Norway

Norway’s long, varied coastline has an impressive landscape with steep mountains, deep fjords and small islands, which offer an idyllic sailing vacation destination. Plan your vacation around beautiful inhabited islands, such as Sjernarøyane, Kvitsøy, Utsira and Røvær, as well as the awe-striking fjords of Lysefjorden, Jøsenfjorden and Erfjorden.

Within this sailing region there are many sheltered places to anchor, either in marinas, where you can get shore power and stock up on groceries, or you can anchor for free in one of the plentiful quiet, natural coves or specially made piers around the islands.

If you love the great outdoors, you can combine your sailing vacation with a mountain hike. You can attempt a serious challenge with a 900-meter high mountain in the fjords, or something more relaxing with a 200m peak on one of the islands.

There are several exciting attractions in the area, such as Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Kjerag and Lysefjorden. The hike to the Pulpit Rock is one of the most popular things to do in the region. You can take one of the daily buses from Jørpeland to the bottom of the Pulpit rock trail. The hike takes 2 hours each way.

If you love city life, explore Stavanger, the largest city in the region and known for its strong cultural identity and history. It has a long tradition in the shipping and fishing industry, known for its canned sardines between the early 1800s up to the 1970s.

Stavanger’s natural resources and oil industry means it is an international city with acclaimed restaurants. Dine on fresh seafood, lamb, vegetables and fruit from local producers and you may even be able to experience wild edibles and raw food. If you are sailing in July, check out Gladmat, the largest food festival in the Nordic countries.

Dream Yacht Charter in Norway: Choose a boat from our bareboat fleet at our base in the sheltered port of Aamoy Marina, Vestre Aamoy. If you need help planning your charter, check out our inspirational itineraries or get in touch with our team to find out more.

Norwegian is the local language in Norway but most people speak English. German and French are also quite common.

Getting around

There are bus routes from both the airport of Stavanger and the airport of Haugesund. You can use taxis, but agree on the fare before you step in.

We can help organize your transfer, please contact us with your booking details.

Customs and duty free

For specific information about restrictions when coming to Norway from abroad, visit the customs department website.

Money and Banking

The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK).

ATMs are widely available, and almost all shops, restaurants and marinas take credit cards.

Connecting with the outside world

You will find Wi-Fi in some guest marinas and mobile 4G GSM networks have very good coverage in the region, also at sea.

The weather in the Stavanger and Ryfylke region is typically cool with partly cloudy summers. The best time to visit Norway is between June and September when the weather is warmer, reaching a high of 64ºF. April, May and June are the driest months.

Sailing conditions in the south west coast of Norway offers plenty of opportunities for sheltered anchorages. Most of the time you can stay inside the islands in relatively calm seas. Only a few passages takes you out in the open sea. The wind can be strong, up to 20 to 25 knots, especially in the afternoon. Most of the time, the wind is between 10 to 20 knots, perfect for sailing.

You need to be aware of underwater rocks and shallow areas, even though most of the hazards are well marked. Norway uses the international IALA Region A standard as the aid for navigation at sea. In Norway there are many iron poles (stake, perch) marking shallow waters or rocks. Many have a pointer on the top that points to the right track and deeper waters. Check your map or plotter for information before passing an iron pole.

Plan your magical Norwegian sailing adventure with our inspirational itinerary below, from coastal culture communities to impressive mountain hikes.

7 days Stavanger to Hervik

Stavanger, Kvitsøy, Skudeneshavn and Hervik with daily distances from approximately 10 to 20 nm.

Day 1

Vestre Aamoy to Jørpeland (12nm).

Day 2

Discover Jørpeland. Hike the Pulpit Rock and see the magnificent views. You can take the bus from port.

Day 3

Jørpeland to Stavanger Gjestehavn (11nm). Experience Stavanger city with its delicious restaurants.

Day 4

Stavanger to Kvitsøy Ystebøhavn (12nm). Visit the beacon and/or walk the marked route. See the charming fishing harbor.

Day 5

Kvitsøy to Skudneshavn (8nm). Visit the old town and take a stroll.

Day 6

Skudneshavn to Hervik (17nm). Sail sheltered fjords up to Hervik and hike 8.3km to Gudbrandsfjellet, which is about 2-3 hours roundtrip.

Day 7

Hervik to Vestre Aamoy (20nm). Return to the Stavanger base.

7 days Stavanger to Rossøysund

Stavanger, Skudeneshavn, Utsira, Røvær and Haugesund with daily distances from approximately 6 to 18 nm.

Day 1

Vestre Aamoy to Skudeneshavn (17nm), on the island Karmøy. Walk around the harbor and enjoy the market stalls.

Day 2

Skudeneshavn to Utsira (18nm), one of the most westerly spots in Norway. Walk to the lighthouse and take in the community art projects and street art.

Day 3

Utsira to the old fishing harbor of Røvær (13nm), with its ancient Viking sites.

Day 4

Røvær to Haugesund (6.5nm) where you can explore the city.

Day 5

Haugesund to Førresvik (14nm). Walk up the Boknafjell mountain, 293m above sea level, to see the view of the Ryfylke region.

Day 6

Førresvik to Rossøysund (16nm), a natural harbor and sheltered place for a stopover.

Day 7

Rossøysund to Vestre Aamoy (7.5nm).

7 days Stavanger to Lindøy

Stavangar, Erfjord, Halsne, Lindøy and Jørpeland with daily sails between 8 to 16 nm.

Day 1

Vestre Aamoy to Helgøysund (16nm). Walk to the north of the island to see the marble mine, active from the late 1800s to the 1960s.

Day 2

Helgøysund to Vatlandsvåg (13nm). Hike the Grytenut mountain, 477m above sea level, if you are fit and an experienced hiker.

Day 3

Vatlandsvåg to Erøy, Erfjord (13.6nm). Enjoy the harbor and if you have time, explore the nature trails.

Day 4

Erøy, Erfjord to Skartveit, Halsne (15nm), a small harbor with a beach. Visit Eikefjellet mountain, 80m above sea level.

Day 5

Skartveit, Halsne to Lindøy (14.8nm), with its beaches, coves and island walks. If you are sailing with young children, there is a playground on the island.

Day 6

Lindøy to Jørpeland (17.8nm). Visit the town center or hike to the pulpit rock. On the way you can tour Solspeilet, the outdoor sculpture known as the Norwegian Stonehenge.

Day 7

Jørpeland to Vestre Aamoy (12nm).

Our Stavanger base manager will be pleased to welcome you on arrival at our base in Stavanger, Aamoy Marina. This is one of the best-developed marinas in Norway and has Wi-Fi, water, electricity, fuel, laundry, cleaning and showers.

Fly to Stavangar International Airport Sola (SVG) from New York via London, UK, with Norwegian or via Amsterdam with KLM. Check the airport website schedule. Aamoy Marina is a 30-minute journey (29km) by car. Our base team can arrange your airport transfer for you.

We recommended you spend at least one week sailing in the Stavanger and Ryfylke region. Sailing further north to Haugesund and Bergen will probably need two weeks or more.

Before you set sail, download and read this information to make your trip as hassle-free and smooth as possible.

Sailing Resume

Base details for Stavanger, Norway

Our Norway fleet

Getting around

Customs and duty free

Money and Banking

Connecting with the outside world

7 days Stavanger to Hervik

7 days Stavanger to Rossøysund

7 days Stavanger to Lindøy

Charter types

Bareboat Charters

Skippered Charters

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