Fisterfjorden / Hjelmeland / Fisterøyane

Guest harbours, natural harbours, map, sea chart Hjelmeland

59°10N 06°01E. Steering to the northeast in Fisterfjorden, you’ll pass Fisterøyane on the port bow. Many consider this group of islands to be the most tempting in Ryfylke, unfortunately it is threatened by planed bridged connecting the islands. Fister is on your starboard bow, and offers a guest pier, grocery, fuel, a camping site and more. Farther on, Fisterfjorden stretches out, but never becomes boring with its many coves an inlets. A popular spot is Børøyholmane. On southern Børøy, a nice place for families, you’ll even find a guest pier and a toilet, a barbecue stand and footpaths. Another popular place is Sandangervågen (59°10,44’N 06°00,31’E ) a beautiful bay, though new, cabin constructions might ruin your expectations of unspoiled landscape and solitude. Another option is Kvaløysundet, entering from southwest, or the islet Espholmen. Here you can chat with the locals (probably only a school of sheep). A better option probably is spending the Esphomlen evening with your friend or lover, planning the next day’s leg.

Espholmen

Espholmen

Hjelmelandsfjorden, Ombofjorden far-out.

Heading for Hjelmeland, you’ll pas Ølesundet, northeast of Randøy, with a grocery, fuel, overnight accommodation and a cafe with traditional dishes. You might also follow an old footpath, now reopened as a culture trail. 2,5 nautical miles farther to the northeast, you’ll find the center of this part of Ryfylke, Hjelmeland (59°14,25’N 06°10,25’E). Hjelmeland offers a few reasonable guest berths in the local small craft harbour. They are the outermost berths. Farther on, the harbour is shallow. Toilet and shower is available. Bigger boats can make fast outside of the breakwater. You’ll also find larger berths - -and more expensive – in the private Hjelmeland Spa Hotel harbour – a good option if you really need to grease your lovers palm after some “combing sea” (water, electricity, restaurant, bar – and Spa.). You can also refuel and moor in Sande, just east of the ferry pier (see sketch map). Old Hjelmeland is a protected block of houses, just behind the small craft harbour. Town hall and the public square are just around the corner. Unfortunately, many shops now are situated outside of the old centre, by the new ferry quay. However, this will give you an excuse to take a stroll alongside the waterside.

Old Hjelmeland and small craft harbour.

In Hjelmeland, an old spinning mill close to the town hall is transformed into an interesting museum. Early in September, a festival is held in the town, celebrating the local products, fruit and salmon –the two cornerstones in Hjelmeland’s business activity. Another product is the “Jæren chair”. So, if you are tired of standing at the helm, Helmeland has a tasteful cheer to offer.

Hjelmeland's spa hotel