Rosendal (Hardangerfjord)
Rosendal Barony · Hardangerfjord Rosendal · Kvinnheradsfjorden
59°59.2'N 006°00.9'E
Depth
4–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–12m on mud/silt. Excellent holding in the fine glacial silt deposited by meltwater rivers. Folgefonna glacier catchment drains into this fjord arm — the silt deposits make for outstanding anchor holding. S exposure is limited by the fjord geometry.
About This Anchorage
Rosendal is one of the most dramatically beautiful destinations in Norway — a small village set between the Hardangerfjord and the Folgefonna glacier, overlooked by the 17th-century Rosendal Barony (the only barony in Norway, now a museum). The glacier descends steeply behind the village to within 500m of the water in some arms. The guest harbour is well-maintained and the village has provisions, restaurants and the barony gardens. The anchorage in the outer bay offers the extraordinary experience of lying at anchor with a glacier as your backdrop. The Folgefonna glacier hike from Rosendal is one of Norway's most accessible glacier walks.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E · W
Exposed To
S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); Guest harbour fee applies for marina berths
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies for anchoring. Guest harbour: VHF Ch. 16 or approach and moor — harbour master will collect fees. Rosendal Barony gardens: entrance fee. Folgefonna National Park rules apply for glacier walks — no anchoring near park boundaries.
Hazards
- !Glacial meltwater: the fjord arm receives cold meltwater from Folgefonna — sea temperatures are significantly colder than coastal Norway; hypothermia risk if swimming
- !Katabatic (fallvind) winds descend from the glacier at night — can be sudden and up to 20 knots; stern line to shore essential
- !Main Hardangerfjord channel immediately S has very deep water (400–800m) — never anchor in the main channel; stay in the subsidiary arms
- !Tourist boats from Bergen visit in summer — anchor clear of the ferry approach route
Skipper's Tips
- →The Folgefonna glacier hike departs from Juklavassbreen (taxi or walk from Rosendal) — one of the most accessible glacier walks in Norway; crampons provided
- →Rosendal Barony gardens (17th-century formal gardens) are magnificent in June when the cherry trees bloom — one of Norway's most romantic gardens
- →Anchor stern-to: drop anchor in 6–10m and run a stern line to the ring bolts or cleats installed specifically for boats on the rock face — a very satisfying fjord mooring
- →Buy local honey at the village shop — Hardangerfjord is the heart of Norwegian apple and pear fruit-growing country and the honeys are exceptional
Facilities
Rosendal village has a restaurant, café and local shop. The Barony museum café is excellent in summer. Fuel by jerrycan from local station. Bergen (40nm N by road, or via fjord) for full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Rosendal village shop (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Apple blossom season (late May) is particularly beautiful in Hardangerfjord — the orchards surrounding the fjord are a remarkable sight. July is peak tourist season. August is quieter and still warm.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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.
Download Free for iOS