Norheimsund (Hardangerfjord)
Kvam area · Fyksesund · Strandebarm
60°22.0'N 006°08.4'E
Depth
4–18m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 4–15m on mud/silt. Excellent holding. Fyksesund is so narrow that a shore line is mandatory — free swinging is not possible without risk of dragging into the cliff face. The 70m radius is conservative for this narrow sound. Double shore lines (port and starboard) are ideal in the narrowest sections.
About This Anchorage
Norheimsund and the Fyksesund narrow sound to the north form one of the most beautiful sections of all the Norwegian fjords. The Fyksesund suspension bridge (built 1937, 97m high) spans the entrance to the sound — sailing yachts pass beneath it with inches to spare in terms of width but ample mast clearance. The orchards on the lower slopes produce the cherries, apples, pears and plums that make Hardangerfjord the 'Garden of Norway' — in June the blossom is extraordinary. Norwegian families make pilgrimages here every May for the cherry blossom. The Norheimsund guest harbour has full facilities and the village has an interesting local museum.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); Guest harbour fee for marina berths
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Fyksesund bridge: check mast height — the bridge is high enough for most yachts but confirm clearance on chart. Private fruit orchards on the slopes — do not pick fruit without permission from the farmer. Maintain 150m from farm buildings. Shore lines mandatory due to narrow channel.
Hazards
- !Fyksesund bridge height: confirm mast clearance before entering the sound — the bridge is well-marked but verify on chart (clearance ~26m at HW)
- !Narrow sound: free swinging impossible — shore lines mandatory; without shore lines a dragging anchor will put the boat against the cliff within minutes
- !Katabatic drainage winds at night from the mountain above — can be funnelled and accelerated in the narrow sound; shore lines prevent dangerous swinging
- !Fruit farm boat traffic: local farm boats move apples and cherries by water in autumn — give way to working boats
Skipper's Tips
- →May cherry blossom timing: Norwegian cherry blossom on the Hardangerfjord slopes typically peaks mid-to-late May — plan a visit for this extraordinary display
- →Buy local Hardanger cider (sider) from farm shops near Norheimsund — some of Norway's finest apple-based drinks
- →Fyksesund inner anchorage: push further N into the sound beyond the bridge for the most dramatic enclosed anchorage with walls on both sides
- →Express boat to Bergen: Norheimsund is on the Hardangerfjord express boat route — an excellent option for crew changes or provisioning runs
Facilities
Norheimsund village has a restaurant, café and reasonable shop. Guest harbour has water. Local farms sell fruit and preserves directly (look for farm stands along the road). Bergen (1 hour by express boat from Norheimsund) for full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Norheimsund village shop / farm stands (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August
May–August. May and June offer the blossom spectacle. July–August is peak season with warm temperatures. Bergen's express boat makes this an accessible fjord anchorage even for boats based in the city.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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