SUMMER BY THE HARDANGERFJORD

Wildly beautiful

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Hiking to Vøringsfossen in Hardanger .
Photo: Visit Norway

Hiking to the Vøringsfossen in Hardanger .
Photo: Visit Norway

You can get impressions of places through Instagram – but some places you need to see, feel, and smell for yourself.

The Hardangerfjord region in Fjord Norway is one of those places. Let the natural rage of the waterfalls spray your face, and the rich flavors of the world’s best cider fill you up.

Hiking to Vøringsfossen in Hardanger .
Photo: Visit Norway

Standing on Trolltunga is a question of “when” rather than “if” for the expert hiker (but no worries if you aren’t – there are plenty of less strenuous world-class hikes in the area).

You’ll surely earn a mark for toughness after the 10–14 kilometres to the top, as this is no hike for quitters!

With Trolltunga Active and Trolltunga Adventure, you can join guided hikes to the tip of the mountain’s protruding tongue all year round.

Hiking Trolltunga .
Photo: Robert Bye / Unsplash

Do you want to bask in the glory of having made it to the top for a while?

Spend the night glamping in a sunset/sunrise dome with a glass ceiling!

Trolltunga sunset/sunrise in Hardangerfjord .
Photo: Algirdas Zabitis / Trolltunga Active

For another exhilarating adventure, try one of the via ferratas in the area, or explore the world’s third-longest fjord in a kayak or on a RIB-safari.

Come to think of it, the whole region is an activity goldmine.

People climbing the Via ferrata at Trolltunga .
Photo: Visit Norway

Climbing the Via ferrata at Trolltunga .
Photo: Visit Norway

Let the skilled Folgefonni Glacier Team lead you across the mighty Folgefonna. Soak up some knowledge about the natural forces responsible for the deep cracks and changes in the glacier.

And don’t forget to enjoy the view of the mystical blue ice underfoot and the turquoise fjord that seems to stretch to the edge of the world.

Glacier hiking at Folgefonna .
Photo: Yrjan Olsnes / Visit Norway

The opportunities continue at the summer ski resort Fonna, where you can ski for the first time, tweak your already excellent freestyle skills, or go cross-country skiing.

Or maybe you’d like to see if snowshoeing is your thing?

Summer ski at Fonna glacier ski resort in the Hardangerfjord region, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

Prepare for jaw-dropping sights as you venture out on the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda, which will take you to some truly impressive sights.

One of the highlights is the Vøringsfossen waterfall.

Do you dare to step out on a viewpoint that hangs above one of the deepest canyons in Norway? Butterflies in your stomach are guaranteed!

Feel the power from the cascading water, and let the sound drown out everything else.

If you continue through the narrow Måbødalen valley, you’ll reach the fjord village Eidfjord, another activity hub.

A detour up to the old mountain farm Kjeåsen, 600 metres above the fjord, is well worth the extra steps.

Hiking by the Vøringsfossen in Hardanger .
Photo: Visit Norway

Hiking by the Vøringsfossen waterfall in Hardanger .
Photo: Visit Norway

The route goes on to Øystese and Norheimsund, which have several excellent museums, as well as another unique waterfall: Steinsdalsfossen.

Check out this pathway behind the 50-metre drop, which gives you a most unusual angle of the rapids!

Steinsdalsfossen in the Hardangerfjord region .
Photo: Bjørn Andresen / Statens Vegvesen Architect: Jarmund / Vigsnæs AS

Speaking of special – Hardangerfjord has the prettiest orchards in Norway.

In spring, the hills are speckled with white flowers, and in autumn, they are heavy with fruit – like the juiciest apples you’ll ever taste!

Blooming in Hardanger .
Photo: Haara / Visit Norway

Experience for yourself why the cider houses in Hardanger keep winning awards for their “Nordic champagne”.

Cruise the Sørfjord with the Cider boat, or join the guided fruit and cider route in Ulvik (tastings included).

Syse gard is one of three farm stops on the cider route. For five generations, the farmers here have made all of their products on site. Taste their jams, cider, apple juice, ice cream, and exquisite lamb meat – yum!

Hiking the Cider-route .
Photo: Haara / Visit Norway

Aga sideri is one of several high-quality cider producers in the Sørfjorden area. Once a traditional family farm, Aga is now a hip and award-winning cider company.

The apples here get plenty of love and care to become the golden happy bubbles of your dreams.

Aga Sideri in the Hardangerfjord region .
Photo: Øystein Haara

Only 50 metres from this cider paradise lies Agatunet, an idyllic hamlet with houses dating back to around 1220.

History lies thick between these wooden walls, and you can join guided tours, art shows, and cultural and historical exhibitions.

Agatunet in Hardanger .
Photo: Frode Inge Helland

Here, you’ll also find the historic Utne hotel, that has been serving guests for more than 300 years and promotes itself as a “Cider hotel”.

The hosts associate the charm of creaking floorboards with staying in an old history book.

