The Hardangerfjord area, the orchard of Norway, is known for it´s spectacular fruit tree blossoming in spring.

Drive in the Hardanger area and see all the great waterfalls. Hike the famous Trolltunga or H. M. Queen Sonja´s Panoramic Trail between Kinsarvik and Lofthus.

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area. Hikes mentioned in this website have different seasons. See links to the various hikes to read more about the hikes and season. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Important information about roads in western Norway: Remember that many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. Many of the roads in Hardanger are some of these exposed roads, and many of the roads are narrow and winding. There might also be a chance that some of the roads are closed in short periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

Many of the roads in western Norway are closed during winter! These roads usually opens early summer and close in autumn, depending on the amount of snow and the risk of landslides and avalanche in the surrounding mountains. This also applies to many of the National Tourist Routes and the Road Trips described in this website.

There are restrictions on the length of vehicles on many of the National Tourist Roads and on other roads in Norway. This also applies to many of the roads and road trips described on this website.

This website is not a guide or a travel planner, and the information on the pages should not be used accordingly. Marked and mentioned routes and maps are not accurate and will also often change for various reasons, always look for updated information.

Visit Hardangerfjord – Visit Sunnhordland

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

Some highlights from the Hardangerfjord area

FJORDS NORWAY - Beautiful fjord view - Ulvik in Hardanger. — Fjord view – From Ulvik in Hardanger.

The Hardangerfjord area, the orchard of Norway, is known for Summer Skiing at Folgefonna Glacier and a spectacular fruit tree blossoming in spring.

Drive in the Hardanger area and see the Vøringsfossen Waterfall and all the other great waterfalls. Hike the famous Trolltunga Hike or Dronningstien (the Queens Panoramic Trail) in the area around Sørfjorden.

Lake Bondhusvatnet and Bondhusbreen Glacier was one of the first places the English tourists visited when they discovered Norway in the mid 1800´s.

Join a Fjord Cruise on the Hardangerfjord which is located in the county of Vestland, near Bergen, in the middle of Western Norway.

FJORDS NORWAY - The Hardangerfjord seen from Dronningstien above Kinsarvik — The Hardangerfjord seen from Dronningstien above Kinsarvik

Bergen – The gateway to the Fjords

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is known as “The Gateway to the Fjords”, and some believe that Bergen is the most beautiful city in Norway. Bergen is also the gateway to the Hardangerfjord. The most popular fjord cruises start from Bergen Bus Station, Bergen Railway Station and from Bergen Strandkaiterminal. Mt Fløien and Fløibanen Funicular, the UNESCO World Heritage protected Bryggen in Bergen and the composer Edvard Grieg’s home Troldhaugen are three of the main attractions in Bergen.

Sørfjorden in Hardanger

The 38 kilometer long Sørfjorden is one of the many side fjords of the Hardangerfjord. Along Sørfjorden are small picturesque villages like pearls on a string, surrounded by fjords, mountains, waterfalls and rivers and not least all the fruit trees that are widely known for their beautiful blossoming in spring. Here you can read more about Sørfjorden which has attracted travellers since the dawn of time, ever since English tourists discovered Norway in the mid-19th century.

Odda at Sørfjorden – The “hub” for the adventurous people

Odda is the perfect base if you want to explore the wild and beautiful nature in the Hardangerfjord area. Sørfjorden is one of the tributary fjords of the Hardangerfjord, and Odda is an historical industrial town at the southernmost end of the fjord. Odda has now transformed from an industrial town into an adventure town. Trolltunga Active and Trolltunga Adventures are based at Odda, and offers guiding and equipment rental. Some of the adventures they offer are Trolltunga Hikes, Dronningstien hike, Via Ferrata Trolltunga and Tyssedal, Fjord Adventures and Winter Adventures.

Buerdalen – Guided tours on Buerbreen Glacier and to Mt Reinanuten

From Odda it is a short drive to Buer and to the parking lot at the innermost part of Buerdalen Valley. Buer Restaurant is a fantastic experience and a must visit if you are in Buerdalen. Here we are talking Michelin…

From there you can walk in the beautiful and wild nature up to Buerbreen Glacier where you will meet the guides from Hardanger Breføring who will take you on an unforgettable glacier hike on the glacier. They also offer guided mountain hikes to Mt Reinanuten. Remember to book glacier guide or mountain hike in advance. Plan to have enough time on the hike up to the glacier so you do not arrive too late for the agreed glacier guide. The mountain hikes starts from Buer Gård. Booking, season and more information on Hardanger Breføring´s website.

