BERGEN, NORWAY

Our excursion to the Hardangerfjord – one of Norway’s most popular fjords, with beautiful fruit orchards lining the sides and reflections of the magnificent mountains on the crystal clear water – begins at the pier in Bergen, when we board our coach.

Our excursion to the Hardangerfjord – one of Norway’s most popular fjords, with beautiful fruit orchards lining the sides and reflections of the magnificent mountains on the crystal clear water – begins at the pier in Bergen, when we board our coach. We shall pass Bergenhus Fortress, King Håkon’s Hall, Rosenkrantz Tower, buildings from the time of the Hanseatic League and the bustling fish market. Leaving the city we journey in a southerly direction through the suburbs on to the village of Os, located on the Bjørnefjord. This short fjord enjoys wonderful views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. At Hatvik we cross by ferry to Venjaneset, where we proceed past many small settlements. Our tour continues to Gjøna Lake and the farming hamlet of Eide, which comprises several old farm buildings. It was customary during the medieval period to have approximately 15 to 20 buildings on a farm, each having its own special use – for example, one for food storage (the ‘stabbur’), another for livestock, and one for the ‘badstue’ (sauna). We may see examples of the traditional rose painting inside the living quarters here (now only a museum). Refreshments are served. We reach the Hardangerfjord at Mundheim and enjoy a one hour drive along this ‘Queen of the Fjords’. On a clear day we will be able to view Norway’s third largest glacier, the Folgefonna Glacier. A stop is made in the village of Øystese for lunch, situated in a bay and surrounded by mountains and fertile farmland. Refreshed, we head inland to see the lovely Steinsdal Waterfall, which we can walk right behind! Via several tunnels we climb to the Tokagjel Gorge, then reach the mountain plateau of Kvamskogen. This area is exceptional for hiking and skiing, and there are many holiday cottages built in the woods. We descend to the fjord again, before once more climbing to Gulbotn, another popular recreational area. We proceed to Sørfjord (South Fjord), where Oster Island – the largest island on the west coast – is in view. Back in Bergen, we rejoin our ship after a truly memorable day! There is a moderate amount of walking during this tour – at the farm hamlet and the Steinsdal Waterfall. To walk behind the waterfall you must first climb up to it and there are steps to view the traditional rose paintings in the farm hamlet. Not recommended for wheelchairs. This excursion involves a lot of scenic driving.