The Serene Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord - the land of waterfalls
 
Discover one of Norway’s greatest fjords on this flexible and varied self-guided walking holiday. Stay in high-quality fjordside hotels – three of which have a pool – and enjoy unforgettable views as you journey by boat and bus, as well as on foot.
The Serene Hardangerfjord. 7 nights
The Serene Hardangerfjord. 7 nights
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in Hardangerfjord

Spectacular Hardangerfjord, the southernmost of the three great fjords, is blessed by a mild climate and renowned for its glorious colours. On this walk and exhilarating journey, you wander down from the forests and moorland above Voss to reach the deepest, most spectacular fingers of Hardangerfjord as it claws its way into the mountains of Hardangervidda.
Journeys by bus and boat are as much a part of the pleasure of this holiday as the walking. With our travel options, you can enjoy the itinerary with a minimum of walking; or by following our walk notes you can experience spectacular routes high above the fjords, and pastoral lower level walks for an intimate experience of rural Norway.
 
Gallery

 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    Summers in this region are similar to those in northern England, so be prepared for both warm, sunny weather and rain.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C -1 0 5 9 15 19 20 19 14 9 3 1
    mm 123 89 97 49 56 71 78 95 160 161 150 151
  • Arrival in Voss
    Night 1: at Fleischer’s Hotel (the first of two nights here).

    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

    Please note: on the days you travel between hotels, you take your luggage with you – the buses and boats stop close to the hotels, so little or no walking is involved. The only exception to this is day 2, when your bags are transported ahead to enable you to walk part of the way between Voss and Ulvik.
  • Choice of walks from Voss: 6.5km to 12km

    Circular walk from Hangur via Voss gondola: 8km, 3hrs
    In fine weather, walking the high moorland circuit from the top of the Voss gondola can’t be beaten, offering exceptional views and ambience, without significant climbing.

    Circular walk around Håmyrane nature reserve: 12km, 5hrs
    Located a three-minute train ride north-east of Voss, the Håmyrane reserve is a protected marsh and lake region surrounded by forest and farmland. Our circuit takes you to its heart – a tranquil area to picnic or spot wildlife – before returning to Voss on foot or by bus.

    Each of today's walking options can also be combined with a visit to one of the following:

    Folkemuseum:
    The excellent Folkemuseum, reached by a short but steep walk above the town, is a superb example of a preserved farm hamlet, with a nearby visitor centre/museum, giving wonderful insight to the lives of former inhabitants of the region.

    Bordalsgjelet: 6.5km, 2hrs
    The impressive Bordalsgjelet gorge is reached via an easy walk taking in Voss church and skirting the end of Vangsvatnet lake. From the dramatic vertical-sided gorge through which the Bordalselvi river flows, you return along Voss' bustling main shopping street.
    Hangur circuit
    Håmyrane Nature Reserve
    Circular walk from Hangur: 8km
    Circular walk around Håmyrane: 12km
  • Voss to Ulvik, via Granvin: 16km
    Today you travel by bus from Voss to Granvin. You can either stay on the bus all the way to Ulvik, or get off here and walk to your next hotel.

    Linear walk from Granvin to Ulvik: 16km, 6.5hrs; ascent/descent 640m
    From Granvin you join the route of the old post road as it winds through forests, pasture and high moorland, passing isolated farms and the picturesque lake at Vatnaset before descending to the village of Ulvik and the fjordside Brakanes Hotel.
    Linear walk from Granvin to Ulvik: 16km
    Forests and pastures between Granvin and Ulvik
  • Choice of walks from Ulvik: both 10km

    Cider trail & Osafjorden viewpoint: 10km, 3.5hrs
    Head out through the orchards of the cider farms to the east of Ulvik before climbing gently through meadows and forest to Jobykse, a viewpoint high above the Osafjord. On your return, you can sample the produce at one of the cider farms before retracing your steps to Ulvik.

    Frystetjørn lake: 10km, 4hrs
    West from the hotel, this route climbs from the fjordside, first on a track and then a beautiful path to reach the mountain lake of Frystetjørn, where you can picnic or even brave a swim. The onward route descends north, with views of the 1,000-metre Mount Kvasshovden, dropping gently back to the fjord and your hotel.
    Viewpoint above Osafjord
    Frystetjørn lake
    Cider trail: 10km
    Frystetjørn lake: 10km
  • Ulvik to Lofthus by boat or bus; choice of circular walk around Lofthus: 6km or 7km
    From Ulvik you travel by morning boat or bus along the fjord to Lofthus, where you spend two nights at Hotel Ullensvang. You have the option to head out on one of the following two short walks in the afternoon.

    Lofthus ‘fruit trail’: 6km, 2hrs
    A relaxed amble along lanes through the orchards of Lofthus gives wonderful fjord views and a lesson in fruit-growing thanks to comprehensive information panels along the way. You can extend the walk by climbing alongside the river Opo, for views of the high Skrikjo Falls, as well as glimpses of a second waterfall. The route returns via Ullensvang church and swimming jetty – the perfect spot for a break before returning to your hotel.