Tyssedal by Sørfjorden, the neighbour village to Odda

Like Odda, Tyssedal is an industrial village that was settled and developed by the hydroelectric power and metal industry in the early 20th century. Both iron, steel and aluminum plants were started up in Tyssedal, but it did not take many years before they were closed down. Today, an ilmenite-plant are operated in Tyssedal. The Hydroelectric Power Museum, which is a cultural history museum, is today located in the old hydroelectric power plant in Tyssedal.

It is also from Tyssedal you take off towards Skjeggedal which is the starting point of the Trolltunga hikes. The history of the beautiful Tyssedal Hotel dates back to when the hydroelectric power adventure began in the early 20th century. The hotel was used as accommodation for the management of the hydroelectric power plant. Today it is a great boutique hotel and restaurant which is an experience in itself.

FJORDS NORWAY - Tyssedal by Sørfjorden in Hardanger. — Tyssedal by Sørfjorden in Hardanger.

Lofthus in Hardanger

The idyllic fjord village Lofthus is best known for its apple tree blossoming, the composer Edvard Grieg and the historic hotel Ullensvang. In the 13th century, British monks teached the locals how to cultivate fruit trees. You can see the result of this today, with more that 500.000 fruit trees spread around in Lofthus and Hardanger.

Agatunet Farm Cluster at Nå

Agatunet is a farm cluster with 67 protected buildings located in the village Nå on the west side of Sørfjorden in Hardanger. The history of Agatunet goes back several thousand years. The oldest building in the farmyard is Lagmannsstova from 1220, it is a log house on high basement walls. Sigurd Brynjulfsson, who was one of King Eirik Magnusson’s advisers, lived there. This is the oldest medieval building in the country that still stands.

Utne, Utne Hotel and Hardanger Folk Museum

Utne is an idyllic small village located down by the Utnefjord in Hardanger. Here is one of Norway’s oldest hotels and the first hotel in Hardanger, beautiful and historic Utne Hotel. Utne Church is located right next to the hotel. The beautiful church was built in 1895.

At the very end of the small village and right above the fjord you will find Hardanger Folk Museum. There you can walk in the museum farmyard which is an old farm cluster. Folk costumes and national costumes, Hardanger embroidery patterns, harding fiddle and folk music, old building customs and building protection are some of the things you can see and experience at the museum. In addition to the museum yard and exhibitions, there is a café and gift shop in the museum.

Destination Herand by the Hardangerfjord

Destination Herand offers tailor-made tours and adventures in the beautiful area of Herand in Hardanger. Herand is an idyllic village located down by the Hardangerfjord. One of the four sections of the Hardanger National Tourist Route, the road between Utne and Jondal, runs through the village. Here you have the Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna National Park with wild mountains, glacier arms, waterfalls and rivers as wonderful backdrops. In addition to hiking tours, Destination Herand also offers photo safaris and adventures by bike and kayak starting from Herand, which can perhaps best be described as a beautiful national romantic postcard.

FJORDS NORWAY - The village of Herand is idyllically located down by the Hardangerfjord. — The village of Herand is idyllically located down by the Hardangerfjord.

Ulvik in Hardanger

Ulvik in Hardanger is known for its Apple Tree Blossoming, Cider Production and not at least as the home of the poet Olav H. Hauge. But most important, Ulvik is an idyllic fjord village that is worth visiting all year round.

Activities and adventures with Hardangerfjord Adventure

Hardangerfjord Adventure is an adventure and activity company in Hardanger and the Hardangerfjord that operates from Øystese, Norheimsund and Ulvik. Here you can join a Fjord Safari with Rib-boat and guided hikes and ski trips in beautiful surroundings where you will discover the hidden gems in Hardanger. Hardangerfjord Adventure arranges fixed tours from Øystese, Norheimsund and Ulvik in addition to tailor-made private tours.

FJORDS NORWAY - Fjord Safari on the Hardangerfjord with Hardangerfjord Adventure. — Fjord Safari on the Hardangerfjord with Hardangerfjord Adventure.

The Historic Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik

Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik is idyllically located down by the Ulvikafjord and is one of several Historic Hotels in Norway. Brakanes’ history began as early as in 1860, and the hotel has since been expanded at regular intervals. In April 1940, the hotel burned down, but was rebuilt as a boarding house in 1949. The boarding house quickly became too small, and a new Brakanes Hotel was built in 1952. The hotel is today run by the hotel chain Fjordtind, which also has hotels in Eidfjord and Øystese.

Røldal Stave Church in Røldal

Røldal Stave Church is estimated to be built between year 1200 and 1250 AD. The original church was built with the Stave Construction. During reconstructions in 1844 and between 1913 and 1918 AD, it was discovered that Røldal Stave Church was different from other stave churches. The original walls were covered and protected by new outer walls during the last reconstruction.

