Jondal (Hardangerfjord)

About This Anchorage

Jondal is a small farming and fruit-growing village on the north shore of Hardangerfjord, famous for producing some of Norway's finest cherries, apples and plums in the warm microclimate created by the surrounding mountains. The village is quieter and less touristy than Norheimsund or Eidfjord, making it an excellent off-the-beaten-track stop on a Hardangerfjord cruise. The Folgefonna glacier is visible across the fjord to the south. The Jondalstunnel (subsea tunnel to the south shore) has reduced the village's historical isolation. The orchard slopes around the village bloom with white cherry blossoms in late May and produce fruit from July onward.

Hazards

• !Katabatic night drainage from the mountains above: 10–20 knots overnight is typical — shore line essential
• !Hardangerfjord S fetch: S winds from the outer fjord can build chop in the wide section here — not ideal in southerly forecasts
• !Express boat wash: the hurtigbåt stops at Jondal — wake is moderate; anchor securely before the scheduled service
• !Fruit farm boat traffic in harvest season (late July–September): small working boats transport fruit by water — give way

Skipper's Tips

• →Buy Jondal cherries directly from farm roadside stands (late July): some of Norway's sweetest, grown in the Hardangerfjord microclimate
• →Folgefonna glacier view: the glacier is dramatic across the fjord from the anchorage — the clearest views are in the morning before cloud builds
• →Less crowded alternative to Norheimsund: Jondal offers the same orchard and fjord experience with far fewer tourist boats — a secret that Norwegian sailors keep
• →Day sail to Rosendal: the 15nm crossing to Rosendal on the south shore gives access to the Barony gardens and glacier walks in a single day sail

Nearby Anchorages