Hardanger is the best place in Norway when it comes to eating sweet cherries and drinking apple cider. Even more, Hardanger has two of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes, which are Hardangervidda (mountain area) and Hardange by the fjord. Along these routes of Hardanger, immerse yourself in the scenic landscape, and fruits that are good as the garden of Eden. Also, challenge yourself with the epic hike of Trolltunga. I highly recommend 48 hours or three days when exploring Hardanger.
Read More about: The Scenic Routes of Hardanger.
If you are lucky to travel in May to Hardanger, be prepared to be encountered by a majestic fruit blossoming.
Roaring Waterfalls: Vøringsfossen, Låtefoss & Steinadalsfossen
Hardanger has some of the best waterfalls in Norway if you don’t include Geiranger Fjord and the Seven Sisters. If being in Hardanger, I recommend checking out Vøringsfossen, Låtefoss, and Steindalsfossen. They are some of the gems of Hardanger.
The most famous are Vøringsfossen in Eidfjord (route 7), Steinsdalsfossen in Norheimsund (route 7) and Låtefoss in Odda (route 13).
The Hardangerfjord: The Third Longest Fjord in The World
Hardanger Municipalities of Kvam, Eidfjord, Kvinnherad, Ullensvang and Ulvik,
Road Trip in Hardanger
We – Mum, Sister, and I went from the Pulpit Rock to Hardanger on our way to Flåm & Aurland. On our most epic summer road trip in Norway. Starting our journey in Oslo and going to Southern Norway, The Hidden Summer Paradise, and then also passing by Jæren is one of 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes, and then Pulpit Rock, Hardanger, Flåm, Aurland, and all the way back home to the area of Stad and Måløy.
From Pulpit Rock to Hardanger
We decided to take the route where you drive Sørfjord one of the innermost branches of the main Hardangerfjorden. From Pulpit Rock, we went driving past Odda and further on to Ullensvang, which are one of many charming villages in the area of Sørfjord.
1 Day in Hardanger (Which is Not Enough)
Along the road in Hardanger, we did stop maybe two times to fill up the car with cherries and apple cider, because that is a must-do when being in Hardanger Norway.
Drive Early in the Morning
Ulensvik 8 AM
Wake up early and start driving, because it’s a romantic love story to drive in the sunrise. When the fog starts to lift from the fjord and the sun starts to kiss the prettiest orchards in Norway. Welcome to Alexander Rybak – and the Norwegian Fairytale.
Ullensvang Hotel Iconic 9 AM
If you have time for breakfast at the iconic Ullensvang Hotel, I highly recommend doing that for having the pleasure of enjoying the view of Hardangerfjord and, most of all, some local food. If you stay the night, go swimming in the amazing indoor-outdoor pool.
Cider Safari & Scandi Cool 11 AM
After visiting the Ullensvang Hotel, stop by the local Cider farms and pick up some take away ciders. Or even better if you have more time go and explore the famous cider with a Cider Safari. Cruise the Sørfjord with the Cider boat, or join the guided fruit and cider route in Ulvik.
Hardanger Cider & The Awards
Norwegian ciders took two Gold and six Silver at the 2019 CiderWorld Awards in Germany. Egge gård got two gold and three silver, Ulvik Frukt & Cider two silver, and Balholm one silver.
Cider Festival 2021 in Hardanger
Budget Lunch at Kinservik 3 PM
Kinservik, what an undiscovered gem; we spent our breakfast at this lovely location, but can also be a great picnic spot for lunch. Two tables are beautifully located right by the Sørfjord. Perfect if you are taking the ferry from Kinsarvik to Utne. We all know that Norway is expensive, so even Norwegians have meals in nature instead of restaurants. Sometimes you have to be on the budget because later you want to splurge.
Accommodation in Hardanger
If you have time to spend the night, why not check out Kinsarvik Camping for a beautiful location right by the fjord. A marvelous view and the cabin are filled with everything you need for amenities. Another cool place is this Funkis-cabin in Herand with a fantastic fjord view. Or the Treehut with nature, birds, silence, and also more fjord.
Eat Cherries in Hardanger & Drink Nordic Champagne (Anytime During the Day)
If you have not had Cherries in Hardanger, likely, you have never been to Hardanger. The region of Hardanger is famous for its cherries and apples, most, by all means, be eaten at any time during your stay in Hardanger. Stop along the road to fill up the car with cherries and the rich flavors of apple cider, also known as Nordic Champagne. Hardanger is the fruit garden of Norway if you haven’t figured that out yet.
Drive to Vøringsfossen 4 PM
Vørringsfossen is maybe not along the road on your route. I still think the one-hour extra driving is well worth this scenic waterfall, that is a dream for the eye. Are we not discovering the Norwegian fairytale? Isn’t a road trip all about the stops along the road and not the destination?
Bike to Flåm from Haugastøl
Remember from Haugastøl you can bike to Flåm if you want. Perhaps you are a group, and maybe some of the members would like to take the 80 kilometers bike ride from Hauagstøl to Flåm, around 10 hours biking.
Check out more at: Finse 1222
Trolltunga for The Expert Hiker & Mountain Lover
If you are a lover of mountains and mesmerizing views, you should go hiking Trolltunga, but also be aware of the difficulties of the Trolltunga hike, and it requires more or less 15 hours trekking to reach up and back to your accommodation.
Check out more at Trolltunga Active
The alternative hike is the one that starts in Kinsarvik and takes you to four beautiful waterfalls in Husedalen valley.
7 Top Hikes in Hardanger
Trolltunga
Husedalen Valley with Waterfalls
HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail
Hike to Vøringsfossen waterfall
Elvadalen – The river valley
Fruktstien – The fruit trail
The Monk steps and Nosi
Map of Hiking Routes
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