Contributions by Terje Jørgensen

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Entrance and maritime conditions: Right in the heart of Holmestrand, you pass a long breakwater and pier on the way in.
Speed limit 3 knots.
The guest docks are on the starboard side when you enter, towards the town buildings.
There is a ferry in regular traffic between Langøya and the outer side of the harbour facilities.
Marina with fuel.
Mooring: The guest spots with good depth are along the promenade after passing floating docks on the starboard side and are well marked.
You moor alongside.
Plenty of power outlets, if you need water you should try to position yourself near the water outlets.
Payment machine for overnight stay, the receipt to be displayed includes the code for the service building.
A good and sheltered harbour even when it's blowing briskly up the Oslofjord, with few waves despite quite a lot of traffic into the guest harbour and permanent spots.
https://holmestrand.kommune.no/_f/p1/ie0dcc2fd-7835-4d1b-8e5e-cc73ae20e3be/gjestehavna-brosjyre-2020.pdf

The area: At the innermost part of the harbour there is outdoor seating, some noise can be expected on weekends and from passing cars, but it's still recommended to stay here with children.
There are good provisioning opportunities for coolers and bars.
The service building on a cross street contains toilets and showers that have appeared well cleaned the times we've visited, and an office for harbour hosts during the season.
There is also a washing machine available.

2 x helpful | written on 29. Jun 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and Maritime Conditions: Well-protected harbour.
Payment machine and app are well signposted on the docks.
From the north, access is completely unproblematic; from the south, one must either pass between two well-marked pillars along the Hurum side or between two buoys right off Drøbak.
An old underwater wall, part of the defense system, otherwise restricts access especially for sailboats.
Route boats pass several times daily through the strait between Kaholmene and Håøya.
There is some wind to deal with if it blows hard, otherwise some current into the harbour between Nordre and Søndre K. when larger ships pass on the Drøbak side, which may be noticeable.
http://oscarsborggjestehavn.no/

Mooring: Both fixed quay and floating dock.
Some longside places, but primarily one of the high buoys at one end and three to four stern lines are used for mooring to these and floating docks.
Bouy hook recommended!
The stone dock towards the red service building is especially recommended for families with children, as it is quite calm in that end. The places along the stone dock closest to Håøya and innermost in the bay are only suitable for boats with less draft! The other places there can be used by most sailboats.

The Area: Great place for nice walks and lots of interesting history.
Very family-friendly and family-run harbour with pleasant and accommodating hosts.
It is usually not possible to reserve a place, and during the Pentecost, it’s a matter of luck if you find space for a kayak.
Beyond the red service building by the stone dock on Nordre Kaholmen is a fine sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming.
At the very north of the island lies the Commander's Bathing Place where it's delightful to take an evening swim from a tiny beach, or jump from the bathhouse for the more adventurous.
It's possible to explore the islands on your own; the previously classified torpedo battery on Nordre K. is only open with a guide, while most of the fortifications and museums are otherwise open. A flashlight is recommended if you plan to enter the tunnels on Søndre K., which can especially be recommended for those with children. They will also appreciate the Coastal Goat Command, which maintains the cultural landscape during the summer months.
Between Søndre K. and Håøya, there is a dock where RS has a permanent station, and from there, a regular route boat goes to Villa Malla at Filtvet, Drøbak, and inwards to Oslo.
The military provides a year-round ferry connection from the east side of Søndre K. to two docks in Drøbak for necessary supplies, and there is often a pleasant flea market at the square there.
If you don't want to pass the strait with a dinghy, it's only a few minutes to Sætre, which mostly has the same offerings as Drøbak.
Leash requirement all year round and there are strict restrictions on the use of grills. The island is not free of ticks.
https://www.forsvarsbygg.no/en/fortress-finder/oscarsborg-fortress/

1 x helpful | written on 29. Jun 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and maritime conditions: Municipal (Asker municipality) guest harbor at the very end of the Drammen Fjord.
Payment machine.
Just outside Holmsbu lies Holmsbusteinene, from there and inwards, a lot of antifouling paint and propeller blades have been left over the years, so one passes outside the green buoy in the middle of the fjord.
Simple service building with shower and toilet as soon as you set foot on land, there is also a barbecue area.

