NORWAY YACHT CHARTERS

If you were born before 1980, boating license is not required for boat rentals in Norway. However, charter companies still require some sailing experience. The level of experience depends on the type of the boat you plan to charter and the location. To check your qualification, please send an inquiry for the boat you plan to charter and complete your sailing resume in your personal account.

All persons born on or after 1 January 1980 need a boating license to operate a recreational craft under the Norwegian flag if the boat is more than 8 meters in length or has an engine with more than 25 HP.

Boating licenses or other qualification documents issued in another EEA country are valid according to the terms of the document. An International Certificate of Competence (ICC) issued under Resolution 40 must include coastal navigation to be valid in Norway. Other foreign boating licenses are valid if they substantially meet the requirements of the Norwegian boating license and are issued in English or a Scandinavian language.

The Kingdom of Norway (Norwegian Kongeriket Norge). This country,  occupies the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern  Europe. Its name originates from the Old Norse word Nor?rvegr – “way to  north." Norway is a great sailing destination, surrounded by three seas:  the Barents Sea to the northeast, the Norwegian – to the West and  Northen Sea – to the south-west it has a lot to offer to most  experienced sailors. Norway has a long and narrow territory with 30%  covered by forests, many rivers and lakes. More than half of the  country's territory is occupied by mountains.

Only Norway yacht charter vacation can offer a unique blend of  gorgeous scenery, diverse wildlife and spectacular Nothern Lighst  watching. Explore drammatic northern nature and spectacular landscapes  form the comfort of your yacht or catamaran.

General description: The kingdom of Norway, one of the largest  countries in Europe, spreads its borders along the North Sea, the  Norwegian Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Norway yacht charter is an ideal way  to explore magnificent fjords, which are unique geological formations  stretching deep into surrounding mountains, indenting its rugged  coastline, present the most spectacular features. Norway is also the  home of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The capital, Oslo, is a vibrant city centered round a harbor and  guarded by the 14-th century castle. The center of Oslo is home to the  Royal Palace, Viking Ship Museum, a lot of parks and galleries, as well  as other public institutions. Rent a boat in Norway and discover the  area close to Oslo, that is well built-up, with bustling harbors,  guarded by fortresses as early as 1643. But further south the scenery is  like post cards depicting dramatic towns and serene villages with  quaint clapboard houses and boats galore.

Bareboat charter in Oslofjorden area will bring you to the oldest  settlements dated back to Stone and Bronze Ages. Hanko is one of the  islands in this area. Its harbor town has the oldest naval museum in the  world, established in 1853. Although it sits on a bare rock, facing the  fjord, its sheltered eastern side is well forested, providing a  much-favored harbor and anchorage. The Norwegian Yachting Association  was founded here in 1882. Since then the island has been a venue for  national regattas, sailing races and world championship events. Norway  yacht charter in July will give you a chance to see most popular Hanko  Regatta that collects over 200 boats.

The southern coast (Oslo and Bergen),  lined with silver-sand beaches set against a backdrop of high mountain  plateau, and white-painted houses in fish-farming villages, is known as  the sunny side of Norway and summer paradise for holiday-makers. Renting  a boat here you will find numerous harbors with all necessary  amenities.

The long lacy western coastline borders the North Sea. This part of the  country is a true land of fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and secluded  beaches. Bergen is the second biggest town in Norway and offers number  of yachts for charter. Back in 10170 Bergen was the largest town in the  country and the capital of a region that included Iceland, Greenland and  parts of Scotland. Even after Oslo became capital of Norway in 1299,  Bergen continued to grow as a trading center, especially for the exports  of dried fish. Now it is a true center of shipping. Bergen is a World  Heritage City and the official residence of the king of Norway.

Northern Norway (Tromso and Lofoten)  has been called as "the land of excitement" or "the land of the high  flames". These expressions capture the essence of it - the shimmering  Northern Lights of winter and the midnight sun that shines day and night  in summer. With bareboat charter, you will be able to explore its  unspoiled coast that consists of a multitude of islands, fjords,  snow-clad peaks and glaciers. The northernmost point in Norway, Nordkapp  (the North Cape), is a place of pilgrimage for all-time traveler. Sheer  1,014-ft (309-m) high perpendicular cliffs form this most amazing  landmark as Europe's most northerly point.

The route between Tonsberg and Tjome, known as World's End, is only  19 miles (30 km) but plenty of time needed to explore this stunning  archipelago. There are impressive coves, narrow sounds, old skipper's  houses and boathouses, also a string of inviting holiday resorts.  Bridges connecting the larger islands and the sea is never far away for a  refreshing swim. Mountains, valleys and lakes dominate this incredible  landscape. It has a special appeal for rock climbers and hikers: from  the easy alpine pastures in Alvdal to demanding peaks in the national  parks.

Festivities. There are four defined seasons in Norway and "every  season has its charm". And Norway finds its enjoyment in each of them by  creating a number of festivals: snow and ice sculpture tournament, ski-  kite event, white-water canoe racing, dog-sledding, boat festivals -  fairs and games all the way along the coast.

Although sometimes wind or cold, rain or snow, can bring those  pleasures indoors (Jazz, folklore and dance festivals, film premieres  and art exhibitions), but nothing can spoil high spirit, because  festivals are important part of the nation's cultural life.

While on the yacht charter in Norway do not miss its vibrant cuisine  rich in fresh seafood (smoked, pickled or dried fish including whale  meat and seal) and wild game (reindeer, elk, pheasant, etc.). Although  over the years the local restaurants have become incredibly diverse,  including exotic international meals in the menu, Norwegian specialties,  such as lamb and cabbage stew or reindeer medallions or marinade of  rabbit, cannot be missed. Other traditional favorites include cured  smoked sausage and pheasant breast served with mushroom sauce. One  should not forget Norwegian most famous cheeses, best served on Ryvita  crisps. And for desert try fruits and especially berries (gooseberries  or black- and red currants).

Much of the country is habitable due to the warming effects of the  Gulf Stream. It comfortably creates mild winters and cool summers on the  west coast. The south and west of the country have the highest average  temperature 72F (22C) in Oslo in July. Norway is a vast country with  wide variations in its geographical and climate conditions. Both at sea  and in the mountains the wind and weather can change rapidly, thus it is  advisable to consult local people with knowledge of the sea before  setting forth into unknown waters.

Magnificent scenery combined with the wide range of outdoor  activities (whale and seal safaris; cave walking; dog-sledging, mountain  climbing, etc.) - that what makes Norway so appealing to adventurous  travelers. Norway has enormously long coastline interspersed with fjords  and islands, making boating a pure haven. And the most rewarding way to  explore the remote and enticing parts of this unique country is  definitely by sailing. The western coastline provides the most  convenient and safe mooring for the boats. Although anchorage is  free-of-charge in Norway, there are certain (and sometimes complicated)  specifics about mooring and berths. That's why it is better to let  experts deal with it. No matter how well-organized your sailing event  looks like, it is always wise and safe to consult and present your  vacation dream to professionals and let "12 Knots" do what they are good  at.