Hardangerfjord with motorhome – Eidfjord, Vøringsfossen and Hardangervidda

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Now it was time for us to experience the Hardangerfjord by motorhome. We came from Voss, where we had spotted two spectacular waterfalls, and now a fjord landscape opened up with green-blue water, narrow roads, tunnels and the occasional transition from fjord to high mountains.

The Hardangerfjord in Norway

The Hardangerfjord is known for its beautiful landscape with high mountains, dramatic waterfalls and long fjord arms, but also for its fruit orchards.

Of course, we only had time to experience a small part of Hardanger. Our journey went from Voss towards Eidfjord and further up towards Hardangervidda – a stretch that offered a surprisingly wide variety of landscapes in a short time.

The Hardangerfjord is located in western Norway, south of Bergen in Vestland county. The fjord is approximately 180 kilometers long.

By motorhome from Voss to the Hardangerfjord

Our first encounter with the Hardangerfjord was a deep tunnel through a mountain, where it suddenly opened up… a roundabout. Slightly unprepared (and without GPS as there is no internet coverage in the tunnels) we took the wrong turn at the roundabout and initially ended up on the ”wrong” side of the fjord.

It became necessary to turn around – back into the tunnel – and now take the road that led over the impressive bridge. Hardanger Bridge to the other side. We must say that this bridge, which on both sides leads the road straight into the mountains, offered a spectacular first encounter with the Hardangerfjord.

Free camping by the Hardangerfjord

We were tired from the day, and needed a place to stay for the night before continuing our journey towards Eidfjord. Via the Park4Night app we found a stretch along an old pier, with several parking spaces, toilets and a magical view of the fjord, where we parked together with several other campers.

We visited the Hardangerfjord while son Billie and his girlfriend Amy were still traveling with us, and we had a nice evening with sausage stroganoff in the brilliant evening sun.

Eidfjord – a small town at the far end of the fjord

We drove into the small town of Eidfjord to fill up on gas and do some shopping, while also taking the opportunity to look around. The small town is beautifully framed by tall, green mountains.

Although there are not even 1,000 people living in the municipality, this is a place characterized by tourism, not least because of the large cruise ships that dock here. When we were here, we saw the ship Borealis from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. In the small town, we also looked into camping, hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants.

From Eidfjord towards Vøringsfossen

After Eidfjord we had our sights set on Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. The road leads through the dramatic Måbødalen and on through a number of tunnels on the way up to Hardangervidda. Here it becomes clear how quickly the landscape changes as you leave the fjord and head up towards the high mountains.

There are also a number of tunnels here that are exciting to say the least. I was reading the map to Peter, on Google Maps, and couldn't help but take a screenshot of what the road looked like on the map in front of us...

Vøringsfossen – one of Norway's most famous waterfalls

After the winding tunnel, where we probably did more than one lap, we arrived at the famous Vøringsfossen waterfall. This is a major attraction, which is noticeable in the large parking areas, the large service building with toilets and all the modern and well-maintained trails and viewing platforms around the attraction.

The waterfall has a drop height of 182 meters. It is a wild and roaring fall, and you can experience it from many different angles.

At the same time, it's not just the waterfall itself that impresses. The entire ravine, where the waterfall plunges down, is powerful and offers a slight feeling of vertigo.

Further up on Hardangervidda

The visit to Vøringsfossen was the last one we did together with Peter's son Billie and his girlfriend Amy. After this it was time for them to head towards Sweden, by car, while we would continue the adventure in Norway.

We decided to go up to Hardangervidda for one last night together, before heading home. It was a beautiful evening with a view of the barren expanses.

Spending the night here was a peaceful experience, albeit a bit chilly. During the afternoon many cars passed by, but later in the evening it became calm and quiet.

Did you know that Hardangervidda is Europe's largest high mountain plateau? Large parts are over 1,000 meters above sea level and the area is important for the wild reindeer herd.

Traveling by motorhome at the Hardangerfjord

Traveling by campervan at the Hardangerfjord is relatively easy – Norway is a campervan-friendly country. Some experiences:

• Campsites, motorhome pitches and free camping options There is plenty of space, but please note that it can get busy during high season. Please arrive fairly early in the afternoon or book in advance.
• Service locations for emptying, water filling etc. you can easily find via for example The Nortrip app.
• Gas stations and grocery stores can be found in many places, but keep in mind that many grocery stores are closed on Sundays.
• LPG (Fixed Tank Gasoline) can only be refueled at a few places in the area, so it is a good idea to plan well in advance. We refueled at LPG Voss. You can search for current information in the MyLPG.eu app.
• Ferries are usually subject to fees. – register the vehicle at epass24.com or obtain AutoPASS well in advance of the trip.

More experiences at the Hardangerfjord

There is of course much more to see and do around the Hardangerfjord than we experienced during our trip. There is everything from small fjord villages and fruit orchards to glaciers, waterfalls and spectacular hikes.

Some places and experiences to check out are: Ulvik, a beautifully situated village at the far end of the Ulvikafjord, and Loft house, which is known for its fruit orchards and fine views of the fjord. Apples, pears, plums and cherries are grown in Hardanger, and the landscape is especially popular to visit during the spring blossoms.

Further south lies Odd, which is a good starting point for several nature experiences. From here, many people continue on to Trolltongue, the spectacular rock formation that juts out about 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike there is long and demanding, requiring both time and the right equipment.

Another great nature experience is Folgefonna, Norway's third largest glacier. Parts of the glacier and the surrounding landscape are part of Folgefonna National Park and there are several hiking opportunities here.

There are also plenty of waterfalls around the Hardangerfjord. One of the most easily accessible is Steinsdalsfossen at Norheimsund, where a walkway leads behind the falling water.

More to see and do in this part of Norway

There is of course much more to see and experience in this part of Norway. Here you will find more reports with tips, from our motorhome trip through Norway:

• Geirangerfjord
• Old Strynefjell Road
• Sognefjord
• Voss – with spectacular waterfalls
• The Pulpit Rock