Top Things to do in Hordaland
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What to do and see in Hordaland, Western Norway: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Lying at the heart of Norway’s Western Fjord area, Hordaland is home to culturally rich Bergen, the country’s second largest city. Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord (and the third-longest in the world), is here too, and cruising along its scenic 110 miles is a top area activity. Leirvik, the second-biggest town in Hordaland, has the interesting open-air Sunnhordland Folk Museum. Set atop one of the country’s biggest glaciers, Folgefonna National Park has a popular summer ski center.
Restaurants in Hordaland
1. Folgefonna National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Norway's third largest glacier. In 2005 Folgefonna National Park was opened, which at the time was Norway's twenty fifth national park. Folgefonna is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers and water falls. There are lots of things to see in the park, and this makes the area one of the country's most important destinations. Access trails start at Rullestad in Etne, at Bergsto or at Mosnes (by boat).
2. Husedalen Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
The valley from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda is one of the natural wonders in Ullensvang, including 4 impressive waterfalls, lying close at each other within a distance of 3 hours on foot. Tveitafossen, abt 4 kms from Kinsarvik centre, thereafter 3 bigger waterfalls within walking distance Nyastolsfossen, Nykkjesoyfossen and Sotefossen. Excellent terrain for hikes.
Reviewed By SoliMoli - Oberhof, Germany
For us it was a great hike with some breathtaking sceneries on our way up to the top. You also have the opportunity to get to know some history about the region as you walk along the trail. Totally worth it and would revisit.
3. Trolltunga
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,340 reviews
Trolltunga – Norway's Most Spectacular Rock Formation Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular cliffs in Norway, hovering 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. Situated at the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, near the town of Odda, Trolltunga was carved by the icecap that once covered most of Scandinavia. The hike through high-mountain terrain up to Trolltunga (1180 m) is long and demanding, but you are rewarded with magnificent views. From the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 28 km with an ascent of almost 800 metres. The estimated hiking time is 8–12 hours. There is an additional trailhead at P3 Magelitopp. The round-trip hike from P3 Magelitopp is 20 km with an ascent of about 320 metres. The estimated hiking time is 7–10 hours. Hikers need to be properly equipped and in good shape. All the info you need about hiking to Trolltunga: https://trolltunga.com/.
Reviewed By leifs708
We took the Shuttle bus from the parking to the starting point of the actual walk. Unless you are very fit and will enjoy 9 additional KM steep up hill walk, i will strongly recommend this Shuttle bus, since the walk from the starting point and return is 20 KM. When we arrived at Trolltunga we had a great time enjoying this unique view. Absolutely worth the efforts and a great memory. Remember to take additional clothes and sufficient food and drinks.
4. Det Hanseatiske Museum og Schoetstuene
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
This wooden building is furnished in 18th-century style and gives visitors a feel of what Bergen was like in its medieval trading days. During a couple of years now, the City of Bergen is implementing a major restoration work. We tell you the Hanseatic story from Schøtstuene and Bryggen. Join us at Schøtstuene!
Reviewed By JeanneJ739
As the main merchant’s building where their exhibit hall is housed is closed for 6 years for renovations, this museum provides a guided walking tour of the Bryggen Wharf area and a building where the Germans gathered and several schoetstuene have been recreated. The fee for the tour includes entry to the Norwegian Fisheries Museum and a shuttle to and from it. The walking tour goes back through the tenements where the Germans lived and worked, and describes the living conditions at the time as well as the political and economic aspects. The Hanseatic League negotiated with the Norwegians for favored trading status and exchanged their grain for dried cod. They also brought in luxury goods such as furs, jewelry, marzipan. Their enclave on Bryggen Wharf was surrounded by a fence and no women were allowed inside. Only approved Norwegian traders were admitted. German boys came as apprentices at 12 or 13 for 6 years of training and did all the housekeeping and cooking as well as loading and storing goods. Our guide was excellent, a pleasant German woman with very clear English. She was quite knowledgeable, gave an overview as well as details and welcomed questions. The tour ended in the Schoetstuene where we were free to wander on our own through the building with its meeting rooms and kitchens.
5. Mount Ulriken and the cable car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,516 reviews
Ulriken Cable Car is currently closed due to construction work in relation to building a brand new cable car, cable car stations and restaurant at the mountain top. We welcome all guest back on the cable car for summer 2021. The trails and sherpa stairs to the top are always open.
Reviewed By jobenn9936 - Murrells Inlet, United States
This is a great way to see a great view of the City of Bergen and the surrounding coastal mountain and fjord region. You can get tickets at the Tourist Information Center near the fish market; they include a bus trip up to the cable car and back, so you also get a good close up look at the city.The views at the top are very nice. There is a cafe up there so you can grab a light bite and cocktail and enjoy the view. There are also opportunities to hike into the mountains from easy children's hike to challenging trek, if you are so inclined. If visiting Bergen, this is a must see stop.
