S/J Mathilde

Come sail with us 

For over 30 years, S/J Mathilde has sailed along the coast with people of all ages on board. A voyage with Mathilde provides a unique setting for great nature experiences in all kinds of weather – close to the sea and close to history.

Mathilde was built in Ølve in 1884, and is perhaps the type of vessel that best characterizes the Hardanger region. It is estimated that around the year 1900, there were as many as 2500 yachts in use along the Norwegian coast, with a large proportion of these built near the Hardangerfjord.

Since its completion of restoration in 1989, Mathilde has been a school camp every spring and autumn. Children get to experience coastal culture up close. On board, the students are together from Monday to Friday and leave with memories for life.

Charter

Mathilde can be chartered for shorter and longer trips – weddings, family reunions, team-building – with Mathilde on the Hardangerfjord, you are guaranteed a unique experience regardless of the weather. During the summer, we organize open voyages, where anyone can join. No prior knowledge is required – come along and contribute as you can!

>>> Check out where Mathilde is now

Facts about the boat

Mathilde has a gaff rig with natural fiber sails, including a mainsail, three headsails, and a topsail, in addition to two square sails and jibs.

Maximum number of people on board:     50
Maximum people staying overnight:          28
Crew and catering:
– Skipper
– Bestmann
– Cook
– Light Sailor

For more information and booking, please contact us at mathilde@hvm.museum / Tone: +47 414 48 240

The history

Mathilde was built by a local boatbuilder here in Hardanger and was launched in 1884. Hardanger is famous for the boatbuilding community and their handcrafting skills. Mathilde is a fine example. The new vessel was put into operation in the northern trade, purchasing cod in Lofoten and Finnmark, then selling it salted and dried in Kristiansund and Bergen.

The years went by, she changed owners and location, and she was modernised. She was even called by a different name, Kari Louise, for some time. But in 1984 she was purchased by the newly established Hardangerjakt foundation in Norheimsund. This foundation made it their priority to give her a new life, by repairing and restoring her back to her former glory as a sailing vessel. In many ways she was the starting point of what is Hardanger Maritime Centre today.

After her restauration, people arrived with their boats, wanting the same treatment. In 1989, she was put into all-year operation on a programme of summer trips, school camp trips and museum trips. More than 30 years later she still is.

See a short clip from our restoration work on Mathilde from the late 1980s below: