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Where is the best base in Hardanger: Odda, Lofthus, Ulvik or Eidfjord?

Four Hardanger villages and what each is close to.

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Short answer

The best base in Hardanger depends on your plans: Odda for Trolltunga, Lofthus for the Queen Sonja trail, Eidfjord for Hardangervidda and Ulvik for cider farms. In summer a shuttle bus runs from Odda to the Trolltunga trailheads, and from Eidfjord it takes 30 minutes to drive up to the Hardangervidda plateau.

Ullensvang a red wooden cabin on stilts by calm water with a small hotel key tag floating beside it

Why

  1. Trolltunga AS says experienced hikers can walk to Trolltunga on their own from 1 June to 30 September, and recommends a guide in the winter season.
  2. The HM Queen Sonja panoramic trail runs between Kinsarvik and Lofthus, takes about 6–9 hours, and its last part down to Lofthus follows the monk stairs.
  3. Ulvik lies at the innermost end of the Hardangerfjord and is home to Norway's only Fruit and Cider Route.

Details

In Odda, Hardanger Hotel lies in the centre with 50 rooms facing the fjord or the mountains. Eidfjord is the village for Vøringsfossen, the Norwegian Nature Centre Hardanger and Hardangervidda National Park. Odda and Lofthus both belong to Ullensvang municipality, which also has Folgefonna, the southernmost glacier in Norway.

Tip

Most hikers start the Queen Sonja trail at Røte near Kinsarvik and finish in Lofthus, where central parking is short-term only, so staying in Lofthus saves you a car transfer at the end.

What may differ

Outside summer the choice changes: Trolltunga AS recommends a guided hike in the winter season from 1 October to 31 May, and the Queen Sonja trail is mainly walked from July to mid-September in an average year.

People also ask

  • Where should I stay in Hardanger?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Trail seasons and access can change, so check Trolltunga AS and Hardangerfjord.com before you travel.

Ullensvang
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