5 Days in Bergen & Southern Hardanger
Including Trolltunga
Five days of fjords, waterfalls and mountains: This route takes you from Bergen through some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Hardanger, including Rosendal, Bondhusvatnet and, optionally, one of Norway’s most famous hikes.
5 days · 🏔 Fjords & mountains · 🥾 Hiking · 🚗 Start & finish: Bergen
Route Map
Bergen → Rosendal → Bondhusvatnet → Odda → Trolltunga → Hardanger → Bergen
Highlights of This Road Trip
Rosendal
A picturesque fjord village surrounded by the Hardangerfjord and the mountains of Folgefonna National Park.
Bondhusvatnet
A crystal-clear glacial lake with one of Hardanger’s most beautiful and accessible hikes.
Trolltunga
One of Norway’s most iconic rock formations and an unforgettable hiking experience.
Låtefossen
This impressive twin waterfall near Odda is one of Norway’s best-known waterfalls.
Steinsdalsfossen
A unique waterfall where a path takes you right behind the cascading water.
Agatunet
A historic farm settlement with beautifully preserved wooden buildings and a fascinating past.
Sørfjorden
A spectacular branch of the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful fjord scenery.
Day 1:
Bergen → Rosendal
Today, you’ll leave Bergen behind and make your way towards Hardanger. The journey to Rosendal takes you deeper into increasingly dramatic fjord scenery. Allow plenty of time for stops along the way and spend the afternoon exploring Rosendal and its surroundings.
📍 Destination: Rosendal
🚗 Driving time: approx. 2 hours
✨ Highlight: Rosendal & Hardangerfjord
Experience Tip:
– Discover the spectacular landscape around Folgefonna with a range of guided glacier and outdoor experiences.
Where to Stay in Rosendal:
Our recommended accommodation in and around Rosendal:
Baroniet Rosendal Avlsgård & Fruehus – Charming historic accommodation in 19th-century buildings, just a short walk from Baroniet Rosendal.
Day 2:
Rosendal → Bondhusvatnet → Odda
Today brings one of the scenic highlights of the entire route: Bondhusvatnet. This relatively easy hike takes you through Bondhusdalen to the famous glacial lake, with views towards Bondhusbreen glacier.
Afterwards, continue to Odda on the Sørfjorden. This narrow arm of the Hardangerfjord is surrounded by steep mountainsides and will accompany you through several stages of your journey.
📍 Destination: Odda
🥾 Highlight: Bondhusvatnet
🚗 Route: Rosendal → Bondhus → Odda
Driving time: approx. 1 hour, excluding the hike and stops
Experience Tips
Fancy a RIB fjord safari from Odda?
H2Odda – Fjordsauna in Odda: just relax 😉
🏡 Where to Stay in Odda
Trolltunga Camping – Located right by Sandvinvatnet and a convenient base for exploring Trolltunga. In addition to camping pitches, you’ll find cabins, apartments and rooms.
💡 Our Tip Stay here for two nights. This allows you to spend Day 3 exploring Trolltunga and the Odda area without having to change accommodation afterwards.
Day 3:
Trolltunga: The Ultimate Hiking Highlight
Your Choice: Adventure or Relaxation?
Today is all about one of Norway’s most famous natural landmarks: Trolltunga. Perched high above Ringedalsvatnet, this spectacular rock formation makes for the most adventurous day of your road trip.
🥾 Active: Trolltunga-Tageswanderung ODER:
🌿 Relaxed: Odda + Låtefossen + optionaler Spaß auf dem Wasser
🥾 The Trolltunga Hike
From the main starting point at P2 Skjeggedal, the hike is around 27 km return; you should allow approximately 8–12 hours. Starting from P3 Mågelitopp reduces the distance to around 20 km and the hiking time to approximately 7–10 hours.
🚐 🚌 Good to know:
During the season, shuttle buses operate from Odda to P2 Skjeggedal. From there, another shuttle can take you up to P3 Mågelitopp, making the hike considerably shorter.
Prefer to hike Trolltunga with a guide?:
🌿 Relaxed Alternatives to Trolltunga
Prefer to take it a little easier today? Spend the day exploring the area around Odda, visit the impressive Låtefossen waterfall and enjoy the scenery along Sørfjorden. If you still want to add something special to your day, head out on a RIB fjord safari or join a guided kayaking tour.
Explore a guided kayaking tour
Day 4:
Odda → Kinsarvik → Utne
After yesterday’s hiking adventure, today is all about slowing down. Follow the Sørfjorden north and enjoy a classic Hardanger road trip through fjord scenery, mountains and orchards before continuing via Kinsarvik and taking the ferry to Utne.
On your way towards Kinsarvik, stop at Agatunet, an exceptionally well-preserved historic farmstead with traditional wooden buildings. It’s a lovely place to discover another side of Hardanger beyond its mountains and fjords.
📍 Destination: Utne
🚗 Today: Scenic road trip & fjord landscapes
🍎 Highlight: A slower side of Hardanger
Experience Tips
Hardanger is famous for its orchards and cider-making traditions. Several local farms offer tastings and guided experiences where you can learn more about one of the region’s best-known specialities.
🏡 Where to stay in Utne:
🏕 Camping: Kinsarvik Camping – located directly on the Hardangerfjord, with both camping pitches and 25 cabins in different categories.
Day 5:
Utne → Norheimsund → Bergen
On the final day, it’s time to make your way back to Bergen. Enjoy the Hardangerfjord scenery one last time and plan a stop around Norheimsund along the way. Parts of today’s journey follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger.
🚗 Today: Hardanger → Bergen
💦 Highlight: Steinsdalsfossen
💦 Stop at Steinsdalsfossen
Just a few kilometres from Norheimsund lies Steinsdalsfossen. A short path takes you behind the waterfall itself – a memorable final nature stop before returning to Bergen.
More Experiences
Norheimsund: Fjord Floating
Float in the middle of the fjord while staying warm and comfortable in a specially designed suit – a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the Hardangerfjord from a completely different perspective.
🚤 Optional: One Last Fjord Adventure
If you have a little extra time on your final day, head out from Norheimsund for one last adventure on the Hardangerfjord. Experience the Hardangerfjord up close on a RIB safari, combining high-speed thrills with spectacular fjord scenery around Norheimsund and Fyksesund.
🏁 Back to Bergen
After around 1.5 hours on the road, you’ll arrive back in Bergen. If you don’t have to leave straight away, make the most of some extra time in this fascinating city and discover the sights, neighbourhoods and restaurants you shouldn’t miss.
FAQ About This Road Trip
Is the Trolltunga Hike Suitable for Beginners?
Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most demanding day hikes. You’ll need a good level of fitness, suitable footwear and plenty of time. If the hike feels too challenging, there are many other spectacular natural attractions to enjoy along this route.
Do I Need a Car for This Road Trip?
Yes. A car or rental car is the best way to explore this itinerary at your own pace. Many of the highlights are located outside the main towns and are difficult to reach by public transport.
When Is the Best Time to Take This Road Trip?
This route is particularly suitable from May to September. In spring, the blossoming orchards transform the landscape, while summer offers ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor adventures. In autumn, colourful forests and generally quieter roads create a completely different atmosphere.
Is This Road Trip Suitable for Families?
Yes – with a few adjustments. Families can skip the Trolltunga hike and instead explore waterfalls, fjord landscapes, Rosendal or Bondhusvatnet. This keeps the itinerary varied and enjoyable when travelling with children.
