Hardanger Tourist Route
Hardanger National Tourist Route, Norway
The Hardanger National Tourist route takes you on an unforgettable 158km adventure through a wide variety of Noway’s finest and most breathtakingly beautiful terrain. Since Norway is known for its ample campgrounds, tourists are encouraged to explore by campervan, motorhome rental or RV hire from Oslo or Grimstad in order to really get the most out of their natural surroundings.
Scenic Sights
This drive that starts near Bergen, might not take more than a few hours but, with all the great stops along the way, you’ll want to take your time! You should find a number of fresh produce stalls along the way but make sure that you take supplies with you for the road.
There are a number of great stops with amazing views and some of them even have picnic areas, of which, Hereiane, Steinstoberget and Hesthamar are the most popular.
The Latefossen Waterfall and several more are located in the Odda Valley and it’s worth stopping to see at least one of these beauties. The region is known for its fresh produce and fruit production. If you are interested in learning more about apple juice and cider production, you can stop in at the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory or enjoy an educational walk in Ulvik.
In Norheimsund, the Hardanger Martime Museum is one of the main attractions. If you would like to learn more about the history, you can visit the Hardanger Folk Museum in Utne which is an open air museum.
The hydropower facility in Tyssedal is the largest in Europe and is both practical, educational and a wonder to visit.
Norwegian Glaciers and Fjords
As fun as it is to cruise around and visit all the sights, it’s also great to park your vehicle and explore some other activities. There are many hiking trails, biking areas and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family.
There are a number of ferry cruises available if you’d like to explore some other nearby destinations while somebody else does the “driving”. The fjords are absolutely amazing no matter what time of year you decide to visit and they always prove memorable.
The Folgefonna glacier is the third largest in mainland Norway and makes summer skiing possible. Skiers will also be able to enjoy some of the most stunning views from up high. If you’re not really much of a skier but you’d still like to enjoy the views, you can sign up for a glacier walk on this very same glacier! At Juklavassbreen glacier you can enjoy a blue ice hike and, in the Buer Valley, you can walk all the way to the edge of the Buarbreen Glacier.
If you don’t mind heights, you can enjoy a climb up the Via Ferrata in Tyssedal. You will need to climb up a ladder that runs parallel to the pipes. Once you reach the halfway mark, you will need to climb out onto the metal bars. These bars have been drilled or otherwise secured into the rock. The good news, however, is that you will be provided with all the necessary safety equipment and you’re not expected (or permitted) to climb without a harness, helmet and an expert there to assist.
If you enjoy fishing, you can choose between fjord fishing and casting your line in one of the local rivers or lakes. Fjord fishing does not require a license but you will need a permit if you wish to fish in any of the lakes or rivers. These licenses can be purchased from any tourist information centre.