Experience several hundred thousand fruit trees in full blossom in Hardanger during the spring. A more beautiful sight is hard to come by.
Spring is truly spectacular in Hardanger. Not only are the waterfalls and contrasts in nature at their most significant, but this is also the time when all fruit trees in the region come to life. With popping green fields, snow-capped mountains, and roaring waterfalls, everything is set to enjoy the fruit blossoming in Hardanger.
But when does it actually happen? The answer to this question changes from year to year. The blossoming usually starts in mid-May and lasts for about one month. That said, this is something that varies greatly. The temperature earlier in the spring plays a significant role, so the blossoming starts in April some years. A good tip is to contact the local tourist offices in Hardanger for more accurate information about the blossoming in Hardanger.
There is no wrong way to experience the flowering of Hardanger. However, some places have more fruit trees than others. A good tip is the fruit village of Ulvik with Norway's only fruit and side route. There are also several good accommodation options for those who want to spend several days in the region.
The Sørfjorden area also deserves mentioning. This part of the region has many fruit trees, and along the road, you come very close to one orchard after another. Especially Lofthus and along Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger stand out as places one should experience during the blossoming. Also here there are several good accommodation options in all budget classes.
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 ...
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 g...
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.
You can buy fruit directly from the farms or at the farm grocery stores in late summer and autumn. But that does not mean that you do not get locally produced delicacies even in the spring. Therefore, a good tip is to stop by one or more farm shops when you are first in the region. Then the farms have quite full stocks of award-winning apple juice and cider from Hardanger.
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 t...
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...
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 ...
The blossom season in Hardanger typically runs from mid-May through mid-June, lasting around three to four weeks. The exact timing varies each year depending on spring temperatures. In warm years, blossoming can start as early as the first week of May; in cold years, it may not peak until early June. If you're planning a trip and want to maximise your chances, aim for the week around May 17th – Norway's national day.
It's a fair comparison – and one that comes up often. Like sakura, the Hardanger blossom draws visitors from around the world for a fleeting natural spectacle. The key difference is that Hardanger's blossom season is actually more forgiving: because different fruit trees bloom at different times (cherries and plums first, then pears, then apple trees), the combined season lasts five to six weeks rather than a single intense burst. The backdrop – snow-capped mountains, emerald valleys, and deep blue fjord – also makes for a uniquely Norwegian experience that sakura simply can't offer.
The blossom cannot be predicted more than a few weeks in advance. Your best options are: follow Visit Hardangerfjord on Instagram (@visithardangerfjord) for real-time seasonal updates, or check with the local tourist offices in Ulvik, Lofthus or Odda closer to your travel dates. The blossom comes in stages – plum and cherry trees always bloom first (pure white flowers), followed by apple trees (the iconic pink hue). If you see one in bloom, the others will follow within days.
Hardanger is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Bergen, making it a very manageable day trip. A classic route takes you from Bergen via Norheimsund (stop at Steinsdalsfossen), along the Hardangerfjord to Lofthus, and back via the scenic Hardanger Bridge and Voss. If you don't have a car, several tour operators run guided day trips from Bergen specifically during blossom season, typically including a farm visit and cider tasting.
The best area is Sørfjorden, the inner arm of the Hardangerfjord. Driving along Route 13 between Odda and the Hardanger Bridge, you'll pass through kilometre after kilometre of orchards. Key highlights include the Fruit Trail (Fruktstien) in Lofthus – a gentle walking route through blooming orchards with farm shops along the way; the Fruit and Cider Route in Ulvik – connects three farms with tastings and local products; and the Norwegian Scenic Route along County Road 550 between Utne and Jondal, offering panoramic views of the blossoming hillsides from above.
Yes – several farms welcome visitors during blossom season. The Fruit and Cider Route in Ulvik connects Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard, and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk. You can walk between the farms, join guided tours, and buy products directly. Note that fresh fruit isn't available in spring (harvest is in autumn), but the farms stock apple juice and cider from the previous year's harvest throughout the spring.
Blossom season coincides with the waterfalls being at their most powerful, as snowmelt swells every stream and river. Steinsdalsfossen (where you can walk behind the waterfall), the famous Vøringsfossen, and the Husedalen valley with its four waterfalls are all spectacular in May. Early-season fjord cruises and RIB boat safaris are also available. Most hiking trails at higher altitude are still snow-covered, so the orchards along the fjord are the main draw.
Absolutely. The Fruit Trail in Lofthus and the Fruit and Cider Route in Ulvik are gentle, flat walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The fjord landscape is safe and accessible, and the combination of blossoming trees, waterfalls, and farm visits makes for a memorable family experience. Children can't sample cider, but freshly pressed apple juice is available at most farm shops.
Fruit cultivation in Hardanger dates back to the 13th century, when British Cistercian monks introduced fruit tree growing to the region. Today, Hardanger produces nearly half of all the fruit grown in Norway, earning it the title of Norway's fruit capital. The mild fjord climate – unusually warm for this latitude – combined with long summer days and cool nights creates ideal conditions for apples, pears, plums, and cherries of exceptional quality.
Have you tried the award-winning bubbles from Hardanger? Read more about how you can taste, experience, and learn more about the increasingly more popular Cider from Hardanger.
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