6. Mount Floyen and the Funicular
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,937 reviews
Fløyen is a must do while in Bergen. Fløibanen, the funicular brings you up the hillside, from Bergen city centre to the top of the mountain in 6 minutes. At Mount Fløyen you will find beautiful views of Bergen, the nearby islands, fjords and mountains surrounding Bergen. Fløyen is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking and soft adventures. We are surrounded by hillsides, mountains, forests, nice little lakes and numerous trails. We offer daily guided hikes “Hiking Mount Fløyen" and Mountain bike rental from mid June until mid August. We love children, and the children love Fløyen. Let the kids explore our playground, Fløysletten climbing playground, the Troll forest. Try out canoe paddling at lake Skomakerdiket (mid June - mid August), feel the adrenalin rush in FløyenKids ziplinepark and get at kiss from our lovely goats at Fløyen. Fløistuen shop and cafè have souvenirs, perfect gifts and memories from Bergen and Norway. We offer local food as “Fløyenbollen", the cinnamon-bun and our organic soup “Fløyensuppen". Fløien Folkerestaurant is open daily from May until September.
Reviewed By VidhyaSriram - Singapore, Singapore
It is just a few minutes walk from the "Bryggen".The short 5 to 6 mins funicular ride took us to Mt Floyen, a fantastic area on earth with beautiful natural surroundings and walking/hiking paths. Amazing views from the top of Mt Floyen.
7. Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
Enchanting residence of the composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, who lived there every summer from 1885 to 1907. The museum also comprises the chamber music hall, Troldsalen, where daily concerts are held during the summer season. Museum building with shop, exhibition and cafeteria.
Reviewed By PerthRetireds
What a beautiful tour - from Thomas greeting us on the sidewalk outside the Visitor Centre, his very knowledgeable talk, the little gem of a house with the amazingly concealed concert hall. The acoustics were excellent, the performance top notch, and the tour was very good value. To listen to Grieg under these excellent conditions AND take in the same view he enjoyed while composing - very special indeed. Thanks to everyone and especially Thomas.
8. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,820 reviews
Reviewed By lobstaluva - Springfield, United States
We spent a couple of days in Bergen and loved every minute of this charming city. The colorful facades of the wooden buildings facing the water are first to catch your eye. They are shops, restaurants and cafes (excellent ice cream shop). Between some of these buildings are narrow alleyways that lead you back to interesting places. Here you will see artisans at work, odd architecture, crafts to purchase. Continue walking along the water past these colorful buildings and you will come to the Bryggen Museum and St Mary’s church up a small hill on the right. Walk around the end of the harbor and to the other side to see the fish market section. There is every kind of edible sea creature imaginable, some uniquely displayed. There are several open air restaurants..... we ate at Fish Me and had delicious king crab. There is a visitor center, lots of boats to check out, shops, cafes and activity. Plan to spend a couple of hours just walking around soaking up the culture.
9. Gamle Bergen Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
In the 1800s Bergen was Europe’s biggest wooden city, a distinctive city environment with closely spaced wooden buildings, busy streets, markets and alleys. At old Bergen open air Museum you can experience some of this atmosphere, with houses from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. What did it look like? What did people talk about? In beautiful natural surroundings you can meet both masters and servants from the past. Museumshop. 40 min walk, 15 min by bicycle, 7 min by bus.
Reviewed By Kato122 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
A short boat ride from the centre of Bergen, this lovely museum is worth a visit. The wonderful old collection of houses is certainly special and the displays are good. The entertainment is amusing as is the display of the ‘Penny Farthing’ bicycle! Lovely views across to Bergen and beyond.
10. KODE Art Museums of Bergen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
KODE is one of Scandinavia's largest museums for art and music. It has a unique combination of art museums and composers' homes, of visual art, historical objects, concerts and parklands. KODE stewards almost 50,000 objects that can be experienced in four museum buildings in Bergen city centre, KODE 1-4, and in the homes of the composers Ole Bull, Harald Saeverud and Edvard Grieg. Welcome to KODE!
Reviewed By kay186370 - Reykjavik, Iceland
There were 4 galleries that were open, including KODE KUNSTALL (1 gallery out of the 5 was closed), and each had a different feel, from ecclectic and modern to landsacpes, Edvard Munch and Picasso - just wonderful. My advice is to use your Bergen Card when you buy a ticket, but when you consider how much you see this is truly great value for money, with or without the Bergen Card discount. The galleries are situated in the centre of town around the lake with serene and beautiful views. Even with the covid requirements and restrictions visiting the galleries was such a lovely and peaceful experience. The staff were so welcoming and helpful too. If you have ever wondered what to do on one of Bergen's wet days - go to the galleries! You need three hours to take your time in all of them, more if you want to stop in the café and still go at a leisurely pace.
