I Sail in Norway

Introduction

Norway is one of Europe's most remarkable destinations for coastal sailing. From the Swedish border to the North Cape and the Russian border, the Norwegian coastline stretches across a succession of fjords, archipelagos, islands, channels, straits and natural harbours. To the west, the North Sea and Norwegian Sea open onto the North Atlantic; further north, the Barents Sea borders the Arctic regions. Norwegian navigation also extends to the Svalbard archipelago and the waters around Jan Mayen.

The geography of Norway makes the choice of nautical chart particularly important. The coastline is extremely indented, and some routes pass through narrow channels between islands and skerries, sometimes with shallow water immediately adjacent to very deep waters. In these conditions, a small-scale chart intended for planning a long passage cannot replace a detailed chart when navigating inside a fjord or approaching a harbour.

The Norwegian Mapping Authority, Kartverket, is responsible for official hydrographic charting of Norwegian waters. Its nautical chart system includes different categories, from general charts designed for long-distance planning to large-scale harbour charts. Kartverket currently lists 235 Norwegian nautical charts in different series and scales.

The southern coast of Norway and the Skagerrak

Navigation in Norway often begins in the Skagerrak, between Denmark, Sweden and the southern Norwegian coast. Oslo and the Oslofjord form an important maritime gateway.

The Oslofjord presents very different navigation conditions from those encountered on an open-sea passage. The fjord is surrounded by islands, islets and a highly indented coastline. Sailors can reach ports and anchorages around Oslo, Drøbak, Moss, Fredrikstad and Tønsberg.

Further west, the Sørlandet region includes Arendal, Grimstad, Lillesand, Kristiansand, Mandal and Farsund. This area is characterised by a landscape known as the “skjærgård”, consisting of numerous islands and skerries that provide many sheltered routes.

For recreational sailing, charts need to clearly distinguish navigable channels, isolated rocks, shallow areas, buoys, anchorages and passages between islands.

NV Charts' Norwegian coverage includes the southern coast from the Oslofjord to Haugesund, with dedicated atlases covering this region.

Stavanger, Haugesund and the south-west coast

Further west, Stavanger is one of Norway's main maritime centres. The region also includes Sandnes, Egersund, Haugesund and numerous smaller coastal ports and sheltered areas.

The landscape gradually changes into a fjord environment. Islands, channels and waterways become increasingly numerous. Sailors may alternate between coastal navigation and navigation in highly sheltered waters.

The Lysefjord, located near Stavanger, is particularly well known for its spectacular scenery and steep cliffs. Navigation in this type of fjord requires sufficiently detailed charting to take account of depths, channels and possible anchorages.

The Bergen region is another major section of the Norwegian coast. The islands and fjords around Bergen form a complex maritime network connecting numerous ports and coastal communities.

Bergen and the major fjords of western Norway

Bergen is a major starting point for exploring the western Norwegian coast. The city is located in the heart of a region characterised by a succession of islands, straits and major fjords.

To the north and east of Bergen are the Osterfjord, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and numerous secondary branches.

The Sognefjord is the longest and one of the deepest fjords in Norway. It extends far inland and divides into several branches. Navigation in this type of environment requires sailors to progressively move from general charting to coastal and detailed charts.

The Hardangerfjord, south of Bergen, also has numerous branches. Possible ports and stops include Odda and several smaller ports located along the fjord.

Norwegian charting is organised according to different scales. Main charts are intended for navigation in inner coastal waters, while harbour charts provide much larger scales, generally between 1:5,000 and 1:25,000.

Ålesund, Molde and the central coast

Further north, Ålesund is another major maritime centre. The coastline around the city is particularly indented and includes numerous islands and navigable waterways.

Molde, Kristiansund and Ålesund provide access to a region where fjords, mountains and archipelagos alternate.

The Geirangerfjord, accessible from this part of the coast, is one of Norway's best-known fjords. Its navigation illustrates perfectly why detailed charting is necessary when a vessel leaves open coastal waters and enters a narrow fjord.

The maritime route north then leads towards Trondheim. This major port city is located at the head of the Trondheimsfjord, a large maritime area containing numerous islands and several channels.

Trondheim and the Trøndelag coast

Trondheim is an important stop between western Norway and the more northern regions.

