It’s no secret that the Hardanger region here in Norway is like a picture-perfect postcard. Every corner you turn truly has you feasting your eyes upon another breathtaking waterfall, camp spot or hiking trail with some of Norway’s very best tucked away here.
My 3 days exploring Hardanger were some of my favourites on my 10-day Western Norway road trip itinerary and I’m excited to delve a little deeper into just how much adventure is on offer in this Hardanger travel guide.
Think bucket list hikes, world-class cider (this was a surprise for me too!), once-in-a-lifetime campervan pull-ups and views for days. Seriously, this area of Norway is stunning and you’ll want to spend a good few days here, at least.
This Hardanger guide covers everything you need to know when visiting this area. From epic hikes and waterfall recommendations to the best places to eat and drink, plus campervan stopovers. Whether you’re exploring by car, campervan, or ferry, this is your go-to resource for the best things to do in Hardanger.
P.S. If you’re planning a road trip through Western Norway, I’d highly recommend my Norway Google Map for all of my exact Google Pins and recommendations for life on the road.
Let’s tuck in, shall we?
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Where is Hardanger?
You may have come across the Hardanger region before when researching Trolltunga, one of the most photographed rock formations in the world, and one of Norway’s most popular hiking routes. It’s located here in Hardanger!
Located just a short drive southeast of Bergen (around 1 hour drive time), Hardanger is a stunning region in western Norway and is home to the famous Hardangerfjord (the country’s second-longest fjord, stretching 179 kilometres).
This is a destination where Norway’s natural beauty takes centre stage and you are met with an abundance of cascading waterfalls, mountainous panoramas, oh and a casual thriving cider production.
The Hardanger region has some stunning fjord arms to explore whilst on the ground, including:
- Sørfjorden – Lined with apple orchards, charming villages, and iconic hiking trails like Trolltunga.
- Eidfjorden – The gateway to Hardangervidda National Park, featuring Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most powerful waterfalls.
- Ulvikfjord – Known for its cider farms and tranquil boat trips.
- Granvinfjord – Surrounded by lush forests and historic sites.
Travel tip:
Have some local currency in your pocket and keep an eye out for fruit stands on the side of the road. This region offers some of the best, freshest apples you can get your hands on!
How to Get to Hardanger
- From Bergen: A short drive of just over an hour (depending on traffic) via the E16 and Route 7 brings you directly to the fjord.
- From Oslo: Around a 5-hour drive along Route 7.
- Public Transport: There are buses that connect Bergen and Oslo to various points in the Hardanger region. See more here and plan your journey.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Best Time to Visit Hardanger
While Hardanger is a stunning place to visit year-round, the months of May to September offer the most favourable weather for outdoor activities. This is considered the peak season for a summer road trip/hiking adventure.
Whilst Norway is still stunning in the rain and the waterfalls become insanely abundant with the additional water gushing down them, the views and the enjoyment of the hikes here in Norway peak on those clearer, sunnier days.
The best time to visit Hardanger depends on your priorities!
We visited at the end of August and were unfortunate to have 3 days of rain to start the trip. They hadn’t had any rain for 4 weeks prior! We didn’t want to do the full Trolltunga day hike in the rain and so we hung around Hargandger for a couple of extra days until the skies cleared.
A silver lining really because this Hardanger travel guide was born from that extra time we had to explore! We did some successful fishing, found shorter hikes, foraged Porcini mushrooms and spent time reading our books with a view on the fjord front.
Watch our road trip come to life in this Norway vlog:
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
1. Day hike to Trolltunga
This one has got to be up there at the top of the best things to do in Hardanger. This is one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, Trolltunga (the “Troll’s Tongue”) and people come from all over the world to experience it.
The Trolltunga hike offers a challenging trek and typically takes 10-12 hours to complete the round trip. The distance adds up to about 22 km (14 miles) in total but your total walking distance actually depends on where you walk from (there are a few starting points). If you’re doing this hike as part of your road trip and you have a motorhome, your only option for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. If you have a car you can head up to P2 – Skjeggedal.
Here’s what I learnt and didn’t know beforehand if you’re coming by campervan:
- You’ll need to park at P1 (NOK 300 for the day, no overnight sleeping allowed)
- You’ll then need to book a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – book here
- From P2 you can either walk (4km steep uphill) or get another shuttle bus up to P3 for NOK 150 (where the hike starts)
The rest of it is then free and easy to follow and the view from the Troll’s Tongue (the rock jutting out 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake) is worth every step and penny!
It cost us just under £100 for the two of us with all costs considered! Yes it seems steep but they have a very good operation running here for the amount of tourism it attracts and it was a pretty seamless experience!
Interesting fact
Trolltunga was formed during the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago!
2. Explore Folgefonna National Park
Home to the Folgefonna Glacier (Norway’s third-largest glacier, covering 168 square kilometres), Folgefonna National Park offers guided glacier hikes suitable for various skill levels. Dive into the glacier’s history and witness the mesmerising blue ice formations under the wing of a knowledgeable local guide for a once in a lifetime adventure!
P.s. For skiing enthusiasts, the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort provides summer skiing opportunities with spectacular fjord views.
Learn more about guided glacier hikes.
3. Drive along the Hardanger Norwegian Scenic Route in daylight
Norway has a few notable Scenic Routes spread across the country and the Hardanger Norwegian Scenic Route is one of them.
Honestly, just driving along the road that wraps around this fjord is one of the best and most beautiful things to do here.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger consists of four notable sections: Granvin – Steinsdalsfossen, Norheimsund – Tørvikbygd, Jondal – Utne, and Kinsarvik – Låtefoss.
We travelled from Bergen to Odda and covered the Låtefoss – Kinsarvik section of the route and it was STUNNING.