Mooring: There are primarily floating docks where one preferably moors at mooring arms on the inside of the breakwater and along the access to land.
Occasionally heavy waves from passing ships to Drammen Harbor outside, but it's fine to moor alongside there for shorter visits.
Quite deep except for the couple of innermost places, some wind when it blows briskly in from the Oslo Fjord, but not too bothersome once moored.
There is also often some current in the water, so it's good to be a bit vigilant if you need to turn and back into place.
The Area: Very cozy place with a southern Norway feel, two hotels in operation per the summer season 2021 in the immediate vicinity, otherwise three dining places where especially the oldest, Privaten, can be heard in the evening.
There is often a high spirit on some of the boats visiting the place on weekends, but you may be lucky and experience security guards who ensure some nighttime peace.
If you walk around the harbor towards Holmsbu Badehotell, there is a small beach below it for the little ones.
They might want to stop at one of the two ice cream kiosks along the harbor.
Holmsbu Handel is open every day and has morning coffee and fresh baked goods as well as some other things cottage and boat people ask for.
There is a bus from Drammen to Tofte and Sætre from the harbor.
Otherwise, it's nice to take the dinghy to one of the beaches around if you plan to stay a bit.
holmsbuopplevelser.no

1 x helpful | written on 29. Jun 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Entry and maritime conditions: In the middle of Drammen city center, on the Bragernes side, on both sides of the City Bridge, there are municipal guest spots free of charge as of June 2021.
It is not possible to get under the bridges downstream closer to Drammen Harbor with sailboats, the free height on the motorway bridge is 10.5 meters, estimated 6 meters on the bridges above.
The nearest municipal offer for sailboats is in Svelvik, a half-hour bus ride away.

Berthing: Berthing is alongside, regulations state a maximum depth of two boats, alternatively towards land with an anchor, maximum width of 8 boats.
Some current can be expected in the Drammen River, (but no electricity on the pier ;-) ).
There is shore power available, but the system has been plagued with faults.
For regulations and further information
https://www.drammen.kommune.no/tjenester/vei-trafikk-parkering/kommunale-gjestebrygger/
The area: Drammen city center is very compact and you can find most things within walking distance, groceries right across the street, a drink right on the other side of the square.
Tourist information opened in 2021 at Bragernes Square right on the other side of the road that passes, the main hub for public transport is around the City Bridge/Square, the Vestfold and Sørland Railway lines are visible.
The water quality in the river is acceptable and therefore swimming areas have been established right below the pier facilities, there are also indoor/outdoor swimming areas on the Strømsø side, a fifteen-minute leisurely walk away.
The spots on this side fill up quickly during larger events in the city, there have then been better opportunities to dock at the Railway Pier.
Two restaurants on the pier will inevitably cause some noise throughout the night.

