Kvitebergsvatnet, Vestland, NorwayGot going early to see the waterfall that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway. Only about half an hour drive along Fv7 with some serious loops and switchbacks. Another first - a tunnel that spiraled up inside the mountain.
Vøringsfossen: From the lakes and glaciers at Hardangervidda mountain plateau, vast quantities of water join forces in the Vøringsfossen, one of Norway´s best known waterfalls and definitely one of the most dramatic.
Large parking lot at Fossli Hotel built in 1882 on top of the Hardangervidda canyon. Only a few other cars and thankfully no tour buses. Great railed walkways with platforms in different areas provided access to different views above the waterfall.
A little unnerving to be looking down at the thundering masses of water plunging down the gorge almost 600 feet into the Måbødalen valley below.
Could barely see the footbridge in the distance going across the Bjoreio River where Voringsfossen first drops down the canyon. Headed there next.
A much more rugged path down to the step bridge across the canyon.
Another amazing Norway structure blending nature with modern architecture that took ten years to build. A "dizzying" view above the rapids!
Vøringsfossen: From the lakes and glaciers at Hardangervidda mountain plateau, vast quantities of water join forces in the Vøringsfossen, one of Norway´s best known waterfalls and definitely one of the most dramatic.
Large parking lot at Fossli Hotel built in 1882 on top of the Hardangervidda canyon. Only a few other cars and thankfully no tour buses. Great railed walkways with platforms in different areas provided access to different views above the waterfall.
A little unnerving to be looking down at the thundering masses of water plunging down the gorge almost 600 feet into the Måbødalen valley below.
Could barely see the footbridge in the distance going across the Bjoreio River where Voringsfossen first drops down the canyon. Headed there next.
A much more rugged path down to the step bridge across the canyon.
Another amazing Norway structure blending nature with modern architecture that took ten years to build. A "dizzying" view above the rapids!
- The bridge has 99 steps and an acute angle, because the two sides of the gorge it connects have a height difference of 52ft. These steps are only a fraction of the 1,500 from the Fossli Hotel
Wonderful having benches to sit and admire the waterfall's multiple cascades. Needed the rest before the steep walk back up - a real leg workout!
Today's drive is part of the Hardangerfjord Scenic Route east along Fv7. Located in the heart of the idyllic Norwegian countryside among beautiful farmland, orchards, and scenery. Perfect sun for Perfect Hardingerfjord photos! Pullout across from Eidfjord ideal spot for selfies.
Back across the bridge and roundabout tunnel. This time we knew which exit to take. Another narrow fjord-side road with views of salmon fish farms and apple orchards. Never have we seen a boat out fishing on the fjords.
Hardanger Info/Rest area: Very cool how so many of the rest areas were created with a focus on architecture and landscape.
This unique "mushroom" bathroom had interior walls that were like being inside a tree.
Path leading down to water; awesome view spot!
Back across the bridge and roundabout tunnel. This time we knew which exit to take. Another narrow fjord-side road with views of salmon fish farms and apple orchards. Never have we seen a boat out fishing on the fjords.
Hardanger Info/Rest area: Very cool how so many of the rest areas were created with a focus on architecture and landscape.
This unique "mushroom" bathroom had interior walls that were like being inside a tree.
Path leading down to water; awesome view spot!
Steinsto fruit stand, cafe, bakery. Their farm has existed for nine generations. Picture-perfect place overlooking the fjord. Waitress' name Heidi, how perfect.
The smell from fresh-made waffles was mouthwatering. Also, irresistible looking desserts. What to choose? Couldn't resist apple pie with vanilla ice cream and lingberry sauce. Also, chocolate cake with layers of cream (more like German chocolate cake). Delicious!
Timed this just right. Two tour buses pulled in as we were leaving.
Drive continued on this very narrow sometimes one-lane road. More fish farms. Gorgeous scenery especially around the bridge going over an arm of the Hardangerfjord.
The smell from fresh-made waffles was mouthwatering. Also, irresistible looking desserts. What to choose? Couldn't resist apple pie with vanilla ice cream and lingberry sauce. Also, chocolate cake with layers of cream (more like German chocolate cake). Delicious!
Timed this just right. Two tour buses pulled in as we were leaving.
Drive continued on this very narrow sometimes one-lane road. More fish farms. Gorgeous scenery especially around the bridge going over an arm of the Hardangerfjord.
