Hardanger is home to not just one – but two of Norway’s most scenic road trips. The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger and the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda take you through fjords, lush orchards and thundering waterfalls.
Waterfalls, fruit trees, and steep mountains plunging into the fjord. The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger offers postcard views that define the region.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda reveals Hardanger’s dramatic contrasts – from the wild nature of Måbødalen to the wide-open mountain plateau, with Vøringsfossen as an unforgettable stop along the way.
Art, architecture and nature in perfect harmony – from the fjord’s edge to the mountain heights. Along the scenic routes, you’ll find rest areas and viewpoints made to be remembered (and photographed).
In the Hardanger region, the road itself is a journey you’ll want to take again – and again.
Discover two of Norway’s most beautiful drives – from fjordside orchards to dramatic mountain passes.
When you drive through Hardanger, you’re not just going from A to B. You travel between fjord and glacier, through blossoming orchards and past roaring waterfalls. You move through landscapes that have inspired artists, poets and explorers for generations. And the best part? You don’t need to take any detours to see the most beautiful parts – just follow the signs that say Norwegian Scenic Route.
Hardanger is home to two of Norway’s 18 official scenic routes: Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger and Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda. Each has its own personality – one winds through fjord arms and fruit trees, the other lifts you into the high mountains. Together, they give you the best of two worlds – and set the stage for a road trip you’ll never forget.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger winds through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll drive between orchards, traditional farms, and steep mountains that drop straight into the fjord. Along the way, you’ll pass one scenic gem after another – small villages rich in culture, and viewpoints where postcard landscapes seem to flow right into your car. The pace is slower on these roads – not because you have to, but because you’ll want to. You’ll want to stop, to see, and to breathe it in.
The region has been shaped by both nature and generations of people. Fruit farming, boatbuilding and local industry have left their mark – and the flowering orchards you pass are more than just beautiful scenes; they are a way of life. At the same time, Hardanger is framed by world-class waterfalls – like Steinsdalsfossen, where you can walk behind the roaring water without getting wet, and Låtefoss, the iconic twin falls that splash over the road. Here, natural forces and cultural heritage exist side by side – and you’ll find striking rest areas and architectural viewpoints inviting you to pause and take it all in.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger is divided into four sections: Granvin–Steinsdalsfossen, Norheimsund–Tørvikbygd, Jondal–Utne, and Kinsarvik–Låtefoss, making up a total of 158 km of fjord-close, photo-friendly driving.
Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda is all about contrasts. In just a few hours, you’ll drive from the lush fjord landscapes of Eidfjord, up the narrow hairpin bends of Måbødalen, and on across the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau – the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
Highlights like Vøringsfossen, with its dramatic footbridge and breathtaking views, are a must. And so is the transition to the plateau – calm, open and endless, with glittering waters and views all the way to Hardangerjøkulen glacier on clear days.
This route is for those who love the big landscapes. For those who want to feel nature shift around them – and experience how the scenery changes from orchard blossom to mountain wind.
Ready to hit the road? Pack your bags, charge your camera, and follow the signs toward the very best of Norway.
Plan several stops – because in Hardanger, the journey is part of the experience. Along both scenic routes, you’ll find dramatic viewpoints, spectacular rest areas, farm shops, cider producers, charming cafés & restaurants, and unique accommodations overlooking either fjord or mountain.
The routes are well signposted, and it’s easy to combine them into a round trip – with possible detours to iconic destinations like Trolltunga, the Queen’s Trail (Dronningstien), or Kjeåsen Mountain Farm. There’s no single “right” way to explore – the roads are yours to discover.
Season: Most sections are open year-round, but the mountain pass over Hardangervidda can close due to weather, especially in winter. Always check Statens vegvesen for updated road conditions before your trip.
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 Vøringsfossen waterfall - the most famous waterfall in Norway!
Explore Oddadalen along RV 13, a pristine landscape dotted with waterfalls like Tjørnadalsfoss, Strandfoss, Vidfoss, Espelandsfoss, and the famous twin waterfall, Låtefoss. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, with convenient roadside parking.
The twin waterfall Låtefossen in the Odda valley has a height of 165 meters and has been a popular travel destination since the 19th century. The waterfall is easily accessible - located directly by the main road 13 between Odda and Rødal.
High above the fjord, at an altitude of 600 meters, the two farms are located at Kjeåsen. You can both drive and hike up to enjoy the spectacular views.
Walk around the Vøringsfossen area including the old Vøringsfoss bridge and the spectacular step bridge.
NORWEGIAN NATURE CENTRE – HARDANGER – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR NORWAY
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.
Starting point: Steinsdalsfossen waterfall About the trail: From the shops at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, walk 60 meters towards Rosseland, and turn right following the road signposted "Fjærabygda". Follow the ...
Experience the Unique Goldfish lake in Kvam – A Family-Friendly Spot to Feed Goldfish, Enjoy Nature, and Relax by the Water.
Mikkelparken in Kinsarvik is perfect for kids aged 1-10! Enjoy water play, climbing adventures, a petting zoo, train rides, and more.
In the farm shop in the center of Øystese, you can buy locally produced specialties and delicacies from other Norwegian small and medium-sized producers. Here you will find traditional bakery products, juices, Hardanger cider, jams, honey, and meat products.
The Hardanger Folklore Museum is part of the Hardanger and Voss Museum and is located in Utne. In the main building you will find Hardanger embroidery, traditional costumes, and folk music exhibitions. An open-air museum with several historical buildings is also part of the folklore museum.
Kunsthuset Kabuso offers rotating exhibitions, concerts, and events year-round. Experience magical light in Hardanger Skyspace and visit the Ingebrigt Vik Museum. Enjoy homemade food and stunning views in the café.
Discover maritime history at Hardanger Maritime Centre with hands-on workshops and family activities.
Experience The Powermuseum - Kraftmuseet in Tyssedal and gain a fascinating insight into Norway's hydropower and industrial adventure, with activities for the whole family set in beautiful Western Norway nature.
Open air museum established by the artist Bernhard Greve. Traditional buildings and interiors from Hardanger. Exhibits of folk art and art. Idyllic yard with goats. Within walking distance from Lofthus.
Buy, taste, and enjoy locally produced apple juice and cider from Hardanger at Helleland Farm in Lofthus. You can also book cider tastings with cheese and cured meat on the farm.
Try a short summit tour in Hardanger! Lilletopp in Tyssedal offers a fantastic view over the Hardangerfjord.
For four generations, Spildegarden has produced tasty products in the idyllic fjord village of Øystese. It is not without reason that they are called the cider and apple juice specialist in Hardanger. At Jane and Geir...
Hardanger Skyspace is one of the well-known art installations by the American artist James Turrell. Through a colorful light installation, you can watch and experience sunrises and sunsets in a special way. The Hardanger Skyspace is part of the Kabuso Art Centre in Øystese.
Experience "Dronningstien" in Hardanger – one of the most beautiful and popular hiking trails in Norway. Get up close to mighty nature and enjoy the beautiful views from one of H.M.Queen Sonja's favorite hikes.
A hike through unique, rocky landscape with fantastic views over the village of Herand.