1 x helpful | written on 17. Jun 2022

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and maritime conditions: Solumstrand is located on the outskirts of old Drammen in a well-established residential area.
The fjord is trafficked by larger ships that normally enter and exit the fjord along the east,
Therefore, it is fine to stay on the west side a few hundred meters from the shore.
Good depth from 50 meters from the shore.
There is a 5-knot speed limit in Drammen municipality within 200 meters from the shore,
in Svelviksundet, the maximum speed is 8 knots.
Mooring: The harbor mainly has fixed places for the association's members, but some may be available for shorter or longer stays.
A fixed arrangement for daily spots has not been established, but the harbor master Ole Peder Bjørsom can be contacted at phone number 45411548.
If the depth exceeds 1.80 meters, a special agreement must be made!
Daily rate with shore power is 200 NOK, payable via Vipps to the association.
The boat is normally moored with the bow towards the fixed pier and moored aft towards poles on each side of the spots.
One passes the breakwater and enters the harbor from the northwest, there is good room to maneuver into the harbor between the poles and usually good shelter, except in strong winds from the north.
No noticeable current in the harbor.
It is also possible to rent lifting with a certified mobile crane and space for maintenance and repairs by prior arrangement.
The area: The sailing association is established outside one of the municipality's treatment plants, but this is not a disturbance.
There is parking available in the association's area.
Bus towards Svelvik and Drammen passes along Svelvikveien just inside the storage areas.
Swimming facilities at the approach to the facility and outside the breakwater by the ramp used for the association's dinghies.
There are often activities in season, from Solum there are Wednesday regattas for all levels.
KIWI and REMA at Åskollen are a fifteen-minute walk up the hill.

The association's website is https://www.dsf.no

1 x helpful | written on 17. Jun 2022

Terje Jørgensen says:

area

maritime qualities

description

Beautiful elongated guest dock made of solid wood, where one can moor alongside, but caution is advised against mooring in other places upstream and downstream where there is no dock, as it is very shallow with visible rocks in many places!
The dock has direct access to Drammen station and the rest of the city, although it will be a bit tricky during the construction period until autumn 2025.
Stone dock upstream of Bybrua is one of the places where you need to be very careful.
There is no fee, but there are also no permanent facilities along the guest dock as of 2024.

1 x helpful | written on 30. Jul 2024

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and maritime conditions: Tåjebukta is located approximately in the middle of Håøya.
Mooring: The breakwater at the outer end of the bay is now connected to the land via a floating dock.

1 x helpful | written on 6. Jul 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and Maritime Conditions: Usually calm waters within (west of) Håøya.
There are some reefs between the island and Sætre along the approach from the south, but after passing them, one can quickly head into Tåjebukta and follow the island up to Dragsund.

Anchoring: Boats from 35-40 feet can lie comfortably alongside the breakwater, while smaller boats are well shielded inside and moored to a buoy that must be shared with neighbors and linked to the breakwater.
Approximately 7-15 meters depth.
Well sheltered under normal wind conditions.
It’s possible to move further into the bay with smaller motorboats and perhaps one or two sailboats, but be aware of a couple of reefs at a depth of 1.5 meters!
A 36-foot sailboat has been observed anchored stern-to and secured to the rock face there.

The Area: Delightful island with a bakery in summer, check FB; otherwise, a couple of basic facilities north and south of Dragsund.
There are a number of ticks on the island, so it's good to bring remedies and check yourself well upon returning to the dock.
Beautiful hiking area with lots of history, including from explosives production and WWII when the island was used as an execution site.
Relatively short trip into Sætre with shops, a liquor store, building supplies, etc.

1 x helpful | written on 23. Jul 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and maritime conditions: The work along the outermost tracks is now completed, and the pier is open for use, just in time for the Elvefestivalen 2024. The liquor store (opening on 29.08.24) and grocery store, restaurants, etc., are a five-minute stroll along the path upstream. Until the station area is ready, one must go up the stairs to the footbridge to cross the river or shop at Strømsø Torg or Joker at the train station. There will occasionally be some noise until completion in 2025. In the middle of Drammen city center, on the south side of the Drammenselva river, parallel to Drammen station. Suitable only for motorboats due to low clearance, estimated at six meters, under the bridges downstream. The only municipal guest pier in Drammen municipality suitable for sailboats is located in the center of Svelvik, about one and a half to two hours further out in the fjord. There is a bus from there to Drammen. This has its own entry and is marked on the map. Docking: Fixed municipal guest pier. For regulations and further information https://www.drammen.kommune.no/tjenester/vei-trafikk-parkering/kommunale-gjestebrygger/ The area: Facilities similar to Skutebrygga/Honnørbrygga on the Bragernes side. No fees as of June 2022. Everything you want to find in a city within walking distance, very short distance to public transport and taxis. Shops, restaurants, and the liquor store on the other side of the station building around Strømsø Torg. Promenade from here down to the Skuteforening's pier by the motorway bridge.

