Eidfjord
Eidfjord is a municipality in Hardanger.
Eidfjord is the innermost village in Hardanger at the far end of Hardangerfjord. Eidfjord is the name of the village, the branch of the Hardangerfjord and the district. Eidfjord sits at the intersection of Hardangervidda plateau and the great western fjords. Within Eidfjord wild canyons cut deep into the bedrock where tall waterfalls plunge to the valley floor below.
Understand
Eidfjord offers a unique natural environment. With large contrasts and small distances you can experience the most and best that Norway has to offer. Large open spaces and high mountains. Deep valleys and blue-green fjords. Glaciers, mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Luxuriant fjord landscapes with green mountain sides and white mountain tops. More than 95% of Eidfjord Community's total area of around 1,500 square kilometers is more than 600 meters above sea level. Hardangervidda is Europe's largest mountain plateau and Norway's largest national park. The rest of the community lies around the beautiful and well-known Hardangerfjord.
- Eidfjord tourist information office, Ostangvegen 1, 5783 Eidfjord, Norway, ☏ +47 53 67 34 00, fax: +47 53 67 34 01, turistinfo@visiteidfjord.no.
Get in
By train
Take the train from Oslo to Geilo, then the bus from Geilo to Eidfjord. The bus service is daily in the period from 7. May – 30. September. Outside of this period, you must take the train from Oslo to Voss and then take the bus from Voss to Eidfjord.
If you come from Bergen you take the train to Voss and then the bus to Eidfjord.
By bus
From Oslo
- Dep Arr
- Geilo – Eidfjord:
- 11.50am - 01.45pm (during the period 01.05 – 30.09)
- 07.45pm – 09.30pm (during the period 22.06 – 16.08)
- Eidfjord - Geilo:
- 09.00am – 10.45am (during the period 01.05 – 30.09)
- 02.15pm – 04.20pm (during the period 22.06 – 16.08)
From Bergen
- Dep Arr
Voss – Eidfjord:
- 11.40am – 12.50pm (arr. 02.10pm during school breaks)
- 17.35pm – 18.55pm
Eidfjord – Voss:
- 07.15am – 08.30am
- 08.35am – 09.55am
- 13.45pm – 15.15pm (during the period 01.05 – 30.09)
- 17.55pm – 19.15pm
By car
Bergen - Eidfjord via the Rv 7 road: Kvamskogen, Norheimsund and along the Hardanger fjord to Granvin. From Granvin to the ferry connection Bruravik – Brimnes. Around three hours. Bergen - Eidfjord via the Rv 13: In the direction of Voss and to the Bruravik – Brimnes ferry connection. Around two-and-a-half hours.
By ferry Ferry over the Hardangerfjord Bruravik – Brimnes Summer: Daily departures every 20 minutes. Winter: Daily departures every 40 minutes. The journey takes 10 minutes. Brimnes lies around 10 kilometers from Eidfjord.
- Oslo – Eidfjord via the E18 road: Oslo – Drammen, then Rv 40 via Kongsberg to Geilo, then Rv 7 over Hardangervidda.Five to six hours.
- Oslo – Eidfjord via E16: Oslo – Hønefoss, then Rv 7 through Hallingdal and over Hardangervidda. Five to six hours.
- Geilo – Eidfjord: Along the Rv 7 over Hardangervidda, around one-and-a-half hours.
- Larvik – Eidfjord: See Oslo Rv 40 via Kongsberg and Geilo.
- Egersund – Eidfjord: E39, E134 and Rv 13 roads.
- Haugesund – Eidfjord: E134 towards Røldal, then Skare, along Rv 13 towards Odda.
- Stavanger – Eidfjord: E39 to Haugesund, E134 towards Røldal, then Skare, along Rv 13 towards Odda.
- Kristiansand – Eidfjord: Rv 9 through Evje, Bygland and Setesdal to Haukeligrend. Then along E134 to Røldal and onwards along Rv 13 towards Odda.
See
In Eidfjord, you find many attractions created by nature and our ancestors, and also many modern attractions, that appeal to people of all ages. This guide gives a short overview of these attractions - you can get more information at the Eidfjord tourist information centre.
- Kjeåsen mountain farm. The well-known Kjeåsen mountain farm lies as an eagle’s nest in the very steep mountainside, 530 metres above the Simadalsfjord. Drive around 1.5 kilometers past Sima hydroelectric power plant, and then take the first road to the left. The road to Kjeåsen is five-kilometers-long. Half of the road goes through a tunnel without lights. Kjeåsen lies to the left of the tunnel opening. Hourly driving: Driving up the road on the hour every hour. Driving down the road every 30 minutes past the hour. Group price. Footpath up the steep mountainside (about 1.5-2 hours each way).
