When the fruit trees burst into bloom, the mountains are still snow-capped and the hills glow bright green – that’s when magic happens in Hardanger. No wonder people from all over the world travel here every spring.
From Ulvik to Lofthus, along narrow roads and through thousands of fruit trees – the blossom season is a spellbinding experience. Many visitors simply have to stop the car to take it all in.
The blossoms never arrive at the same time. It all depends on sun, warmth, bees – and time. The most beautiful moment? When everything aligns, and Hardanger is at its finest.
When the fruit trees bloom, the landscape turns into a living postcard of fjords, mountains, and colour. People come from all over the world to witness it – but when exactly does it happen?
“It all depends on the weather,” explains Bente Widding from Aga Sideri.
Widding has photos of apple blossoms as early as May 3rd, but some years the bloom can stretch into early June. A string of warm, sunny days speeds things up – but the bees must be ready too. Without pollination, there won’t be many apples later.
Blossom season comes in waves. Cherries and plums are the first to bloom – their flowers pure white – followed by apple trees with their iconic pink hues and denser clusters. According to Widding, it’s the combination of it all that creates the true magic.
The best places to see the blossoms - and taste Hardanger:
There are plenty of places in Hardanger where you can enjoy the blossom season at its best. Bente highlights some favourites:
The Fruit Trail in Lofthus – A scenic walking route through farms and blooming apple orchards. Along the way, you’ll find farm shops offering fresh apple juice, cider, and local treats.
The Fruit & Cider Route in Ulvik – Simply stunning during blossom season, with well-marked roads and photo opportunities everywhere. The route connects three farms, and you can wander between orchards, join tastings, and pick up high-quality local products.
The old road from Hauso to Velure – a hidden gem on the west side of Sørfjorden, where you drive right between the farms.
The National Tourist Route, Utne to Jondal – a drive (or bicycle trip) with panoramic views and blossoms on all sides. Several farms offer stops with tastings and local produce.
- You’re almost competing with yourself to find the best photo spot. It’s everywhere. I sit on my terrace and see cars stopping on the road below to photograph the blossoms – that says it all. - reflects Widding.
Timing is everything – and completely weather-dependent. If you really want to catch the full experience, plan to stay for several days. The bloom may arrive early or late, pass quickly or last a while. This year, spring is already underway, and some plum trees have started to bloom in parts of the region. Mid-May is often a great time to visit, but it can happen earlier.
The bloom is just the beginning. Blossom season isn’t only a beautiful time – it also marks the beginning of something more. For Bente and other fruit farmers in Hardanger, it’s a sign of what’s to come: apples. And with apples come world-class flavours – like fresh apple juice, award-winning cider, and other local quality products.
Plan your blossom trip here:
The bloom comes when it comes - and it varies from year to year. On our blossom season page you’ll find information, travel tips and route suggestions. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram.
Get insider tips from the locals – and plan your spring getaway to Hardanger.
The fruit and cider route in Ulvik connects the fruit farms Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk. Join in on a guided tour for a unique peek "behind the scenes" or sample some scrumptious goods from the farmyard shops.
Fruit Trail. Easy walks among fruit orchards Starting point The Fruit Trail is accessible from many places: Lofthus Camping, Hotel Ullensvang, Ullensvang Gjesteheim, Hardanger Youth Hostel, and from supermarket ...
In the middle of Norway's largest orchard, the Hotel Ullensvang is idyllically located by the shore of the Hardangerfjord in Lofthus. Here you can not only enjoy comfortable rooms with fantastic fjord view and good meals in the hotel restaurant, but also a sauna with a panoramic view of the fjord and an excellent bath area with indoor and outdoor pools.
The historic Utne Hotel was opened in 1722 and has been in operation as a hotel ever since. It has only 17 rooms, all with charming, historical, and individual interior. If you are looking for authentic experiences, the Utne Hotel is just right for you.
Brakanes Hotel sits right at the edge of the fjord in the heart of Ulvik. The hotel has 143 rooms, 80 of which face the fjord. Wake up to the sound of the crushing waves and enjoy hearty meals based on local produce in the hotel restaurant. Fjordside beach, hot tub, sauna and pool.
Utne-Herand-Jondal Road 550 between Utne and Jondal is part of National Tourist Route Hardanger. It is a quiet road taking you through a scenic landscape on the banks of the Hardangerfjord, past many fruit orchard...
The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger takes you through a mighty fjord landscape. On your way, you will get close to the fjord, mountains, waterfalls, and fruit farms.
