The most striking section of this charter yacht hotspot encompasses Norway’s famous fjords – long, narrow sea inlets between steep glacial cliffs that provide an endless labyrinth of cruising opportunities. With clear, deep waters, vast reefs, imposing mountains, verdant hillsides, colourful settlements and fertile fishing grounds, West Norway is a unique yacht charter venue.
From Trondheim in the north to Stavanger in the south lies a region of West Norway where the famous fjords come into dramatic union with the open sea. And while Alesund provides excellent access to the magnificent Geirangerfjord, Bergen is an unbeatable base for a charter. In addition to its UNESCO-listed harbour and its innate vibrancy as Norway’s second largest city, its location at the apex of seven mountains puts it within reach of some of the country’s longest, deepest and most dramatic fjords. Expect cliffs a thousand metres high, majestic waterfalls, blissful anchorages and pristine wildernesses. It’s famed as one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth, and with a week-long yacht charter from Bergen, some its greatest treasures are yours to explore.
Arriving in the morning we can explore the archipelago, which includes the harbour town of Rorvik, and over 6,000 islands, including beaches, inlets and reefs. Rørvik is a port village in the municipality of Vikna in Trøndelag county. It is on the eastern side of the Vikna archipelago on the island of Inner-Vikna.
The Lofoten archipelago creates the western boundary of Vestfjord. Islands known for their exceptional natural beauty, beautiful fishing settlements, the Rorbu (Fishermen’s cottages) and the stockfish drying racks. Lofoten has a very high density of sea eagles and millions of other sea birds, among them the colourful puffin. The Lofoten archipelago looks like a closed wall when viewed from above, or when arriving from the sea, and is around 100 km long, and 800-1,000 m high. The Moskenes maelstrom is considered to be one of the most dangerous maelstroms (whirlpool currents) in the world. In Vestvågøy you can view archaeological finds from the Iron Age and the Viking Age. Discover too the Viking longhouse at Borg (the largest known longhouse at 83m) and the picturesque fishing village of Nusfjord.
By the time you wake and head out for breakfast on deck, the yacht will be well on its way to the romantic city of Rosendal on the Handangerfjord. This gorgeous town is framed by mountains and the Folgefanna Glacier, meaning that options for activities are endless. Do you want to hike, or summer ski on the glacier? Take a helicopter trip above the landscape? Or kayak in a lake beneath the glacier? The area around Rosendal is a hiking and adventure paradise, while back in town you might want to explore the sumptuous gardens and buildings of the Barony, Scandinavia’s smallest palace.
Trondheim is a city and municipality in røndelag county, Norway. It has a population of 193,666 (2017), and is the third most populous municipality in Norway. Trondheim lies on the south shore of Trondheim Fjord at the mouth of the River Nidelva. The city is dominated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF), St. Olavs University Hospital and other technology-oriented institutions.
A hike up to Helgelandsbukken Mountain will give you some of the best views possible of the Helgeland Coast and Svartisen, Norway’s second largest glacier. The hike includes a boat trip across the Holandsfjord, where you can enjoy the view of the crystalline blue Engabreen Glacier coming down between the mighty mountains. This branch of Svartisen is Europe’s lowest-lying glacier, with its lowest point located only a hundred metres above sea level.