The Hardanger region in western Norway is home to many natural wonders, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Dubbed “The Orchard of Norway,” Hardanger is especially stunning when springtime blossoms burst into full color. The fruit tree buds make their debut according to nature’s calendar, but are usually at their peak in mid-May.
There are even special routes set up for springtime blossom-viewing and cider-sipping:
- The Fruit Trail – Lofthus
- The Fruit and Cider Route – Ulvik
- Norwegian Scenic Route – Utne to Jondal
Renowned for apple varieties such as Discovery, Aroma and Summered, the Hardangerfjord valley also produces raspberries, plums, cherries, and strawberries.
Unsurprisingly, the fjord valley is also home to a cider guild with over 50 farms producing Hardanger cider and its n/a counterpart, eplemost.
Hiking opportunities abound along the fjord, which is home to the Instagram favorite viewpoint Trolltunga, “the Troll’s Tongue,” which looms at an altitude of 3600 feet (1100 m). The Queen herself has a favorite Hardanger hiking trail, which is named for her: H. M. Queen Sonja´s Panoramic Trail between Kinsarvik and Lofthus.
Charming villages, iconic waterfalls; Vøringsfossen and Steinsdalsfossen, and the breathtaking Hardangervidda National Park, known for its punishing winter climate but also the Rallarvegen cycling route from Finse to Flåm- there is so much natural beauty to explore in Hardanger!