Hardanger
Discover Hardanger
Hardanger is a traditional region in Hordaland, Norway. It comprises the Hardangerfjord, the surrounding shores and valleys, and related uplands, mountains and glaciers. Despite its location below the glacier and the rough highlands, Hardanger enjoys a mild climate and has for centuries been a centre for fruit production in Norway. Hardanger also include wild waterfalls, alpine summits, high plateaus and major glaciers. Hardangerfjord is 180 km long and about 850 m deep. This is the second longest and second deepest fjord in Norway, only surpassed by Sognefjord, and outside Norway these are only surpassed by fjords in Greenland. Hardangerfjord is complex with branches and underwater thresholds. At Utne/Kvanndal the fjord makes a u-turn and with Åkrafjord in Sunnhordland district it creates a peninsula. The highest parts of this peninsula is covered by the Folgefonna glacier.
What to Experience in Hardanger
Taste of Hardanger...
Hardanger is famous for its fruit. Small fruit stalls can be found along all major roads from late summer 'till mid-fall. Most of these stalls are not manned, but rely on the honesty of the customer. Most often there is a small jar where you leave the money for the purchased products. Stealing from these jars would be considered extremely rude. Several apple farmers produce fine apple juice and cider from various types of apple. The cider comes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants. Three of Ulvik's four hotels are owned by the same hotel chain. All four are located in Ulvik village. Visitors should keep a generous distance to glaciers. Hiking on glaciers is only for experts and visitors must join a guided tour for a walk on the ice. Waterfalls are surrounded by slippery and treacherous areas.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom Oslo and East Norway From Oslo there are several routes. Bergen and Voss are the nearest railway stations. Finse station is the only railway station in Hardanger, but at the high plateau and without road connections. Finse is an excellent starting point for hiking (summer) and skiing (winter until about mid-May). Haugastøl and Geilo are the nearest stations east of the plateau. If you bring a bicycle, the area is well suited for biking trips. Hiking in Hardanger is also recommended. The easiest way of getting around once you reach Hardanger, is by using a car. Because the mighty Hardangerfjord and its arms cuts through the area roads continue onto ferries across the fjord, these ferry crossings are part of the road network and road numbers include the crossing. There are 3 major crossings, the fourth crossing near Eidfjord is now replaced by a huge bridge. The two key roads are # 7 from Geilo via Eidfjord and Norheimsund (east-west), and # 13 Odda-Granvin-Voss (north-south)....
Regions
Explore AreasHardanger consists of the following municipalities: Kvam, Granvin, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Ullensvang (former Ullensvang, Odda and Jondal). When thinking of Norway, most people think of fjords and mountains,…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
If you bring a bicycle, the area is well suited for biking trips. Hiking in Hardanger is also recommended. The easiest way of getting around once you reach Hardanger, is by using a car. Because the mighty Hardangerfjord and its arms cuts through the area roads continue onto ferries across the fjord, these ferry crossings are part of the road network and road numbers include the crossing. There are 3 major crossings, the fourth crossing near Eidfjord is now replaced by a huge bridge. The two key roads are # 7 from Geilo via Eidfjord and Norheimsund (east-west), and # 13 Odda-Granvin-Voss (north-south). Folgefunntunnelen is a short cut under the glacier from Odda to the western part of Hardanger. If you would like to travel by bus or coach, the national coach operator is called NOR-WAY Bussekspress. Further regional and local buses are managed by the public transport authority in Hordaland, Skyss on Public Service Obligations.
Where to Stay
Three of Ulvik's four hotels are owned by the same hotel chain. All four are located in Ulvik village. Visitors should keep a generous distance to glaciers. Hiking on glaciers is only for experts and visitors must join a guided tour for a walk on the ice. Waterfalls are surrounded by slippery and treacherous areas.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Visitors should keep a generous distance to glaciers. Hiking on glaciers is only for experts and visitors must join a guided tour for a walk on the ice. Waterfalls are surrounded by slippery and treacherous areas.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Hardanger
Steindalsfossen, Hardanger, Norway
145 meter waterfall in Norway.
Fjord in Norwegen. Hardangerfjord.
Spring in Hardanger, Norway
Fjord in Norwegen. Hardangerfjord.
Hardangerfjord in Norwegen. Fjord.
Flower after a rainy day in Rosendal, Hardanger, Norway
Norwegian stave church in Røldal.
Life boat ID signage on Allure of The Seas
Ålvik in Hardanger, 1917. Identifier: SFFf-100585.271145 Photographer: Kristian Berge. Medium: Cellulose nitrate negative. Extent: 7 x 12 cm. Original caption (from Berge's negative album): 1917. Aalvik, Hardanger.
Steindalsfossen, Hardanger, Norway
145 meter waterfall in Norway.
Fjord in Norwegen. Hardangerfjord.