2-Day Round Trip from Bergen: THE GRAND HARDANGER fjords, waterfalls, glaciers

If you’re dreaming of Norwegian landscapes that look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard—think towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, shimmering glaciers, and lush valleys—you’ll want to consider this 2-day Bergen-based tour of the Hardanger region. This carefully crafted experience promises a taste of Norway’s most iconic sights, with the flexibility to tailor the journey to your interests. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply soaking in incredible scenery, this trip offers something for all.

What really sets this tour apart is the expert guidance and personalized approach. The guide, Vlad, is praised for his professionalism, deep knowledge, and willingness to cater to specific requests. From scenic stops to photo opportunities, he makes sure your experience feels both authentic and memorable. Plus, the included transportation—whether a luxurious Mercedes minivan or a sleek Tesla—ensures comfort and style as you wind through this dramatic landscape.

One minor consideration is the price—at around $1,626 per person, it’s an investment. However, considering the extensive itinerary, private transportation, and the opportunity to customize your adventure, many find it offers excellent value for a luxury yet authentic exploration. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized experience without the hassle of planning and who are eager to see the highlights of the Hardangerfjord with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary allows you to focus on your interests, from hikes to cultural stops
• Expert guide Vlad is highly praised for his knowledge and personal attention
• Luxurious transportation options include Mercedes minivans and Tesla Model X for a stylish ride
• Includes ferry and toll fees, ensuring smooth travel across Norway’s complex fjord network
• Stunning scenery at waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain farms makes this a photographer’s dream
• Two-day format offers a comprehensive look at the fjords without feeling rushed

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Hardanger Adventure

This tour promises a deep dive into Norway’s natural beauty, with a route that balances scenic drives, cultural stops, and outdoor activities. Let’s break down what you can expect, why it matters, and some insider insights based on reviews.

Starting in Bergen: The Gateway to the Fjords

Your journey begins in Bergen, a city famous for its colorful wooden houses and historic harbor. While the tour doesn’t linger long in Bergen itself, the city’s charm is a perfect starting point before heading into Norway’s spectacular countryside. The guide will pick you up from a centrally located spot, making for a smooth start.

Dale of Norway Factory Outlet & Museum

A optional stop in Dale highlights Norway’s textile craftsmanship. Here, you can visit the famous sweater factory and browse the outlet for woolen souvenirs. It’s a brief stop—about 20 minutes—but adds a cultural touch and a chance to pick up authentic Norwegian woolens. The experience is free, making it a no-brainer for those interested in local crafts.

Voss and Vangskyrkja

Traveling through Voss, a town known for adventure sports and rich history, you’ll see the Vangskyrkja church dating back to 1277 and the St. Olaf’s cross from 1023. This provides a quick history lesson and local flavor, without taking up too much time.

Bordalsgjelet Gorge and Skjervsfossen Waterfall

Next, you’ll walk into the dramatic Bordal gorge, a safe yet impressive walk through narrow, steep-sided cliffs. This is a real photo op and a chance to see the power of nature up close.

On the way from Voss to Hardangerfjord, there’s a highlight at Skjervsfossen waterfall, with twin falls plunging 150 meters—definitely one of the most iconic sights in the area. The short stop here offers panoramic views and a chance for some spectacular photos.

Ulvik Village and the Hardanger Bridge

Ulvik is a small, tranquil village at the end of the Ulvik fjord. It’s a quiet spot with a charming local vibe—perfect for a peaceful walk or a quick exploration of its ecological delicacies, like cider from the local farm (if you opt for that). The Hardanger Bridge, a suspension marvel from 2013 with a main span of 1310 meters, crosses the fjord here, offering breathtaking views and a real sense of Norway’s engineering prowess.

The Narrow Simadalsfjord and Kjeasen Mountain Farm

Depending on your interests, your guide might take a detour to the Simadalsfjord, a narrow branch of the main fjord, giving you a more intimate view of Norway’s fjord system.

