Why We Sail Arctic Norway Instead of the Mediterranean — A Week with Friends | Ep. 99
#SailingNorway #NorwaySailing #Sailingadventures
Would Mediterranean sailors fall in love with sailing in northern Norway? Or would the cold Arctic waters send them straight back south? We invited two experienced sailing friends aboard Polaris to find out.
While our friends enjoy warm evenings and waterfront restaurants in the Mediterranean, we spend our summers exploring Norway’s spectacular northern coastline, navigating remote islands, dodging rain showers and occasionally wondering what happened to summer!
But there is something extraordinary about sailing in Norway. The dramatic landscapes, peaceful anchorages, countless islands and unforgettable wildlife encounters make this one of the most rewarding cruising grounds we have ever experienced.
So we invited our Swiss friends Christine and Rolf, both experienced Mediterranean sailors, to join us aboard Polaris for a week of island hopping along Norway’s beautiful Helgeland coast.
Their only previous experience of Norway? A thoroughly wet motorcycle trip!
We have just a few days to convince them that northern Norway deserves a place on every sailor’s cruising itinerary.
And what a week it turns out to be!
Our adventure takes us through the extraordinary islands and narrow channels of the Helgeland coast, including the beautiful Solvær archipelago, Sleneset, Lovund and other fascinating island communities.
Along the way, we experience:
⛵ Wonderful sailing between Norway’s spectacular coastal islands.
🐋 An unexpected and unforgettable encounter with a pod of orcas crossing our course.
🎣 Christine’s very first fishing experience — with surprisingly quick results!
🏝️ Exploring remote island communities, historic trading posts and picturesque harbours.
🥾 A spectacular mountain hike with breathtaking views across the Norwegian Sea.
🪨 An expedition deep inside an enormous ancient sea cave.
💨 A sudden 40-knot gust that turns a relaxed sail into a rather more exciting experience!
☕ Norwegian hospitality, delicious homemade cakes and a fascinating glimpse into the history of life along this remarkable coastline.
But the real question remains:
Can we convince two Mediterranean sailors that northern Norway is one of the world’s most beautiful cruising destinations?
Or will they be dreaming of warm Mediterranean evenings before the week is over?
Join us aboard Polaris as we explore the magnificent Helgeland coast and discover what our friends really think about sailing in Norway.
If you enjoy sailing adventures, cruising in Norway, exploring remote anchorages and discovering the extraordinary landscapes of the North Atlantic, we would love to have you aboard.
👍 Give the video a thumbs up if you enjoyed the adventure.
💬 Would you choose the Mediterranean or northern Norway for your summer sailing holiday? Tell us in the comments!
⛵ Subscribe to follow our continuing sailing adventures along the Norwegian coast and beyond.
Fair winds!
📘 Norwegian Cruising Guide
We also co-write and publish the Norwegian Cruising Guide — a harbour and anchorage guide for sailors exploring the Norwegian coast.
Find practical information about harbours, anchorages, approaches, facilities, and local cruising details for Norway: https://www.norwegiancruisingguide.com
We are Kathrin & Daniel, a sailing couple living aboard Polaris Helvetica. After leaving our land-based life behind, we refitted Polaris into a liveaboard cruiser and set sail north to explore Norway, the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, and beyond.
⛵ Watch next:
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Contact: [email protected]
📍 In this episode:
00:00 Can Mediterranean sailors fall in love with Norway?
01:26 Christine's first fishing adventure
03:57 Island hopping along the Helgeland coast
05:36 An awkward encounter with the express ferry
07:02 An unforgettable encounter with orcas!
08:17 Discovering a historic Norwegian trading post
09:59 Finally, some sailing!
11:24 A spectacular Norwegian mountain hike
13:29 Perfect sailing conditions at last
16:09 Exploring an enormous sea cave
18:06 A sudden 40-knot gust!
18:56 Discovering Norway's coastal history
21:00 Did our friends fall in love with Norway?
22:58 Our final passage — and the end of summer
Keywords: Arctic sailing, sailing Norway, Norwegian coast, Norway anchorages, Norwegian harbours, sailing Northern Norway, high latitude sailing, liveaboard sailing, sailing couple, fjord sailing, yacht cruising, Norway by sailboat, Arctic Circle sailing, sailboat life, remote anchorages, cruising guide Norway.
#SailingNorway
#NorwaySailing
#SailingAdventure
#Helgeland
#SailingLife