- Sima hydroelectric power plant (lies in Simadalen, around seven kilometers from Eidfjord), ☏ +47 53 67 34 00. 15 June – 15 August: 10.00am, 12 noon and 2.00pm. From 1 July also at 3.30pm. Open for groups throughout the year by agreement.. is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in Europe. The power plant’s main hall lies 700 meters into the mountain and is 200-metres-long, 20-metres-wide and 40-metres-high. The plant offers guided tours that include a film about the construction of the power plant and a tour of the power station hall. The whole tour takes about an hour.
- Hæreid – Viking Graves. Western Norway’s largest burial mounds from the Iron Age and Viking periods with 350 graves from AD400-1000. Part of a fascinating cultural landscape. The burial mounds are located on the Hæreid plateau, around 20 minutes walk from the center of Eidfjord. Access also by car. Information guide with map from the tourist information center.
- Hardangervidda Naturecentre Eidfjord. Apr - Oct: 10am - 6pm, Jun 15th - Aug 20th: 9am - 8pm. Open for groups all year.. is a modern and wildly exciting nature- and cultural historic exhibit center for Norwegian nature, climate and environment. Live exhibitions on 3 floors, aquariums and interactive stations. View the great panoramic movie, produced by Ivo Caprino, on 5 large screens. You will experience an exciting trip with helicopter above high mountains, deep valleys, breathtaking waterfalls, wild reindeer and untouched glaciers- an experience for the whole family. Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant and Café. Offers traditional food. Souvenir shop and tourist information.
- Gallery Nils Bergslien, ☏ +47 53 67 35 00. Eidfjord kommune has built an excellent gallery, adjacent to Quality Hotel & Resort Vøringfoss, for the unique work of the painter Nils Bergslien. In addition,the gallery has room for other art exhibitions. Gallery Nils Bergslien is located in the center of Eidfjord. Free entry.
- 1 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.
- 2 Eidfjord Old Church. Stone church from 1309. a Jacobs church. The story tells of a domineering and powerful Rike-Ragna who built the church to pay for her sins. Eidfjord Old Church is located at Lægreid in Eidfjord. Easy access. Car and bus parking. Open for groups all year by appointment, contact the tourist information office.
- 3 Skytjefossen. Skytjefossen waterfall has a free fall of 300 meters, the highest vertical drop in in Norway. The waterfall lies innermost in Simadalen, around 12 kilometres from the center of Eidfjord. Follow the road from Eidfjord into the valley past the last house at Tveit (parking). Walk from Tveit to Skytjefossen, around one-and-a-half hours there and back.
- 4 Hardangerjøkulen (glacier), Finse/Hardangervidda (Road 7). 24 h. One the large glaciers in Norway, between road 7 (Hardangervidda road) and Bergen railway (Finse-Myrdal). Visible from a long distance because of its elevation above Hardangervidda plateau. Caution: Hiking the glacier is only for experts, do not attempt a hike on your own. Scenes for Star Wars: Episode V were recorded here. Free.
- 5 Vedalsfossen (Vedalen waterfall). Vedalen waterfall in Hjølmadalen has a vertical drop of 200 meters and a total drop of around 650 meter. Hjølmadalen valley is a wild canyon cut sharp and deep into Hardangervidda bedrock. The drop is partly visible from the narrow road along the valley.
Do
Eidfjord offers activities for every taste. There are possibilities for physical activities, or alternatively to enjoy the peace and quiet. This guide gives you an overview of some of the things you can do in Eidfjord. There is much to explore here. Eidfjord is surrounded by waterfalls and is described as maybe the world's best place for ice climbing,
The tourist information recommends the Sightseeing in Eidfjord wild and beautiful tour. A 3-hour sightseeing tour in Eidfjord, including admission to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre and a tour up the Måbødalen valley with breathtaking views of the impressive Vøringsfossen waterfall. Tickets sold at Tidereiser [dead link] or the Eidfjord Tourist Information Office. The tourist information and FlatEarth also rents out bikes.
In warm weather there is a beach located a kilometer from Eidfjord in the direction of Simadalen instead. Family-friendly beach three kilometers from the center of Eidfjord in the direction of Simadalen. Hardangertun Family Park with leisure pool, 29 kilometers from the center of Eidfjord.
It's also possible to rent Canoes and Boats. Try Flatearth or Sæbo Camping for the former, and Vik Pensjonat or Eidfjord Fjell & Fjord Hotel for the latter. You could also sail on a mini-cruise along the beautiful Hardangerfjord with TIDE's rapidboat Vøringen. It’s also possible to book a fjordcruise with the boat ”Lady Anne”. For further information, contact the tourist information center, tel +47 53 67 34 00.
- [dead link] Eidfjord Spa, Sjobakkane 10, ☏ +47 91 11 81 50. Give yourself a wonderful, de-stressing Spa treatment
- Hardangervidda Golfpark, Kloppedalsveien 5, Paradis, ☏ +47 53 66 57 79. Driving range and six-hole golf course on Hardangervidda, 750 meters above sea level.
