Hardangerfjord

The Hardangerfjord is about 179 km long and up to 860 metres deep (190 km and 893 metres, depending on where its mouth is drawn). It is the gentle fjord of fruit orchards on sunny slopes, with blossom usually from mid-May to mid-June (earlier in warm years) and fresh fruit and cider in late summer and autumn. The pin marks Norheimsund, the first fjord village when you come from Bergen.

Stops along the fjord: Steinsdalsfossen just outside Norheimsund, where you walk behind the waterfall; the National Tourist Route Hardanger with the ferry Jondal–Tørvikbygd; Vøringsfossen above Eidfjord on the Hardangervidda Scenic Route; Låtefossen south of Odda; and Trolltunga above Odda.

Tips for campers: some ferries run rarely – just missing the Utne–Kinsarvik ferry can mean a wait of up to two hours, so check the timetable. Tents must be at least 150 metres from houses and cabins, and orchards are cultivated land: no camping there without the owner’s permission. Many viewpoint platforms close in winter; Vøringsfossen’s car parks and toilets are open from April to October.