Fjord cruise on the Hardangerfjord from Bergen to Rosendal

Join a fjord cruise on the Hardangerfjord to beautiful Rosendal. This fjord cruise starts in Bergen, you get to experience the idyllic archipelago and the Hardangerfjord which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and mighty waterfalls. You have three hours to explore Rosendal on your own while the boat is waiting at the quay. You can explore the Barony in Rosendal with its magnificent garden which is full of beautiful and fragrant flowers. The Barony is Scandinavia’s smallest castle and was finished built in 1665 AD.

Fjord Cruise on the Hardangerfjord and explore Vøringsfossen

This tour from Go Fjords takes you to Hardanger, Norway`s orchard. You will experience the Hardangerfjord, the Queen of the Fjords. You will see picturesque villages along the fjord and a beautiful lush landscape with waterfalls, rivers and steep mountains. The cruise starts at Nordheimsund and ends up in Eidfjord. See video from the Fjord Cruise below. This fjord cruise starts with bus from Bergen. Video by Go Fjords.

Taste Hardanger

You get the Taste of Hardanger when you visit some of the apple-tree-farms which produce their own cider. At Taste Hardanger you get an overview of the many apple-tree- and cider-farms that you can visit in Hardanger. You can also join a Cider Cruise on Sørfjorden in Hardanger, where you can combine a fjord cruise with a visit to the farms and a taste the local cider products.

Trolltunga in Hardanger

As one of the most spectacular cliffs in Norway, Trolltunga has during a short time gone from being an unknown place to become one of Norway´s most famous tourist attractions. This is a relatively long and hard hike in the high mountains. The hike is not suitable for children! It is a long and demanding mountain hike that starts from Skjeggedal not far from Odda, you should be an experienced hiker to do this hike. Due to the challenging and long hike in rapidly changing weather, we recommend you to join a Guided Hike to Trolltunga.

GUIDE – Trolltunga Active is based at Odda, and offers guiding, equipment rental and accommodation. Some of the adventures Trolltunga Active can offer is Trolltunga Hike, Via Ferrata Trolltunga and Tyssedal, Fjord adventures and Winter adventures.

GUIDE – Trolltunga Adventures arrange i.a. guided hikes to Trolltunga and to experience a steaming sauna by the fjord.

The hike to Trolltunga and return takes around 10 to 12 hours or more. In the mountains it can change from summer and sunny weather to winter and frost in minutes! Always bring good clothes and hiking shoes. And have enough food and water in your rucksack. Season: Summer, see this link to website for more information about the hike, season and guiding.

The video below is from a summer-hike to Trolltunga with a few short detours. The detours were done to get some extra great views.

Dronningstien Hike – H.M. Queen Sonja´s Panoramic Trail

In Hardanger, South-Western Norway, there is a hiking trail called Dronningsstien. The trail is famous for being one of HM Queen Sonja´s favorite hiking trails. The starting point is at Røte in Kinsarvik and ends at Lofthus, making it a total of 16 kilometers long. The 6-10 hour long hike is heavy and steep, so it is recommended for more experienced hikers.

Road Trip from the Lysefjord to the Hardangerfjord

A few years ago I had a roundtrip in the Ryfylke and Hardangerfjord area visiting some of Norway´s most famous and beautiful tourist-icons.

I started from Oslo on a Friday afternoon after work and drove the 450 kilometer long road towards Ryfylke and Preikestolhytta Mountain Lodge. It was autumn and a great time of year for hiking in the Norwegian mountains.

Hardanger National Tourist Route

The 158-kilometer-long Hardanger National Tourist Route passes through the scenic Hardangerfjord area, where for more than a century travellers have come to experience mountains, fjords, waterfalls and glaciers. Two great hikes in the area are the hike to Trolltunga and HM Queen Sonja´s Panoramic Trail. The area offers many opportunities for hiking, outdoor adventure and culture experiences.

A drive along Sørfjorden from Kinsarvik to Lofthus

The drive along the nine kilometer long road between Kinsarvik and Lofthus is a great experience, with farms and beautiful cultural landscape on the hillsides between mountains and fjords as a backdrop. The road is part of the Hardanger National Tourist Route. Many of those who will hike Dronningstien stay at Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus and drive along this road either before or after the hike, depending on where they start the hikes from.

Remember that the road is narrow and winding and in many places there is room for only one vehicle in the width, so you must drive carefully and be prepared to stop and reverse to the nearest meeting place. In connection with the many mountain hikes you can do in the area, you can book transport along this road at Hotel Ullensvang.

Hardangervidda National Tourist Route

The 67-kilometer-long road passes through the Hardangervidda National Park and Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau. The Måbødalen valley and Vøringsfossen Waterfall are two tourist attractions you can see from the road. There might be a chance that the road is closed in short periods during winter.

