This is the national romantic nature of the west country. The route passes through a distinctive, open landscape with an Arctic climate and crosses Northern Europe's biggest mountain plateau.
Walk behind the waterfall Steinsdalsfossen
Photo: Rolf M. Sørensen for Statens vegvesen
Combine your lunch with a beautiful view over Hardangerfjord.
Photo: Bjørn Andresen / Statens vegvesen
The landscape along the Hardanger National Tourist Route is for many the very essence of the national romantic nature of the west country, where the lush green, the waterfalls, the mountains and the glaciers have been attracting tourists for more than a hundred years. Hardanger is also home to a very rich arts and handicraft tradition, where boat building and textiles are at the forefront.
The people of Hardanger have grown fruit since the 1300s. The special soil by the fjords gives the fruit a particularly fresh, crisp taste. During the season you can buy fruit at small roadside stalls and eat your fill of apples, pears, plums and sweet cherries.
The drive alternates between the dramatic and the gentle: the moorland landscape, the steep mountainsides where the 145 metre Vøringsfossen and other thundering waterfalls show their muscles, the fjords, still as a mirror, with peaceful harmony and space for contemplation.
The area also offers many opportunities for walking, fishing and bathing.
The National Route includes the Steinsdalsfossen - Halne, Jondal - Utne, as well as the future Tourist Route Tyssedal - Kinsarvik. Total length is 194 kilometres. Rv7.
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