Bondhusvatnet in Kvinnherad – Hardanger

Lake Bondhusvatnet in Hardanger was one of the first places visited by English tourists when they discovered Norway in the mid‑1800s. Map to use: Folgefonna Nasjonalpark 1:50000.

Table of contents ...

In the late 1800´s and early 1900´s, the Bondhusbreen Glacier was much larger, and the massive glacier could be seen from the outlet of the lake. Today, the glacier has retracted and the glacier arm is much smaller, but it can still be seen from the outlet of Lake Bondhusvatnet.


NOTE – Natural hazard warning for Bondhusdalen and Bondhusvatnet (5 June 2026)
A glacial lake has formed at the edge of Folgefonna near the Bondhus Glacier. If the lake suddenly drains (jökulhlaup), this may cause a rapid and unexpected increase in water levels and discharge at Bondhusvatnet and in Bondhusdalen. Due to this risk, visitors are advised not to remain near Bondhusvatnet, along the river in Bondhusdalen, or in other exposed areas around Bondhusvatnet and in Bondhusdalen. Respect all warning signs and any barriers or closures. For the latest updates, please see the information published by Kvinnherad Municipality.

Season and important safety information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Follow the Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. Conditions can change from summer and sunshine to winter and frost within minutes. Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Read about your personal responsibility and how to stay safe in Norwegian nature.

BEFORE YOU GO: Weather and conditions are crucial. Always take this into account before setting out. Avoid the hike in bad weather, fog, thunderstorms, snow or icy conditions. Bring appropriate clothing, good hiking shoes, a map and compass, and enough food and water. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

DIFFICULTY: Easy. This is a general assessment based on distance, terrain, elevation gain and exposure.

DURATION: 2–3 hours.

ELEVATION: This hike starts at approximately 60 masl (Parking). Highest point at approximately 190 masl (Lake Bondhusvatnet).

SEASON: June to September. These are approximate months and depend on weather, temperature and snow conditions in the mountains.

SUITABILITY: This is a relatively easy hike suitable for most people with normal physical fitness. The gravel road is clearly visible and the hike has few or no exposed sections, but be aware that the terrain can be uneven and slippery in wet conditions. Avoid going outside the trail. There is rough terrain outside the trail and it can be slippery. The river that runs next to the trail has strong currents.

MOBILE COVERAGE: Mobile coverage is often limited or unstable on many of the hikes described on this website, and in some areas there is no mobile coverage at all. It is recommended to bring an extra power bank for your mobile phone.

LIVESTOCK ON GRAZING LAND: Keep a safe distance from grazing animals, avoid sudden movements and close gates behind you. Dogs must be kept on a leash as required by regulations for much of the year. Read more about how to behave around animals and nature in Norway.

OFFICIAL TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Descriptions on fjords.com may be incomplete or contain errors. Always check updated information from official sources before you go. Many hikes in Norway can be found on UT.no, which provides maps and elevation profiles. Here is a trail description of Bondhusvatnet on UT.no.

The Hike to Lake Bondhusvatnet

Lake Bondhusvatnet with Bondhusbreen Glacier in the background.
Lake Bondhusvatnet with Bondhusbreen Glacier in the background.

Drive to Sunndal in Kvinnherad by the Hardangerfjord. If you start from Odda, drive through the 11.150 meter long Folgefonn Tunnel to Mauranger and continue seven kilometers to Sunndal. From Sunndal, drive up Bondhusdalen Valley to the end of the road where you can park your car.

The trail towards Lake Bondhusvatnet starts at the parking place. Continue hiking on the 2.5 kilometer long trail to the outlet of the lake. The trail is surrounded by beautiful and wild nature with steep mountains and cascading waterfalls. The Bondhuselva River runs along the trail. It is a wild river with many beautiful waterfalls. The trail, or “Isvegen” (the Ice Road) as it is called, was built in year 1863 to transport ice blocks from the glacier down to the Hardangerfjord from where they were shipped to foreign countries.

It is an easy hike on a well prepared trail. The hike to Lake Bondhusvatnet will take you approximately one hour (two hours both ways). The hike back from Lake Bondhusvatnet is on the same scenic trail as you came.

NOTE – Avoid going outside the trail. There is rough terrain outside the trail and it can be slippery. The river that runs next to the trail has strong currents.

After the hike to Lake Bondhusvatnet, you can stop by Olaløo Farm Restaurant to taste local food and drinks. During the summer season, from late June to early August, they have an open café. Otherwise you have to book in advance.

Bondhusbreen Glacier

From the trail towards Lake Bondhusvatnet.
From the trail towards Lake Bondhusvatnet.

The Bondhusbreen Glacier is a glacier arm of the Folgefonna Glacier, the third larges ice-cap in Norway. The Folgefonna Glacier is situated between Sørfjorden and the Hardangerfjord.

The Bondhusdalen Valley was formed during the ice ages, from glaciers that were situated where the Bondhusbreen Glacier lies today. Later, around 7000 years ago, the valley became ice-free. Around 4000 years ago, the climate again became colder, and the Folgefonna Glacier as it is today was then formed.

Between the Bondhusbreen Glacier and the Parking Lot at Sunndal, there are several moraines which were created by the retreats and the growth of the glaciers. The trail to the lake and to the foot of glacier goes through many of the moraines and several landslide blocks. See map from GRIND with Moraines in the Bondhusdalen Valley  (Map: Moraines are marked in green, Landslides are marked in grey blocks).

The Hardangerfjord Area – What to See and Do

The Hardangerfjord area, Norway’s orchard, is known for its spectacular fruit tree blossoms in spring. Lake Bondhusvatnet and the Bondhusbreen glacier in Kvinnherad by the Hardangerfjord were among the first places visited by English tourists when they discovered Norway in the mid-19th century. See Vøringsfossen in Måbødalen, Låtefossen in Oddadalen and all the other beautiful waterfalls in the area around the Hardangerfjord. The Hardangerfjord is Norway’s second longest fjord and is located in Vestland county, near Bergen, in the middle of Western Norway.

Visit Hardangerfjord – Visit Sunnhordland

Visit Hardangerfjord and Visit Sunnhordland are the official destination companies for the Hardangerfjord area.

The village of Herand is idyllically located by the Hardangerfjord.
The village of Herand is idyllically located by the Hardangerfjord.

Hotels and Accommodation by Lake Bondhusvatnet

Hotel Sundal
Mauranger Kro og Gjestehus
Sundal Camping

References

GRIND – University in Bergen: Bondhusdalen Valley
UT.no: “Isvegen” (the Ice Road) between Sunndal and Bondhusbreen

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

Lake Bondhusvatnet – Map Overview