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Hardangerfjord in a nutshell tour
Overview
Introduction
Stretching 179km from the North Sea, the Hardangerfjord is familiarly known as the ‘orchard of Fjord Norway’ as its waters are lined with an abundance of fruit trees and farms – visit in spring (May-Jun) to see the fruit trees in blossom. Majestic mountains and roaring waterfalls complete this natural paradise.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Bergen Flesland Airport
- Public transport transfers from Bergen - Rosendal - Odda - Lofthus - Ulvik - Eidfjord - Geilo - Bergen
- 2 Nights at Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen - first and last night (complimentary waffles and a light evening meal) (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Ullensvang Hotel, Lofthus (Half Board)
- 2 Nights at Brakanes Hotel, Ulvik (Bed and Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Bergen Flesland airport, self transfer to the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret in the centre of the city.
Afternoon waffles, complimentary tea and coffee and a light evening meal are included at your hotel – a perfect way to relax after an initial exploration of the city.
Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret in Bergen.
Bergen, The Fjords, Norway
Day 2 - Excursion to the Queen of the Fjords
After breakfast, your exploration of the fjords begins. You will cruise from Bergen through the archipelago of islands surrounding the city to the village of Rosendal, renowned for its fjord side location and aromatic rose garden. Artists from around the world have been drawn to this community and it is easy to see why with its lush backdrop, sandy shores and colourful houses.
From Rosendal, the journey continues by bus (to Odda) and boat to Lofthus. The boat docks in the gardens of the Ullensvang Hotel, your hotel for the next three nights.
Overnight at the Ullensvang Hotel in Lofthus.
Rosendal, the Fjords, Norway
Day 3 and 4 - Days at leisure
Enjoy a leisurely day in Lofthus. Opportunity to take a cruise, hire a kayak, bathe in the fjord or relax in the wellness centre of the Ullensvang Hotel. The magnificent setting, tranquillity and warm hospitality is guaranteed to relax and re-energise.
Lofthus is a great location for walking. Why not take a gentle walk through the fruit orchards or venture on foot into the Hardangervidda National Park, one of Queen Sonja of Norway’s favourite areas for walking? For the very active, it is also possible to hike to the summit of Trolltunga, considered one of Norway’s most spectacular (and challenging) walking routes (mid-Jun to mid-Sept). Trolltunga is a mountain precipice near Skjeggedal that juts out 900m above sea level. Guided walks and self-guided trips are on offer and can be booked locally or requested in advance by Sunvil (payable locally). The 20km hike to Trolltunga will take 10 hours (5 hours in each direction not including transfers).
Overnight at the Ullensvang Hotel in Lofthus.
Lofthus, Norway
Day 5 - Transfer from Lofthus to Ulvik
Today, you will travel from Lofthus to Ulvik by boat. Your journey will take 1 hour 5 minutes. On arrival at Ulvik, self transfer to the Brakenes Hotel.
Overnight at the Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik.
Hardangerfjord, Norway
Day 6 - Ulvik
Day at leisure in Ulvik. Ulvik is a great base from which to visit some of the region's fruit farms and micro breweries. Rib boat tours are also on offer as are day excursions to the Flam Railway.
Overnight at the Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik.
Kayaking Fjords, Norway
Day 7 - Bergen
After a leisurely morning in Ulvik, you will travel to Bergen for the final night of your fjord adventure. This full day journey (9 hours) has been designed to incorporate some of the region's key visitor attractions including the Voringsfossen waterfall (1 hour stop) and the Norwegian nature centre (90 minutes stop) and will combine travel by boat, bus and train.
Overnight at the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret in Bergen.
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, The Fjords and Trondelag
Day 8 - Day of departure
Late afternoon, self transfer from Bergen to Bergen Flesland airport for your return flight to UK.
