Why Norway?
Norway, with its stunning fjords, dramatic landscapes, and rich maritime history, is a sailor’s paradise. Stretching over 25,000 kilometres of coastline, the country offers everything from fjord cruises to Arctic expeditions. With deep Viking roots and maritime culture, Norway is home to charming fishing villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and abundant wildlife, making it an unforgettable destination for sailors and adventurers alike.
When To Go And What To Do?
Norway offers a variety of experiences depending on the season. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Winter (October – March)
- Activities: Winter is the perfect time for whale watching and snorkelling with orcas in Tromsø, one of the best places in the world to see them. Additionally, the Northern Lights can be seen dancing across the Arctic sky.
- Temperatures: Air temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C, with water temperatures between 2°C and 7°C.
- Wind: Winds range from 10-25 knots, with frequent storms in the northern and western regions.
- Services: Major ports like Tromsø and Bergen operate all year round. We will help you plan ahead for fuel and provisions.
- Safety: We will ensure your yacht is equipped with survival gear and local guides if needed.
Spring (March – May)
- Activities: The Sail & Ski Lyngen Alps tour is particularly popular during these months. Combine the thrill of skiing in the stunning Lyngen Alps with a yacht to access remote peaks.
- Weather: Days get longer, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C, and a generally stable climate for outdoor activities.
- Best for: Skiers, mountain enthusiasts, and those seeking unique adventures in Norway’s spectacular alpine landscapes.
Summer (May – September)
- Activities: Summer is prime time for Midnight Sun cruising, deep-sea fishing, and halibut spearfishing. With 24 hours of daylight in the northern regions, we also highly recommend some hiking.
- Temperatures: temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.
- Wind: Mild breezes of 5-15 knots create ideal sailing conditions, though fjords can cause occasional gusts.
- Services: Marinas in Bergen, Tromsø, and the Lofoten Islands are fully operational.
- Booking: Ports can be busy in summer, so we recommend booking moorings in advance, which we can advise on.
Autumn (September – October)
- Activities: The start of whale season makes this an excellent time for whale watching and photography trips in the northern fjords.
- Temperature: Air temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, and water temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C.
- Wind: Winds average 10-20 knots, but can change later on into the season.
- Best for: Photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those looking to explore before the winter sets in.
- Services: Key ports like Bergen and Tromsø remain active; we can advise on availability in advance.
- Safety: Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Best Sailing Destinations in Norway
Norway’s diverse regions each offer unique sailing opportunities. Here are some of the top spots we recommend:
Tromsø
- Tromsø is renowned for whale watching and is an ideal location for snorkelling with orcas in the winter months. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding fjords and experiencing the Northern Lights.
- You can embark on wildlife safaris or simply enjoy the serene beauty of Arctic waters.
Lyngen Peninsula
- The Lyngen Alps offer rugged peaks, deep fjords, and some of Norway’s finest skiing. With access to remote summits via yacht, this destination is perfect for those seeking both skiing and sailing adventures.
- Located east of Tromsø, is home to some of the most rugged alpine peaks in the country and is entirely covered in snow and ice. Their highest peak, Jiekkevarre (1837 m), offers various opportunities for experienced mountaineers and skiers in a beautiful polar setting.
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
- Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are famous for their cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and of course, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. These fjords offer calm waters for relaxed sailing and stunning photography opportunities.
Bergen and the surrounding Fjords
- Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and is surrounded by beautiful fjords, including Hardangerfjord, the fifth-longest fjord in the world and the second-longest in Norway.
- Explore the city’s charming streets and visit the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lofoten Islands
- Located above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer dramatic mountain landscapes, fishing villages, deep fjords, seabird colonies and long beaches ideal for surfing. The islands are also known for whale watching and are an excellent place to experience both the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights.
