The Hardangerfjord is often referred to as "Norway's orchard" - and for good reason! The special climate provides the perfect conditions for orchards and in the region you often have the opportunity to bite into crisp, fresh fruit or enjoy fruit tarts and pies - as well as one of the very special local delicacies: cider.

Close to the Hardangerfjord Hotel you will find both the Steinstø orchard and the Spilgåarden cider brewery.

Steinstø Fruktgard is approx. 15 minutes by car from the hotel. The farm, which has been run by the same family for nine generations, is famous for its wide variety of high-quality fruit - from morello cherries, plums and cherries to raspberries, apples and pears.

The farm is particularly famous for its apple pie, which you can sample at Steinstø Frukt- and Kakebu. The cosy little fruit stand and café is located right by the beautiful fjord, so you can enjoy the view of Folgefonna while you savour a decent cup of coffee with apple pie or one of the café's many other homemade delicacies.

At the fruit stand you can buy fresh fruit, apple juice and cider, jam and home-baked pastries - all made with the farm's own fruit, of course.

. You will also find the opening hours there.

Spilgarden describes itself as a "specialist in cider and apple juice" and, as the name suggests, you can sample a wide selection of cider, the "champagne of Norway".

The farm's own products have won awards all over the world and if you would like to sample these delicious drinks too, we recommend a cider and apple juice tasting on the farm. In addition to tastings, you will also be offered an exciting insight into the history and production methods of the farm over the years. (The farm is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Leave the car parked for a cider tasting).

Of course, you can also buy "Spildemost", "Spildecider", fruit and berries, jams and the farm's very special apple pie frozen so that you can take the delicacies home to your hotel.

. You will also find the opening hours there.


Vestlandet

Try fruit from "Norway's orchard"

Imagine walking through deep ice valleys, around high, pointed ice turrets and bizarre ice formations, through an endless frozen desert, or over shimmering blue ice, the sun shining radiantly overhead and, wherever you look, you are surrounded by an impressive landscape of mountains, forests, fjords and lakes.

A glacier hike on the Folgefonna Glacier offers all this - and much more. Experienced guides from the Folgefonna Glacier Guild will teach you how to use your gear - then it's time for your adventure into the wild. If you prefer intense, almost meditative experiences of nature, you can set off into the hundred-year-old ice desert - and if you prefer the adrenaline rush and excitement, the guides will take you ice climbing on the 200 metre high sheer ice escarpments.

Along the way, the guides will tell you about the nature, culture and history of this fascinating region, and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions along the way.

The tours are tailored to the participants' preferences and fitness and are described as suitable for everyone aged 7-80.

You can also book your glacier adventure here.

Glacier hike on the Folgefonna glacier

The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions, lots of activities for children and adults, a range of year-round events - and a fantastic location on the shores of the Hardangerfjord.

In addition to the museum's art exhibitions, which feature everything from historical exhibitions to contemporary installation art, you can also visit the permanent sculpture exhibition Ingebrit Vik Museum - and every visit to Kabuso should end with a visit to the "Hardanger Skyspace" by American artist James Turrell. Here, a unique, octagonal building creates a fascinating experience in which colours, sky, space and light merge into a higher unity.

If you get peckish on the way, you can visit the museum café, which serves both lunch options and delicious homemade cakes with a decent cup of coffee.

You will also find the opening hours there.

The Kabuso House of Art

On the other side of Hardangerfjord, a wealth of experiences in nature awaits you. Here, in Norway's largest national park - and on Europe's largest high mountain plateau - the only limit to what you can experience here is your own imagination.

The area has miles of marked hiking and cycling trails, exquisite climbing spots, fishing lakes and rivers and hundreds of Stone Age settlements - and is home to some of the world's largest herds of wild reindeer and numerous Arctic plant and animal species.

South of the Hardangerfjord, another local natural gem awaits you: Folgefonna National Park. The centrepiece of this beautiful landscape is the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest glacier on the Norwegian mainland - and you can see it from the terrace of the Hardangerfjord Hotel.