Free morning in Bergen, a city with a small-town charm and atmosphere. Take a stroll around the old streets and alleyways of the historic centre and discover cost cafes and quaint wooden houses adorned with flower boxes. Do not miss the Bryggen district of Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This compact attraction is the most photographed site in the city and includes colourful wharf buildings, narrow lanes, the Bergenhus Fortress, craft shops, the Hanseatic Museum and archaeological excavations. A guided tour of the Bryggen is recommended for those wishing to bring the history of the area to life.
Bergen
Accommodation
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret - Night 1 to 1
The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies an unrivalled position on the heritage quayside of Bryggen in the vibrant and atmospheric centre of Bergen.
The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies an unrivalled position on the heritage quayside of Bryggen in the vibrant and atmospheric centre of Bergen. Surrounded by historic warehouses and one of Bergen’s most exclusive streets, Slottsgaten, this elegant hotel boasts a modern and warm interior where attention to detail is paramount. Many guest rooms enjoy views over the Vågen waterway or over the rooftops of the city to the mountains of Bergen. Once the premises of the Port of Bergen harbour company, the hotel has retained limited original features, one being a small lounge with a vaulted frescoed ceiling. New additions to the building include a relaxation area with mini gym, sauna and steam room – ideal for unwinding after a day’s exploration.
Accommodation:
- 116 individually decorated rooms including standard, superior, deluxe and family rooms
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, TV, telephone, safe deposit box, complimentary WIFI internet connection, minibar, iron and ironing board
- Some superior and deluxe rooms have views over the Vågen waterway
- Deluxe rooms are more spacious than the standard and superior rooms
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day and a light evening meal provided
- Complimentary waffles available in the afternoon (self-service)
- Lobby bar
- Lounge
- Relaxation area with mini gym, sauna and steam room
- Lift
- Public parking garage opposite hotel (c.200NOK per day)
- Guests can climb the hotel tower for a birds eye view of the city – key available from reception.
Ullensvang Hotel - Night 2 to 4
Renowned for its high standard of accommodation and warm hospitality, the Ullensvang Hotel has been owned and managed by the Utne family since 1846 and today, the four and fifth generations of the family welcome guests.
Renowned for its high standard of accommodation and warm hospitality, the Ullensvang Hotel has been owned and managed by the Utne family since 1846 and today, the four and fifth generations of the family welcome guests.
With a backdrop of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, uninterrupted views over the tranquil Sorfjord and surrounded by well-maintained gardens, this beautiful property has provided the inspiration for many Norwegian artists over the years. Evidence of this celebrated history is visible throughout the hotel from the Norwegian furniture, artefacts and antiques which fill the public areas; to the pictures of composers such as Edvard Grieg adorning the walls.
Age-old traditions and hospitality stand side-by-side with modern well-equipped bedrooms, comfortable lounges and leisure facilities. The Ullensvang Hotel, in our opinion, is the ideal choice for those wishing to experience the charms of this unspoiled corner of the fjords. Highly recommended.
- 168 rooms including 131 standard and 20 deluxe rooms, 9 junior suites, 7 one-bedroom suites and 1 two-bedroom suite
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and shower), hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WIFI internet connection and trouser press
- Standard rooms can accommodate an extra bed for a child
- Deluxe rooms can accommodate an extra bed
- The family rooms have bunk beds for two children
- The junior suites have a designated seating area and can accommodate two extra beds for children
- Some standard rooms, deluxe rooms, family rooms and junior suites have a fjord view
- Many rooms have a balcony
- The one-bedroom suites have a separate living room with balcony and a view over the fjord
- Two junior suites interconnect to a standard room with fjord view.