The Trondheimsfjord provides relatively sheltered navigation over a large area. Charts allow sailors to plan the different branches of the fjord, approaches to Trondheim and routes towards secondary ports.

North of Trondheim, the coastline gradually becomes more remote. Islands and archipelagos become increasingly numerous, particularly around Rørvik and the Helgeland region.

This part of Norway is also crossed by the famous coastal route served by the Hurtigruten, illustrating the importance of maritime traffic along the Norwegian coastline.

Bodø, the Lofoten and Vesterålen

Bodø is an important stop before reaching the northern archipelagos. The Lofoten Islands form one of the most emblematic sailing areas in Norway.

The principal islands include Austvågøya, Vestvågøya, Flakstadøya and Moskenesøya. Ports such as Svolvær, Kabelvåg, Henningsvær, Stamsund and Reine are particularly associated with this region.

Navigation in the Lofoten requires careful attention to channels between islands, rocks, shallow areas and weather conditions. Large-scale charts are particularly useful when approaching ports and navigating narrow passages.

North of the Lofoten are the Vesterålen Islands, including Sortland, Stokmarknes and Andenes. NV Charts offers detailed charting for the Lofoten and Vesterålen, including charts at scales such as 1:50,000.

Tromsø, Finnmark and the North Cape

Tromsø is one of northern Norway's principal urban and maritime centres. Navigation around Tromsø takes place between numerous islands and fjords, including Tromsøysundet and the areas around Kvaløya and Ringvassøya.

Further north, the Finnmark coast becomes particularly exposed. Hammerfest, Alta, Honningsvåg and Kirkenes are important reference points for navigation.

The North Cape marks one of the northernmost points accessible by sea in mainland Europe. Navigation in this region requires consideration of weather conditions that can change rapidly, low temperatures and, depending on the season, very different daylight conditions from those experienced further south.

Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Arctic waters

Norwegian charting also covers the Arctic territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

Svalbard includes Longyearbyen, Isfjorden, Bellsund and numerous fjords and archipelagos. Navigation here is very different from navigation along mainland Norway.

The official charts covering Svalbard, Jan Mayen and other polar regions are organised into dedicated series. Norwegian general charts also cover the Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

Which nautical charts should be used for sailing in Norway?

The choice of a Norway nautical chart depends mainly on the distance being covered and the level of detail required.

• General charts: for planning long passages in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea and North Atlantic.

• Coastal charts: for navigation along the Norwegian coastline.

• Main charts: for navigation in inner coastal waters and fjords.

• Harbour charts: for harbour approaches and confined waters.

• Official ENC charts: for professional navigation using ECDIS and compatible systems.

• Digital recreational charts: for navigation on compatible chartplotters, with GPS positioning and electronic chart display.

Official Norwegian ENC charts are produced according to international IHO standards and are intended for use in ECDIS. Kartverket also provides electronic chart data based on official Norwegian hydrographic information for leisure chartplotters.

The importance of chart scale in Norwegian fjords

In Norway, chart scale is particularly important. Inside a fjord or narrow channel, a small-scale chart simplifies the information considerably and should not be considered equivalent to a large-scale chart.

Kartverket recommends using the largest available scale in narrow waters because it provides the most detailed information.

This is particularly important in:

• fjords;

• channels between islands;

• harbour approaches;

• the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos;

• the areas around Bergen and Stavanger;

• approaches to Tromsø;

• sheltered anchorages;

• passages containing rocks or shallow areas.

Norwegian nautical charts and sailing publications

Charting is only one part of preparing for navigation in Norway. The Norwegian Hydrographic Service also publishes the “Etterretninger for sjøfarende”, or Efs, which provide information on changes to navigation aids, newly discovered dangers, defects in charts and other information important to mariners. These notices are published regularly.

The official sailing directions, “Den norske los”, complement the nautical charts. They cover the Norwegian coast as well as Svalbard and Jan Mayen and provide additional information useful for coastal navigation. The current digital version is available in Norwegian and English.

Information on tides and water levels is also important, particularly in harbours and shallow waters. Kartverket provides tide tables and water-level information for locations along the Norwegian coast.

Main ports and sailing areas in Norway

For navigation planning, the principal areas can be grouped as follows:

• Oslofjord: Oslo, Drøbak, Moss, Fredrikstad.