Tour and activity providers
- Eidfjord Aktiv, Lægreidsvegen 9, ☏ +47 41 55 04 04. Offers activities fall, winter and spring, for instance: horse and carriage trips, sleigh rides, snow shoe trips, baking, guided tours
- FlatEarth, Øvre Eidfjord, ☏ +47 47 60 68 47. Offers activities that give unforgettable experiences in the local area like Climbing, scrambling, waterfall jumping, rafting and glacier walking. Also rents out bikes
- [dead link] Hardanger Active, Gamlenaustvegen 15, ☏ +47 906 03 190. Activities for both children and adults, like artwork, geocaching and photo workshops.
Treks
Well-prepared footpaths, central Eidfjord and Øvre Eidfjord. Easy walking. Maps at the tourist information center and the Hardangervidda Naturecentre.
- Måbøgaldane, Måbødalen. Old path up Måbødalen – total length five kilometers. Experience 400 years of road building traditions, from footpaths to the most modern engineering achievements. Tour tip: Go up Måbødalen and down the old road in Måbødalen. Around three-and-a-half hours.
- Simadal, Well-prepared footpath along Simadals river. Information at the tourist information center. If you want to see one of Norway's highest waterfalls, Skytjefossen, you must drive to Tveit. You can park here and follow the road to the waterfall.
- Sysendalen, Hardangervidda, Fine walks along footpaths and rides along cycle paths. An excellent and popular
area for outings, fishing and berry picking.
Buy
- Ljos & Stakje. Candle factory and gift-shop
- Unik. Local handy-crafts, art, photo and local foods.
- Mangfaldet. Gift-shop and souvenirs
- Trebua. Wooden objects
Eat
Eidfjord
- Quality Hotel & Resort Vøringfoss, ☏ +47 53 67 41 00.
- Eidfjord Fjell & Fjord Hotel, ☏ +47 53 66 52 64.
- Vik Pensjonat og Cafè, ☏ +47 53 66 51 62.
- Mix, Mett og God, ☏ +47 53 66 55 83 21.
Øvre Eidfjord
- Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant og Kafé, ☏ +47 53 67 40 00.
- Måbødalen Camping og Hyttesenter, ☏ +47 53 66 59 88.
- Eidfjord Gjestgiveri, ☏ +47 53 66 53 46 49.
Hardangervidda
- Vøringfoss Kafeteria, ☏ +47 53 66 57 20.
- Fossli Hotel, ☏ +47 53 66 57 77.
- Liseth Pensjonat og Hyttetun, ☏ +47 53 66 57 14.
- Dyranut Fjellstova, ☏ +47 53 66 57 16.
Sleep
Eidfjord
- Quality Hotel & Resort Vøringfoss, ☏ +47 53 67 41 00.
- Eidfjord Fjell & Fjord Hotel, ☏ +47 53 66 52 64.
- Vik Pensjonat og Hytter, ☏ +47 53 66 51 62.
- Bergslien Turistheim, ☏ +47 99 16 91 03.
- Eidfjord Hyttegrend, ☏ +47 53 66 53 40.
- Kjærtveit Camping, ☏ +47 90 68 17 62.
- Fjordperlen, ☏ +47 97 54 82 05.
- Kvamsdal Pensjonat, ☏ +47 53 66 52 43.
- Blurnes, ☏ +47 93 23 91 33.
Øvre Eidfjord
- Eidfjord Gjestgiveri, ☏ +47 53 66 53 46.
- Myklatun Camping, ☏ +47 97 71 69 67 15.
- Sæbø Camping, ☏ +47 53 66 59 27.
- Måbødalen Camping og Hyttesenter, ☏ +47 53 66 59 88.
Fossli and Garen
- Fossli Hotel, ☏ +47 53 66 57 77.
- Liseth Pensjonat og Hyttetun, ☏ +47 53 66 57 14.
- [dead link] Garen Gård Hyttesenter, ☏ +47 53 66 57 21.
- Garen Camping, ☏ +47 53 66 57 25.
Touristhuts in the Hardangervidda
- Hadlaskard.
- Rembedalsseter.
- Demnevasshytta.
- Kjeldebu.
- Dyranut Fjellstova.
- [dead link] Stigstuv Turisthytta, ☏ +47 90 51 02 92.
- Rauhelleren Turisthytta, ☏ +47 41 55 04 04.
- Trondsbu Turisthytta, ☏ +47 53 66 59 47.
- Besso Turisthytta, ☏ +47 95 72 61 70.
- Vivelid Fjellstova, ☏ +47 95 48 11 79.
- Finsehytta, ☏ +47 56 52 67 32.
- Sandhaug Turisthytte, ☏ +47 91 76 62 25.