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Copy of Long weekend in Norway: Hardangerfjord by car

Copy of Long weekend in Norway: Hardangerfjord by car

Olia Svarga
This 5-day itinerary from Bergen with 32 spots offers a great compromise for those who want to experience the beauty of Norway, but is limited by time. In this itinerary you'll find my favourite spots: - authentic gems of Bergen - majestic waterfalls - hidden nature spots that are not on the "usual Norway itineraries" and 4 hikes with route description (check Details) - top-rated accommodations with great accessibility to all spots in the area - best spots with authentic cuisine NOTE: only few of the areas on the map are accessible by public transport; this itinerary is developed for a roadtrip format with car, for full flexibility. [all added cover photos are made by me]
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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

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.

Bergen
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Second largest city in Norway, a gateway to fjords and glaciers!
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Bryggen
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Though some places seem touristy, there is a great number of local artisan shops: get a woodblock print, a woolen Dale Norway sweater or grab amazing kanelbolle (cinnamon bun)!
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Kjellersmauet
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Almost a worship place for the fans of Black Metal music genre, where Einar Selvik (Gorgoroth) got the famous photo.
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Fishmarket in Bergen
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Try grilled snowcrab, fiskesuppe (creamy fish soup) or even venison burger!
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Kaf Kafe Bryggen
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Don't miss amazing kanelboller (cinnamon buns) here!
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Kvams Innramming og Flisespikkeri
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Hidden in the tiny dark alleys of Bryggen, this art studio offers affordable truly Norwegian art – a great memory of the trip or a souvenir for someone! The artist Ketil finds his inspiration in the Norwegian nature, its mountains and fjords, but also in Norwegian old heritage such as the stave churches and viking ships.
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Bispengsgaten
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Explore tiny and curvy alleys of Bergen!
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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).

Kode - Rasmus Meyer building
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Norwegian art from romantic period depicts the life of local communities, traditions and splendour of Norwegian nature in both realistic and moderist manner.
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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

Bordalsgjelet Gorge
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Bordalsgjelet is a spectacular natural attraction within walking distance of the center. The deep and dramatic Bordalsgjelet is designed for the public with an information board, vantage point, and benches. When there is no snow and ice, there is also an adapted path you can follow inland. Here you get a good view of the fantastic potholes that ice and the river have shaped over the millennium!
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Skjervefossen
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Beautiful waterfall hidden from the main road with famous "best-view" WC
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Hardanger Bridge
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Truly engineering miracle, the longest suspension bridge in Norway that connects 2 tunnels with roundabouts. Mind that crossing this bridge costs money – my proposed itinerary accounts for it and you have to cross the bridge only 2 times.
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Accommodations

Some top-rated accommodations in the area with high accessibility to all spots in the itinerary, in order of price increase.

Lofthus Camping
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Simply my favourite camping in the area, stayed there 4 times (book couple of months in advance).
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Kinsarvik Camping AS
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Should you be late with booking and Lofthus camping is not available, Kinsarvik camping is in the area and has good rating as well.
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Ullensvang Gjesteheim
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Learn more about Norwegian history and culture by staying in this old farm turned into guest house!
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Hotel Ullensvang
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For a fancy upgrade choose Hotel Ullensvang with indoor and outdoor pools, along with a private beach area.
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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.

Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail
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Type: Red Route: A-B or retour Length: 15,6 km Time: 6-7h Ascend: 1000 m from bus stop til the highest point
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Rjukandefoss
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I recommend to spend some time around the waterfall, maybe venture a little bit into Hardangervidda plateau and back.
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Monk Steps (Beginning) - Norwegian Queen's Hike
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Nepalese Sherpas have restored an old and formerly important route originally built by English monks in the 1200s.
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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).

Hardanger Folk Museum
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You will find Hardanger embroidery, traditional costumes, and folk music exhibitions. An open-air museum with several historical buildings is also part of the folklore museum.
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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.

Aga Sideri
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Valleys around Hardangerfjord are known as orchards of Norway – not only apples but also many plum trees and berries are cultivated there.
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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!

Bondhusvatnet
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Type: Green Route: retour Length: 4.6 km Time: 2 hours Ascent: 140m
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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. 

Blue Ice Hike, Juklavass Glacier
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The groups are divided by the level of physical condition, so everyone has a chance to experience hike on the glacier!
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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. 

Buarbreen
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Not-so-famous part of Folgefonna glacier, yet easily accessible.
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Reinanuten
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Type: Red Route: retour Length: 7.7 km Time: 5-7 hours Ascent: 900m
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Buer Restaurant
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If you happen to have some fancier changing clothes with you after a long hike, enjoy dinner and views on the glacier in this unique upscale restaurant.
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Låtefossen
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If you still have time and energy – drive a bit further south to this famous waterfall!
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Heit Sørfjorden Sauna
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What can be better than fjord-view sauna after exhausting hike?
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Day 5 - Canyons & back to Bergen

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.

Vøringfossen
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The most beautiful waterfall – you can also hike down the old road to get to the bottom of waterfalls, blue hike with 2h walk.
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Fossli Hotel
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Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with nice selection of local berry pies; or treat yourself with full traditional meal in this historical hotel.
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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.

Parking at Damvegen, Ålvik
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It's a narrow, steep and curvy road up with a bit of a gravel, so consider your car capability and driving skills.
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Esso at Øystese
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In the sunny weather you get crazy views over Hardangerfjord, Jondal and Juklavas glacier. Grab hotdog and enjoy!
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Steinsdalsfossen
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Stop here to walk under the waterfall!
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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!

Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant
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Fresh & tasty seafood with beautiful view over Bergen harbour.
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Thank you!

I hope you will experience Norway in its full beauty with my itinerary! Feel free to save it to your favourites and share with your friends!

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?

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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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olia Svarga
Hello! I'm Olia, Ukrainian Dutch living in Amsterdam 🇳🇱 Welcome to my page, where I share my knowledge about my favourite destinations: Norway 🇳🇴 and Japan 🇯🇵, which I have visited 10 and 6 times respectively. I have accumulated a lot of knowledge about Norway and organised three custom-made tours to different group of friends and colleagues – however, more and more people started asking "Olga, how can I get into a trip to Norway with you?" I realised it's time to document my knowledge into detailed itineraries with my favourite spots ☺️. Those itineraries continue growing, as I keep visiting Norway every year, exploring more and more new corners. I create my guides with utmost care and love to Norwegian nature, culture and traditions; my favourite campings, restaurants, hikes – I really want you to experience it all! I'm also available for 1-1 calls and consultations on really special custom-made itineraries – just text 🤳
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