Hardangerfjord, Norway

When I decided to make the trek to Norway, I did so for one reason: the fjords. Norway is home to approximately 1,190 fjords, so naturally there was no way I could see them all…unless I wanted to quit my job and do nothing else for the next few years. Luckily, the “King” and “Queen” of the fjords are both easily accessible from Bergen, where I started my journey.

On my second day in Norway, I decided to experience Hardangerfjord (the “Queen” as well as the second longest fjord in Norway) through a 12-hour day tour. My day started with a bus ride to Norheimsund, a small town on the edge of the fjord. From there, we boarded a catamaran.

There’s a lot of ways to see the fjord, whether it be by hiking, driving, or boating. But in my opinion, the best way to see the fjords is from the water. There’s something awe-inspiring about looking up at something so massive, and the height of these mountains seems more dramatic from the ground. Traveling by boat also allows you to see the many waterfalls that trickle down the sides of these majestic mountains.

Our boat sailed through the fjord, stopping at some of the small villages along the fjord to pick up and drop off passengers. It seemed that each time I saw something beautiful, I’d somehow find something even more beautiful just around the bend. But words cannot do Hardangerfjord justice. And while I’d use this as an excuse to share a sampling of the dozens of photos I took, not even a photograph can do these fjords justice. It’s hard to believe something this beautiful and perfect was made by nature.

Our catamaran made a brief stop in the village of Eidfjord, where we boarded a bus for a short excursion to the Norwegian Nature Center, followed by a trip to Norway’s most famous waterfall, Vøringsfossen.

The Norwegian Nature Center was not something I would have planned to do, but ended up being a nice excursion. The introductory video was *interesting*, as well as the very realistic dioramas, but I enjoyed learning about how the fjords were formed and the role they’ve played in Norway’s history.

But the real highlight of this excursion was Vøringsfossen. Our bus zigzagged up the side of the fjord, driving through tunnels and next to cliffs. Let’s just say I was glad I didn’t drive up myself…

The tour website and the audio on the bus really hyped up this waterfall, so when I finally saw a waterfall I first thought: that’s it? I mean, it was very pretty, but certainly not the prettiest or the biggest or the tallest.

Then I walked a little further, and realized I had been looking at the wrong waterfall…

The real Vøringsfossen was amazing. What makes this waterfall so famous is that the water free falls 145 meters (or for us Americans, about 475 feet) into the narrow pool below.

I probably could have stared at this waterfall for much longer (there’s something so calming about waterfalls), but we only have 15 minutes until it was back on the bus. Our bus took us back down the long and winding road to the docks of Eidfjord, where we again boarded our boat to head back to Norheimsund.

After being outside all day in the wind and standing on the dock of our catamaran (because when the views are that amazing, how can you sit inside?), I was grateful for a seat on the bus back to Bergen – and slept for most of the ride! After a quick seafood dinner on the wharf, I headed back to my hotel to pack up and rest for the night – because I was onto my next fjord-venture the next morning!

If I were to do it again, I’d love to spend more time in one of the small villages along the fjords, enjoying the small shops and sites as well as the scenery. I’d also recommend coming in the spring, rather than the summer – Hardangerfjord is also known as the “Garden Fjord” and, from what I’ve read, is home to lots of fruit and flowers that bloom in late spring.

I’d also recommend packing layers – in the span of twelve hours, there was sunshine, clouds, rain, and fog. Basically, you never know what you’re going to get in Norway! Despite the fact that it was June, I was grateful for a warm coat and windbreaker while standing on the dock of our catamaran.

And, I would recommend packing gloves and a warm hat or headband…because I forgot to and rocked Norwegian-themed gear that I bought in a souvenir shop.