Hardangerfjord is full of surprises every step of the way!
The beauty of the fjord
is never a fleeting surprise.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
Snow-capped mountains
extend towards the shoreline,
reaching the sea,
and carve the cliffs like sharp blades
until the ice collapses,
leading to seawater encroachment and shaping the fjord.
This is the story of the fjord.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
Fast forward to present-day Norway,
the country of fjords,
where a 25,000 km coastline
is adorned with over 1,000 fjords of various sizes,
each magnificent or beautiful,
secluded or bustling.
Each fjord has its unique beauty.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
Among the 1,000-odd fjords,
Hardangerfjord,
the third longest in the world and the second longest in Norway,
（Hardangerfjord）
(Hardangerfjord)
stands out.
Nestled in the mountains are popular hiking trails,
guiding through magnificent waterfalls and tranquil pastoral spots,
making it a serene retreat
and an outdoor paradise full of excitement and adventure.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
The multifaceted and ever-changing Hardangerfjord
Each side presents a natural out-of-this-world beauty.
Every step of the way is full of surprises beyond your imagination.
Viewed from afar,
a breathtaking view of the magnificent landscape.
Photo: ins@visithardangerfjord
Take a cruise for a trip over the azure sea.
See the green mountains on both sides reflected in the water,
with shadows of the white clouds swirling in the waves.
Birds wing through the lush coastal forest,
tempting visitors to raise their cameras
to record the beautiful scene.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
The cruise passes by several towering cliffs,
eliciting exciting wows from the visitors.
When people arrive at the foot of Trolltunga,
no words of praise
can describe the amazing scenery.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
It is the most spectacular rock formation in Norway,
formed at the end of the Ice Age 10,000 years ago,
with an altitude of up to 1,180 meters.
It also features a hanging platform about 20 meters long,
perpendicular to the water surface 700 meters below.
Photo: ins@ins@ florian.grieger
Viewed from the boat,
it’s not hard to spot veteran hikers.
They depart from the P2 parking lot at the foot of the hill
for a 27-km-long round trip hike,
walking along signposted hiking trails
and climbing the mountain for 8-12 hours
to reach the top platform.
Photo: ins@ florian.grieger
Upon reaching the summit, you can see the sprawling mountains in the sea afar.
The moment of surprise
is nature’s reward for the intrepid.
Photo: ins@ visithardangerfjord
When the cruise arrives in Rosendal,
in the heart of the Hardangerfjord,
you can see the world’s largest floating art installation,
the Salmon Eye.
（the Salmon Eye）
(the Salmon Eye)
Here, you can learn about the local aquaculture industry,
savor the 18-course special menu,
and taste the unique flavors of Adventure Cuisine.
Photo: ins@ salmoneye
Explore up close
Mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas full of surprises
From the sea to the mountains,
delve deeper into the fjord.
Discover the multifaceted beauty of Hardangerfjord up close.
Photo: ins@visithardangerfjord
01: Enjoy water activities in multiple ways
The fjord, created by the glaciers and the sea, provides water activities that surpass people’s imagination.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
Skiing-loving Norwegians have long ago discovered skiing resorts for visitors from afar. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran skier, there’s an outdoor venue in Hardangerfjord that will satisfy your desire to gallop down the skiing tracks.
Drive along the coast of the Hardangerfjord, and choose the 19-kilometre Glacier Road leading to Folgefonna Glacier. Fonna Glacier Ski Resort on the glacier is one of Europe’s renowned summer ski resorts, offering four different lengths and difficulty levels of ski slopes. Here, you can race against the wind on the soft snow.
Photo: ins@ visithardangerfjord
Depart from the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort, enter the glacier, and embark on a glacier hike to the Folgefonni Glacier under the guidance of a professional. During this 5-6-hour glacier trip, you’ll traverse a blue ice cave with a guide who explains the local history and culture, glacier knowledge, and natural features, creating an amazing adventure as if you are exploring the surface of an alien world.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
02: Appreciate beautiful scenery on foot
Depart from the world of ice and snow and arrive in the land of waterfalls. You will be greeted by the stunning landscape of the waterfall in the forest meadow.
A mighty stream of water pours down from the Hardanger Plateau. The 145-metre-high cliff drop forms Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most iconic waterfalls.
Photo: ins@iamnordic
An electric bus tour of the Hardanger region travels from the Nature Centre to the Måbødalen Valley from May 1 to September 29. An audio guide provides explanation about landmarks and local stories. You can hike through the pristine wilderness to feel the natural splendor and experience the spectacular rapids in the deep canyons.
The Steinsdalsfossen waterfall in the Steinsdalen Valley has emerged as one of the most popular places to visit in Hardangerfjord in recent years.
With a drop of approximately 50 meters, it is not the most magnificent waterfall in the local area. However, its unique location attracts droves of tourists. You can admire the waterfall’s beauty from the terrace in the front or take the hiking trail behind the waterfall to explore the lesser-known side of the waterfall!
Leave the magnificent waterfalls and enter the undulating mountains. Norway, known for its hiking-loving population, Hardangerfjord has also captured the hearts of members of the royal family, including Sonja Haraldsen.
HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail is the trail taken by the queen and is also one of Norway’s most popular hiking trails. The 6-9-hour hike takes you to the mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus, with an altitude difference of 1,100 meters.
Walk through forest, over mountains, and through orchards with more than 1,000 apple trees. Admire the natural landscape of the fjord glaciers. The 16-km-long hiking trail includes challenging gravel trail and mountain trail that climbs upwards. Whatever the trail conditions, you always have unimpeded view of the fjord.
03: Taste local fruit beverages
The Hardangerfjord, with its exceptional natural conditions, has one of the most beautiful apple orchards in Norway.
White-pink apple blossoms in full bloom adorn the mountains in spring and summer. In autumn, a cornucopia of fruits hangs from the branches. The crisp and juicy apple, paired with award-winning local cider, is an ideal companion food as you admire the fjord view.
A cider trip is specially provided. In May and October each year, local guides can take you through a number of renowned apple orchards, such as Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard, and Hardanger Saftog Siderfabrikk. Here, you can pick apples, taste artisan apple jam, and drink local apple wine made by local wineries.
Locally produced apples are the pride and joy of the locals, made into fine wine and jams. The long-established hotels near the orchards are known as “cider hotels,” mainly offering a cider-based experience. The fresh aroma of fruit emanates from the ancient houses and wafts through the fjord and mountains. Each aroma is a sweet gift from nature.
Hardangerfjord
Seen from afar, the sea water lies between the mountains.
Sea waves gently lap against the rocks,
echoing the chirping of birds and insects in the valley.
Up close, waterfalls cascade down the cliff,
and fruit hangs low on the branches.
People, holding locally produced fruit wine,
are enjoying the moment of comfort in life.
Hardangerfjord offers a breathtaking panorama as the sea water weaves its way through the mountains. Waves crash against the rocks on both sides, harmonizing with the chirping of birds and insects in the valley. A closer look reveals waterfalls rushing over cliffs, and low-hanging fruit on the branches. People hold locally produced fruit wine and savor this moment of comfortable life.
In Hardangerfjord,
the beauty of nature
is not just momentarily amazing visitors
Every step of the way offers a wonderful experience crafted by nature.
Every moment during the visit
Exceeds expectations, creating a “Friluftsliv” tour.