• Sørlandet: Arendal, Grimstad, Lillesand, Kristiansand, Mandal.

• South-west coast: Egersund, Stavanger, Haugesund.

• Western fjords: Bergen, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord.

• Central coast: Ålesund, Molde, Kristiansund, Trondheim.

• Helgeland: Rørvik, Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen.

• Lofoten: Svolvær, Kabelvåg, Henningsvær, Stamsund, Reine.

• Vesterålen: Sortland, Stokmarknes, Andenes.

• Northern Norway: Bodø, Tromsø, Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Kirkenes.

• Arctic regions: Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Jan Mayen.

Conclusion

Sailing in Norway means navigating through an exceptionally diverse maritime environment: the Skagerrak, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea, fjords, archipelagos and Arctic waters.

The specific characteristics of the Norwegian coastline require charting adapted to every stage of a voyage. A general chart is useful for planning a long passage, a coastal chart for following the coastline, a main chart for navigation in inner coastal waters and a harbour chart for approaches and confined areas.

Kartverket is the official Norwegian hydrographic authority. Official ENC charts, paper charts and nautical publications such as the Efs and “Den norske los” form a coherent set of information for planning and conducting a voyage. Other publishers, including NV Charts and Imray, also provide charting solutions for different sailing programmes. Imray's Norwegian sailing resources include information on official Norwegian chart series and coastal guides.

For sailing in Norway, thorough preparation should therefore combine nautical charts, the appropriate scale, tidal and water-level information, weather data, navigation aids and detailed knowledge of fjords, channels and harbour approaches.

FAQ – I Sail in Norway

What is the best nautical chart for sailing in Norway?

There is no single chart suitable for the whole of Norway. The choice depends on the region and type of navigation. A general chart is suitable for long-distance planning, while a large-scale chart is required in fjords, narrow channels and harbour approaches.

Who produces Norway's official nautical charts?

Official Norwegian nautical charts are produced by Kartverket, the Norwegian Mapping Authority, through its Hydrographic Service.

Which sea surrounds Norway?

Norway borders several maritime areas, including the Skagerrak in the south, the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. The waters around Svalbard and Jan Mayen also form part of Norway's polar maritime charting.

Which chart should be used in Norwegian fjords?

Inside a fjord, the largest available scale should be used whenever possible in order to provide detailed information on soundings, rocks, channels, navigation marks and anchorages.

Which charts should be used for the Lofoten Islands?

The Lofoten require sufficiently detailed charting for navigation between the islands and approaches to ports such as Svolvær, Henningsvær, Stamsund and Reine. Specific charting is also available for the Lofoten and Vesterålen regions.

Are Norwegian nautical charts available digitally?

Yes. Norway has official Electronic Navigational Charts, or ENC, intended for use with ECDIS. Digital chart solutions are also available for recreational chartplotters and navigation systems.

What is a Norwegian ENC chart?

An ENC is an official vector electronic navigational chart complying with international IHO standards. Norwegian ENC data are produced by Kartverket and are intended for regulated electronic navigation systems such as ECDIS.

Do tides need to be considered when sailing in Norway?

Yes. Water levels and tidal variations should be considered, particularly in harbours, shallow waters, channels and certain fjords.

What is Den norske los?

“Den norske los” is the official Norwegian sailing directions publication. It complements nautical charts with information about the Norwegian coast, Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

What are the Efs in Norway?

“Etterretninger for sjøfarende”, or Efs, are Norwegian Notices to Mariners. They provide information about changes to navigation aids, newly discovered dangers, chart corrections and other information relevant to mariners.

What are the main sailing areas in Norway?

The principal sailing areas include the Oslofjord, Sørlandet, Stavanger, Bergen and the western fjords, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, the Lofoten, Vesterålen, Tromsø, Finnmark, the North Cape and the Arctic regions.

Which publishers provide nautical charts for Norway?

Official Norwegian charting is produced by Kartverket. Other publishers provide complementary recreational charting, including NV Charts and Imray, as well as electronic chart providers for chartplotters and navigation systems.

Which scale should be chosen for a Norwegian nautical chart?

For a long passage, a general or passage chart is appropriate. For coastal navigation, a coastal chart is preferable. In fjords, archipelagos and harbour approaches, a large-scale chart provides significantly more detail and should be used where available.