The eastern (Hjeltefjorden) side of the islands offers numerous sheltered anchorages in a landscape quite different from the inner fjords: low-lying, windswept rocks, seabirds, and the feel of being on the edge of the open ocean. This is excellent cruising territory for boats arriving from or departing to the North Sea, Shetland or Faroe Islands. Fedje island (25nm N of Bergen) has a classic pilot station and small guest harbour and is the northernmost municipality in Hordaland.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Some outer skerries are nature reserves with restricted landing during bird breeding season (April–July) — check signs or local charts. Oil and gas installations are visible to the W on the North Sea shelf — maintain shipping lane awareness if transiting beyond the outer skerries. Military exercise areas exist in some parts of the outer coast — check NAVTEX and Norwegian Naval notifications before approach.
Hazards
- !North Sea weather can deteriorate rapidly — the outer skerries are the first land the Atlantic systems hit; monitor forecasts very carefully and have the inner fjord as an escape route
- !Hjeltefjorden shipping lane: this is the main coastal shipping route for Bergen traffic — large vessel traffic at all hours; maintain AIS and good watch
- !Seabird nesting: many outer skerries are nesting sites for Arctic terns, skuas and guillemots — restricted landing areas apply April–July
- !Strong tidal streams in the outer sounds between islands — up to 2–3 knots at springs; plan transits to take advantage of the fair tide
Skipper's Tips
- →The Øygarden skerries are the departure point for offshore passages to Shetland (200nm W), Faroe Islands (380nm NW) or Iceland — anchor here for a weather window wait
- →Bergen Lights: the outer skerries give spectacular views of the Bergen approach lights at night — excellent for coastal pilotage practice
- →Birdwatching: the outer skerries host large seabird colonies — puffins, razorbills, guillemots and Arctic terns all nest here; bring binoculars
- →Gas fields: the Troll and Oseberg gas fields are visible on the horizon (E of Shetland line) — flares visible at night from the outer skerries on clear days
Facilities
Very limited facilities in the outer skerries. Fedje island (25nm N) has a small guest harbour with basic facilities. Bergen (22nm E via Hjeltefjorden) has all facilities. This is self-sufficient anchoring territory.
Nearest provisions: Bergen city centre (22nm E) (22nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August only. The outer coast of Norway requires stable high-pressure conditions for comfortable anchoring. In any North Sea weather system the outer skerries are fully exposed. Monitor the Norwegian Met Office (yr.no) and NAVTEX carefully.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In Hardangerfjord, katabatic winds can arrive at 30 knots in minutes. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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