Norway

lies the gorgeous little municipality of Øystese. Here you are surrounded by the best that Fjord Norway has to offer, from unspoilt landscapes to some of Norway's most fertile agricultural areas, not to mention a range of attractions and activities for young and old.

Hardangerfjord is the third longest fjord in the world and the second longest in Norway. The fjord and surrounding landscape can be explored in a variety of ways. It's worth taking a guided tour by water and on land. This will take you past idyllic farms, pleasant orchards and mountain peaks with fantastic views of fjord landscapes, glaciers, mountains and deep valleys. The local guides will also take you to areas that are not normally discovered by the big travel agencies, and here you will get a very special insight into life along this impressive fjord over several generations.

If your holiday wish list includes a trip to one of Norway's special viewpoints, 

should be on your list of destinations. The rocky outcrop is about three hours' drive south-east of Øystese, between Hardangerfjord and Hardangervidda National Park, and the drive there is a magnificent and intense natural experience in itself. The rock formation, which extends horizontally from the mountain some 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, is one of the most spectacular — and most photographed — rock formations in Norway. The hike there is long and relatively strenuous, but the feeling when you finally stand on the "Troll Tongue" and look out over the beautiful mountain landscape cannot be described in words!

On the other side of Hardangerfjord, a veritable cornucopia of nature experiences awaits you. Here, in Norway's largest national park, the only limit on your potential experiences is your own imagination. The area offers mile after mile of marked hiking and cycling trails, exquisite climbing areas, lakes and rivers for fishing, and hundreds of Stone Age settlements, as well as being home to some of the world's largest herds of wild reindeer and numerous Arctic plant and animal species.

The areas around Hardangerfjord are some of the most fertile agricultural land in Norway, and orchards in particular thrive in this region. The apple harvest here is world-class, and one of the local specialities is cider, which many refer to as "Nordic champagne". Visit one of the local cider farms and taste for yourself. You can even take a special cruise on the "Cider Boat", which will take you past several different cider breweries.

When you are in Øystese, you should visit an absolute sightseeing highlight that is just a 10 km drive from the hotel. Steinsdalsfossen is one of Norway's most popular waterfalls, not least because it is possible to walk behind this impressive 50-metre waterfall without getting wet!

Tip: An environmentally friendly destination

If you prefer to travel without a car, you can reach Øystese by bus from Bergen - depending on the route and departure time, it only takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Overnight stay in the midst of beautiful scenery

When you travel to the Hardangerfjord with Fjord Line, you stay at the Hardangerfjord Hotel in either a double room or a family room - so you live with the spectacular fjord right on your doorstep.

Your guide to a fantastic holiday on the Hardangerfjord

Below you can read more about experiences, sights and accommodation options on the Hardangerfjord and find inspiration for your holiday in our travel articles about the region.


Hirtshals

Bergen

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Hardangerfjord. Explore the majestic fjord, hike to Trolltunga, and immerse yourself in Hardangervidda National Park.

Discover Hardangerfjord: Your Ultimate Holiday Escape | Fjord Line

Vestlandet

At Hardangerfjord Hotel you can choose between a double room or a family room - all with an armchair, TV, kettle and of course free WiFi.

The rooms have garden or city views, and as a guest at the hotel, you will also have access to Hardangerbadet right next to the hotel.

A wealth of fantastic nature experiences await just outside the door, whether you fancy a hike in the mountains, a boat trip on the fjord or a picnic at the "goldfish lake", one of the popular local excursion destinations.

Discover comfortable accommodation options in the Hardangerfjord area, providing easy access to Norway's stunning landscapes. Choose from a variety of rooms with garden or city views and enjoy nearby attractions.

Accommodation at Hardangerfjord | Fjord Line

Here you'll find tips for your holiday at the Hardangerfjord, whether you are looking for relaxation and cosiness, beautiful nature experiences on land and water, or impressive history, art and culture.

Explore a range of activities for your family holiday at Hardangerfjord, from relaxing moments to thrilling adventures in stunning natural landscapes.

Experiences at Hardangerfjord: Fun for the Whole Family | Fjord Line

We have teamed up with a group of Danish-Norwegian experts and local guides who provide good advice, recommendations, and tips for "hidden gems" that can give you, your family, and friends a fantastic holiday at the Hardangerfjord.

