Walking the Hardangerfjord 7 nights
A Self-Guided Walk Through Norway's Orchard Fjord
Price Per Person
Starting at TWD 95,000
Category
Known as the "Orchard of Norway," the Hardangerfjord is lined with over half a million apple, pear, and plum trees whose blossoms drift into the deep blue water every early summer. This 8-day self-guided walking holiday begins and ends in the UNESCO-listed city of Bergen, guiding you to a 1,030m mountain summit with panoramic fjord views, through a valley of four cascading waterfalls, and along a 13th-century monk-carved stone stairway. You'll also stay at the legendary Hotel Ullensvang (est. 1846) with full use of its luxury spa — all included in the price. Travel entirely by train, ferry, and bus, with no driving required, and explore the fjord villages at your own pace.
Itinerary
- Bergen to Voss scenic train ticket
- Bus from Voss to Ulvik on Day 2 (when staying at the Strand Fjordhotel)
- Fjord ferry journeys as per itinerary
- Route notes and GPS tracks via Macs Adventure App (offline maps included)
- 24/7 emergency support line
Accommodation
- 7 nights in 3-star or equivalent hotels, including breakfast
- Days 4–6 at the legendary Hotel Ullensvang (est. 1846, five-generation family hotel) subject to availability at booking.
- Days 2–3 at Strand Fjordhotel (family-run, panoramic fjord-facing restaurant) subject to availability at booking.
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 dinners (Days 2–6)
Other
- Hotel Ullensvang spa access (88m swimming channel, infinity pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Japanese massage creek)
- Designated App with offline GPS maps and daily route notes
- Travel consultation
- Personal accident insurance NT$3.5M · Medical NT$1.5M · Emergency rescue NT$1M · Liability insurance NT$5M + NT$200K medical · Travel inconvenience insurance
- Internet plan
Trip Rules
- Price per person when traveling as a pair: TWD 95,000
- Solo traveler not recommended
- Suitable for walkers with previous hillwalking experience, comfortable with 3–8 hours of walking per day on varied terrain.
- Days 3 and 5/6 are graded Moderate-Strenuous, with a maximum single-day ascent of approximately 1,100m/3,600ft.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover mountain walking activities. Please arrange this independently before departure.
- Flights, lunches, drinks, and personal equipment are not included in the trip price.
- Some local bus fares must be paid on the spot (e.g., the Norheimsund to Bergen bus on Day 7).
- This is a self-guided trip. The Macs Adventure App with GPS tracks and offline maps is the primary navigation tool — please ensure it is downloaded and set up before departure.
- Price excludes flights, passport, visa fees, and hotel city taxes
- Tips for driver and tour leader not included (gratuities at your discretion)
Trip Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Bergen
Arrive in Bergen, Norway's second city and the gateway to the fjords, to begin this self-guided walking adventure. Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mt Fløyen (320m) for a panoramic view over the city, harbour, and fjords beyond. In the evening, stroll the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf and enjoy Bergen's famous seafood at the fish market.
Highlights of the 8-day journey ahead:
- Summit Kvasshovden (1,030m) for a 360-degree panorama over the Hardangerfjord
- Hike through Husedalen Valley past four dramatic waterfalls
- Climb 616 stone steps carved by 13th-century monks
- Walk through 500,000 fruit trees and taste freshly pressed Hardanger cider
- Stay at the legendary Hotel Ullensvang (est. 1846) with luxury spa included
- Travel by train, ferry, and bus throughout — no driving required
Accommodation: Central Bergen hotel (Hotel Oleana / Hotel Havnekontoret / Hotel Admiral, subject to availability)
Bergen
A funicular trip to Mount Fløyen offers a magnificent view of Bergen and its seven mountains. Bryggen, the oldest part of the city, is filled with well-preserved medieval buildings. Its famous wooden houses are a postcard-perfect scene. The open-air fish market at the harbor is a popular landmark where visitors can see and taste a dazzling variety of fresh seafood from the North Sea and experience local life.
Day 2 | Train to Voss, Transfer to Ulvik; Lake Loop Walk
After breakfast, take the scenic train from Bergen to Voss, then transfer to the fjord village of Ulvik. Today's walk climbs through orchards and mountain meadows to Solsaevatnet lake, before looping back down to Ulvik.
- Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 515m | Duration: approx. 5–6 hours
- Accommodation: Strand Fjordhotel, Ulvik (family-run, panoramic fjord-facing restaurant)
Ulvik
One of the quietest villages on the Hardangerfjord, famed for its apple orchards and the base for summit walks including the 1,030m Kvasshovden viewpoint.
Strand Fjordhotel
A family-run hotel in Ulvik with a panoramic fjord-facing restaurant and comfortable rooms — the ideal base for two nights of trail exploration around Ulvik.
Day 3 | Summit Walk to Kvasshovden (1,030m)
The most challenging and most rewarding day. The trail climbs steadily from Ulvik village to the summit of Kvasshovden at 1,030m, with the entire Hardangerfjord stretching out below on a clear day. Grade: Moderate-Strenuous.
- Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 947m | Duration: approx. 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Strand Fjordhotel, Ulvik
Kvasshovden
At 1,030m, the highest point of the itinerary. Clear days deliver a 360-degree panorama over the entire Hardangerfjord — one of the most memorable viewpoints on any self-guided walking holiday in Norway.
Day 4 | Orchard Walk & Cider Tasting; Ferry to Lofthus
A relaxed morning strolling through Ulvik's fruit orchards and tasting freshly pressed Hardanger cider. In the afternoon, board the fjord ferry to Lofthus, arriving with time to settle in and enjoy the Hotel Ullensvang spa.
- Distance: approx. 10 km | Ascent: 256m
- Accommodation: Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus (est. 1846, luxury spa included)
Hotel Ullensvang
A legendary fjord hotel in the same family since 1846, with a luxury spa — 88m swimming channel, infinity pool, jacuzzi, and sauna — all included in the trip price.
Day 5 | Choice of Walks from Lofthus or Rest Day
Accommodation: Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus.
Based in Lofthus, choose from three options:
Option A | Husedalen Four Waterfalls (Highly recommended)
- Hike past four cascading waterfalls to the edge of Hardangervidda plateau. Trailhead accessed by local bus or taxi from Kinsarvik.
- Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 665m
Option B | Monk Steps (Nosi Viewpoint)
- Climb 616 stone steps carved by 13th-century monks, with sweeping fjord views from the top.
- Distance: 10.4 km | Ascent: 965m (steeper)
Option C | Full Spa Rest Day
Spend the day at Hotel Ullensvang's luxury spa (all included in your accommodation).
Day 6 | Second Walk or Rest Day in Lofthus
Same options as Day 5 — take the walk you didn't do yesterday, or enjoy another full day at the Hotel Ullensvang spa. This two-day base in Lofthus is intentionally designed so you can complete both classic walks without rushing.
Accommodation: Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus
Husedalen Four Waterfalls
Located near Kinsarvik, the Husedalen valley trail follows a stream past four dramatic waterfalls in sequence, culminating at the vast Hardangervidda plateau. One of the most celebrated hikes in the Hardangerfjord region.
Nosi Viewpoint
A dramatic fjord viewpoint above Lofthus, reached by climbing 616 stone steps carved by 13th-century monks. From the top, the entire Hardangerfjord unfolds below, with a slender waterfall cascading alongside the trail.
Day 7 | Fruit Trail & Valley Walk; Ferry to Bergen
A beautiful farewell walk through Ullensvang's fruit-growing landscape — over 500,000 trees — and along the Elvadalen river valley to the Bjodnebokse and Skrikjo waterfalls. In the afternoon, take the fjord ferry to Norheimsund (75 min), then bus back to Bergen (75 min).
- Distance: 8.1 km | Ascent: 256m
- Accommodation: Central Bergen hotel (Hotel Oleana / Hotel Admiral)
Accommodation Guide
Bergen
Clarion Hotel Admiral Bergen
A four-star hotel on Bergen's waterfront with direct harbour and Bryggen views. Ideally located within walking distance of the city's main sights and transport links.
Bergen Home Hotel Havnekontoret
A boutique hotel occupying a century-old harbour office building, blending original architecture with contemporary design. Located at the heart of Bergen's waterfront, steps from the Bryggen Wharf.
Bergen Hotel Oleana
A design-led boutique hotel inspired by the textile artistry of Norwegian brand Oleana. Located in central Bergen, a short five-minute walk from the Bryggen Wharf, with a warm and distinctive atmosphere.
Ulvik
Strand Fjordhotel
A family-run hotel in Ulvik with a panoramic fjord-facing restaurant and comfortable rooms — the ideal base for two nights of trail exploration around Ulvik.
Ullensvang
Hotel Ullensvang
A legendary fjord hotel in the same family since 1846, with a luxury spa — 88m swimming channel, infinity pool, jacuzzi, and sauna — all included in the trip price.
FAQs
Is this trip suitable for first-time fjord walkers?
Can I book as a solo traveller?
When is the best time to go?
Is this a fully self-guided trip? Do I need to speak Norwegian?
Pre-Departure Tips
[Gear Checklist]
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip (break them in before departure — do not wear them for the first time on the trail)
- Windproof, waterproof jacket (fjord weather changes rapidly even in summer)
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended for steep ascents and descents)
- Portable charger/power bank (daily GPS app use drains battery significantly)
- 20–30L daypack (main luggage stays at hotels; carry only daily essentials)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ (UV is intense at altitude)
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Warm mid-layer (summit temperatures can drop to 5°C even in summer)
- Basic first aid kit (blister plasters, pain relief, muscle patches)
[Fitness Preparation]
- Begin regular walking training 2–3 months before departure (at least 3 sessions per week, 1+ hours each)
- If you have existing knee or joint issues, consult your doctor and consider bringing knee supports
[On-the-Ground Notes]
- Check the daily weather forecast each morning before setting out — conditions can change quickly
- Snow may remain on Kvasshovden's summit in late June; lightweight microspikes are recommended
- The Day 7 return bus from Norheimsund to Bergen must be paid locally
- Lunches and drinks are not included — bring cash or a card for daily expenses
- Norway is expensive; buying lunch supplies from a Bergen supermarket before each day's walk will help manage costs
Related Tours
