Boating in Norway
Water, the fjords on the west coast, lakes and rivers, skerry islands and the sea...all these elements are part of the Norwegian way of life.
Almost everybody in Norway owns a boat – boats have become an indispensable element of everyday’s life: no matter if we are referring to leisure activities such as sailing, fishing, enjoying peaceful moments in the sea or quotidian activities such as going to school, to the hairdresser or visiting a friend. You just need a boat.
This is exactly what we would like to share with you: the sense of adventure, all the impressions and vibrant moments and feelings that emerge in this country surrounded by water.
Therefore, almost all our houses have a boat included in the offer. However, we do take a big responsibility since boat trips can be dangerous if the basic rules are not followed. The weather, the wind and the waves can be capricious; that is why all boats that are being hired together with the houses do fulfill our minimum prerequisites, that is, at least 20 HP. In any case, always be careful and pay attention to any changing weather conditions and the forecast, follow the basic rules and instructions that you can find in all houses and the advice of the house owner, too. Always have a cell phone with you, wear a life jacket and do not fish while standing.
Bearing this in mind, just enjoy your stay in this wonderful country, its fjords, landscapes and romantic scenries… pictures that you will never forget...
Boat license
In Norway, everyone who is at least 18 years old, has the opportunity to drive a boat up to 8 meters long and with up to 25 HP, even without to own a boat license. Only for larger boats - longer than 8 meters (26.25 feet) and more than 25 HP / 19kw - all those born on January 1st, 1980 and later, need a boat license. German boat licenses are accepted in Norway. To get a boat license, you have to pass a coxswain examination. Previously of the examination it is not obligatory that you take part in a course. However, the Norwegian Maritime Directorate recommends that you make a course. To make the examination you must be at least 14 years old, nevertheless, you get the boat license not till you are 16 years old. If you are younger than 16 years, you can only lead boats which are shorter than 8 meters and a maximum speed of 10 knots or 10 HP, an authorized coxswain has to be on board. If you are born on 1st Janury 1980 or later and lead a boat longer than 8 meters or with a motor which has a performance of more than 25 HP, you risk to become punished, if you cannot show an own boat license. Due to numerous boat accidents we recommend you to be aware of the fast changing weather conditions in Norway – specially the wind and the streams. Please always use the life jackets and consider the regional indications. Outboard motorboats with 9,9 HP are usually upgraded and have an actual performance of 15 HP.