Hardangerfjord
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Hardangerfjord Area
The 178-kilometer-long Hardangerfjord, Norway's second largest fjord, extends all the way from Herøysund to Odda on the Sørfjord and is one of the country's most popular destinations due to its mild climate and stunning scenery. In fact, one of the world's first tour operators, Thomas Cook, offered cruises from London to the Hardangerfjord as far back as 1875, showing off the region's spectacular nature, glaciers, and grand waterfalls to enthralled Victorian-era travelers.
The Vikings, too, liked the Hardangerfjord, settling in the area for its fertile soil; excellent fishing; and pleasant, mild weather. The region is also famous for its bountiful fruit trees, particularly cherries and apples, and one of the most popular things to do is visit during spring for the brilliant displays of color when the blossoms arrive each May. For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions in Hardangerfjord.
1. Voss
Voss
Voss, the Hardanderfjord's largest town, is situated at the east end of the Vangsvatn and is an important junction on the Bergen Railroad. As such, it's also a popular year-round tourist destination, attracting hikers in the warmer months and skiers in winter.
Top-rated attractions in Voss include the Voss Church (1270); the 11th-century St. Olav's Cross; Norway's oldest secular wooden building, Finneloftet, built in 1270 (now a museum); and the Voss Folk Museum, consisting of 16 original wooden buildings dating back to the 1600s. One of the top things to do in Voss in spring is visit during the Vossa Jazz festival, a world-class musical event held here each March.
2. Sørfjorden
Sørfjorden
At 38 kilometers in length, the Sørfjorden is the longest of the Hardangerfjord's many arms, and stretches from Kinsarvik in the north to the industrial town of Odda. Odda makes a great spot from which to explore Folgefonna National Park, a popular place to hike to for its massive glacier. Some 33 kilometers long and 16 kilometers wide in places, Folgefonna's glacier is, in fact, the third largest glacier in Norway and is certainly impressive when you get up close.
Top things to do in Kinsarvik include hiking the spectacular trail that leads to the lovely Husedalen Valley, famous for its four wonderful waterfalls and magnificent scenery. For those with the ability (and no fear of heights), Odda also serves as the starting point for day-long hikes to the spectacular Trolltunga, a scenic cliff that juts out dramatically over lake Ringedalsvatnet far below.
3. Hardangervidda
Hardangervidda
Easy to get to from Kinsarvik, Hardangervidda is one of Europe's largest mountain plateaus and is where Explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen planned and prepared their many expeditions. Today, the plateau is one of Norway's most popular spots for outdoor activities and camping, attracting hikers, mountain bikers, and Nordic skiers to its well-marked trails, as well as fishing fans keen to try their luck in the numerous lakes and streams.
To the northwest of the plateau lies another of Norway's big glaciers, Hardangerjøkulen. Finally, the Hardangervidda Nature Centre is a great place to learn more about the area's alpine flora and fauna.
4. Kjeåsen Mountain Farm
Perched somewhat precariously on the side of a mountain, the amazing Kjeåsen farmstead is so remote, it can only be reached by a 1.5-mile-long tunnel, which just so happens to be its only means of communication with the rest of the world. Although located up a very steep and narrow road, the incredible views of the Hardanger peaks and the Simadalsfjord make the hour-long drive (or a longer but fun hike) well worthwhile.
5. The Hardangerfjord Route
The Hardangerfjord Route
The Hardangerfjord Route is a superb hiking and biking trail that passes through some of Norway's most beautiful scenery. Top things to do along the way include visiting some of the Hardangerfjord's most spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, and mountains. Accessible at a variety of points along the fjord-many offering great food stops, accommodations, and tourist attractions-the trail's highest point reaches an impressive 350 meters. A shorter, less challenging route includes the excellent walking and cycling path from Skjervet to Voss.
6. Bavallen
Bavallen | Erik / photo modified
Skiers and snowboarders are well served in the Hardangerfjord area, particularly around Voss. The region is one of the top ski destinations in Norway, its 49 kilometers of well-prepped slopes as popular with families as they are with die-hards. The easiest hills to access are at Voss Resort in Bavallen, about four kilometers from Voss town center. The other ski destination is Voss Fjellandsby Myrkdalen in Myrkdalen, 24 kilometers away. Dedicated ski buses service both locations.
7. Ulvik
Ulvik
The village of Ulvik, one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Hardanger and a frequent stopover for cruise ships, was once the home of Norway's best-known lyric poet, Olav Hauge, who was greatly influenced by the natural beauty around him. Getting to Ulvik is half the fun, as it's accessed by a particularly attractive stretch of road that descends from a height of 350 meters down to the village.
In addition to its quaint church (built in 1858), the village is home to the State College of Horticulture, where Kristofer Sjursen Hjeltnes planted Norway's first potatoes in 1765. The nearby train station at Finse on the Bergen railway line is notable as the highest station on the Norwegian rail network.
8. Agatunet Museum
One of Norway's only remaining original farm hamlets, Agatunet Museum in Aga consists of 30 listed buildings, some of them dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. A must-see is the courthouse built by Sigurd Brynjulvson Aga, a medieval knight who lived around the year 1250, as well as the displays of traditional costumes. Guided tours are available, and the on-site café serving traditionally baked breads is well worth a visit, as is its well-stocked herb garden.
(thanks to: www.planetware.com)
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