Get insider tips and recommendations from Danish-Norwegian experts and local guides for an unforgettable holiday experience in one of Norway's most stunning natural landscapes.

Travel guide - explore Hardangerfjord | Fjord Line

Hardangerfjord - holiday on one of the longest fjords in the world

From Oslo fjord in the east to Varangerfjord in the north-east, there are over 1000 fjords in Norway: some are long, some are short, others are deep and still others are so breath-taking that they’ve become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the most famous fjords – the ones you usually find on postcards – are found in Western Norway.

The magical Norwegian fjords

Sørlandet

Setesdal

Østlandet

Quiet roads that pass through endless green forests, along the deep blue fjords, over snow-covered mountain passes, through deep gorges and past thundering waterfalls – it’s no surprise that Norway is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.

Visit Norway

Person sitting at the edge of Trolltunga.

Dreaming of hiking to the spectacular Trolltunga rock formation near Odda in Western Norway? Get our tips for a safe and memorable hike here – from where to start and what to bring to how to get the most of this incredible experience.

Hiking the Trolltunga

Listen to the Norwegians themselves when choosing what to experience on holiday – Here are the 15 most popular attractions and destinations among Norwegians in 2013 (Source: Visit Norway):

The Norwegians' own favourites

A man and a woman are standing outside in nature, looking at a brochure.

Even though Norway has a long-standing tradition of charging road tolls, you can still get to most places without driving on toll roads. All it takes is a bit of planning and some extra patience while driving – but what you get in return is both saving money and seeing more of Norway’s incredible scenery! Read our guide to the Norwegian toll road system – and how to get around it – here.

Toll roads in Norway – How to save money on your trip

The desire to travel and explore is stronger than ever! And especially, we long for Norway – that’s why we’ve gathered 10 unique experiences in Norway that you simply cannot miss.

Explore Norway with Fjord Line

Whether you love city breaks, mountain hikes, or relaxing by the water, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect destination in beautiful Norway. With plenty of experiences and activities for all ages, a trip to Norway is ideal for family holidays, romantic getaways, or road trips with friends.

Dreaming of a trip to Norway?

Norway has just been voted one of the world’s best destinations in 2022 by Lonely Planet – thanks in large part to its key focus on sustainable travel experiences. 

Norway – A sustainable destination

Fjord Norway offers an abundance of first-class hiking and cycling routes, alongside various other nature experiences suitable for all ages. Here are nine ways to intimately encounter this fascinating nature.

9 Nature Experiences for the Family

In Norway, Easter holidays are all about skiing, chocolate, oranges — and crime novels. Here, Easter is often spent at a cabin in the mountains and involves lots of fun in the snow. 

The Norwegian's five Easter favourites

An elderly woman sits in a car and talks to a man outside the car.

Planning a camping trip in Norway? Get our best insider tips for an unforgettable vacation in a motorhome, caravan or tent in beautiful Norway here – from camping with children or in the wild to the best places to camp in western and southern Norway. And remember – you can choose to stay your entire vacation at one camping site, but for the ultimate Norwegian adventure, plan a road trip where you spend the night at
several different sites – or even in the middle of Norway’s wild nature! 

Camping in Norway: Tips for an unforgettable vacation 

Norway offers a wide range of beautiful cycle routes across varying terrain. The magazine ‘Reiser & Frihed’ and Norwegian Cyclists Association have put together a list of the country’s ten best cycle routes. (Source: Visit Norway).

Top 10 cycle routes in Norway

Three boys relaxing in an orange hammock hung between trees in a green wooded area.

Travelling with Fjord Line to Stavanger is the perfect starting point for a fantastic camping holiday. Here you can find our top tips for a successful camping holiday in and around Stavanger.

5 picks for the perfect camping holiday in Stavanger

Man sits with his hands in the air on Kjeragbolten.

The hike to the Kjeragbolten rock is challenging – but if you’re an experienced hiker, the reward is worth the effort. Get our insider tips for the hike here. 

Kjeragbolten – The ultimate hiking experience

Come fishing in Norway: experience some of the world’s the best sea fishing and river-and-lake fishing.

Get a record catch

Kristin Krohn Devold, former Secretary General of the Norwegian Tourist Association, offers a few inspirational facts about some of Norway’s best mountain hiking (Source: Visit Norway).

