Hardangerfjord is Norway at its rural best, where verdant granite cliffs look down on rippling waters and, in spring, great apple orchards come to life in pretty, seasonal blooms. Between stays in historic Bergen and pretty Lofthus, you’ll explore this region's walking routes, crashing waterfalls and charming fjord villages with boat cruises and bus hops taking the stress out of it all. Along the way, you’ll stay in hand-picked hotels, where included breakfasts and dinners showcase the finest local ingredients. There’s also the option of extending your stay in any of the villages, or changing this route to a road trip.
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A superb chance to witness some of Norway's most awe-inspiring fjord scenery
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,710 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » UK/Bergen
Flying out from the UK, you'll be welcomed to Norway's second city at your stylish accommodation. Located right by on the waterfront you'll be perfectly poised to explore all the city's highlights, from its cobbled streets and famous fish market to the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf, just a few steps from the hotel. Here, you'll discover the city's trading past that lives on in colourful timber houses, now transformed into art galleries and cute boutiques. Don't also miss out on Bergen's famous funicular railway (ticket included), offering superb fjord and city views. Back at your hotel, the included light evening supper is an added bonus.
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Day 2 » Hardangerfjord & Lofthus
Begin your day with breakfast in Bergen, before a picturesque coach journey takes you through rolling farmland and charming fjord-side villages. Your first stop is the magnificent Steindalsfossen waterfall, where a unique path allows you to walk behind the cascading water, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Continuing by coach, you'll soon arrive in the delightful town of Norheimsund, nestled on the edge of the fjord. Here, an express boat awaits, ready to whisk you away on a spectacular cruise through the heart of Hardangerfjord. Prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning panorama unfolding before you, with towering mountains, thundering waterfalls and verdant orchards creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Upon reaching Lofthus, check into your historic hotel and unwind for the rest of the day. If your arrival time allows, consider a charming side trip to Utne. A short 15-minute taxi ride to Kinsarvik ferry quay, followed by a brief ferry crossing to Utne, will transport you to a world of quaint old streets, beautifully preserved wooden houses and the Hardanger Folk Museum. This evening, a delectable dinner awaits you back at the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Ullensvang, Hardanger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 » Eidfjord
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast overlooking the fjord, setting the stage for a captivating boat journey to come. As you pull away from the dock on the express boat, a constantly changing panorama of breathtaking scenery unfolds. A short interlude in Ulvik grants a glimpse into local life in a tranquil fjord-side community. Consider an overnight stay here, perhaps indulging in a cider tasting amidst the serene surroundings. The boat then glides onward to Eidfjord, on a particularly spectacular stretch, as mountains become even more imposing, their peaks often capped with snow even in the summer months.
Next up is a coach journey to Voringsfossen, home to Norway's largest single-drop waterfall, where you'll explore its grandeur via walkways and bridges. The winding roads and tunnels leading there are an adventure in themselves. Delve into natural history at the Norwegian Nature Centre (entry included), where the Ice Age's influence, early settlement, and climate change are explored. You're then transported to Geilo, the start point on a scenic train ride aboard the extraordinary Bergen Railway. This iconic route promises a mesmerising passage through rugged highlands, verdant valleys and pristine fjords before arriving in Bergen in the evening.
Stay: Home Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 » Depart for UK
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, enjoy a further exploration of Bergen before making your way to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A superb chance to witness some of Norway's most awe-inspiring fjord scenery
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £1,710 pp incl. flights
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