    Circular walk via Hoveden: 7km, 3.5hrs
    Ascend to the extraordinary viewpoint at Hoveden overlooking striking Hardangerfjord. This walk can be extended with a foray up the famous ‘Monks’ Steps’ (the return route of one of tomorrow’s walks).
    Lofthus ‘fruit trail’: 6km
    Circular walk via Hoveden: 7km
  • Choice of walks from Lofthus: 8km to 18.5km

    Husedalen Falls: up to 18.5km, 7.5hrs
    After taking a bus or boat (20mins, pay locally) to Kinsarvik, walk up Husedalen, a steep, pine-clad valley boasting four thundering waterfalls. As this is an out-and-back route, you can choose how far you walk, although the views of the falls get better the higher you climb.

    Nå to Aga: 8km, 3hrs
    Take a ferry (30mins, pay locally) across the fjord from Lofthus to Nå, a cider-producing hamlet on the west side of the Sørfjord. The walk climbs to head parallel to the shore, crossing a forested shelf beneath huge cliffs and waterfalls and passing hidden lakes – one of which contains magically clear water – before descending through farming country to Aga. There is more cider, and a beautiful folk museum of village houses which are entirely integrated into their surroundings. Return to Lofthus by ferry.

    Queen's Trail: 15.5km, 7hrs or 18km, 8hrs
    For a literal highlight, there’s no better walk than the Queen’s Trail, legs permitting (the walk starts with a short bus ride, with a choice of two starting points, depending on how energetic you are feeling). You are rewarded with views over the Sørfjord to the glaciers of the Folgefonna National Park before a steep descent of the spectacular Monks’ Steps, 616 stone steps built by Cistercian monks from York in the 13th century.
    Husedalen Falls
    Aga folk museum
    Husedalen Falls: up to 18.5km
    Queen's Trail (longer version): 18km
  • Circular walk from Lofthus: 7km; ascent/descent 220m: Lofthus to Bergen by boat & bus
    You have most of the day in Lofthus, so there is time to head out on whichever of the two routes suggested for Day 4 you have not yet walked.

    Your final views of the week’s memorable landscapes are from the water as you journey by boat through the early evening to Norheimsund, and then on to Bergen by bus. Norway’s second-largest city is set in a wonderful location on the western fjords. You spend your final night in a hotel well placed for exploration of the historic Bryggen district, just a short stroll from the seafood restaurants which line the harbour, for a final taste of Norway.
 

Accommodation

There is a long history of hospitality in the Hardangerfjord region and the welcoming hotels we have chosen for you reflect this. Although some of these hotels are also amongst the most historic and characterful in Norway, over the years they have grown in size and so can sometimes be busier than a ‘typical’ Inntravel hotel, though this in no way detracts from their superb settings and high standards of service.

In Bergen we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation. Wherever you stay, we recommend an extra night in the city to give you more time to explore.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 25 May 2024 - 30 September 2024 & 25 May 2025 - 30 September 2025

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    25 May - 12 Jun 2024 £1750 £705
    13 Jun - 30 Aug 2024 £1825 £725
    1 - 23 Sep 2024 £1780 £605
    25 May - 12 Jun 2025 £1820 £735
    13 Jun - 30 Aug 2025 £1900 £755
    1 - 23 Sep 2025 £1855 £630
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen
    Superior double (no twins): 25 May - 30 Sep 2024 £22
    Superior double (no twins): 25 May - 30 Sep 2025 £23

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus (with dinner) Double room Single room
    25 May - 30 Sep 2024 £215 £380
    25 May - 30 Sep 2025 £225 £400
    Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Bergen (B&B) Double room Single room
    25 May - 30 Sep 2024 £91 £124
    25 May - 30 Sep 2025 £95 £129
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Bergen
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Oslo. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Bergen SAS,  Wideroe 
    Aberdeen - Bergen (via Stavanger) SAS 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Bergen (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Birmingham - Bergen (via Copenhagen) SAS 
    Birmingham - Bergen (via Paris CDG) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Bergen (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Bergen Loganair 
    Edinburgh - Bergen (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Edinburgh - Bergen (via CPH) Norwegian 
    Edinburgh - Bergen (via Oslo (Gardermoen) ) Norwegian 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Bergen Loganair 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Bergen Norwegian 
    Gatwick - Bergen (via Oslo (Gardermoen) ) Norwegian 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Bergen, via Copenhagen SAS 
    Heathrow - Bergen, via Oslo (Gardermoen) SAS 
    Heathrow - Bergen, via Stavanger SAS 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Bergen Wizz Air 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Bergen Wideroe 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Bergen SAS 
    Manchester - Bergen (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Manchester - Bergen (via Oslo (Gardermoen) SAS 
    Manchester - Bergen (via Oslo (Gardermoen) ) Norwegian 
    Manchester - Bergen (with touchdown in Inverness) Loganair 
    Manchester - Bergen, via Copenhagen SAS 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Bergen Loganair 
    Newcastle - Bergen (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Oslo. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Bergen

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Bergen to Voss station (1h20) £33-£34 1600
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    own arrangements city centre to airport pay locally flexible
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 6 dinners
    4 picnics
    7 breakfasts
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • itinerant transfers
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from A to B, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Norway, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). There is no need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as this (and still-current EHICs) is not valid in Norway. However, should you need medical help, you can show your UK passport at the medical facility and treatment will be provided on the same terms as for Norwegian nationals. It is important that, if you already have travel insurance in place, the terms do not exclude medical cover, especially for existing conditions, in the absence of an EHIC.
  • The most widely spoken language is Norwegian. The currency is the Kroner. Norwegian time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
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