Heavenly Hardanger fjord: Norway Best Places

Where to stay

When in Hardanger, the BEST place to stay is Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus https://www.hotelullensvang.no/en/. Lofthus is about a 40 minute drive from Odda along Rv13. It’s a beautiful drive along the Sørfjord part of the Hardangerfjord. While the view can take your breath away, the drive might literally have you holding your breath as you may need to maneuver your way around RV and tight one-lane roads.

The Ullensvang Hotel was founded in 1846 by a 19-year old Hans Utne who started the hotel renting out his own loft above his steamship office. Here we are 170+ years later and the hotel has 170 rooms, an 88-meter-long swimming channel, heated indoor pool to outdoor infinity pool, private beach, tennis court, and unique landscapes.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast and has a set dinner menu with 2 options to choose from each night.

Getting there

By Train

If you are flying into Norway, Bergen will be the closest major airport to Lofthus. You can take the train from Bergen or Oslo to Voss station. From there, you can then catch a bus to Lofthus. You can see schedules here: www.skyss.no.

By Car

If you are driving from Oslo it is an almost 6 hour drive. If you are driving from Bergen, it’s about a 2 hour and 45 minute drive. From Stavanger it is about a 4.5 hour drive. Parking is free at Hotel Ullensvang, so if you want to experience the beauty of the Norwegian countryside on your way to the hotel, driving is your best option!

Day 1: Drive to Lofthus

If you’re driving from Stavanger, you will come across two beautiful waterfalls on your way: Langfoss and Låtefossen. You will come across Låtefossen right before you get into Odda. Be sure to stop the car, get out and feel the mist on your face!

Langfoss is the first waterfall you will come across, soon after a great lunch spot: Akrafjordtunet https://www.akrafjordtunet.no/. Be sure to order the traditional kjøtboller for lunch!

Once you make your way to Hotel Lofthus, explore and enjoy the ground and amenities! You can sit and enjoy fjord views from inside your room, take a dip in the Hotel Ullensvang bath, jacuzzi massage loungers and enjoy the channel pool.

Day 2: Cider Tours

“Cider from Hardanger” is a protected geographical name like Champagne. There are 19 cider producers in Hardanger that have their own unique cider and apples. There are different packages you can choose from to visit different cide farms and tastings. Visit De Historiske to purchase your tickets: https://www.dehistoriske.com/cidersafari/package-deals/.

During the summer the hybrid boat makes stops along the Sørfjord. You can hop on and off to different cider farms. The café on board serves hot and cold drinks including local beer, sides and wine, a large selection of pastries and sandwiches.

We made a stop at Edel Cider from Åkre Gard (https://xn--kregrd-huae.no/) to do a cider tasting. The ciders were AMAZING and I definitely recommend visiting this cider tasting.

Day 3: Hiking Day

Option 1:Vøringfossen and Norsk Nature Center

A one hour drive from Hotel Ullensvang brings you to the beautiful Vøringfossen. The waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway, has a free fall of 145 meters and a total fall of 182 meters. From the view point up top, you can see the waterfall as well as the largest eroded plain in Europe, Hardangervidda.

A recent bridge over the waterfall was built in 2020. The bridge has a span of 47 meters and has 99 steps. This is a unique way to see the waterfall from the center, standing above it.

The Fossli hotel is at the top of the waterfall and has a bakery/cafe facility with bathrooms. There is a small charge to use the bathrooms, but are free if you purchase something from the cafe. I would recommend having a slice of the delicious apple cake and some coffee!

After viewing the waterfall, head to the Norsk Nature Center. This state of the art museum showcases Norwegian nature, climate and environment in Hardanger through interactive stations, themed videos and illustrations. Don’t miss the panoramic film “Fjord Fjell Waterfall” directed by Ivo Caprino.

Directly across from the museum is the Hardangerviddahallen. This is a great place to stop for lunch and shop at the gift shop.

If you have extra time: Drive to Kjeåsen mountain farm.

Dubbed Norway’s most inaccessible farm, two farms sit 600 meters above the Simadal fjord at Kjeåsen. Sources tell of the first farmer that settled here in the 1600’s. The land here is rich in natural resources and the soil full of nourishment. The view isn’t bad either!

Many generations carried everything they needed on their backs up to the farm. This includes carrying everything you need to build the farms up top too. A road built in the 70’s will take tourists up to the farm now (about 5km long). But before then, it was accessible only by walking up.

The road to the farm starts in Simadal, about 8km from Eidfjord. Traffic up to Kjeåsen starts on every hour and traffic down starts on every half hour. So plan accordingly!

Option 2: Trolltunga

Arguably one of the most well-known images you see about Norway is the jutting out piece of rock with someone standing at the end, high above the Ringedalsvatnet. Trolltunga is not for beginner hiker. This hike is 27 kilometers (17 miles) round trip and can take between 10-12 hours.

A great option for those staying at the hotel is to do the guided hike to Trolltunga:

https://www.hotelullensvang.no/en/experiences-in-the-mountain/hike-to-trolltunga/. The hotel will even provide you with a bagged lunch to take with you!

Option 3: Folgefonna Glacier Walk

Folgefonna is the third largest glacier in Norway. There are different glacier hike options on the folgefonna: https://www.folgefonni.no/ and tours for all skill levels.

Day 4: Hike and Drive On

Option 1: Bondhusvatnet Hike

This is a popular hike to do in Hardanger. An easy, paved walk to the lake will offer a great view of an arm from Folgegonna glacier, as well. The trail is easy and well groomed enough that you can take a stroller to the lake.

The hike to the lake can be done in 1-2 hours. If you wish to hike all the way to the glacier, it will take an extra hour to get there.

There is a small fee to park at the trailhead.

Option 2: Buarbreen Hike

Buarbreen is an arm from the Folgefonna glacier. This is a challenging hike that is about 2.4 km long with almost 400 meters in elevation gain. In some parts there is rope provided to help people hike up. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and there is a fee to park.