A highlight for many, especially if you’re into unique farms, is the Kjeåsen Mountain Farm. Known as the “world’s most inaccessible farm” until 1974, this farm offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian mountain life. The 30-minute stop provides fantastic photo opportunities of the farm perched high above the fjord.

Eidfjord and Vøringfossen

Moving into Eidfjord, a popular cruise ship port, you’ll visit the Norwegian Nature Center, where you learn about the local flora, fauna, and geological features. It’s not included in the price, but adds educational value.

The Vøringfossen waterfall stands out as the star of the day—an awe-inspiring 182-meter cascade at the end of Måbødalen valley. The viewing platforms allow you to get close enough to feel the spray and see the power of water in action.

Optional Hikes and Additional Sights

For the active travelers, options like the Husedalen Valley or even the challenging Trolltunga trek (which requires a full day and a guide) can be added. Based on reviews, the Trolltunga hike is demanding but unforgettable, best suited for seasoned hikers.

The tour also includes a ride through the Folgefonn Tunnel, Norway’s fourth-longest tunnel, under the glacier—an engineering marvel that adds a sense of adventure to the drive.

Returning and Extending Your Stay

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour concludes in Eidfjord or another specified village. Many travelers opt to extend their stay, exploring additional valleys, fjords, or even visiting the Folgefonna glacier, which offers summer skiing opportunities.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

Travelers who love stunning landscapes combined with cultural insights will find this tour ticks all the boxes. The guide’s reputation for knowledge and customization means you get a personalized experience, filled with authentic Norway scenery and stories.

The luxury transportation—especially the Mercedes vans or Tesla—adds a touch of comfort and style, making longer drives more enjoyable. The inclusion of ferry fees and tolls simplifies logistics, so you’re free to focus on the views.

What’s particularly appealing is the balance of structured stops and flexibility. The itinerary offers enough highlights to satisfy first-time visitors, but also the chance to add in hikes or visits based on your preferences.

Value for Money

While the price may seem high, it covers private transportation, expert guiding, and a wide selection of stops that would be difficult to organize independently, especially given Norway’s complex fjord system. Many reviews highlight the guide’s attentiveness, and the opportunity to capture stunning photos with Vlad’s assistance adds to the experience’s value.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, comfortably paced exploration of the Hardanger region without the stress of planning. It suits those keen to see multiple highlights in two days, with some outdoor activity options, and who appreciate a personalized touch.

Couples, small groups, or solo travelers who value luxury transportation and expert insights will find it particularly appealing. If you’re looking for a luxury, flexible, and scenic adventure that covers Norway’s best fjord scenery, this tour fits the bill.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

How long is the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 days, providing enough time to see key sights without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring a lunch pack, especially if planning hikes or longer outdoor stops.

Can I extend the tour?
Yes, the experience can be extended with additional days. Many travelers choose to add extra time to explore more fjords or glaciers.

What transportation is used?
Typically, a Mercedes minivan is used. For smaller groups of 1-3 people, a Tesla Model X might be substituted.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for museums or attractions like the Nature Center are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to visit these.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Grand Hardanger tour offers a well-rounded peek into Norway’s most iconic fjord scenery, with expert guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible options to fit your interests. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending natural wonders like waterfalls and glaciers with cultural highlights such as mountain farms and historic churches.

Ideal for travelers who want a luxury yet authentic experience, this trip ensures you won’t miss the sights that make Norway famous. The ability to customize and extend makes it suitable for a range of adventure levels—whether you’re a casual tourist, keen hiker, or amateur photographer.

What makes this tour particularly compelling is the genuine enthusiasm of guides like Vlad, who bring the landscape alive with stories and tips. The scenery is breathtaking, and the stops are well-paced, giving you time to appreciate the beauty and take photos.

If you’re after an easy, scenic, and comprehensive way to experience the Hardanger region without the hassle of organizing logistics yourself, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for the investment, knowing it delivers both comfort and awe-inspiring views in equal measure.