Explore Øystese with panoramic Hardangerfjord views

May 29, 2025

A fjord village filled with culture and views

Hardanger Akvasenter's exhibition at Hardangerbadet in Øystese. xc

Øystese, located in Norway's Hardangerfjord region, offers stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences. Just 80 km from Bergen, it features the Hardangerfjord, Folgefonna Glacier, and attractions like the Ingebrigt Vik Museum and Kabuso Art Gallery. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking and kayaking. Savor local cuisine with locally produced salmon and fruits, especially the renowned Hardanger cider.

Where to stay:

Hardangerfjord Hotel


Perched along the serene shores of Øystese in the Hardangerfjord, Hardangerfjord hotel gives stunning views of the Hardangerfjord and the Folgefonna glacier, you can enjoy local food and drinks at this fjordside hotel. Beside the hotel lays Hardangerbadet swimming facility, a local beach and Hardanger Aqua center.

Kids on a RIB safari in Fyksesund, a branch of the Hardangerfjord. Photo: Ruben Soltvedt
Kids on a RIB safari in Fyksesund, a branch of the Hardangerfjord. Photo: Ruben Soltvedt

Top attractions in Øystese

Spildegarden Cider farm:

Discover the art of cider-making at this family-run farm. Take a tour, sample their award-winning ciders, and enjoy stunning views of the orchards and fjord. Explore more at their website.

Children activities at Hardanger Maritime centre in Norheimsund

Hardanger Akvasenter:

Learn about sustainable fish farming at this innovative aquaculture center. It’s an educational experience perfect for all ages. Check out their experiences here.

Children activities at Hardanger Maritime centre in Norheimsund

Hardangerbadet:

Relax and unwind at Hardangerbadet, a state-of-the-art swimming and wellness center with facilities for the whole family. Enjoy swimming pools, saunas, and a fitness center with fjord views.


Hardangerbadet svimming facility in Øystese besides Hardangerfjord hotel.

Kabuso Art Centre:

Explore contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events in a serene setting by the fjord. Kabuso is also home to the Ingebrigt Vik Museum, showcasing works by the renowned Norwegian sculptor.

Hardangerbadet svimming facility in Øystese besides Hardangerfjord hotel.

Adventurous Activities


RIB Safaris with Hardangerfjord Adventure

Experience the thrill of the fjord up close with a RIB safari. Hardangerfjord Adventure offers high-speed tours that take you through the majestic fjord landscapes, passing dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, and hidden gems. It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the beauty of Hardangerfjord. Daily departures from Hardangerfjord hotel May to September, but private tours request is available all year.

Mikkelparken family park

Hiking in the Hardanger region

The Hardanger region is a hiker’s paradise. Hardangerfjord Adventure arranges guided hikes to some of the area’s hidden gems, suitable for all levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely walk, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of fjords, mountains, and lush landscapes.

A visit to the Goldfish lake in Øystese, Photo: Ruben Soltvedt

Here are some of Hardangerfjord Adventure's private hikes:

Nearby gems in Norheimsund - the neighbor town

Just 7 kilometers from Øystese lies the township of Norheimsund, home to several must-visit attractions:

Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall

A short drive or a leisurely walk from the town center, Steinsdalsfossen is one of Norway's most iconic waterfalls. What makes this waterfall truly special is the path that takes you behind the cascading water without getting wet. It’s a magical experience and a fantastic photo opportunity.

Norwegian Nature Centre in Eidfjord

Hardanger Maritime Centre

Step back in time at the Hardanger Maritime Centre, where you can learn about traditional wooden boat building and maritime history. With interactive exhibits and skilled craftsmen at work, this center provides a unique insight into Norway's seafaring heritage. Sitauted fjordside in Norheimsund and easily reachable by foot from the hotel or town center.

A visit to Hardanger Akvasenter's salmon farm in Fyksesund, Hardangerfjord. Photo: Ruben Soltvedt

Plan your visit

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Øystese and its surrounding areas have it all. From the stunning Fitjadalen valley to thrilling RIB safaris and peaceful hikes, this beautiful corner of Norway promises an unforgettable experience.


Øystese is also close to Bergen only 80 kilometers by car ur bus, and are a perfect base to exploring the rest of the region.


The main tourist season in the Hardangefjord is from May to September, but some attractions and sites are open all-year around. In the winter time the surrounding mountains of Øystese gets covered in snow and is perfect for backcountry skiing or snowshoe hiking.


Book your stay at Hardangerfjord Hotel, pack your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the magic of Hardangerfjord.


Check out www.hardangerfjord.com for more inspiration!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Winter in Norheimsund – The Real Fjord Village Experience in the Hardangerfjord

January 10, 2026
Visit Norheimsund in winter, 80–90 min from Bergen. Fjord floating, RIB safari, ski touring, culture in Øystese, and stay at Thon Hotel Sandven.
People doing Fjord Floating in the Hardangerfjord

Fjord Floating in the Hardangerfjord

January 4, 2026
Float calmly on Norway’s Hardangerfjord in winter. A safe, warm, guided experience—no swimming required. A true bucket-list moment with easy reach from Bergen.
People in a viewpoint during Fjord to Fjell – Fyksesund Mountain Trail hike

Hiking the Hardangerfjord

December 18, 2025
Explore iconic and hidden hiking trails in Hardangerfjord, Norway. Join guided experiences like the new Fjord to Fjell – Fyksesund Mountain Trail with Hardangerfjord Adventure.
Panoramic winter view from the mountains in the Hardangerfjord

Winter in the Hardangerfjord

December 11, 2025
Experience winter in the Hardangerfjord with RIB safaris, Fjord Floating, and snowy adventures surrounded by calm fjords and majestic mountains.
Skier on the way down from a Hardangerfjord montain

Ski Touring along the Hardangerfjord

September 11, 2025
Plan safe ski touring along the Hardangerfjord: where to go, weather/avalanche checks, how to combine with fjord stays. Close to Norheimsund, Øystese & Ulvik.
A boat travels across a fjord, flanked by lush green mountains under a blue sky.

Travel the Hardangerfjord in Summer

June 24, 2025
Book early, combine RIB + cider + hiking, and use buses/ferries from Bergen and Voss. Northern shore tips for space and easy logistics. Welcome to the Hardangerfjord
People on a RIB boat in Fyksesund

Explore the Hardangerfjord up close

June 6, 2025
Feel the cliffs and waterfalls of Osafjord, Simadalsfjord and Fyksesund on a guided RIB cruise. What to wear, who it suits, and how to book.
A visit to Hardanger Akvasenter's salmon farm.. Photo: Ruben Soltvedt

Family adventures in the Hardangerfjord

June 5, 2025
Discover an ultimate guide to exploring Hardangerfjord with kids. Thrilling RIB safaris, short hikes, fun family parks, exploring exhibitions and more.
Norheimsund by the Hardangerfjord

Explore Norheimsund – Gateway to the Hardangerfjord

June 3, 2025
Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, Hardanger Maritime Centre, lovely hikes, fjord promenade and RIB departures. Where to stay and day-trip ideas.
Springtime in Fyksesund, the most narrow branch of the Hardangerfjord

Day tour to the fjords from Bergen

May 29, 2025
Bus 925 from Bergen to Norheimsund or Øystese; Steinsdalsfossen, town stroll, cider lunch and a RIB to Fyksesund—then back by evening.
Show More