Drove through Norheimsund around the harbor. Decided to see waterfall first and then come back here for the museum.
Steindalsfossen: Arched stone bridge built in 1908 right off the main road leads to the parking lot and gift shop.
Have seen quite a few great waterfalls. This one was Unique because you can walk behind the cascading waterfall!
A well-structured pathway leads up one side, goes behind the 150' high falls, and then to a viewing platform on the other side. Quite amazing!
Every tourist attraction has a gift/souvenir shop. As usual, looked in this jam-packed shop. Lots of junk. Still looking for the perfect Norway t-shirt.
Steindalsfossen: Arched stone bridge built in 1908 right off the main road leads to the parking lot and gift shop.
Have seen quite a few great waterfalls. This one was Unique because you can walk behind the cascading waterfall!
A well-structured pathway leads up one side, goes behind the 150' high falls, and then to a viewing platform on the other side. Quite amazing!
Every tourist attraction has a gift/souvenir shop. As usual, looked in this jam-packed shop. Lots of junk. Still looking for the perfect Norway t-shirt.
Norheimsund: Hardanger Maritime Centre is a national maritime center and museum. One of the biggest centers for restoration of boats and vessels in the Nordic countries.
Arrived 5-min until closing. Sure didn't expect them to be closing so early in the day. They let us in for no charge since craftsmen were finished working. However, we could wander into the workshops. Would have been cool to see and try some of the maritime trades--ropemaking, blacksmiths at work in the forge, wooden boat building.
The bigger restoration projects were along the slipway. Very interesting seeing how they restore and protect different types of boats.
The center actively trains people to become boat builders, rope makes and smiths. One of the ladies told us about the first boat the center restored--Mathilde--and the student apprentice program that developed from it. Pretty special seeing a group of teenage apprentices sailing for the first time the boat they restored and bringing it into the dock.
Arrived 5-min until closing. Sure didn't expect them to be closing so early in the day. They let us in for no charge since craftsmen were finished working. However, we could wander into the workshops. Would have been cool to see and try some of the maritime trades--ropemaking, blacksmiths at work in the forge, wooden boat building.
The bigger restoration projects were along the slipway. Very interesting seeing how they restore and protect different types of boats.
The center actively trains people to become boat builders, rope makes and smiths. One of the ladies told us about the first boat the center restored--Mathilde--and the student apprentice program that developed from it. Pretty special seeing a group of teenage apprentices sailing for the first time the boat they restored and bringing it into the dock.
Continuing fjord drive south on Fv576. Getting hungry. Turned off on a road going around a small lake parking area overlooking the lake. Volleyball game going on next to a school - secondary/college age looking kids. Views and entertainment. Finally tried the cheeses from Undreal. Couldn't tell much difference in the two different aged cheeses.
Fv48 Different look along one of the fjord arms - more coves, islands, rocky outcrops, salmon fish farms. We've now seen Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, both with heart-stopping views and amazing photo opportunities.
Fv49 mountain road: narrow, steep rocky edges, outcrops painted orange. Scary having to pass vehicles that don't slow down much. Camper came so close that his mirror hit ours and the bottom part flew off. Turned around but could not find it. Not an enjoyable stretch of road!
Too much driving today.
Fv48 Different look along one of the fjord arms - more coves, islands, rocky outcrops, salmon fish farms. We've now seen Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, both with heart-stopping views and amazing photo opportunities.
Fv49 mountain road: narrow, steep rocky edges, outcrops painted orange. Scary having to pass vehicles that don't slow down much. Camper came so close that his mirror hit ours and the bottom part flew off. Turned around but could not find it. Not an enjoyable stretch of road!
Too much driving today.
KVITEBERGSVATNET LAKE - KUNDEKVITTERING CAMPING - 1 night
Can't believe Ran found a campground here in what seems like the middle of nowhere. Very small, only 15 sites. Arrived around 5:00 and it filled up right after. Delightful little place on the lake.
Family was in swimming. Waded in to check out the water temp. More like Lake Michigan. Way too cold for people used to Florida temperature water. Even have boats to rent for fishing. Nice place to relax!
Can't believe Ran found a campground here in what seems like the middle of nowhere. Very small, only 15 sites. Arrived around 5:00 and it filled up right after. Delightful little place on the lake.
Family was in swimming. Waded in to check out the water temp. More like Lake Michigan. Way too cold for people used to Florida temperature water. Even have boats to rent for fishing. Nice place to relax!
2025-05-22