Fruit Trail

Fruit Trail. Easy walks among fruit orchards

Starting point  The Fruit Trail is accessible from many places: Lofthus Camping, Hotel Ullensvang, Ullensvang Gjesteheim, Hardanger Youth Hostel, and from supermarket in Lofthus.

About the trip  When starting by the supermarket in Lofthus, cross road RV 13 and follow pedestraian/cycling route southwards to the crossroads by Ullensvang Church. Take the road on left hand, and walk past Hardanger Youth Hostel/ Hardanger Folkehøgskule and through a residential area. About 1 km after the youth hostel walk across the bridge and follow the road on the left hand. This road goes past the fruit farms in Opedal. About 1 km after the bridge take a dirt road on the right hand and continue past some farms. The dirt road takes a turn left and stops joins a paved road. Follow the paved road on right hand, until it ends. From the end there is a steep track going down to Lofthus Camping. From the camp site a paved road goes south, past Opedal School, and back to the supermarket after about 1.5 km. Starting from Hotel Ullensvang it is possible to access the Fruit Trail either from the supermarket or Opedal School.

Variation: It is possible to make this a longer or shorter trip. Shorten it by starting by the supermarket and follow the trail to the bridge 1 km after the yout hostel. A couple og hundered metres after the bridge, take dirt road on left hand and walk down to the start by the supermarket.

Extend the trip by adding the walk to the River Valley. Fruit Trail and River Valley Trail are about 3 hours round trip together.

Parking: By the supermarket in Lofthus. During school holiday by Opedal School. Public transport: Bus from Odda, Eidfjord, Geilo, Voss stops by the supermarket in Lofthus. Expressboat "Hardangerfjord Sightseeing" stops by the supermarket in Lofthus (bus connection to/from Bergen and Norheimsund). Marking: there are boards along the trail with maps and information. Grading: Easy Length: 7 km Total ascent: 100 metres. Time: 2 - 3 hours round trip Advice: The trail along the fruit orchards is particularly beautiful during blossom in May, or before the apples are harvested in autumn. It is accessible all year, most of it is paved road and possible to do on wheels. Season: All year