Tip: Make sure you drive this part in the day time to soak up the insane scenery.
4. Låtefossen
I told you the waterfalls are EPIC when it rains, didn’t i?
Låtefossen is a waterfall located just 20 minutes from Odda (the main town in the region) so is a great addition to your road trip if you’re passing through.
Close to the road (making for a quick and easy stop off) and leading through the narrow Oddadalen valley, the twin cascades of Låtefossen waterfall plunge down the mountainside and can be both viewed and photographed from the bridge.
There are some picnic benches here should the weather permit to enjoy your lunch outside with a view!
5. Visit Heit Sørfjorden Sauna
Fjordfront saunas are my new favourite thing and the obsession started right here in Hardanger. A floating sauna with panoramic fjord views?!? Seriously, you cannot beat it.
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate (maybe after doing one of the hikes), book yourself into Heit Sauna, located in Sørfjorden, and alternate heat therapy with some icy fjord plunges!
Book your sauna experience here.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
6. Floy Cafe & Bakery
A highly recommended stop for coffee lovers and pastry-obsessed humans.
Floy Cafe & Bakery opens between the summer months of May to September and serves up freshly baked goods and local treats on the fjordside. We had planned to go after our Trolltunga hike but we didn’t make it in time before they closed – I was gutted!
They are open Tues – Sunday 09:00 – 16:00 so be sure to time it with when they are open and taste the buns for me!!!
They are known here for their traditional Norwegian “Skillingsboller”—a delicious cinnamon bun here so I’m going to suggest picking up a couple as you drive through pre or post-hike!
7. Taste the local cider at Lofthus Sideri
I had no idea that Hardanger was home to a world-class cider region! We were actually en route to start a hike in Lofthus and noticed the powerful allure of the shiny red apples on the side of the road as we were driving.
We noticed the Lofthus Sideri sign and vowed to stop off after the hike to taste the magic.
This ended up being one of my favourite, unexpected experiences in Norway. We tasted a variety of Norwegian cider at Lofthus Sideri learning about the apple-growing heritage of Hardanger which dates back to the 13th century!
Oh and you get to taste the incredible apple cider or apple juice with a view over the fjord! Just another insane view here in Norway and definitely one of the best things to do in Hardanger.
8. Queen Sonja’s Panoramic Hiking Trail
Named after Norway’s Queen Sonja, an avid hiker, this route was recommended to me by a few friends as an incredibly scenic trail. There are insane views over the Sørfjorden during the entire hike so if you’re looking for a day hike that boasts the best views in town, second to Trolltunga – I reckon this is it.
This trail goes for 16 kilometres and takes around 6-9 hours to complete starting from Kinsarvik and ending in Lofthus (or vice versa).
9. Visit Vøringsfossen Waterfall
One of Norway’s most renowned waterfalls and the best things to do in Hardanger is Vøringsfossen.
Boasting a free fall of 182 meters and easily accessible from the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda, visitors can enjoy multiple viewing platforms offering different perspectives and photo opportunities across this natural beauty!
A footbridge was actually built over the waterfall in 2020, allowing you to get even closer to the action!
10. Hike up to the Hovden cabin
On one of our rainy days, pre-Trolltunga, we zoomed in on Google Maps to find a relatively short hike we could do. Think of it like a Trolltunga warm-up.
We drove to Lofthus (go to the bakery before!) and walked the trail up through the forest following signs to the Hovden Cabin for what we found to have insane views across Sognefjord.
We weren’t quite expecting what we arrived to if I’m honest. A free public cabin with toilets, books, a fireplace, blankets and sheltered seating?!?
It was in absolutely impeccable condition and we were the only ones up there! Our jaws dropped to the floor as we sat to enjoy the view and signed the guestbook.
Such a stunning piece of architecture. We were dumbfounded by the mutual respect that was evident between hikers and the government providing these facilities. So beautiful to witness.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Campervan Tips & Best Stopovers
Hardanger is a fantastic stop on a Western Fjords campervan itinerary, offering plenty of campsites and well-equipped areas to park up for the night. Remember, Norway’s Right to Roam (Allemannsretten) policy allows for responsible wild camping in nature, making it a dream destination for those looking for a wild camping experience!
Odda: The perfect place to stock up, fill up and stop over
Odda is a prime hub for those travelling by campervan. Most people we met were staying there and it seems the most popular option for those travelling by motorhome and wanting to visit Trolltunga.
This small but equipped town offers multiple campsites with essential facilities, including showers, laundry, and kitchen areas. There’s also a waste drop-off and freshwater fill-up if you’re looking to refresh your motorhome!
Odda also has all of your supermarkets and outdoor gear shops to stock up on supplies and additional clothing/accessories needed before heading to Trolltunga or other nearby hikes.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Hardanger
How long should I spend in Hardanger?
3-5 days is ideal to get the main points of interest in and get a real diverse taste of what is on offer here, but it depends on how many hikes you want to do!
What is the best way to get around Hardanger?
A car or campervan is the most convenient and flexible option for exploring this stunning area, though ferries and buses connect key areas and it is doable.
Can I visit Hardanger on a day trip from Bergen?
Yes, but an overnight stay is recommended to fully appreciate the region.
Is the Trolltunga hike hard?
It’s not an EASY hike but it’s not advanced by any means. It requires an average level of physical fitness, if you can, do a couple of warm-up hikes and make sure you have comfy walking boots or trainers with you. You want to make sure you leave enough time to get there and back before dark.
As long as you start early, you have time to pace it. The shuttles start from sunrise so if in doubt, start as early as you can to take the pressure off!
Have you been to Hardanger?
What are the best things to do in Hardanger in your opinion? Anything you’d add to this Hardanger bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
