Hardangerfjord
Hardangerfjorden
Norway's second-longest fjord, known as 'Norway's orchard'. In spring, apple blossoms bloom against snowy mountains. Highlights include Steinsdalsfossen, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and the 182-metre Vøringsfossen.
The Hardangerfjord stretches about 179 kilometres. It is Norway's second-longest fjord and the fourth-longest in the world, and it lies about 1.5 hours' drive from Bergen. The mild climate along its shores makes this Norway's most important fruit-growing region. From mid to late May, apple and cherry trees bloom, and pink-white blossoms against the distant Folgefonna glacier make this the most beautiful season. In summer and autumn, you can buy apple juice and cider at roadside farms. Highlights include: near Norheimsund, Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall you can walk behind (free admission); Vøringsfossen, a 182-metre waterfall with viewing platforms and a suspended stairway bridge overlooking the gorge; the Hardanger Bridge spanning the fjord (opened in 2013, with a 1,310-metre main suspension span); the orchard villages of Utne and Lofthus; and Odda in the south, the starting point for Trolltunga. How to visit: drive a one-day loop from Bergen, or join a 'Hardanger in a Day' package (train, bus and boat). Note: the roads along the fjord are narrow, so give way when passing. The May blossom season is short, lasting only about 1 to 2 weeks, so check local blossom reports before you travel.
Opening hours
All day (outdoors)
Nearby sights
- Barony Rosendal
- Steinsdalsfossen
- Bondhusvatnet & Bondhusbreen
- Folgefonna National Park
- Fonna Glacier Ski Resort
- Buerbreen
- Langfossen
- Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry