What You Need to Know to Sail the Coast of Norway
If you're looking for a sailing adventure, Norway is the perfect destination. With its pristine coastline and sheltered bays, there are plenty of places to explore by boat. But before you set sail, there are a few things you need to know.
In this article, we'll give you an overview of sailing in Norway, including the best time of year to go sailing, where to sail, and who to sail with. So if you're ready for an unforgettable sailing experience, read on!
Why go sailing along the coast of Norway?
Norway is renowned for its beautiful coastline, natural beauty and sailing is the best way to see it. There are plenty of sheltered bays and islands to explore, and the scenery is simply stunning. The west coast of Norway stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, so you can access backcountry hikes, ski touring routes, ideal fishing spots, and secluded beaches effortlessly. Norway is also surrounded by about 150,000 islands, including Jan Mayen in Greenland and the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
Sailing provides access to remote places, small fishing villages and desolate islands that ensure you are off the main tourist track. With access to remote places, comes an increased chance for wildlife sightings and/or northern lights. Cruising Norway's coastline is really hard to describe but many say it's unlike anything they've ever seen before.
When to go sailing in Norway
There are two main sailing seasons in Norway. The best time to go sailing depends on what you're looking for.
Summer - May to September
The weather is more stable, there are good winds and temperatures are mild, making for pleasant sailing conditions. You can kayak, SUP and have bonfires on the beaches. You can hike, birdwatch, fish for cod and enjoy the waterfalls in the fjords. If you want to avoid the crowds, late August and early September are ideal.
Winter - December to April
If you're looking for an adventure, sailing in winter can be a great experience. There are few crowds and you'll have the coastline almost to yourself. Winter sailing means northern lights, orca and humpback whales, ski touring or snowshoeing, cozy blankets and evenings sitting in the deck-top hot tub (yes, that is a thing)!
Read more about Weather in Norway
Now that you know when to go sailing, let's talk about where.
Where is the best coastal sailing in Norway?
There are many great sailing areas in Norway, but some stand out more than others. Here are a few of our favourites:
Sail in the Oslo Fjord: The Oslo Fjord is one of the most popular sailing areas in Norway. As the largest city, it is easy to arrive and depart from Oslo as well as rent and provision a boat. The sailing is easy and there are plenty of places to stop for a swim or a bite to eat.