The national tourist route: Hardanger

The Norwegian National Tourist Routes consist of 18 stages throughout Norway with particularly beautiful driving routes. In addition to fantastic natural landscapes, these routes also boast unique viewpoints, architectural stop-off points, incredible works of art and other forms of design where nature and culture are in perfect harmony and full of fascination for the visitor.

The National Tourist Route: Hardanger runs from Granvin 44 km east of Øystese along the north coast of the Hardangerfjord to Tørvikbygd, where the fjord can be crossed by ferry, and further along the fjord to the end point at Låtefoss south-east of Folgefonna. If you cycle the whole route in one go, it is 158 kilometres long in total. However, it is often divided into four stages so that you have plenty of time to enjoy nature and the unique viewpoints along the route.

In addition to the beautiful fjord landscape with idyllic settlements and impressive orchards, the Hardanger stage is famous for these gems in particular:

• Skjervsfossen near Granvin - an impressive waterfall with a drop of 150 metres. The region has a good network of paths, steps, viewpoints and rest areas, each of which has a unique view of the waterfall.
• The Tyrvefjøra rest area between Granvin and Øystese, where the toilet block is built like large pine trunks and the roof looks like a floating stone. The beautiful path commands a lovely view of the fjord.
• Steinstøberget east of Øystese, built directly on the fjord. The rest area is laid out across several levels with seating, toilets, barbecue areas and fishing grounds.
• Steindalsfossen near Norheimsund.
• The Hereiane rest area on the southern shore of the fjord is considered one of the most spectacular rest areas in Norway. Nature and culture come together here - and of course you can enjoy a fantastic view of the beautiful fjord no matter where you are on the route.
• Låtefossen, the southern end of the route and the main attraction in Oddadalen, also known as the "valley of waterfalls". The waterfalls are divided into two runs and are also known as twin waterfalls. The sight of the thundering waterfall flowing under the idyllic stone bridge that crosses the waterfall (Riksvej 13) is an unforgettable experience.

Here you can get more information and view a map of the route.