A stave church in the middle of a fjord town. A longhouse restaurant. A Viking compound — built by a man who started with a campsite and a dream. These are his five tips for Hardanger.
Some of the oldest wooden houses in Norway. Still standing after 800 years. Tucked away in the Hardanger countryside.
A 16-metre stave church with a dragon head on top. Inspired by medieval pilgrims who travelled from Hardanger to Jerusalem. Right in the centre of Odda.
Folgefonna glacier, Steinsdalsfossen waterfall and cascades in every direction — Hardanger has more nature than most visitors manage to see in one trip.
Trolltunga. 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. 27 kilometres return. And still just as breathtaking every single time.
Most Norwegians know Leif Einar Lothe long before they know his Viking compound. Under the nickname Lothepus, he became one of Norway's biggest TV personalities — first famous for blasting rock and driving excavators, now for building a Viking-inspired compound in his hometown of Odda by the Hardangerfjord.
But Leif Einar doesn't spend long making up his mind, and when the opportunity came, he bet everything on his hometown of Odda. It started as a campsite, just for the fun of it. Then came Langhuset Restaurant, a stave church, Viking-inspired cabins and campsites by the Sørfjorden. Today, Lothepus Camping and Camp Lothepus are among the most visited new destinations in the Hardanger region, drawing coaches from across southern Norway every day.
But ask Leif Einar what visitors should experience in Hardanger, and he looks far beyond his own doorstep.
It's no accident that he chose a stave church over a spa or a treetop hotel. Leif Einar is genuinely fascinated by the Viking age and the medieval period — by the craftsmen, the sharp minds, and by people who travelled much further than history gives them credit for. He points to the dragon head on his stave church as an example: why would anyone in Norway put a dragon head on a church? For him, it's evidence that the Vikings had been along the Silk Road all the way to China — and that there is still much in this story left to explore. The wood carvings across the compound tell the same story. What's in place today is only about half of what's planned — much more is coming this autumn. Visitors are already taking notice, and they're impressed.
In Ullensvang lies Agatunet — one of the best-preserved medieval farmsteads in Norway, with some of the oldest secular wooden buildings in the country still standing. For Leif Einar, who is drawn to the medieval period and its craftsmanship, Agatunet is essential — and a place he feels too many travellers in Hardanger overlook.
In the centre of Odda stands a 16-metre stave church with a dragon head on top — inspired by pilgrims who travelled from Hardanger to Jerusalem in the 12th and 13th centuries. Around the stave church you'll find Langhuset Restaurant, Viking-inspired cabins and campsites by the Sørfjorden. The compound also includes Valhall Via Ferrata — a 20-metre climbing route for those looking for a little extra thrill during their visit.
Norway's third-largest glacier is a stone's throw from Odda, and Leif Einar is clear that there's more here than most people realise. Folgefonna National Park offers hikes at every level, and guided glacier walks make the ice accessible to most visitors. A trip to Folgefonna is something quite special.
Hardanger has waterfalls of every shape and size, and Leif Einar believes most of them are worth seeing. He singles out Steinsdalsfossen in Norheimsund — one of very few places in the world where you can walk behind the waterfall itself — as a good starting point for exploring the water-rich landscape of the region.
The rock ledge that juts out 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet is one of the most photographed and impressive natural experiences in Norway. Trolltunga is demanding — 27 kilometres return and roughly 800 metres of elevation — but the views over the Hardangerfjord and Ringedalsvatnet make every step worth it. Guided options are available in the area for those who prefer company on the trail.
Leif Einar is still building — and there's little doubt that more will come. Hardanger has plenty to offer, and he's not done exploring it.
Aga Sideri is situated idyllically by the Sørfjorden in Ullensvang. Award-winning Hardanger Cider is produced here, and during a guided farm tour, you can taste and buy this local specialty.
Agatunet is traditional Norwegian village center near Aga in Ullensvang by the Sørfjorden. The oldest building is the Lagmannsstova from 1220. At Agatunet you can book guided tours and see art and cultural-historical exhibitions. It is owned by a foundation.
Langhuset Restaurant in Odda stands inside Stavkyrkja — a hand-built timber hall by the Hardangerfjord, styled after Norwegian stave churches and Viking longhouses.
Valhall Via Ferrata in Odda is a family-friendly climbing route of 120 metres with views across the Sørfjord and surrounding mountains — suitable from age 7 and requiring no previous climbing experience.
Folgefonna National Park was established in 2005 and is one of 42 National Parks in Norway. The Folgefonna glacier is the glacier furthest south in Norway, and the third largest. In the National Park and its surroundi...
Skytjefossen has a drop of 300 m. It's regulated for the hydroelectric energy production, but may periodically have good water flow and is then a wonderful sight.
The Furebergfossen waterfall is situated along route 551 between Årsnes and Sunndal. The waterfall flows under the road and directly into the Maurangerfjord, and arm of the Hardangerfjord. The waterfall follows the st...
Walk safe and dry behind one of Norway's most popular waterfalls. Steinsdalsfossen near Norheimsund, is easily accessible right next to the road.
Experience the spectacular twin waterfall Låtefossen, located in the Odda Valley, with a total drop of about 165 meters. The waterfall lies right next to National Road 13 between Odda and Røldal. It takes around 15 minutes to drive from Odda and about 30 minutes from Røldal. The twin waterfall has been a popular travel destination since the 19th century.
Discover the majestic Husedalen waterfalls on a 3-6 hour hike from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda. The well-marked trail offers spectacular nature and varied routes.
Experience the Vøringsfossen waterfall - the most famous waterfall in Norway!
Trolltunga - also known as the Troll's Tongue - is the most spectacular rock formation in Norway. At 1180 meters above sea level, is lies about 700 meters above the lake Ringedalsvatnet. From the top, you have a fantastic view. The hike to Trolltunga starts in Skjeggedal and leads through the high mountains.
