Journey seamlessly from Bergen's historic streets to Hardanger's fjord-filled landscapes.
Bergen is known as the heart of the fjords and offers an unrivalled combination of historical charm, natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're an adventurous traveller or a cultural explorer, Bergen has something for everyone.
Bryggen, in the very heart of Bergen, was once a Hanseatic trading post. It is now an iconic landmark in the capital of Fjord Norway. The distinctive wooden buildings, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are steeped in centuries of history. Explore the narrow alleyways, soak up the smells of the old wooden buildings, visit Bryggens Museum to learn about the city's past, and experience the timeless atmosphere that fills the air.
The museums at Bryggen tell the story of different eras in this part of Bergen. A visit here makes you relive the history of the area.
Bryggen Museum allows you to experience life in medieval Bergen. The museum is built over the remains of the first settlement at Bryggen, and the oldest buildings are from the 12th century. Displaying various archaeological findings in the ground, the museum also hosts temporary art displays and themed exhibitions.
Surrounded by the sea, deep fjords and high mountains and with ample access to fertile mountain pastures, the region produces first-rate produce from the sea and land.
Explore Bergen's charming wooden buildings, such as in Sandviken and Nordnes. Wander the alleys, admire the beautiful houses and feel the sense of history as you embark on a journey back in time. Bergen's local residents live in these houses, and the lively atmosphere in these narrow streets comes from the city's vibrant student life and the proud residents who love their city and communities. We recommend spending a few hours wandering the city's narrow streets, walking on centuries-old cobblestones, sitting in a café and just soaking up the atmosphere.
The Hardanger region is easy to get to by several means of transport.
In a rental car you can get to Hardanger in about 1 hour from Bergen.
The bus company Skyss operates an excellent scheduled bus service throughout the region.
The Hardangerfjord Express boat operates all year round between Bergen and Rosendal, with daily departures from the Strandkaien quay in the centre of Bergen.
From fjord to glacier, from apple to cider, or from water to electricity, Hardanger's contrasts are great, and the examples are numerous. There are only a few places in the world where you can go skiing and swim in the fjord on the same day. It is not without reason that the Hardangerfjord region has inspired tourists, artists, and writers for hundreds of years.
The H.M. Queen Sonja’s Panorama Hiking Trail, known in Norway as “Dronningstien” (Queen’s Path) in Hardanger, has become one of Norway’s most popular hiking trails. It is also one of H.M. Queen Sonja’s favorite hiking trails – given the spectacular view over the Sørfjorden during the entire hike, that is easy to understand!
The trail leads through the high mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. The hike takes about 6 - 9 hours and has a total difference in altitude of 1,100 meters - in other words; it is a strenuous hike. But you will be rewarded with the unique contrasts in the Hardanger landscape - the terrain varies from forest to high mountains and lush orchards with thousands of apple trees. Additionally, you will have a fantastic view over the Sørfjorden, parts of the Folgefonna Glacier, and scenic nature.
Some things just belong together! It is the same with fruit and Hardanger.
It was not without reason that monks in the region began growing fruit here as early as year 1300. The unique climate along the Hardangerfjord provides optimal conditions for producing high-quality apples. And with impeccable ingredients, the locally produced apple juice and cider could not taste any better.
The well-known Hardanger apples have been pressed and processed to perfection for generations. In recent years, however, the popularity, quality, and standard of Hardanger Cider have reached new heights. The product has won multiple awards both nationally and internationally. Like “Champagne,” “Cider from Hardanger” is a geographically protected brand name. The cider, fermented from apple juice, is characterized by its light, sour and aromatic apple taste.
At the numerous cider farms in the region, you will learn more about the history and the taste of these unique apples. How about combining the best of two worlds? The cider safari on the Sørfjorden offers round trips with Fjord Cruise and farm visits with cider tastings. Packages with accommodation are also available.
The Hardangerfjord region is also known as "the kingdom of waterfalls," and it is not without reason. In Hardanger, you will find several of the most spectacular waterfalls Norway has to offer.
For us Norwegians, it is easy to see us blind to our beautiful nature. The steep mountains, long fjords, and rushing waterfalls are something we all really appreciate. Still, it is also something we see "every day." And what is normal for us, tourists come from all over the world to experience Hardanger. Because just as there is a difference between people, there is a big difference between the waterfalls. If you really take the time to stop and experience a waterfall, it is hard not to be enchanted by the sight and forces at work.
Most waterfalls are easily accessible by car and are located along Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger and Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda. Steinsdalsfossen and Vøringsfossen are good examples. The first is truly spectacular, as you can walk safe and dry under the waterfall itself and experience the forces of nature up close. You cannot do that at Vøringsfossen, but that does not make it any less spectacular. They have a step-bridge that goes over the waterfall, which has a fall of 182 meters!
Steep mountains, roaring waterfalls, lively villages, glaciers, and hundreds of thousands of fruit trees - it is easy to understand why so many have fallen in love with the Hardangerfjord region in Western Norway. Both along and on the Hardangerfjord - the second longest fjord in Norway - you can experience great nature and cultural adventures all year round at close range.
Two of the Norwegian Scenic Routes are located in Hardanger - the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger and the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda.
Both lead through impressive nature with mountains, fjords, waterfalls, the glacier, and fruit farms. All along the scenic routes, you will find many viewing and resting places with exciting architecture. Perfect for relaxing breaks on the go.
A good tip is to stop along the way and buy locally produced fruit and juice that you can enjoy while admiring the stunning nature that Hardanger has to offer.
In the middle of Norway's largest orchard, the Hotel Ullensvang is idyllically located by the shore of the Hardangerfjord in Lofthus. At the first class hotel you can not only enjoy comfortable rooms with fantastic fjord view and good meals in the hotel restaurant, but also a sauna with a panoramic view of the fjord and an excellent bath area with indoor and outdoor pools.
The unique location of Hotel Ullensvang makes it a great starting point to experience a variety of well-known activities in the region - such as Dronningstien, Trolltunga, Cider Safari in Sørfjorden, Bondhusvatnet, and the Folgefonna glacier, just to name a few.
The Utne Hotel is Norway's oldest listed wooden hotel, and has been in continuous operation for 300 years. It all started in 1722, back then as an inn with a stove, a kitchen, and one bedroom. Since then, the Hotel Utne has offered its guests quality and tradition.
Here you will spend the night authentically, in a historical setting, in a building with a long history! If you are looking for authentic experiences, the Utne Hotel is just right for you.
