Hardangerfjord: Day Trips and Tours from Bergen

Plan your day trip to Hardangerfjord from Bergen, a destination that encompasses the best of Norway with its fjord, mountains, orchards and bustling villages.

It’s not hard to see why this region has been a popular destination for visitors for centuries. The wild and dramatic Hardangerfjord region is a magnificent destination to visit year-round and should definitely be considered when visiting Norway.

Here's all you need to know about Hardangerfjord, one of the most invigorating day trips from Bergen.

How to get to Hardangerfjord from Bergen?

The 179 kilometer long Hardangerfjord is located just over 100 kilometers south-east of Bergen.

From Bergen to Hardangerfjord by car

A road trip from Bergen to Hardangerfjord along the Fv48 is 102 kilometers long. The journey will take roughly one and a half hours.

From Bergen to Hardangerfjord by bus

There is a bus service between Bergen and the Mundheim bus terminal in the Hardangerfjord region.

The trip takes around 2 hours . As Hardangerfjord is a vast region with many attractions, it is however advisable to travel by car or guided tour to make the most of the trip.

Guided tour to Hardangerfjord from Bergen

Private or self-guided day tours are the best way of maximizing your time at Hardangerfjord. If you are exploring the region on your own, or passing through, you can also add a guided boat tour on Hardangerfjord to your day’s itinerary.

What is the typical itinerary?

Self-guided tours follow a carefully prepared itinerary, using scheduled transport to get to Hardangersfjord. After a day of exploration, you will return to Bergen in the early evening.

Some tours also include a cruise on the fjord to sites inaccessible by road.

Private tours include a return hotel transfer and travel via Highway 7 to Hardangerfjord, where you will travel the length of the fjord, stopping at some of the many scenic and cultural attractions.

What kinds of tours are available?

Hardangerfjord is an expansive area and tours may include stops at different sites and attractions. Here is a summary of the most popular types of Hardangerfjord tour:

Private guided tours to Hardangerfjord from Bergen

Private tours to Hardangerfjord include collections from your Bergen hotel and a private vehicle and guide for the tour duration.

While some private tours have a fixed itinerary, you may have some flexibility with regard to the optional activities and time spent at each location.

Self-guided tour to Hardangerfjord from Bergen

Self-guided tours use public and scheduled transport, together with a comprehensive itinerary from Bergen to Hardangerfjord and back.

The tours combine rail, bus and boat transfers to ensure that you experience the best of Hardangerfjord. You will need to manage your time well on this full-day excursion.

Hardangerfjord boat trips from Bergen

You can opt for a boat trip to Hardangerfjord if you have self-driven or caught a bus from Bergen. Boats depart from and return to Norheimsund.

How much does a day trip to Hardangerfjord from Bergen cost?

Hardangerfjord boat trips with self-drive from Bergen cost from US$100 per person for a small group experience. You can also catch a bus at an additional cost.

A self-guided tour to Hardangerfjord from Bergen includes all coach transport and a boat cruise and starts from US$320 per person. Children under the age of 12 can expect to pay from US$220 for the full-day outing.

Private guided tours to Hardangerfjord from Bergen range from US$700 to US$5,000 per tour, depending on group size.

An optional visit to the Hardangervidda Nature Center will cost an additional US$15 per adult and US$10 per child.

What will you see and do?

Travel along up to 100 kilometers of the Hardangerfjord to view the mountains, cliffs and clear waters of this beautiful fjord.

On your tour, you will drive the scenic Highway 7 and cross the Hardangerfjord bridge – one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

Stop to admire Voringsvossen, Norway’s highest waterfall or walk behind the tumbling waters of Steinsdalsfossen.  To learn more about this inspiring natural attraction, visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center.

In the spring, you will pass the blossoming orchards in Ulvig and perhaps stop to taste the delicious locally produced cider.

Tours that include a RIB boat trip or cruise include sites like the Fossen Bratte, Fyksesund fjord and the roadless village of Botnen.

When is the best time to visit Hardangerfjord?

Hardangerfjord is an amazing place to visit throughout the year. In the warmer months you can experience the impressive waterfalls and calm fjord or experience the fruit trees blossoming in the spring.

In the winter, the region is transformed into a frozen wonderland.

Travel tips

• Consult the transport schedules in advance if you book a self-guided tour.
• Ensure that your camera is fully charged and easily accessible.
• Pre-book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the excursion.