Maelstroms

Moskstraumen between Lofotodden, Mosken and Værøy

The Moskstraumen, also known as “The Great Maelstrom”, is 4-5 km wide and is considered one of the world’s strongest maelstroms. The speed of the water masses has been measured at a maximum of 27.8 km/h. The Moskstraumen was described more than 2,000 years ago by the Greek historian Pytheas.

Over the centuries, Moskstraumen has been marked on countless nautical charts with frightening illustrations and warnings. The Moskstraumen is rich in fish and has provided the basis for settlement for thousands of years.

Old Sow between New Brunswick and Maine, USA

Old Sow is considered the world’s largest maelstrom, with some streams up to 75 meters in diameter. While Moskstraumen has a slightly greater speed.

Saltstraumen in Nordland

Saltstraumen is the world’s strongest tidal current. It connects Ytre Saltenfjord with Skjerstadfjorden. The current is 3 km long, and at its narrowest it is only 150 meters wide. The speed of the current is approximately 40 km/h. Vessels can pass through Saltstraumen for approx. 2 hours after each tide.

During a nip tide, more water passes through Saltstraumen than through Norway’s largest rivers during flood season. Over the course of approximately 6 hours, 372 million cubic meters of seawater are forced through the narrow passage, which is no more than 150 meters wide and 31 meters deep.

The Japanese maelstrom Naruto

Naruto is one of the world’s most famous maelstroms. It is located in the strait that connects inland Lake Seto with the Pacific Ocean. It is the third fastest in the world with speeds of up to 20 km/h. Naruto can reach a diameter of up to 20 meters.