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving buffet meals
- À la carte restaurant ‘Zanoni’ serving Norwegian and international food – open in summer (07Jun-12Aug – closed Sundays and Mondays)
- Bar with music every night except for Sunday
- Coffee bar
- Indoor activity centre with a tennis and squash court (c. 250NOK per hour including equipment hire), billiard table, table tennis and golf simulator
- Playroom
- Wellness centre with Indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna
- 2 Lifts
- Rowing boats (free of charge) and pedal boats (free of charge) available for hire in the summer
- Private garage
- Private sand beach – guests can swim in the fjord
- Guests can follow the Hardanger fruit trail departing from the hotel. Fruit in bloom are sweet cherries (end July), plums (Aug), pears and apples (Sep)
- Excellent hiking possibilities including the Queen Sonja Panoramic Hiking Trail and the Trolltunga
- Fjord cruises available locally
- Hardangervidda Nature Centre in Eidfjord c.45-minutes drive (open Apr-Oct)
- Buer glacier, in the Folgefonna National Park, c. 2 hours’ drive
- Nearest train station is in Voss c. 50 minutes’ drive from Lofthus
- Express buses link Lofthus with Bergen, Geilo and Oslo
- Using car hire or public transportation it is possible to reach the village of Flåm and its famous railway on a day trip.
Brakanes Hotel - Night 5 to 6
Surrounded by fjords, beautiful landscapes, fruit orchards, and snow-capped mountains, Brakanes Hotel is located on the fjord edge in the centre of Ulvik. With its origins dating back to 1860, it has rightly earned its reputation as one of Hardanger’s foremost tourist hotels, offering guests enjoyable and unique experiences.
Surrounded by fjords, beautiful landscapes, fruit orchards, and snow-capped mountains, Brakanes Hotel is located on the fjord edge in the centre of Ulvik. With its origins dating back to 1860, it has rightly earned its reputation as one of Hardanger’s foremost tourist hotels, offering guests enjoyable and unique experiences.
The hotel’s 143 rooms, 80 of which face the fjord, are furnished in a modern Nordic style with the restrained Scandinavian interior design accentuating the natural beauty of the fjord outside. Wake up with a front row seat to the Hardangerfjord, the perfect vista for enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning.
The restaurant, which has a strong focus on the use of local and regional ingredients, has a great view of the fjord. In the main season, fresh vegetables and herbs from the cooperative farm at Undeland are used in the kitchen. During the summer, you can dine outside in the hotel garden, where you will also find an outdoor area with a hot tub and sauna with an incredible view. The small indoor pool is popular for both young and old - all year round.
Accommodation
- 143 rooms including standard rooms, fjord view rooms and suites
Amenities
- Bar Après in the reception area open every day and offers local refreshments
- The Fjord Lounge - a quiet and lovely room with a view to the fjord and gardens. Perfect for aperitifs and light dining
- Restaurant with magnificent views of the fjord
- Heated indoor pool
- Fitness centre
- Hot tub and sauna
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret - Night 7 to 7
The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies an unrivalled position on the heritage quayside of Bryggen in the vibrant and atmospheric centre of Bergen.
The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies an unrivalled position on the heritage quayside of Bryggen in the vibrant and atmospheric centre of Bergen. Surrounded by historic warehouses and one of Bergen’s most exclusive streets, Slottsgaten, this elegant hotel boasts a modern and warm interior where attention to detail is paramount. Many guest rooms enjoy views over the Vågen waterway or over the rooftops of the city to the mountains of Bergen. Once the premises of the Port of Bergen harbour company, the hotel has retained limited original features, one being a small lounge with a vaulted frescoed ceiling. New additions to the building include a relaxation area with mini gym, sauna and steam room – ideal for unwinding after a day’s exploration.
Accommodation:
- 116 individually decorated rooms including standard, superior, deluxe and family rooms
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, TV, telephone, safe deposit box, complimentary WIFI internet connection, minibar, iron and ironing board
- Some superior and deluxe rooms have views over the Vågen waterway
- Deluxe rooms are more spacious than the standard and superior rooms
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day and a light evening meal provided
- Complimentary waffles available in the afternoon (self-service)
- Lobby bar
- Lounge
- Relaxation area with mini gym, sauna and steam room
- Lift
- Public parking garage opposite hotel (c.200NOK per day)
- Guests can climb the hotel tower for a birds eye view of the city – key available from reception.
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
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