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.
Before you hit the road, it’s a good idea to read The Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s travel tips for tourists. There you’ll find practical advice to make your trip both safe and pleasant.
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.