Carved by the deep Hardangerfjorden, Hordaland is a historic county that centres around the former Hanseatic League trade hub of Bergen. It encompasses the rugged mountains of Hardangervidda and the Folgefonna glaciers, as well as the spectacular cascade of Vøringfossen.
Things to do in Hordaland
From the wild landscapes of Hardangervidda to the cultured streets of Bergen, Hordaland is one of Norway’s most enchanting regions.
Get active in Hardangervidda National Park. Sprawling across more than 3,400 square kilometres, Hardangervidda is the largest national park in Norway and a popular hub for hiking, rock climbing and cross-country skiing. You can ride the Bergensbanen railway or explore one of the scenic cycling routes. Keep your eyes peeled for wild reindeer.
Stroll the Bryggen waterfront. Lined with colourful wooden houses dating from its years at the centre of the Hanseatic League, Bryggen is a UNESCO-listed waterfront area in Bergen. Visit the Bryggens Museum to learn about the area’s 14th-century origins and see artefacts saved from the 17th-century fires, then watch the boats coming and going from one of the alfresco restaurants.
Photograph Vøringfossen. One of the most visited waterfalls in Norway, Vøringfossen plunges 182 metres into the Måbødalen valley along the road that connects Bergen and Oslo. You can hike through the rocky ravine that leads to the base of the falls or view it aboard the Troll Train, a miniature “railway on wheels” that runs during the summer months.
Explore Edvard Grieg’s Troldhaugen. Once home to the Norwegian composer and his wife, Troldhaugen encompasses the Edvard Grieg Museum, his former villa and the lakeside hut where he composed music. See his Steinway grand piano and other personal belongings on display or coincide your visit with a performance in the elegant concert hall, Troldsalen.
Getting around Hordaland
Bergen Airport is the main aviation gateway to Hordaland and is located a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Trains connecting from Bergen to Oslo travel through Hordaland, stopping at Dale, Voss and Finse. Having your own car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.