Travel the Hardangerfjord – Tips & Must-Do Activities

How to make the most of your summer in the Hardangerfjord – Travel Tips & Must-Do Activities

Planning a trip to Hardangerfjord in July or August? You’re in for an unforgettable summer – but to make the most of it, a little planning goes a long way. With long daylight hours, jaw-dropping landscapes, and a wide range of outdoor activities, the region is a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here's how to enjoy the best of Hardangerfjord this summer – without the stress.

1. Book your activities early – Space is limited

The Hardangerfjord region is home to passionate local operators who offer unique, small-scale experiences – and that’s part of what makes this region so special. But it also means capacity is limited.

If you’re hoping to join guided activities like a high-speed RIB safari, paddle a kayak on glassy fjord water, go hiking, or taste world-class cider, don’t wait until you arrive. Most tours sell out fast in July and August.

👉 Tip: Booking in advance also lets you combine experiences in one day, like a RIB safari in the morning followed by cider tasting in the afternoon. We recommend the cider farms in Ulvik or Øystese which also serve lunch.

2. How to get to the Hardangerfjord

From Bergen:

The Hardangerfjord region is surprisingly accessible from Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Depending on your destination in the fjord, there are two main routes:

• To Norheimsund or Øystese:
  Take the Skyss bus 925/930 directly from Bergen Bus Station. It’s a scenic ride around 1.5 hours, and you’ll be dropped right in the heart of the fjord in really short walking distance from the hotels.
• To Rosendal or Odda:
  Take the Rødne passenger ferry from Strandkaiterminalen in Bergen city center to Rosendal. A 2 hour boat tour through scenic coastal and fjord scenery which ends up in Rosendal town centre by the bus terminal and in walking distance to the hotels. From Rosendal you can get to Odda via the Skyss bus 760, a 50 minutes bus ride along the Hardangerfjord and the Maurangsfjord branch.

From Voss:

If your are staying in Voss or coming via train from Bergen tthe Hardangerfjord is really close:

• To Ulvik, Eidfjord, Kinsarvik, or Lofthus:
  Take the Skyss buses 990/945 to Ulvik, 990/991 to Eidfjord or 990 to Kinsarvik and Lofthus. The buses stop just outside the hotels in the fjord villages.

Getting around in the Hardangerfjord:

Public transportation in the Hardangerfjord can be difficult on some stretches, so a good option is the Norled passenger boat from Norheimsund which has stops in Herand, Utne, Lofthus, Kinsarvik, Ulvik and Eidfjord. The boat corresponds with the buses from/to Bergen.

Check timetables in advance, and consider combining your travel with local experiences along the way.

3. Traveling the Hardangerfjord – Car is best, but plan ahead

While public transport can get you to the major towns and villages, exploring Hardanger’s hidden gems and combining multiple activities is easiest by car. Whether you're driving your own vehicle or renting one, you’ll have the freedom to explore small villages, trailheads, and lesser-known viewpoints.

But: Summer traffic can be slow, especially on narrow fjord roads, and roadwork is common in the region. Always allow extra time for your journey. Don't look at distance in kilometers, focus on estimated driving time and add some extra time.

👉 Pro tip: Before hitting the road, check live road updates at vegvesen.no

4. Combine experiences in a single fjord village

One of the best ways to explore Hardangerfjord is to settle into a single village for a day or two and enjoy multiple experiences from there. For example:

Øystese & Norheimsund:
Start the day with a RIB safari on the fjord, take a hike to a nearby waterfall or a viewpoint, and finish with a cider tasting from a local farm.

Ulvik:
Rent an e-bike and explore the beautiful fruit farms, paddle a kayak along the calm fjord, join a RIB safari or enjoy a walk along the cider route.

5. More space, less rush – Enjoy the Northern side of the fjord

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider staying on the North side of the fjord – between Strandebarm and Ulvik. This area offers breathtaking scenery, great accessibility, and plenty of space to breathe – without the heavy tourism pressure of better-known spots in the fjord.

You’ll still get postcard-worthy views, local culture, and all the adventure you could ask for – but with a more relaxed pace.

✨ Final Tip: Let Hardanger surprise you

Whether you're here for the speed of a RIB safari, the quiet joy of cider tasting, or the serenity of a fjord-side hike, Hardangerfjord rewards those who plan ahead and stay curious.

Explore the tours at Hardangerfjord Adventure, build your itinerary early, and prepare for a summer you’ll never forget.

Looking for a place to stay? Read this blog post