ULVIK, NORWAY

From the idyllic Ulvik – often called ‘The Pearl of Hardanger’ – we will take the road which zigzags its way through sloping, mountainside orchards, giving us a lovely view of the fjord and mountains.

Ulvik is an enchanting little village nestling at the top of a peaceful arm of the Hardangerfjord, in the heart of one of Norway’s most fertile fruit growing regions, where countless hillside and fjordside orchards are silhouetted against breathtaking mountain panoramas. From the idyllic Ulvik – often called ‘The Pearl of Hardanger’ – we will take the road which zigzags its way through sloping, mountainside orchards, giving us a lovely view of the fjord and mountains. We pass by the Espeland Lake before reaching the much larger Granvin Lake, a fertile area with pastures used for summer grazing. From here the hairpin bends begin, as we traverse the Skjervet Pass and a photo stop will be made at the impressive Skjervet Waterfall. From the popular skiing resort of Voss, we take a wonderful scenic train ride on the Bergen Railway line, often impassable in winter, for approximately two hours. After lunch at Geilo, another favourite winter sport venue, we travel onwards by coach. Our journey now takes us straight across the Hardangervidda Mountain plateau, which Captain Scott used as a training ground before setting off on his South Pole expedition, and we will see the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier in the distance. Before leaving the Hardangervidda to descend through the dramatic Måbødalen Valley, shaped by glaciers and rivers, we stop at Fossli Hotel for a spectacular view. Close by, the Vøringfoss Waterfall (almost 200 metres, or 650 feet high!) thunders over the cliff’s edge down to the valley floor. The last leg of our excursion takes us partly through tunnels down to Upper Eidfjord, and we will drive along the blue green Eidfjord Lake and the salmon river Eio. At the village of Eidfjord, at the head of the Hardangerfjord, our ship awaits our arrival. This tour involves a small amount of walking, and a high step to board the train. There is also an optional walk at Fossli. There are 18 steps to reach the restrooms in the hotel we will visit for lunch. Refreshments will be served in the afternoon. Please note that this tour covers some of the same itinerary as Norway in a Nutshell.