Hardanger
Hardanger is a traditional region in Hordaland, Norway. It comprises the Hardangerfjord, the surrounding shores and valleys, and related uplands, mountains and glaciers. Despite its location below the glacier and the rough highlands, Hardanger enjoys a mild climate and has for centuries been a centre for fruit production in Norway. Hardanger also include wild waterfalls, alpine summits, high plateaus and major glaciers.
Hardangerfjord is 180 km long and about 850 meters deep. This the second longest and second deepest fjord in Norway, only surpassed by Sognefjord, and outside Norway these are only surpassed by fjords in Greenland. Hardangerfjord is complex with branches and underwater thresholds. At Utne/Kvanndal the fjord makes a u-turn and with Åkrafjord in Sunnhordland district it creates a penninsula. The highest parts of this penninsula is covered by the Folgefonna glacier.
Regions
Hardanger consists of the following municipalities: Jondal, Kvam, Granvin, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Ullensvang and Odda
Towns
- 1 Odda - The only real town in the region. Industrial centre at the far end of Sørfjorden branch of Hardangerfjord.
- 2 Norheimsund
- Commercial center of the region. Entrance point when arriving from Bergen. - 3 Øystese - Commercial center. Almost merged with Norheimsund.
- 4 Rosendal - Small village that is a popular stop among tourists. Famous for Norway's only barony, dated back to 1665.
- 5 Ulvik - Small village in the far end of the Hardangerfjord.
- 6 Granvin - Small village. Entrance point when arriving from Voss.
- 7 Eidfjord - Small village. Entrance point when arriving from Oslo.
- 8 Lofthus - Small village. Home to the annual cherry-festival
Other destinations
- 1 Hardangervidda - Largest mountain plateau in Europe and the largest national park in Norway.
- 2 Folgefonna - Glacier located on the east side of the Hardangerfjord, mostly protected as national park
- 3 Kvamskogen - Upland area with several ski resorts.
Understand
When thinking of Norway, most people think of fjords and mountains, and to that degree, Hardanger is one the most stereotypical Norwegian areas in Norway. The region covers the area from Kvam in the west, up north along the Hardangerfjord to Granvin and Ulvik in the north, Eidfjord in the east, and down along the Sørfjord to Odda in the south. Roads cling to the mountainsides along the fjord, and there are three ferries crossing the fjords. Apart from the grand nature, the region is most famous for it's huge fruit production. Apple growing was probably introduced by monks in the 13th century. Farms growing apples, pears, cherries and plums cover almost all the fields along the fjords. This makes the region a lovely place during the fruit blooming in May and early June. The region is also home of several notable artists, musicians and writers. The mountain-areas of the region are good locations for skiing and winter sports. The Folgefonna glacier also has a summer-ski center.
Get in
By car
From Bergen
- Follow E39 to Arna where you enter E16, which will take you all the way to Norheimsund. 74km.
From Voss
- Follow RV13 south to Granvin. 26km.
From Oslo and East Norway From Oslo there are several routes.
- Route 7 from Hønefoss (E18 to Sandvika, E16 to Hønefoss). This is the shortest route and includes a drive through Hallingdal and across Hardangervidda. 330 km to Eidfjord
- Instead of road 7 through Hallingdal follow E18 to Drammen, then E134 to Kongsberg and from Kongsberg road for about 150 km to road junction with 7. 350 km
- Route E134 from Drammen via Røldal connects to road 13 from the south
From Stavanger
By bus
From Bergen
- Skyss operates the Hardangerline from Bergen to Norheimsund, Øystese and Odda.
From Voss
- Skyss operates lines to Odda, Granvin, Øystese and Norheimsund
From Oslo
- Nor-way Bussekspress operates a line to Odda
By train
Bergen and Voss are the nearest railway stations. Finse station is at the high plateau and without road connections, but excellent starting point for hiking (summer) and skiing (winter until May).
By boat
- There are no regular boat lines serving Hardanger, however you can easily sail here in your own boat. Follow the Hardangerfjord to Norheimsund where you will find a well equipped guest-harbor.
- Hardangerfjordekspress is a sightseeing trip by fast catamaran from Bergen to Rosendal and back.
Get around
If you bring a bicycle, the area is well suited for biking trips. Hiking in Hardanger is also recommended.
By car
The easiest way of getting around once you reach Hardanger, is by using a car. Because the mighty Hardangerfjord and its arms cuts through the area roads continue onto ferries across the fjord, these ferry crossings are part of the road network and road numbers include the crossing. There are 3 major crossings, the fourth crossing near Eidfjord is now replaced by a huge bridge.
The two key roads are # 7 from Geilo via Eidfjord and Norheimsund (east-west), and # 13 Odda-Granvin-Voss (north-south). Folgefunntunnelen is a short cut under the glacier from Odda to the western part of Hardanger.
By bus
If you would like to travel by bus or coach, the national coach operator is called NOR-WAY Bussekspress. Further regional and local buses are managed by the public transport authority in Hordaland, Skyss on Public Service Obligations. In Hardanger, you may find some lines to be rather infrequent. Some lines run only a handful of times per day, some only on schooldays and so on. Even so, the network does cover most areas.
