Top Natural Attractions in Norway

Text Tor Kjolberg

From Lilla Essingen. Photo: Visit Stockholm

Hordaland county in Norway includes two of the top natural attractions in Norway, Hardangervidda and Hardanger fjord, Norway’s largest national park and the world’s third longest fjord, respectively.

The central mountain plateau in Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest national park is 1,300 meters (4,500ft) above sea level. There are many fine hiking trails, one of which leads past the four giant Husedalen waterfalls which run from the Hardanger plateau down to Sørfjord, an arm of the Hardangerfjord. You can stay overnight in nearby Lofthus or Utne.

Related: The Most Famous Waterfall in Norway

In days gone by, the fjords provided west Norway’s main transport arteries, and Utne was an important junction between east and west. Its economy once centered on the apple, pear and cherry orchards that still cover the slopes of the Sørfjord; but it was also kept afloat by fishing and its charming painted furniture production which you can still enjoy at the Utne Hotel in Norway.

The open-air Hardanger Folk Museum sums up Hardanger life over the past centuries with historic houses, boats, shops and a school. A ferry service connects Utne with Kinsarvik on the east side of Sørfjord, or else Kvanndal, where you can connect with Route 7 to Bergen. Heading northwest on Route 13, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of water, Eidfjord. It cuts far into the dramatic landscape that includes the beautiful Sykkjedalsfossen waterfall.

Utne Hotel. Photo: Hardanger.no