Anchoring in Norway Not A Problem

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-04-12 13:50:46
Countries: Norway

Hi Noonsite,

I come from an island in the south of Norway close to the Port of Arendal (between Kristiansand and Oslo).

I would like to point out that there are very few privately owned islands in Norway, if any. I have never asked anyone for permission before anchoring anywhere. Of course you may not put it at a privately owned landing state belonging to some cabin, but other than that you may put your anchor anywhere, even at private ground!

The law about the public right to move freely around in nature is very strong in Norway and landowners may not for example put up fences on their properties since it prohibits people to move around. Nor can you build anything closer than a 100 meters from the sea for the same reasons.

Marinas are quite expensive 150 - 300 NOK for a night, so my advice is to anchor up close to the city or marina for free and use the dinghy. Make sure you have some sort of light and a padlock.

So, if you find a nice sheltered spot where you would like to anchor and it is not 2 meters away from some privately owned landing state, then you are free to do what you want.

Happy sailing,

Tore