Walking the Hardangerfjord
- Walking Hardangerfjord, the orchard of Norway
- The World Heritage City of Bergen
- Hiking to the 4 waterfalls of the Husedalen Valley
- Climb the historical 'Monk Steps', 616 stone steps used by monks to access the Hardangervidda
- Travel on scenic ferries, buses and trains
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive BergenThe World Heritage City of Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords” is the perfect place to start your discovery of the Hardangerfjord region. Wander through the historic Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mt Floyen for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy a delicious evening meal at one of the city’s fantastic seafood restaurants.
A bright, friendly hotel located on the popular Torgalmenningen square in central Bergen. The building dates back to 1926, and has been lovingly converted into a funky, modern hotel with many of the original features still preserved.
Beautifully located by the quayside next to the historic Bryggen. Coffee, tea, fruit and waffles are all included.
The hotel is located in central Bergen and it enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, the mountains and the fish market. The 270 degree sea view provides a true maritime ambiance. All rooms have a minibar, iron and ironing board, chair and desk. Free Wi-Fi available.
An hour’s train journey, followed by an short bus transfer takes you deep into the Hardangerfjord, and the village of Ulvik. Surrounded by mountains and at the nook of the Hardangerfjord, this idyllic location puts you right in heart of fjord country.
Enjoy a short walk around the fruit farming village of Ulvik taking in its famous orchards where you can sample some delicious local cider.
A family-run traditional hotel located right on the fjord. The restaurant and rooms have panoramic views over the fjord. Enjoy good food, a friendly atmosphere and personal attention, and relax on their beautiful sun terrace after a days walking.
A traditional hotel enjoying a fjord-side setting and surrounded by mountains and orchards. Relax in their beautiful hotel garden where they serve a variety of dishes and drinks.
A challenging walk today, but one which is well worth the effort! From the centre of Ulvik, follow a trail which rises from the centre of town to 1030 metres above sea-level for outstanding views over the fjords and mountains.
A family-run traditional hotel located right on the fjord. The restaurant and rooms have panoramic views over the fjord. Enjoy good food, a friendly atmosphere and personal attention, and relax on their beautiful sun terrace after a days walking.
A traditional hotel enjoying a fjord-side setting and surrounded by mountains and orchards. Relax in their beautiful hotel garden where they serve a variety of dishes and drinks.
Walk high above Ulvik through orchards and meadows to Solsaevatnet lake, which is surrounded by beautiful alpine views.
An afternoon ferry will take you from Ulvik to Kinsarvik.
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Today, you can take it easy and have a rest day in the fabulous Hotel Ullensvang or instead choose one of two mountain walks taking you high above Lofthus or nearby waterfalls. We provide route notes for both options, and you can take your pick depending on how energetic you feel!
Huesdalen Waterfall Walk (14km - Ascent/Descent: 665m): Start the day by taking a short bus journey or taxi from Lofthus to Kinsarvik (paid locally) and enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in Norway, following a succession of four cascading waterfalls, through the Husedalen valley from Kinsarvik to the Hardangervidda, Europe’s most extensive mountain plateau.
Nosi Viewpoint and the Monk Steps Trail (10.4km - Ascent/Descent: 965m):Â A steep trail on an easy to follow path offering beautiful views of the fjord, a striking waterfall and the town of Lofthus. You will also be walking up the historical Monk Steps, a series of 616 stone steps built by 13th Century monks as a way to access the Hardangervidda mountain plateau easily.
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Today, you can take it easy and have a rest day in the fabulous Hotel Ullensvang or instead choose one of two mountain walks taking you high above Lofthus or nearby waterfalls. We provide route notes for both options, and you can take your pick depending on how energetic you feel!
Huesdalen Waterfall Walk (14km - Ascent/Descent: 665m): Start the day by taking a short bus journey or taxi from Lofthus to Kinsarvik (paid locally) and enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in Norway, following a succession of four cascading waterfalls, through the Husedalen valley from Kinsarvik to the Hardangervidda, Europe’s most extensive mountain plateau.
Nosi Viewpoint and the Monk Steps Trail (10.4km - Ascent/Descent: 965m):Â A steep trail on an easy to follow path offering beautiful views of the fjord, a striking waterfall and the town of Lofthus. You will also be walking up the historical Monk Steps, a series of 616 stone steps built by 13th Century monks as a way to access the Hardangervidda mountain plateau easily.
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Over 500,000 fruit trees grow in the municipality of Ullensvang and your walk this morning takes you through the heart of these orchards. Continue along the Elvadalen river valley to the waterfalls of Bjodnebokse and Skrikjo before heading back to Lofthus.
