Tysnesøy (Bjørnafjorden)
Bjørnafjorden anchorage · Tysnes island · Hardangerfjord approach
60°00.7'N 005°34.9'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 5–18m on mud. Excellent holding throughout. Depths increase dramatically away from the island shore — always verify with echo sounder before dropping anchor. Stern line to shore is standard practice. E/SE exposure to Bjørnafjorden fetch in any easterly wind.
About This Anchorage
Tysnesøy and the surrounding islands of Bjørnafjorden provide a transitional landscape between the open coastal skerries south of Bergen and the deeper, more enclosed fjord world of Hardangerfjord to the east. The island is the largest in the area and its coves offer sheltered anchorages away from the main Bergen traffic. This is an important waypoint for boats heading south from Bergen or approaching Hardangerfjord from the coast. The surrounding landscape is quintessential Vestland: steep forested slopes, red boat houses (naust), scattered farms, and the dramatic backdrop of the Folgefonna glacier on clear days.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Maintain 150m from inhabited dwellings and farms. Salmon farming cages are present in some fjord areas — do not anchor near cage buoys. Fishing gear throughout — watch for net floats.
Hazards
- !Bjørnafjorden is a large open fjord — E/SE winds build fetch over many miles; E-facing coves are not viable in any E wind forecast
- !Depths increase sharply toward the fjord centre — anchor only in the confirmed shallower water very close to the island shore
- !Salmon farming cage networks in some bays — approach carefully and check chart; cage mooring lines can extend 100–200m underwater
- !Overnight katabatic drainage winds from the fjord sides possible in warm summer weather — stern line essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Use the Tysnesøy eastern shore as a waypoint anchorage when transiting between Bergen and Hardangerfjord — good overnight stop
- →Folgefonna glacier visible from the anchorage on clear days — one of Norway's largest ice caps, a dramatic backdrop for photos
- →Onarheim village has a small ferry quay — dinghy landing possible for a walk ashore
- →Download Sjøkart for the Bergen/Hardangerfjord area before departure (charts 28, 29) — essential for navigating the many islands
Facilities
Onarheim village on Tysnesøy has a small shop (seasonal). Bergen (28nm N) has all facilities. Rosendal (20nm E into Hardangerfjord) has a guest harbour with water and fuel.
Nearest provisions: Onarheim village (small shop, seasonal) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The Bjørnafjorden area receives significant Bergen rainfall — pack waterproofs and expect grey days even in summer. Clear days with glacier views are spectacular reward for the wet ones.
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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