See
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- 1 Agatunet outdoor museum, Aga (west shore of Sørfjorden) (Road 550). Museum showing traditional west Norway buildings and village settlement.
- 2 Vøringsfossen waterfall and Mabødalen canyon (Turn off the Rv 7 road at the access road to Fossli Hotel/Vøringfossen.). 24 h. About 180-meter fall into a wild canyon. The waterfall has been a major tourist attraction and icon since it was first described by visitors in the 1800s. Mabødalen canyon is a geological wonder. Road 7 along the canyon is a masterpiece of engineering and offers convenient access to this highlight. The road makes a full circle within the bedrock in order to make the steep ascent. Two previous generations of bold road construction are intact. Note: Viewing platforms are free of charge except one has to pay for parking in front of the hotel. Nearby Sysendammen (Sysen reservoir) is part of the large Sima hydro power plant. The Sysen dam regulates the flow of Vøringsfossen. Hardangerjøkulen glacier can be seen in the distance. Vøringfossen is Norway’s most visited natural tourist attraction. It has a total fall of 182 meters, including a vertical fall of 145 meters. The best location to see the waterfall is by Fossli Hotel, which lies 20 kilometers from Eidfjord at the top of Måbødalen. Free.
- 3 Hardangerjøkulen glacier (Road 7 or Bergen railway line (Finse station)). 24 h. One of the largest glaciers on Norway's mainland. The glacier rests on an elevated plateau above Hardangervidda plateau. Most of the year covered in snow and even in summer mostly seen as a "cream cake" slightly higher than Hardangervidda. Free.
- 4 Hardanger bridge, Between Vallavik and Bu (Road 7 and 13). One of the longest suspension bridges in the world (longer than Golden Gate bridge in California), the longest two-lane suspension bridge. Towers are more than 200 meters high. Fascinating tunnel system connects the bridge to the roads on either side. Impressive engineering. Excellent view from the bridge, 60 meters above the water. Free for pedestrians. kr 150 (cars), kr 600 over 3500 kg.
- 5 Skjervet waterfall (Skjervesfossen), Skjervesvegen, Granvin (When driving between Granvin and Voss in the summer, you can drive the old road Skjervesvegen through Skjervet instead of the new tunnel.). 24 h. It's a steep valley with hairpin bends and waterfall. At the top, you are able to park the car and enjoy the view. Free.
- 6 Folgefonna (glacier). 24 h. One the large glaciers in Norway, Hardanger's main glacier, between Sørfjorden and main Hardangerfjord. Visible from a long distance because of its elevation above the deep fjords around. On clear days it is visible from Bergen and from the ocean. Arms of the big glacier stretch into the valleys below, for instance at Odda (Buerbreen) and Mauranger (Bondhusbreen in Sunndal). The glacier and some surrounding area is protected as a national park. There is a summer ski resort on the glacier. Warning: Hiking the glacier is only for experts, do not attempt a hike outside marked trails at the ski resort on your own. Free.
- 7 Tyssedal power plant and museum, Tyssedal at Odda (Road 13). Monumental and stylish power plant building from early industrialization, now hosting the Norwegian museum of industry and hydro power. The architects were inspired by Italian cathedrals. The building is protected cultural heritage and is nominated to the UNESCO world heritage list. Named "building of the century" in Hordaland county.
- 8 Tokagjelet gorge/road 7, Norheimsund (Road 7). Legendary road construction through Tokagjelet gorge above Norheimsund village. Old road construction still available from new tunnel deeper in mountain.
- 9 Låtefossen, Odda (Road 13). Striking waterfall. Road 13 runs on a fine bridge (constructed 1859 and still in use) across the waterfall. The road is constantly wet from the cascade.
Do
Eat
Hardanger is famous for its fruit. Small fruit stalls can be found along all major roads from late summer 'till mid-fall. Most of these stalls are not manned, but rely on the honesty of the customer. Most often there is a small jar where you leave the money for the purchased products. Stealing from these jars would be considered extremely rude.
Drink
The Hardanger apple-cider is famous, and you should try it. The cider comes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants. However, due to national law, the variant containing alcohol can no longer be sold outside the state-owned liquor store, where it is only rarely available. If you are in the inner part of Hardanger, you may try the Vinmonopolet shops in Nordheimsund, Odda and Voss. To save yourself a lot of driving call +47 22015000 in advance or browse their website. The non-alcoholic variant is sold from the fruit stall along all major roads from August 'till early October. The price ranges from kr 50-80 per litre.
Stay safe
Visitors should keep a generous distance to glaciers. Hiking on glaciers is only for experts and visitors must join a guided tour for a walk on the ice. Waterfalls are surrounded by slippery and treacherous areas.
Itineraries
- National tourist route Hardanger, roads 7, 13, 550 around Hardangerfjord
- National tourist route Hardangervidda, road 7 Hardangervidda continues towards Geilo
Go next
| Routes through Hardanger |
| Hønefoss ← Geilo ← | E  W |
→ Trengereid (E16) |
| Stavanger ← Suldal ← | S  N |
→ Voss → Balestrand |