The 170-kilometer-long Hardangerfjord is Norway's central tourist attraction and is the second largest in the country and the third in the world. The Hardanger Fjord is one of the most popular places in the country, which is primarily due to the mild climate and amazing nature with stunning landscapes. In fact, one of the world's first tour operators, Thomas Cook, offered cruises from London to the Hardangerfjord as early as 1875, showcasing the region's spectacular nature, glaciers and great waterfalls to captivate Victorian travelers.
1. Voss
Municipality Voss, the largest settlement near the Hardangerfjord, has more than 13 thousand inhabitants, who are mainly engaged in receiving tourists from all over the world. The main attractions of Voss are Voss Cathedral built in 1270, St. Olaf's Cross from the 11th century, Finneloftet ( Banquet Hall) built in 1295, the back is a national monument and the oldest wooden secular building in Norway, the Folk Museum, consisting of 16 original wooden buildings from the Middle Ages.
Voss is also the tourist center of the Hardangerfjord, most of the fjord excursions depart from here, mostly one-day sightseeing bus tours costing 135 Euros for 10.5 hours.
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| Hardangerfjord Norway, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
2. Sørfjorden
Sørfjorden is a 38 km side fjord in the Hardangerfjord in Hardanger, Hordaland. It stretches from Kinsarvik to the industrial city of Odda. Ideal for exploring Folgeffon National Park with its massive glaciers, the park is home to the third largest glacier in Norway and the largest of the country's southern glaciers.
Official site: folgefonna.info/en
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| Sørfjorden, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
3. Stalheimskleiva
One of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, built in 1842-1846. The road has 13 sharp bends, and at the end of the road is the Hotel Stalheim, built right on the top of the mountain overlooking the road and the Närøydalen Valley. On both sides of the road, you can see the Stalheim Falls (126 m) and the Sivle Falls (142 m).
Stalheimskleiva is a one-way road that runs downhill and is open except in the winter season when snow and ice cover it.
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| Stalheimskleiva, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
4. Hardangervidda
Hardangervidda is one of the largest mountain plateaus in Europe, it is famous for the fact that it was on it that Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen planned and prepared their numerous expeditions. The plateau is easily accessible from Kinsarvik. Today, the plateau is one of Norway's most popular outdoor activities and camping sites, attracting hikers, mountain bikers and skiers to its well-marked trails as well as fishing spots looking to try their luck in the many lakes and streams. To the northwest of the plateau is another of Norway's largest glaciers - Hardangerjokulen . Finally, the Hardangervidda Nature Center is a great place to learn more about the Alpine flora and fauna of this exceptionally beautiful place.
Official site: hardangerviddanatursenter.no
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| Hardangervidda, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
5. Kjeåsen Mountain Farm
Kesasen is considered the most inaccessible farm in Norway, it is famous for its books and television productions. The farm is inhabited only during the summer months, it sits like an eagle's nest on a mountain ledge 600 meters above the Simadalsfjord. Kesasen can only be reached through the tunnel, which is the only means of communication with the rest of the world.
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| Kesasen, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
6. The Hardangerfjord Route
National Tourist Route - Hardanger takes you through the spectacular scenic fjord scenery. This is a close acquaintance with the Hardangerfjord, waterfalls and gardens in a beautiful corner of Norway. The Hardanger National Tourist Route is 158 km long and has four sections; Granvin - Steinsdalsfossen (line 7), Norheimsund - Törvikbyugd (line 49), Jondal - Utne (line 550) and Kinsarvik - Lotofoss (line 13).
Official website: www.cyclingnorway.no/en
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Hardangerfjord Route, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |
7. Ulvik
Ulvik is home to one of the most popular resorts in Hardanger and is also home to a cruise ship dock. On April 25, 1940, the village of Ulvik was almost completely destroyed during the German invasion of Norway. A landmark of the commune, in addition to the natural landscape, is the home of the famous Norwegian lyric poet Olav Hauge, who was greatly influenced by the natural beauty of Hardanger.
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| Ulvik, Hardangerfjord Landmarks |