1 x helpful | written on 17. Jun 2022 | updated_on 30. Jul 2024

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and maritime conditions: Between the islands and the mainland to the north, the waters can be very shallow at times.
Bridge over to Bjerkøya where caution is needed when passing at low tide, only possible with smaller boats.
South of Bjerkøya it is fine to pass if vigilant, otherwise deeper waters south of Kommersøya.
Good conditions for anchoring, some traffic in and out to Nordre Jarlsberg pier in the evening/night.
Strong winds entering the Oslofjord can be felt as described in the info about Kommers, as the island is called locally.
Anchoring: Anchoring depth down to a couple of meters depending on where you position.
Sand/clay bottom.
The area: A dinghy trip into Fantebukta/Nordre Kommersøya (see info there) which is also a very attractive destination for many.
During weekends it can be crowded there, in which case anchoring out could be an alternative.
Guest pier at the innermost part of Nordre Jarlsberg Brygge, closest to the Kiwibutikk.
Holmestrand can easily be visited by dinghy.

1 x helpful | written on 30. Jun 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Entrance and maritime conditions: Right inside Svelviksundet, where Norway's shortest ferry route operates regularly.
Cargo vessels pass at all times of the day, which can create choppy waves.
The wind usually follows the fjord either in or out, rarely experienced crosswind.
Anchoring: Drop the anchor into a moraine from the last ice age, it has worked well for bathing trips to lie with one anchor when there is no northerly wind.
The beach and bottom consist of sand and stones, conditions can become unstable with stronger northerly winds.
With southerly winds, the remaining part of the moraine acts as a good windscreen, very calm even with winds over 8-10 m/s.
It's quite possible to lie along the beach with one anchor at each end at 7-9 meters, varying depth along.
It becomes quite deep the further north from the moraine you place yourself.
The area: There is access to the beach via road and parking facilities for cars.
Along the beach and down along the strait, there are strolling opportunities, which transition into a hiking trail down to the ferry port at Verket.
Therefore, you are not dependent on a car to get over to Svelvik for shopping.
For more information about the place, visit Asker municipality's website:
https://www.asker.kommune.no/natur-og-friluft/friluftsliv/badeplasser/dramstadbukta/

1 x helpful | written on 6. Jul 2021

Terje Jørgensen says:

description

Approach and Maritime Conditions: Guest pier extending from the old steamboat quay in the middle of Svelviksundet.
There is a strong current, smaller sailboats depend on checking the tide table.
Directly to the north and east are the landings for Norway's shortest ferry route, which operates approximately every fifteen minutes.
To dock most safely, it is recommended to stay a handful of meters from the shore on the west side of the sound so as not to conflict with the ferry.
The swing towards the north on the pier has unknown depth and is not recommended for sailboats, while the spots further downstream have good depth.
Larger cargo ships often pass through the sound throughout the day and night, and these along with the ferry create significant waves.

Docking: Dock longside. The steamboat quay at the far south end is relatively high and is lined with rubber tires.
Norway's second strongest current in the sound!
The Area: The only municipal guest pier suitable for sailboats in Drammen municipality. There is no fee for municipal spots in Drammen as of June 2021.
The district has just over 5000 inhabitants, some shops within walking distance, and its own liquor outlet in the center just under ten minutes on foot to the north.
Bus stop with regular departures to Drammen by the ferry landing directly to the north. Check brakar.no for schedules.
Restaurant Dreggen is located in the middle of the pier, and there are several places to get ready-made food up on the street above, as well as a Kiwi store on the other side of the building along the pier.
Marina with fuel on the west side just before entering Drammensfjorden. Open 24/7.
https://www.facebook.com/svelvikmarina

0 x helpful | written on 29. Jun 2021