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During my recent trip to Bergen – my first ever to Norway – I took a memorable day trip to Hardangerfjord, located a 2-hour drive from the city.
It’s something I highly recommend saving time for, even if you’re only visiting Bergen for 3 days. With a car hire or day tour, you can see plenty during a day, especially in the long summer months when it stays light until late.
Although this was a new travel adventure for me, having never been to a fjord before, it’s actually one of the oldest types of tourism. Foreign travellers started visiting in the 1800s, and by 1887 (long before commercial flights were available), British agency Thomas Cooke was leading weekly cruises to Hardangerfjord.
About Hardangerfjord
Norway is home to a staggering 1,700 fjords, the second-largest of which is Hardangerfjord. She measures a mighty 111 miles, making her the second-longest fjord in Norway, and the third-longest in the world.
What is a fjord? It’s defined as a deep, narrow inlet of the sea with steep rocks on either side.
Her nickname is ‘Queen of the Fjords’, only beaten in size by Sognefjord in Western Norway (‘King of the Fjords’) at 127 miles.
As Norway’s most southern glacier, Hardangerfjord is an easy leap into nature during a Bergen city break.
How to take a day trip to Hardangerfjord from Bergen
Cruises: The most cost-effective option is to take a cruise from Bergen: this one costs €80 and includes 2 hours on the boat and 3 hours at Rosendal village and Hatteberg Waterfall when you arrive.
By private, shared transport: taking an organised day trip is another affordable option, and a very convenient one at that. You won’t need to worry about driving, navigation or parking. This option includes stops at waterfalls, stone age carvings, and stunning fjord scenery.
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Ultimately, it depends on which part of Hardangerfjord you want to see. If it’s the impressive Trolltunga (‘Trolls Tongue’) cliff that you may have seen online, there are tours that will take you directly there.
With a hire car: this is also an excellent option with full power to you. The roads in Norway are in great condition, and it’s easy to hire a car in Bergen. But good luck keeping your eye on the road with these views! Read more about the Norwegian Scenic Route, voted one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.
Places to visit in Hardangerfjord
Here are the gorgeous stops we made during our day trip to give you some inspo for planning your trip!
Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall
Near the cute town of Norheimsund, Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall is a beautiful slice of nature that’s easy to reach. The 50m single-drop waterfall is often flanked by a rainbow (just visible above) in the right weather.
Follow the path behind the powerfall waterfall, leading to the viewpoint. From here, you can spy spectacular views over the Steinsdalen valley.
The path is inclined with a handrail, making it suitable for all, including wheelchair users. The car park is nearby, and there’s also a cafe on site.
Cider tasting
The ‘Orchard of Norway’ is known for producing fruit such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries and apples. I learnt during my day in Hardangerfjord that the latter are made into fantastic cider. Also being from a cider-producing country, I was excited to try.
From rosé to ice cider (a sweet variety made from frozen juice, comparable to ice wine), it was a fascinating insight into the tasty beverage. If you get the chance to do a tasting in Norway, I highly recommend it.
For those who don’t drink, eplemost is an alcohol-free version.
Where to try and buy cider in Hardangerfjord:
- Hardangerfjord Juice & Cider Factory – this was the first place we stopped for an informative cider tasting in a building with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
- Syse Farm – we stopped at this beautiful farm shop (a family business since 1888!) filled with jams and other homegrown products. My new life goal is owning a knitted apple holder! They have a huge variety of ciders and apple juices.
If you don’t have time for a full cider tasting, I recommend popping into Siderbar in Bergen. See my Bergen food & drink guide for more details.
Lunch at Brakenes Hotel
For a beautiful setting, I’m convinced you can’t do better than Brakanes Hotel on the banks of the Fjord near the petite town of Ulvik. This 4-star hotel would be an idyllic place to stay, but you can simply visit for lunch (reservation recommended) and an adrenaline-inducing RIB ride on the Fjord.
We had a feast made from locally produced, in-season ingredients. Everything was delicious, especially the pretty tiramisu-inspired dessert.
RIB ride on the Fjord
We had a blast riding around the Fjord!
In case you’re unfamiliar, an RIB is a rigid inflatable boat, capable of reaching high speeds with its dynamic design. I’d never ridden one before, but I can confirm it was a lot of fun and not TOO scary (I’m not really an adrenaline junkie, to be honest!).
This journey blends adrenaline with scenery and tales from the captain. He explained how the Hardanger Bridge across the Fjord saves you a 9-hour drive, and before it was built, you’d have to drive almost to Oslo and back to cross this narrow stretch of water.
We also shared a tragic, albeit ancient story at ‘Brides Cove’ about a wedding party washed away by violent weather. Centuries ago, it’s now the stuff of urban legends.
We also marvelled at a village of 37 people. When the road is closed due to rockfall and the water is frozen over, kids have to ski to a boat that will take them to school. I can barely imagine it, but it sounds far more fun than my school commute.
More things to do in Hardangerfjord
Doing the day hike to Trolltunga (translating as the Troll Tongue) always comes up as one of the highlights of Hardangerfjord. It’s still on my bucket list for a future trip to Norway.
Folgefonna Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Norway, is another highlight for many travellers that should absolutely be on your radar. Låtefossen and Vøringsfossen are other scenic waterfalls you can check out.
I’d also love to try Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail on a future trip to Norway, apparently it’s one of the nation’s most beautiful hikes!
Basically, there’s loads to keep you busy, whether you’re spending a day or several weeks. I hope this post has given you a dose of inspiration!
Thanks for reading!
