Crossover in Voss
Crossover has become a way to explain the possibility for visitors and locals to experience local culture and traditions in Voss through a mix of activities.
The term "crossover in Voss" is for instance related to the yearly event Vossa Jazz, through a so called Extreme Jazz concert. When first introduced, this was set on an outdoor stage built in snow on the mountain top of Hanguren, where skydivers and paragliders held a show.
You can also take advantage of the wide range of activities on offer to get that personal crossover experience that best suits your ability level and interests.
In Voss there is something happening every day, all year round. With festivals and activities running throughout the year, you will find something to do in spring and autumn as well as winter and summer.
Winter activities
Voss is the skiing metropolis of Western Norway, with runs suitable for the entire family. The two ski centres in Voss feature 55 kilometres of alpine runs and 19 ski lifts. The length of the season varies depending on snowfall and weather conditions. Opening of the ski centres can therefore be in mid-November or December and closing in April/May.
Voss Resort has its main welcome centre in Bavallen, five kilometres from Voss, with access by cable car within walking distance of Voss. Voss Resort is a renowned and long-established ski resort with 12 lifts, 19 runs and a terrain park.
Voss Fjellandsby ("Voss Mountain Village") is located in the Myrkdalen area, a 25-minute drive from Voss town centre. This is a new ski centre in development, with seven lifts, 15 runs and a terrain park.
Winter activities other than alpine skiing include:
- Cross country skiing in "Voss Ski- og Tursenter"
- Tandem paragliding
- Outdoor jacuzzi and wood-heated sauna
- Shopping
- Norway in a Nutshell®
- Windtunnel (indoor)
Read more about Winter in Voss.
Summer activities
For nearly 200 years Voss has been welcoming visitors looking for adventures based on nature, local culture and traditions. Voss is also an excellent base for exploring the region, located close to Bergen and between the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
Hiking
Voss' mountainous landscape attracts both eager Norwegians and guests from abroad, who come to explore Stølsheimen and other mountain areas.
The hiking in Voss varies from short walks on gravel roads to marked paths leading into the mountains. Many of these follow gravel roads that have been developed in connection with typical Norwegian farming traditions, often leading to mountain crofts or cottages ("sætre" or "setre" in Norwegian) used in summer.
Hiking routes most often follow the varying surface of the landscape, considered "natural paths" by Norwegians, that has been formed from the same traditions. As a day tour, glacier hiking in Finse or at Folgefonna Glacier is also possible from Voss.
Cycling and mountain biking
The well-known heritage trail of Rallarvegen (the Navvies Road) leads to Voss, and by taking the train to Finse you can cycle this trail in one day. If you are interested in mountain biking, Mt. Hanguren and Bavallen in Voss Resort are good areas. In addition you have a choice of routes for cross-country cycling within Voss.
Other summer activities include:
- Mountain riding in Stølsheimen
- Family and white-water rafting
- Sea and river kayaking
- Round trips and day trips from Voss to Flåm and the Sognefjord or to the Hardangerfjord area
- Tandem skydiving
- Tandem paragliding
Events
Throughout the year Voss hosts a range of events that have become well-known nationally as well as internationally:
Special events coming up include Voss 2013 – FIS Freestyle World Championships, which will take place at both Voss Resort and Voss Fjellandsby in March 2013, and Landskytterstemnet 2012, a national shooting championship (9-17 August 2012).