Casting An Eye On Eidfjord

View of Eidfjord Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Situated where the Hardangerfjord ends, Eidfjord is at the center of a region that is sometimes referred to as the orchard of Fjord Norway (Norway’s westernmost region). The mild climate along the 111-mile (179 kilometers) long Hardangerfjord sees apples, plums, pears and cherries being grown here. The blossom season in May and June is unique: The white, pink and red flowers of the fruit trees practically cover the mountain sides – all the way down to the blue fjord.

Located close to the Hardangervidda, Eidfjord’s 958 inhabitants (as of mid-2010) have at their doorstep one of Europe's best-known National Parks. Covering 2,500 square miles, or 6,475 square kilometers, the Hardangervidda is also Europe's largest mountain plateau. One of Norway’s largest glaciers can be found on the plateau, which is entirely above the tree line.

While Eidfjord boasts a number of restaurants, eating out or shopping is not the big thing here. Outdoor experiences are. Ever since the first tourists arrived in the 1820s, Eidfjord’s main attraction has been the spectacle of nature. Apart from the Hardangervidda, highlights include the impressive Vøringsfossen waterfall, every conceivable activity related to mountains (such as trekking, climbing and cycling) and fishing in one of the rivers found nearby.

Eidfjord For Cruise Passengers

The purpose-built Eidfjord Cruise Port is located at the center of Eidfjord. This means that the town of Eidfjord is easily accessible for cruise passengers who want to experience the destination by foot.

Several of Eidfjord’s attractions are within reach for those who prefer to walk. Examples include the Hæreid Viking graves (20 minutes by foot from the town center) and the Old Church (built in 1309).

Vøringsfossen waterfall Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Do Not Miss

• The Vøringsfossen waterfall has for a long time been Norway’s most visited natural attraction with its fall of 600 feet (183 meters). The distance from Eidfjord is 12.1 miles (or 19.5 kilometers). There are also several other waterfalls in the region – some of them even higher than the Vøringsfossen.
• The Hardangervidda plateau. Well-known far beyond Norway’s borders, many tourists make their way to Eidfjord in order to visit the plateau (and the Hardangerfjord, which is Norway's second longest fjord). For visitors who do not wish to go trekking in alpine climate, the Hardangervidda Natursenter is an alternative. The combined museum and visitor center gives an overview of this region of Norway.
• Sima Hydroelectric Power Plant is one of the biggest power plants in Europe. The power plant’s main hall lies 2,300 feet (700 meters) into the mountain and is 656 feet (200 meters) long, 65 feet (20 meters) wide and 131 feet (40 meters) high. Open for visitors, the power plant is situated some 4.4 miles (7 kilometers) from Eidfjord. As a side effect of the construction of the plant, accessibility to the well-known Kjeåsen farm improved when a new road was built. The farm lies like an eagle's nest on a steep mountainside, 1,740 feet (530 meters) above the Simadalsfjord.
• Eidfjord Old Church. According to a popular tale, the Old Church was built by the powerful Rike-Ragna in order to pay for her sins. Guided tours of this stone church, dating from 1309, are offered for pre-booked groups. Situated in central Eidfjord, the church is easily accessible.
• The Hæreid Viking graves is western Norway’s largest burial mounds from the Iron Age and Viking periods. Accessible by foot from central Eidfjord (20 minutes).
• Hardangervidda Nature Center Eidfjord is a modern nature and cultural-historical experience center focusing on Norwegian culture, climate and environment. The center, to be found in Eidfjord Øvre (4.9 miles from Eidfjord), also features a souvenir shop and a restaurant.
• On days when cruise ships call in Eidfjord, the so-called Troll Train is in operation. Departing from the tourist information office in central Eidfjord, the train offers a one-hour sightseeing tour in the central parts of Eidfjord. