Hardanger Bridge: on foot or on wheels

The Hardanger Bridge is among the longest suspension bridges in the world.

It is easy to walk or bicycle across the bridge. The view to the fjord landscape is great from the bridge. Wheelchairs and baby strollers can also do this, though the slopes to and from the parking areas are a bit steep, especially from Bu.

Season: all year, depending on snow and ice. It can be slippery and windy in winter.

Start and end: at Bu (south end) or Vallavik (north end)

Parking: At Bu there is a parking and picnic area, toilets and view point to the bridge, also accessible with wheelchairs. At Vallavik there is a parking area and view point to the bridge.

Public transport: There is a bus stop at Bu. Skyss bus 990 going between Voss and Odda, stops at Bu.

Signposts: At Bu and Vallavik it is signposted as cycleroute.

Grading. It is easy to walk or cycle across the bridge. The slopes to and from the parking areas are a bit steep, and families with children on bicycles and wheelchairs have to keep this in mind.

Length: The bridge is 1380 meters long. The distance from the parking area at Bu down to the bridge is about 500 meters, and the distance from the parking area at Vallavik about 200 meters.

Height difference: a little fom the parking areas to the bridge.

Time: it takes about half an hour to walk across the bridge itself.

Good advice: There is often a draught on the bridge, making it suitable for walking on warm summer days. During spring and autumn wearing warm clothes is recommended. There are public toilets at Bu. Why not have a picnic at the public picnic area at Bu?

Description, start at Bu:

Coming from Kinsarvik: Drive through Bu Tunnel, in the roundabout inside the tunnel, follow sign to Oslo. Once out of the tunnel, park by the picnic area at Bu.

Coming from Eidfjord: Drive to Bu and park by the picnic area.

Follow sign for cycle route to Vallavik, and walk or cycle down to the bridge. There are view points on either side of the bridge. The road for pedestrans and bicycles goes through well lit tunnels and all way across the bridge.

Description, start at Vallavik:

Coming from Ulvik: Go to Vallavik, and take off road Fv 572, and follow road Fv 302 a few hundered meters and park at the parking area.

Coming from Voss: Drive through Vallavik Tunnel (Road Rv 13), and in the roundabout inside the tunnel go direction Ulvik. After about 500 meters take off on your right hand side, and follow road Fv 302 to the parking area.

From the parking area at Vallavik follow the sign for cycle route to Bu.

Pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, and motor cycles do not pay toll for the bridge.