And it is no secret that the hotel you stay in will give you a feeling for the area. In Hardanger, the struggle will be to choose among all the unique and historic hotels!

Utne Hotel in Hardanger .
Photo: Matt Coch / Utne Hotel

One example is the noble Ullensvang hotel in Lofthus, where you can go for a swim both indoors and outdoors, or just lie back and admire the fjordscape from a steaming hot sauna...

Hotel Ullensvang in the Hardangerfjord region, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

Hotel Ullensvang in Hardangerfjord, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

...Which might be the best choice after a full day’s hike. For instance up the Munketrappene stairs to the famous HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail.

Hiking Dronningstien in the Hardangerfjord region, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

Hiking Dronningstien in Hardangerfjord, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

Before you leave the Hardangerfjord region, you need to experience yet another historical attraction: the secret gardens of Baroniet Rosendal.

This castle from the 1600s might be the smallest in Scandinavia, but its scenic park and rose garden make up for it many times over.

The barony of Rosendal .
Photo: Visit Norway

But in Hardanger, culture comes in many different clothings. Some claim that the Hardangerbunad is Norway’s most popular national costume, with its various colour and embroidery combinations.

In nearby Utne, the Hardanger Folk Museum will give you a deeper understanding of the rich traditions and folklore of the area.

The Hardanger bunad .
Photo: Visit Norway

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Bondhusvatnet in Kvinnherad in the Hardangerfjord region .
Photo: Tor Hveem

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Hardangerfjord Cruise and Vøringsfossen Waterfall by Go Fjords

Photo: Ansgar Scheffold / Unsplash

Hardangerfjord Cruise and Vøringsfossen Waterfall

2 spectacular highlights in 1 trip

Enjoy a full day trip exploring the Hardanger region. The price includes a Hardangerfjord cruise, entrance to the Hardanger Nature Centre, and a visit to the majestic Vøringsfossen waterfall.

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1442 NOK

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Summer Skiing at Folgefonna by Fjord Tours

Photo: Visit Fonna

Summer Skiing at Folgefonna

Go skiing on a glacier this summer!

Fonna is one of Europe's foremost summer ski resorts, located 1,200 mas on Folgefonna glacier in the heart of Hardanger. Ride a bus and express boat from Bergen on a day trip or stay overnight. You can also start the tour from Norheimsund by boat.

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990 NOK

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Trolltunga Via Ferrata and Dome Stay by Book Nordics

Photo: Trolltunga Active

Trolltunga Via Ferrata and Dome Stay

Trolltunga climb with sunset dome accommodation

Climb up the steep face of the mountain on a via ferrata and spend the night in a unique transparent dome on the Trolltunga plateau. Dinner, breakfast, and equipment included.

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4500 NOK

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AROUND THE HARDANGER FJORD – BY BIKE by Expa Travel

Photo: Heidi Tovdal

Bike around the Hardangerfjord

3-day cycling tour of an iconic fjord

Cycling tour around the idyllic Hardanger Fjord, on of the most beautiful and fertile fjord landscapes in the world. We cycle along the famous fjord for three days, on roads with very little traffic, and in natural surroundings where the fjord and the mountains compete for your attention.

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8390 NOK

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Cider Experiences in the Hardangerfjord by Fjord Tours

Photo: Joar Aga

Cider Experiences in the Hardangerfjord

Cider tasting in Hardanger

Experience local flavours and fantastic fjord landscapes on a cider tour in Hardanger from Lofthus or Odda! Cruise the Hardangerfjord aboard the electric vessel Vision of the Fjords and sample cider at one of the many orchards along the fjord. You can choose the starting point and which orchard to visit.

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Norwegian Fjords & Glaciers by Authentic Scandinavia

Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / Fjord Norway

Norwegian Fjords & Glaciers

Oslo, Bergen, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord.

Travel by train, boat, and bus to experience the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Visit Oslo, Bergen, and the fjord villages of Flåm, Balestrand and Ulvik.

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Trolltunga Hike and Dome Stay by Book Nordics

Photo: Trolltunga Active

Trolltunga Hike and Dome Stay

Sunset and sunrise from Trolltunga

Join us on an adventurous hike to the Trolltunga plateau and spend your night in a comfortable dome. Dinner, breakfast, and gear included.

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Cycling in Hardanger by Discover Norway

Photo: Discover Norway

Cycling in Hardanger

Beautiful fjord landscapes and lush orchards

An active holiday in lush national romantic nature. Get close to some of the best that Norway has to offer: cultural landscapes, fjords, waterfalls, and mountains. Travel on your own without a guide. The package includes luggage transport, overnight accommodation, and meals.

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SUMMER BY THE HARDANGERFJORD

Wildly beautiful

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Best deals from our partners

Places to go

Cities and places

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Plan your trip

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SUMMER BY THE HARDANGERFJORD

Wildly beautiful

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Take time out by the fjords

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Visit Hardanger's fruit farms

10 amazing valley hikes

Glaciers

11 stairways to heaven

The most famous fjords

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