Norway : Profile

Facts

Norway occupies the western side of the Scandinavian peninsula, a mountainous forested land, with deep dramatic fjords cutting into the coast. The wild grandeur of the fjords gives Norway one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world.
A chain of islands stretching parallel to the western coast and extending almost as far as the North Cape provide sheltered waters for cruising. The majestic fjords are less suited for cruising as the anchorages are extremely deep and the winds alternate between flat calms and can at times experience violent gusts blowing almost vertically down the sides of the sheer cliffs. Good anchorages are few and far between in the fjords, but if you plan ahead, it is often possible to find a quay or pontoon to tie up to.
Although the number of cruising boats visiting the northern part of Norway is still small, mainly because of the short sailing season and unreliable weather, there has been a marked increase in the number of yachts attracted to cold water cruising. A popular destination beyond continental Norway is Spitsbergen (Svalbard), which is visited by over 20 yachts each summer.
There are docking or mooring provisions for visiting yachts in all ports, although occasionally a dock may be privately owned and permission to use it should be obtained first.
The widest range of repair facilities are in the main yachting centres such as Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen, which also have the best docking facilities. Particularly recommended is Herbern Marina situated in the old Akers shipyard right in the centre of Oslo.
Good facilities are also available at Kristiansand, where most repairs can be undertaken and there also is a chandlery and sailmaker.
Provisioning is good everywhere, but the price of food is very high. Fuel is available in all ports. LPG containers may be refilled only in the main centres, and it may be necessary to have the right adaptor.

Summer weather beyond the Arctic Circle, both in continental Norway and further north, is unreliable. Visibility can sometimes be poor, with low mist. Winds can be occasionally strong and the weather can change very suddenly. Ice - the SE coast regularly freezes over and most boats are lifted ashore for winter storage.