One of the most popular hiking routes is a two-day tour along the old tourist road from the mid-18th century, which takes you through the fascinating landscape of the region and also very close to the fantastic glacier. You can also go on a guided glacier hike - walking across the turquoise-coloured ice is the experience of a lifetime!

The Hardangervidda and Folgefonna National Parks

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.

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

The national tourist route: Hardanger

Hardangerfjord Adventure organises excursions all year round. You can join in one of their fixed tours or arrange a trip just for your travel group.

The tours take place in RIB (Rubber Inflated Boats) boats. Enjoy an eventful and safe tour, wherever you go. Many of the tours start right at the Hardangerfjord Hotel - in other words, adventure is right on your doorstep!

Experience the fascinating fjord landscape from the water on a fjord safari (45 or 90 minutes). Sit back and enjoy the view of the steep mountain slopes, idyllic little islands, remote settlements and old trading towns.

On a fjord and salmon safari, you will experience the beautiful fjord landscape and learn more about local salmon production throughout history - and of course you can sample the local salmon alongside delicious apple juice or cider.

If you want to combine experiences on the water with unique experiences on land, Hardangerfjord Adventure also offers excursions where you spend time on land.

If you prefer relaxing and leisurely excursions, you can choose a "panoramic trip", e.g. to the idyllic village of Botnagrend, which lies on the banks of the fjord.

If you want to take on more challenging mountain hikes, you can go on a day trip that includes both a beautiful tour on the fjord and a guided hike to some of the region's viewpoints, such as the mountain peaks Oksen or Samlen, the idyllically situated Ferienhaus Kiellandbu or the beautiful mountain lake Bondhusvatnet.

A very special experience awaits you at the Folgefonna Glacier, where you can combine a boat trip across the fjord with a guided hike on the glistening glacier, the third largest in Norway. Here you can really feel the forces of nature around you as you hike over the frozen snow with views of mountains, fjords and valleys revealed by each turn of the hilly landscape. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can try your hand at ice climbing along the way.

All tours are tailored to the participants' fitness and preferences and are available for all age groups, although glacier hiking is only recommended from the age of 7.

Click here for more information and to book your fjord adventure with Hardangerfjord Adventure.

Experience the Hardangerfjord by water and across land

Seeing the beautiful waterfall - with a drop of around 50 metres - in this idyllic valley is a fantastic experience in itself, but what makes Steindalsfossen so special is that you can walk behind the thundering waterfall without getting wet.

A pleasant tarmac path (which can also be used by wheelchair users or people who have difficulty walking) has been laid out from the car park. After just 600 metres on foot, you are standing directly behind the beautiful curtain of rushing water.

If you walk a little further along the path, you will reach a viewpoint where you can enjoy the view over both the waterfall and the valley with Norheimsund.

When you get back down, you can enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee in the café by the souvenir shop - and if the weather is good, you can relax on the lawn and enjoy the view of the waterfall before returning to the car to enjoy the rest of your day.

Steindalsfossen - the waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain of water

The lake is a lovely place for a picnic and a swim, and if you have children or grandchildren with you on holiday, they will really enjoy feeding the fish from the shore.

The fish in the lake are of a species that is otherwise rare in Europe - they were originally imported from the Congo and released into the lake as an experiment by a local doctor.

The high goldfish population has made the lake one of Norway's most famous sites internationally. A small picnic area was recently created for visitors to the region.

Visit the idyllic "goldfish lake", Skårsvatnet.

Visit the idyllic "Goldfish Lake", Skårsvatnet

Norway

Travelling in Norway

Come on board and let's set sail together to fantastic Norway - a treasure trove of experiences for the whole family! 

Travelling to Norway with Fjord Line

Setesdal

Vrådal

Flåm

Rauland

Myrkdalen

Hovden

Sørlandet

summer

Vrådal – The natural pearl in the heart of Telemark

Rauland – Holiday gem on the edge of Hardangervidda

Myrkdalen – a holiday gem at the heart of Fjord Norway

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

Hovden – Experience the best of Norway's wild nature

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

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.

Experiences at the Hardangerfjord

Things to do