A Closer Look at Blooming Hardanger
With a rich food and cultural history, world-renowned icons and unique nature experiences, it is easy to understand why Hardanger has been a popular destination for hundreds of years. Hardanger is a true gem, and only an hour away from Bergen and the international airport Flesland.
Photo: Fjord Norge, Robin Strand
The Hardangerfjord is the fourth longest fjord in the world, and the second longest fjord in Norway. It is located in Vestland county in the Hardanger region. The fjord stretches 179 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountainous interior of Norway along the Hardangervidda plateau.
It’s no secret that Hardanger is like a picture postcard and almost everywhere you look you will feast your eyes on thundering waterfalls or fruit trees in bloom.
Photo: Paal Audestad / www.fjordtours.com
Fruit
Fruit has been grown in Hardanger since the 14th century with artists and tourists drawing inspiration from nature and its grandeur. In May/June when the fruit trees are in blossom is Hardanger at its most beautiful. Depending on a warm or cold spring the blossoming season varies from year to year but in late summer and autumn, fruit are for sale in the farm shops and directly from the farmers.
Stopping along the road to buy fresh sweet cherries, plums, apples and pears is a relaxing and charming experience. Cider produced in this region has made itself world-famous and as such has been protected in the same way as Champagne from France.
We offer several Cider Experiences in Hardanger and Western Norway, where you can get a closer look at the cider production in Hardanger and get a taste of this enchanting drink.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
Hardanger Bridge
The Hardanger Bridge is 1380 meters long, and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. You can drive, walk, or cycle across the bridge enjoying the breathtaking fjord landscape, or the construction itself. The main span is 1380 meters, the towers are 202 meters high, clearance below is 55 meters.
Photo: Vøringsfossen , Nasjonal Turistveg Hardangervidda - Kjetil Rolseth/ Rolseth Foto
Waterfalls
Waterfalls exert a magnetic attraction on us and Hardanger is the perfect destination for waterfall enthusiasts. Hardanger is framed by large waterfalls: Steinsdalsfossen, Vøringsfossen, Skjervefossen, Låtefoss and Furebergfossen.
They are all different but all have the power to hypnotise us. The force of these waterfalls is so enormous that often we simply stand and stare. Discussing which of them is most beautiful then becomes merely an academic exercise. They all possess their unique qualities, like Steinsdalsfossen where you can follow the path behind the cascade, or Låtefoss with its twin falls that perhaps attracts more admirers.
If you want to experience the majestic Hardangerfjord, and two of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, all in one tour, you can join in on our Great Waterfall and Fjord Tour! On this tour you will travel through a landscape of majestic mountains, idyllic orchards, and spectacular waterfalls! Experience first-hand the power of Northern Europe’s largest waterfall Vøringsfossen and walk behind the gorgeous Steinsdalsfossen.
Photo: Trolltunga Active
Hiking
There are plenty of hiking options in Hardanger, and many of them will give you a panoramic view of the fjord. The highly challenging walk to Trolltunga is the best-known hike around here. Every year around 100,000 visitors embark on this walk in order to take the iconic picture of themselves on Trolltunga above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
Nearby you will also find Dronningstien - the Queen's Trail - which is well known for being one of the Queen’s favorite walks. Further west by Jonsdal and Herand you will also find hiking trails to Vikanuten, Samlen, and - perhaps the nicest of them all – Haugsvarden, with an amazing view of the Hardangerfjord all the way to the top.
If you want to explore more of this beautiful fjord area, our Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™ and Great Waterfall & Fjord Tour are great trips to do so.
Photo: Fjord Norge, Robin Strand
More articles about the Hardangerfjord area
Norwegian Cider’s Rise In Popularity
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The History of Cider Production In Norway
Did you know that cider production and manufacturing has a long and storied tradition in Norway? It is a little known fact about the Scandanavian country that often surprises people. However, with the recent rise in popularity of the drink in Norway, all that will likely change very soon.
Hardanger - Norway's orchard
In the western part of Norway, you’ll find the idyllic region of Hardanger. In the summer months, the area is easily identified by fragrant floral blooms and blossoming fruit trees.
A Closer Look at Blooming Hardanger
With a rich food and cultural history, world-renowned icons and unique nature experiences, it is easy to understand why Hardanger has been a popular destination for hundreds of years. Hardanger is a true gem, and only an hour away from Bergen and the international airport Flesland.
Food and Drink Producers in Norway: Hardangerfjord
“Imagine you're sitting on the jetty down by the ice-blue Hardangerfjord with a glass of pearly cider in your hand. Around you, the majestic mountains rise high above the fjord. You see the glacier Folgefonna, a multitude of waterfalls flowing down from snow-covered peaks, and all around you, there are apple trees in full bloom. That is the beauty of Hardangerfjord.” - Joar, Aga Sideri.