Kvinnherad – fjords, Folgefonna glacier and cultural heritage
Kvinnherad lies in Sunnhordland, Fjord Norway, on both sides of the Hardangerfjord. This is where the fjord meets the Folgefonna glacier, mountains and small island communities, with Rosendal as a natural starting point for exploring the area. Hike to Lake Bondhusvatnet, explore Folgefonna National Park, visit the historic Barony Rosendal, or discover the villages and islands along the Hardangerfjord.
What can you see and do in Kvinnherad?
Kvinnherad is a good choice if you want to combine fjord scenery and hiking with culture and history. The area stretches from Rosendal and Mauranger on the Folgefonna peninsula to Ølve and Hatlestrand on the western side of the Hardangerfjord, as well as the islands of Borgundøy, Fjelberg and Halsnøy further south.
In Rosendal, you will find the Kvinnherad Tourist Information, a useful starting point for planning hikes, cultural experiences and visits to the fjord and Folgefonna.
Where can you go hiking in Kvinnherad?
Kvinnherad has hiking trails ranging from shorter walks near the fjord to demanding mountain hikes.
Lake Bondhusvatnet in Sundal is one of the best-known hiking destinations in the area. The trail follows the Bondhus valley towards the glacial lake, with the Bondhusbreen glacier and steep mountains at the head of the valley. Along the way, you enter a landscape shaped by the Folgefonna glacier over hundreds of years.
For mountain views above Rosendal, Malmangernuten and Melderskin are two of the best-known hikes. Malmangernuten gives you views across Rosendal, the Hardangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. The hike to Melderskin takes you higher into the mountains, with extensive views of the fjord, peaks and Folgefonna from the top.
The hikes vary considerably in length and difficulty. Choose a route that suits your experience and fitness, and always check the latest information about the trail, weather and conditions before setting out.
What is Folgefonna National Park?
Folgefonna National Park protects the landscape surrounding Folgefonna, one of the largest glaciers on mainland Norway. Southern Folgefonna is the largest of the three main glacier areas that make up Folgefonna.
From Kvinnherad, Sundal and Rosendal are natural gateways to the national park and the surrounding mountains. Here, glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes and mountains reveal how ice has shaped the landscape over time.
If you want to experience Folgefonna on the glacier itself, join a guided glacier hike with Folgefonni Glacier Team. The local glacier guides have been leading trips on Folgefonna since 1994 and offer guided experiences on and around the glacier.
One option is the historic glacier crossing between Fonnabu and Holmaskjer. Starting from Sundal in Mauranger, the route follows the Bondhus valley and continues up to Fonnabu before crossing the glacier with a guide towards Holmaskjer. The full journey from Sundal to Odda normally takes two days and is suitable for experienced hikers.
Glaciers are constantly changing, and travelling on a glacier requires the right knowledge and equipment. If you do not have the necessary glacier experience, explore the ice with a qualified glacier guide.
What is the Barony Rosendal?
The Barony Rosendal is a historic manor house in Rosendal dating from the 17th century. Its interiors reflect different periods of its history, while the estate also includes art, a historic garden and a cultural landscape framed by the mountains around Rosendal.
Throughout the year, the Barony hosts exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events. A visit can easily be combined with other experiences in Rosendal and along the Hardangerfjord.
What can you experience on Halsnøy?
At the entrance to the Hardangerfjord, the island of Halsnøy is home to Halsnøy Monastery, one of Sunnhordland's historic sites. The monastery has roots in the Middle Ages and offers an insight into the history of Halsnøy and the wider region.
Halsnøy and the islands in southern Kvinnherad are also worth exploring if you want to discover smaller communities, coastal landscapes and hiking opportunities away from the area's best-known attractions.
In Husnes, the local cultural centre hosts concerts, theatre performances and other events throughout the year.
What is the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal?
The Folgefonn Centre is located by the fjord in Rosendal and serves as a visitor centre for Folgefonna National Park. Its exhibitions explore the connections between the Folgefonna glacier, the Hardangerfjord, water and a changing climate.
You will also find tourist information here, where you can get help planning the next part of your stay in Kvinnherad and Sunnhordland.
How should you plan a visit to Kvinnherad?
Kvinnherad covers a large area on both sides of the Hardangerfjord, so it is worth planning your route before you arrive. Rosendal, Sundal and Mauranger provide access to the Folgefonna peninsula, while Halsnøy, Fjelberg, Borgundøy, Ølve and Hatlestrand reveal a different side of the fjord and island landscape.
Consider staying for more than one day if you want to combine Lake Bondhusvatnet and Folgefonna with Rosendal, cultural heritage and the islands of Kvinnherad.
Kvinnherad is not a place defined by a single view. To understand it, you need to move between the fjord, glacier, mountains, villages and islands.
