Copy of Long weekend in Norway: Hardangerfjord by car
Scroll down to get my 🌟Ultimate Western Norway roadtrip itinerary – perfect for those planning your first trip to Norway!
Intro
I have been 10 times to Norway and counting – this is one of my favourite places in the world, where you can seek connecting with yourself and get a sneak peak into life of people, that conquered the fjords and learned how to coexist with rough nature.
My favourite time is June, as lots of facilities are open again, not so many tourists and the midnight sun is full on. Alternatively second half of August for less snow on tops.
There are some travel staples I apply to all my trips to make sure I experience Norway to the fullest – and that will help you also form right expectations from what you can experience as well.
Staple 1: traditional accommodation options aka Norwegian cabins (hytte)
Staple 2: transportation
It is possible to explore Norway on public transport. However to reach ultimate flexibility and access most of places you need a car. This can be rented at any big airport in Norway.
Some roads in Norway have toll fee – worry not, this will be deducted by the rental company, as simply your plate is automatically scanned – this also happens when you take a ferry with a car.
Staple 3: nature + gastronomy + culture combo
Norway has a lot to offer not only with its breathtaking nature, but also particular and unique cuisine and historical sites that help you understand better how Norwegian communities evolved in this harsh natural surroundings through millennia.
Staple 4: day-hikes & cooking food
The hikes I add are normally graded as Blue (mid-level) or Red (challenging) levels and they are always half-day or day hikes, so you can get back to your cabin, have a shower, dinner and read a book (or simply go to bed!). I did all hikes, unless specified otherwise – so will be sharing real experience. I am also adding links to hiking trails from the https://ut.no (in Norwegian) website, that is a Wikipedia of Norwegian trails (and some other trails from individual hikers).
Because of that you won't always have an option to eat out: the format that works best is to do groceries at local stores (REMA 1000, KIWI etc.) and cook meals in the camping. However, in the non-hiking days there are always some nice options to treat yourself!
Day 1 - Arrival
NOTE: This itinerary can be easily adjusted if you decide to start your route from Oslo, taking Road #7 via Geilo. Mind the doubled travel time: 5.5 hours from Oslo Gardemoen airport one way instead of 2.5 hours from Bergen airport.
You arrive in Bergen, second largest city in Norway – the earlier you arrive, the more time you have to explore. Check description of every place for tips!
Lots of guides would recommend to go to Fløyen to see Bergen from above, however unless you have a lot of time I would recommend to skip it. The beauty of Norwegian tops is best appreciated in the raw nature and you will savour it the moment you leave the city.
Should you still have some time (e.g. it's around 14.00 and you already finished your Bergen walk), I recommend to visit Kode museum to see a spectacular collection of Norwegian art from 1880 to 1920, its most romantic period inspired by nature and folk motives (Astrup, Dahl, Munch and others).
Leaving Bergen to Hardangerfjord
On the way to Hordaland (a common name of the area) and to your accommodations there are several spots worth your attention
Accommodations
Some top-rated accommodations in the area with high accessibility to all spots in the itinerary, in order of price increase.
Day 2 - Hike to Droningstien
Please, make sure you read and follow the Norwegian Mountain Code at DNT (Norwegian Trekking Organisation): https://www.dnt.no/om-dnt/english/need-to-know-about-norwegian-outdoor-life/the-norwegian-mountain-code/
Even though you're in the area of Trolltunga hike, I recommend to opt out for Droningstien hike, said to be favourite hike of Queen Sonja. If you stay at Lofthus–Ullensvang, you can make a full panoramic A-B tour – catch the bus 990 in the morning from Lofthus stop to Midnes stop (~8 min ride) and start your hike there. You will finish in Lofthus just 600m from the camping!
You can also choose just going up for the views and then down, especially if you came to the parking by car or if you stay in Kinsarvik.
I did this hike twice and it's remarkable walk that offers panoramic view of the Hardangerfjord crossing with leading you further to the edge of Hardangervidda plateau and finally down the Munketreppene.
Day 3 - Explore
Get to the opposite side of the Sørfjorden (South Fjord) and choose activities that match to your mood/weather.
More relaxed day
Start from a journey into the history and culture of Hardanger region at Folk museum at Utne (drive to Kinsarvik and take a ferry there).
From there drive along the fjord to Agatunet, one of the famous cider-product spots in Hardanger with beautiful apple orchards and book a cider tasting experience there.
From Agatunet pass majestic Ædnafossen waterfall and enter Folgefonntunnelen to cross the mountain range and explore its western side. There drive to Bondhusdalen to explore easy accessible lake Bondhusvatnet.
Walk the Green trail to the lake or continue along its shore on the Blue trail to Brufossholmen beach and remains of old farm Nedstasætret and then back.
It is prohibited to swim there!
More adventures
Drive to Fonna Glacier Ski resort, that is open from mid-May to enjoy snowboarding/ski in summer or book a guided tour over the Juklavas glacier with Folgefonni Glacier Team.
Day 4 - Hike to Reinanuten
If you ever dreamed about seeing glaciers, here is an exciting hike to Reinanuten with spectacular views, a peak right at the long of Buerbreen (or Buer glacier). Somewhat steep, but consistent ascent which brings you to the top of Reinanuten mountain - opening great views on the surroundings tops and breath-taking view on Buerbreen.
Day 5 - Canyons & back to Bergen
Once you leave the camping, drive to Vøringfossen, one of the most popular yet the most incredible waterfall in Norway, You simply cannot miss it in your trip, since you are in the area – feel free to adjust your itinerary for previous days, should you not have enough time.
I have been to the waterfall 4 times – and it's not hard to explain why I keep returning. But breathtaking views, enormous power of water and post-glacial landscape make you feel as if you're in dinosaur era.
Start driving back to Hardanger bridge, and if you are limited by time – go back via Voss. Otherwise, after crossing the bridge, take turn to Granvin via Kvanndal.
Drive to Parking at Damvegen in Ålvik to see Hardangerfjord in its full majesty. Walk ~ 800 meters towards "Heller" (check signs) to reach the panoramic view.
Finally as you arrive back in Bergen, you can treat yourself with fresh or grilled snow crab and other sea delicacies in the centre of Bergen!
Thank you!
Should you want to expand your map or spend longer holiday in Norway, I have prepared these guides for you:
1. Ultimate Western Norway roadtrip
This Vestland itinerary with carefully curated favourite spots of mine is for those who want to cover the most beautiful places of Western Norway. Explore the most famous fjords, national scenic routes, slow-life cafes, cider factories, traditional gastronomy, lesser-known spectacular hikes & valleys and more.
For whom?
Perfect for those, who visit Norway first time! Lots of useful links & alternative activities included; the itinerary is very customisable to any duration of your trip.
2. Long weekend in Norway: Jostedal glacier & Sunnmøre Alps
Explore the area of Oldedalen (and more) as well as dramatic Sunnmøre Alps with the most beautiful lakes, abundance of blue colour, hikes to glaciers & alpine mountains, water sports, fjord saunas, traditional local cuisine and more.
For whom?
Perfect itinerary for those seeking more relax travel schedule or returning to Norway; or a great expansion to my Western Norway road trip guide!
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