Norway’s best mountain hikes

Image credits: norwaysbest.com / Sverre Hjørnevik

Tired of traffic jams and crowded attractions? Then travel to Norway off-season, enjoy the space, and have some truly special experiences to boot.

10 great reasons to travel to Norway in the autumn

Norway is best known as a hiking mecca, but our northern neighbour offers a wealth of other unique experiences among the beautiful natural surroundings. 

Norway – Holidays for everyone

Norway is a country filled with breathtaking nature, a rich cultural heritage and unique experiences that make it a dream destination for travelers from near and far.

Norway's best sights: Nature, culture and history

Each of the four seasons in Norway has its own charm and colours the landscape in different ways. From endless summer nights to golden autumn days, the glistening white snow of winter and spectacular blossoms of spring. 

The four seasons in Western Norway

A person sits inside a tent at sunset, with a beautiful view of mountains and valleys in the distance.

Planning an autumn holiday with friends? Then head to Norway – the perfect destination whether you’re into outdoor activities, culture, or breathtaking natural landscapes.

 Autumn holiday in Norway with friends

Join a fjord cruise with Fjord Line and get up close to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Or what about a cruise on a lake in the mountains - or the southern Norwegian archipelago?

Experience Norway’s most beautiful fjords

A child dressed in a red jacket and pink hat, holding a stick, stands in a marshy mountain landscape in autumn.

Take the kids to Norway during the autumn break, and you’re guaranteed a wonderful family holiday filled with cosy moments, togetherness, and unforgettable experiences.

Autumn holiday in Norway with kids

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten often top many hiking enthusiasts’ Norwegian “bucket list”, but our northern neighbour has many other spectacular hiking trails to offer.
In this article, we present two hikes that should also feature high on your list.

Two of Norway’s lesser known hiking gems: Hornelen and Flørli 4444

We’ve listed a number of highlights below – remember that you’ll find lots of fantastic family activities at all of our destinations in Norway, so you can find more inspiration on each individual destination page here in our travel universe.

Norway for kids

A couple holds hands and smiles while walking down a decorated street during the Christmas season.

Norway is a country brimming with Christmas spirit, whether you're visiting one of the atmospheric Christmas markets in the larger cities or seeking the peacefulness of a snow-covered log cabin in the mountains.

Norway – a Christmas filled with cosiness and traditions

A woman stands in a boat and looks out over the fjord and the mountains.

Crossing the fjords quickly and easily - Tips for your ferry trips in Norway

A man fly fishing in a calm river, surrounded by lush green mountains and countryside houses, under a clear sky.

Norway is known for its impressive nature, and for anglers the country is a true paradise. 

Fishing holidays in Norway: Your Ultimate Guide

AutoPASS is the automated system for collecting road and ferry tolls.

Are you planning a road trip in Norway in your car or motorhome? Then be aware that many roads in Norway are subject to road tolls. Register your vehicle with AutoPASS to get your toll tag before you go – and get a discount on your fees!

AutoPASS – Automatic payment of toll road fees in Norway

Norway is a global pioneer of e-mobility and, with its comprehensive charging infrastructure and reasonable electricity prices, offers a great starting point for anyone who wants to explore the country with their own electric car. Here you will find all the information you need for your e-car holiday in Norway.

Information, tips and benefits - Travelling to Norway by electric car

Visit some of Norway’s lesser known viewpoints and attractions – and come away with unique experiences and holiday memories for life. 

Untraditional destinations

Two women on a hike in green surroundings with a fjord and mountains in the background.

Dreaming of hiking through Norway’s unforgettable scenery of fjords, mountains and forests? Get our tips for a hiking holiday to remember – from the best hikes of Southern and Western Norway to how to offer your kids a hiking adventure in the Scandinavian nature paradise.

Hiking in Norway – The ultimate outdoor holiday

Motorhome parked by the fjord and beautiful mountains.

The Norwegian exchange rate is still historically low – so you can once again get great holiday experiences at small prices! Read our 5 top tips for an incredible Norwegian adventure. 

Explore Norway in 2024 – and get great holiday experiences on a small budget

Planning a family trip to Norway this year and want to save on the travel budget? Discover a wealth of free activities for the whole family in this article.


Travel articles about Hardangerfjord

Travel articles

The magical Norwegian fjords

Visit Norway

Hiking the Trolltunga

The Norwegians' own favourites