Time for lunch before jumping on the late afternoon ferry back to Norheimsund (1h 15m), and then a local bus back to Bergen (1h 15m) for a final overnight stay.
A bright, friendly hotel located on the popular Torgalmenningen square in central Bergen. The building dates back to 1926, and has been lovingly converted into a funky, modern hotel with many of the original features still preserved.
The hotel is located in central Bergen and it enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, the mountains and the fish market. The 270 degree sea view provides a true maritime ambiance. All rooms have a minibar, iron and ironing board, chair and desk. Free Wi-Fi available.
Beautifully located by the quayside next to the historic Bryggen. Coffee, tea, fruit and waffles are all included.
Check out after breakfast and make your way back to the airport, or speak to one of our Destination & Adventure Specialists about arranging extra nights.
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you want to get there quickly but also experience those classic fjord landscapes, Hardangerfjord is the trip for you. Suitable for keen walkers used to walking in hillier terrain, with walks of between 3 and 8 hours a day and up to 1000m ascent. Stay overnight in traditional fjord-side hotels in Hardangerfjord and a modern city hotel in Bergen, and travel on the excellent train, bus & ferry network.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 3 and 8 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is just over 1100m. There are two days which would be graded more as moderate-strenuous which are Days 3 and 5. However, both walks are optional. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking long days in hillier terrain.
7 nights hand-picked accommodation is included in your trip. 2 nights are in a good quality, 3-star standard modern city centre hotel in Bergen. 5 nights are in traditional hotels in idyllic fjord-side locations of a 3-star standard. They offer modern rooms with fantastic views, great service, good restaurants and terraces on which you can sit out and relax and look over the beautiful Hardanger Fjord. The accommodation we normally use is detailed below, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, there is the option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is not available to solo walkers. Single rooms are also available and a supplement is applicable.
Meals
7 breakfasts and 5 evening meals (Days 2, 4, 5 and 6) are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.
Norway has an excellent system for trail-marking and all of the paths you will be following will be well way-marked.
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account. As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip.
Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town (such as a church, bus stop, etc.). Access routes to your accommodation are not included in our km daily figures. However, the Macs app will guide you to your accommodation.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Hardangerjokulen by Nordeca (map)
- 7 Nights in 3-star standard hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners
- Ferry journeys as per itinerary
- Train from Bergen to Voss
- Bus from Voss to Ulvik on Day 2 (when staying at the Strand Fjordhotel)
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24-7 Emergency telephone support
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to and from Bergen
- Local buses or taxis
- Bus from Norheimsund to Bergen on Day 7
- Lunches
- Dinners (other than those mentioned)
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Bus from Voss to Ulvik on Day 2 (when staying at the Brakanes hotel)
- Additional nights before, during or after the trip
You can start this tour anytime between the middle of June and middle of September. This is the most pleasant time of the year to walk in the Hardangfjord area with lots of hours of daylight and warm daytime temperatures. Please note that depending on weather and the previous winter, there can still be some snow on the higher trails (Kvasshovden) at the end of June.Â
You can fly direct to Bergen from a number of central destinations in Europe like Amsterdam (1h 30m), Copenhagen (1h 30m) London (2h), and Paris (2h). You can also fly via Oslo (55m), with up to 20 flights per day between Oslo and Bergen. By Rail - The Bergen Railway stretches between Oslo and Bergen and is a lovely way to travel into Bergen. There are up to 4 departures daily from Oslo to Bergen. The journey passes through some beautiful landscapes and takes approx 7 hours in total. By Road - It is approx a 7 hour drive from Oslo to Bergen via the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. This route is partly on the National Tourist Route. There are several other routes to Bergen from Oslo by car, via either Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord or Hemsedal. All take between 7-8 hours. By Ferry - There are a couple of different ways to travel to Bergen by ferry or boat. The famous Hurtigruten cruise line stops there. You can also arrive by one of the high-speed ferries which travel up and down the Norwegian coast with Norled. Or you can catch the ferry from Stavanger with Fjord Line.
Your tour finishes in Bergen. Use any of the options mentioned above for your onward travel. If you would like additional nights in Bergen, let us know.Â
You will travel with your bags between destinations.Â
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is extremely popular and the accommodations do get booked up quickly. However, we will always try our very best to accommodate your plans.
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 3 and 8 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is just over 1000m. There are two days which would be graded more as moderate-strenuous which are Days 3 and 6. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking in hillier terrain.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproof clothes and a day pack.
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Why Macs
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.