Hikes in Eidfjord

The Norwegian municipality of Eidfjord is located in the province of Vestland, east of the large city of Bergen, on the fjord that gives it its name, an eastern arm of the much larger Hardangerfjord. The municipality includes large parts of the Hardangervidda National Park and the Fjells, a mountain region above the coniferous forest belt with its own unique vegetation of lichens, mosses, dwarf shrubs and perennials.

How long is the Eidfjord?

The Eidfjord is an outlet of the much larger Hardangerfjord, although the Eidfjord itself is 28 kilometres long. At its end is the small town of Eidfjord. Here hikers will find all kinds of exciting hiking tours, for example to the well-known waterfalls Vøringsfossen or through the  Hardangervidda National Park.

Hardangervidda National Park is ideal for short round trips as well as longer hikes. Solidly laid out hiking trails make hiking here a unique pleasure. Depending on the tour, however, the differences in altitude and the duration can turn some hikes into sporting challenges for which you should be well prepared. In principle, however, enjoyable hikers get their money's worth just as much as adventurous hikers.

The hospitable and beautifully situated small town of Eidfjord with its picturesque white church built around 1300 is a good starting point for hikes in Norway's largest national park. Hardangervidda National Park is part of Europe's largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda. The plateau is the southernmost habitat of some Arctic species. It is also home to the largest reindeer herds on earth.

Not far from the town of Eidfjord is Vøringsfossen, one of Norway's most famous waterfalls, which you should definitely see and experience. It plunges 182 metres into the depths of the Mabodalen valley. One of the best views of the fjord is from Kjeasen, 530 metres above sea level. The mountain pasture is easily accessible by car through a tunnel.

In addition to hiking tours in the unique nature of Norway, it is also worth visiting the Hardangervidda Nature and Culture Centre, which will introduce you to the history, flora and fauna, the history of origins, the culture and the people of the region in a very clear way, open your eyes to details on your hikes and present the wild and fresh nature in the best possible way. The historical traces here can be traced back to 4,000 years ago.

A route from the waterfall Vøringsfossen leads to Sysendammen, an impressive lake with a natural dam of granite boulders that supplies a power station. Also in the vicinity is the Haereid grass field with over 300 graves, some of which date back to the Viking Age, and the Eidfjordnet lake. If you don't want to hike, you can take the Troll Train in Eidfjord, which runs through the town, past the old church Gamle Kyrkje and also to the Haereid burial ground. The original train stops from time to time so that you can enjoy the views and take photos.

Well-developed hiking trails can also be used for longer hikes. For example, a route of about three hours will take you from the Fagerheim mountain inn via Kraekkje to the Halne mountain inn and through a gorge - all on well-marked hiking trails. Speedboat trips to the warm, longest and deepest Hardangerfjord in neighbouring Hordaland and kayak trips are also possible from Eidfjord. Such an exciting water tour gives you a different perspective on the fjord than hiking and is a great addition to your hiking holiday. You can also enjoy the warmth of the sun and swimming in the fjord to the full here.

There are also long-distance hiking trails through the Hardangervidda that pass by Eidfjord municipality in several stages and provide plenty of hiking pleasure.