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My love for the Scandinavian countries only grows stronger with every visit. After my amazing city trip to Oslo, I knew I wanted to see more of Norway, especially its breathtaking natural landscapes. So we planned six days in Bergen, giving us time to explore the city and go on a couple of road trips to the fjords. We ended up renting a car for two days so we could do two separate day trips from Bergen—one to the Sognefjord and one to the Hardangerfjord.
In this post, I’m sharing all the details of our road trip to the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord. It’s a stunning 400-kilometre route filled with waterfalls, fjords, charming villages, and spectacular bridges. Trust me, you’ll want to stop constantly, so set aside at least 7.5 hours for the trip.
Practical tips for your Hardangerfjord day trip
To do this day trip from Bergen to the Hardangerfjord, you’ll need a (rental) car. The roads are well maintained and easy to drive, even if you’re not used to driving abroad. If you’d rather not drive yourself, joining an organised bus tour to the Hardangerfjord is also an option.
You can technically do this trip year-round. We were there in mid-September, just outside of peak season. The weather was still pleasant and there were fewer tourists around. However, do keep in mind that many restaurants and attractions close after August or operate on reduced hours. We were met with closed doors more than once. Therefore summer is definitely the best time to go. But if you are travelling outside the high season, make sure to bring enough food and snacks for the road.
Another tip: check the ferry schedule from Tørvikbygd to Jondal in advance via the official website. One of the perks of a road trip is doing everything at your own pace, but you don’t want to just miss the ferry and have to wait.
Stop 1: Steinsdalsfossen waterfall
Time to hit the road! After about an hour’s drive from Bergen, you’ll reach your first stop: the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall. It’s an impressive waterfall that you can actually walk behind. Especially after rainfall, it’s quite a sight. At the base of the waterfall, there’s a small shop with a few terrace tables where you can sip your coffee with a view.
Stop 2: Picnic at Hereiane
From Steinsdalsfossen, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the ferry that takes you across from Tørvikbygd to Jondal in about 20 minutes. After the boat ride, we were getting hungry as it was around lunch time. Luckily, just ten minutes from Jondal you’ll find the Hereiane picnic area. There are picnic tables right by the fjord with a gorgeous view.
We had hoped to grab lunch at pizza restaurant Meieriet in the village of Herand, but it was closed for the season. Instead, we picked up our picnic lunch from the local supermarket (Herand Handel), a few minutes further down the road.
Through fruit orchards and charming villages
Next, you’re driving towards Utne. This area is known as “Norway’s orchard” because of its many apple trees and fruit farms. The scenery here is beautiful with rolling hills, fruit orchards, and fjord views that never get old.
Stop 3: Traditional Norwegian village Agatunet
About 15 minutes later, you’ll reach your next stop. Agatunet is a traditional Norwegian village with thirty wooden houses, the oldest of which dates back to 1220. During summer there are often events and activities, but even off-season it’s a lovely place to explore.
Back to Bergen via Odda and the Hardanger Bridge
From Agatunet, continue towards Odda (about a 30-minute drive), a natural spot to loop back and return to Bergen along the other side of the fjord. We decided not to take the detour to the famous Låtefossen waterfall (165 metres tall), but even without that, the route is nothing short of spectacular.
One of the highlights of the trip is driving on the Hardanger Bridge to get to the other side of the fjord. At 1,380 metres, it’s one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Right after crossing it, you’ll drive through a long tunnel with a roundabout lit in futuristic blue and purple lighting. It honestly feels like you’re entering a spaceship. (The pictures are really bad as I only took a video crossing the bridge, so these are screenshots of that video.)
Stop 4: Dinner with a view in Vossevangen
We reached Store Ringheim in Vossevangen just in time for dinner, a greenhouse restaurant overlooking the valley. They also have a boutique hotel, in case you want to stay the night. I absolutely loved this place as the perfect ending to our road trip.
A day trip from Bergen packed with highlights
The road trip from Bergen to the Hardangerfjord is easily one of the most beautiful day trips you can do from the city. The mix of natural beauty and charming villages makes this route unforgettable.
This trip with all its stunning landscapes only made me more curious about the rest of Norway. Are you planning a trip to Norway? Make sure to check out my other blog posts for more travel inspiration.
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