Tailored tours at Hinde & Kitch
At Hinde & Kitch, we organise a variety of tours, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in Norway’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. Here are some of the exclusive tours we offer:
- Whale Watching in Tromsø (October – January):
Embark on a whale safari and witness orcas and humpback whales hunting in the Arctic waters. In the evening, chase the Northern Lights for an unforgettable experience. - Sail & Ski Lyngen Alps (February – May):
Combine sailing with alpine skiing in the stunning Lyngen Alps. This package includes professional guides who will lead you to some of Norway’s best ski destinations. - Halibut Spearfishing in Tromsø (April – December):
For an adrenaline-filled day, we can organise a halibut spearfishing expedition in Tromsø’s coastal waters. This full-day experience offers a thrilling dive into the Arctic’s underwater world, targeting halibut, cod and other marine species. - Snorkelling with Orcas (October – January):
Dive into the clear Arctic waters and swim alongside orcas and humpback whales. This thrilling and unique experience takes place in Tromsø’s waters, but make sure you bring some warm clothes!
Bareboat and Crewed charter
We also offer our typical bareboat, skippered or crewed charter, and can produce an itinerary that incorporates Orcas, skiing, spearfishing, and much more.
Off the beaten track
Cape Lindesnes
Norway’s southernmost headland is a serious navigational landmark rather than a casual stop. The waters west of the cape can be exposed and confused, demanding competent seamanship, while conditions often moderate immediately to the east. The historic lighthouse, first lit in 1655, remains central to its identity, with the present tower dating from 1915. Small craft are better left in sheltered harbours such as Lillehavn on the eastern side before visiting the lighthouse by land.
Hille
Just east of Mandal, Hille offers a markedly tranquil anchorage, more reminiscent of an inland lake than an exposed coastline. A grassy meadow slopes to a small beach, backed by traditional wooden houses. Shelter is good, but anchoring can be unreliable due to rocky seabed and dense kelp. Mooring to a jetty is often the more practical option.
Ålesund
A contrast to the solitude of the southern skerries, Ålesund provides urban energy in an architecturally distinctive setting. Rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after the 1904 fire, the town is compact and walkable. A climb up Mount Aksla gives wide views across the harbour and surrounding islands. It is a practical and civilised pause between more remote stretches of coast.
Lyngdalsfjorden
Beyond Farsund, Lyngdalsfjorden delivers a classic fjord experience with steep-sided cliffs and striking depth close to shore. The water often appears dark green under shifting Nordic light, and the weather can transform the landscape within minutes. It feels remote despite being only a short distance from open sea, making it well suited to unhurried exploration.
Ny Hellesund
A narrow sound between the islands of Monsø and Kabelø, Ny Hellesund is a former pilot station and historic maritime settlement dating to the 16th century. Access is entirely by boat. An old shipyard now serves as a café with small moorings, while a steep path leads to the former pilot’s lookout, where 19th century pilots once watched for ships entering the Skagerrak.
Svalbard Islands
- Located between Norway and the North Pole, they feature wild nature, glaciers, fjords, and polar bears, with nearly two-thirds of the islands designated as protected territory, including national parks and reserves.
- Enjoy the islands at any time of year, with the midnight sun visible from mid-May to late September, and the Northern Lights visible from October to late February.
- Activities include polar exploration, sailing cruises, kayaking among glaciers, snowmobile tours, and wildlife watching, with the Gulf Stream keeping coastal waters ice-free for most of the year.
What to Bring
- Warm layers.
- Waterproofs and/or oilskins.
- Swimmers and wetsuits – check with us before going regarding wetsuits.
- Camera gear
- Sun protection for all that midnight sun.
Resources for Sailing in Norway
- Weather and Wind Forecasts: Use tools like Windy and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute for real-time updates on weather and wind conditions.
- Marinas and Mooring: The Norwegian Coastal Administration offers detailed information on marinas and facilities. Apps like Navily and Harbour Guide help you find and reserve moorings.
- Additional Resources: For route planning, Navionics provides detailed nautical charts, and Visit Norway offers useful travel tips and regional insights.
Norway’s stunning waters offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore some of the world’s most beautiful environments. Whether you’re looking to cruise the fjords, swim with orcas or fish for halibut, we can help you organise the perfect trip to Norway.