Lake Bondhusvatnet

If you drive from Odda through the 11150 meter long Folgefonn Tunnel to Mauranger and continue seven kilometer to Sundal and drive a little way up the valley, you can hike the 2.5 kilometer long trail to Lake Bondhusvatnet. A nice hike on a well prepared trail.

Oddadalen Valley, Lake Sandvinvatnet and the Waterfalls

Odda is a great hub if you want to see some of the most beautiful and wild nature Norway has to offer. There is a short distance to the Oddadalen Valley with the famous waterfalls like Låtefossen and Tjørnadalsfossen Waterfalls.

FJORDS NORWAY - Låtefoss Waterfall in Oddadalen Valley in Hardanger — Låtefoss Waterfall in Oddadalen Valley in Hardanger

The beautiful lake Sandvinvatnet separates Odda and Oddadalen valley with the great waterfalls. Trolltunga Camping and Trolltunga Hotel in Odda are both at the lakeside with great view to lake Sandvinvatnet. Buerdalen Valley with Buarbreen Glacier and the fantastic Buer Restaurant is a short drive up the valley from the north-west side of the lake.

Summer Ski on FONNA Glacier Ski Resort

There are three Summer Ski Centres in Norway. One of them is Fonna Glacier Ski Resort which is located on the Folgefonna Glacier in Jondal in Kvinnherad in Hardanger. Restaurant FONNA is located at 1199 masl, at the base of the ski resort. From the ski resort you have fjord view to the Hardangerfjord. From the top of the ski-lift you can see towards the Hardangerfjord in several directions.

FJORDS NORWAY - Fonna Glacier Resort and Summer Ski in Hardanger. — Fonna Glacier Resort and Summer Ski in Hardanger.

The road up to FONNA Glacier Ski Resort

The 19 kilometer long road that goes from Jondal to Folgefonna Glacier and FONNA Glacier Ski Resort is an experience in itself. The road that goes from the Hardangerfjord (0 masl) to Folgefonna Glacier (1199 masl) takes about 30 minutes to drive, and goes through beautiful cultural landscape with small farms with cultivated land, forests, rivers and waterfalls to snow-covered high mountains and glacial landscapes.

Remember that the road is narrow and winding and in many places there is room for only one vehicle in the width, so you must drive carefully and be prepared to stop and reverse to the nearest meeting place. The road is also a wonderful and tiring experience for those who swear by cycling. The road is closed in winter and usually opens between mid May and early June, this depends on the amount of snow. More information about opening hours on FONNA’s website.

Kjeåsen Mountain Farm and Simadalsfjorden

Eidfjord in the eastern part of the Hardangerfjord is a great base for nature experiences and activities. You can drive to Kjeåsen Mountain Farm above Simadalen in Eidfjord and enjoy the great view down to Simadalsfjorden and to Eidfjord in the innermost part of the Hardangerfjord. NOTE! It is not allowed to enter the private properties at Kjeåsen. Respect privacy.

NOTE! You need to drive on a steep and narrow road and through a 2.6 kilometer long tunnel up to Kjeåsen. The tunnel is also steep and narrow. Due to this, traffic to and from Kjeåsen is regulated so only one direction can be driven at a time. There may be some waiting time because of this. You need to have this in mind when planning the drive in both directions. It is forbidden to walk or bike through the tunnel.

NOTE! The road is closed during winter, depending on temperature and snow.

Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Between Eidfjord and the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateou, the Måbødalen Valley and Vøringsfossen Waterfall are two tourist attractions visible from the road. You can drive to the view point and see the Vøringsfossen Waterfall from above, or you can do a short 45 minutes hike and experience the waterfall from the below. This is part of the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route.

The Hardangerfjord Area – Geology and Landscape

The Hardangerfjord has its main direction from southwest to northeast in Vestland county. It has its beginning where the fjord meets the open sea, the North Sea, and can be followed 180 kilometer inwards to Eidfjord. It also has a number of tributary fjords.

The Hardangerfjord mainly follows the limit between the more than one milliard years old Precambrian rocks largely on the southeast side of the main fjord and the 400 to 500 million years old rocks belonging to the Caledonian mountain building, which mainly are on the northwest side of the fjord.

FJORDS NORWAY - View from Dronningstien in Kinsarvik. Five of the branches of the Hardangerfjord can be seen: Utnefjorden, Granvinsfjorden, Sørfjorden, Kinsarvikbukta and Eidfjorden. — View from Dronningstien in Kinsarvik. Five of the branches of the Hardangerfjord can be seen: Utnefjorden, Granvinsfjorden, Sørfjorden, Kinsarvikbukta and Eidfjorden.

HARDANGERFJORD – THE ORCHARD OF NORWAY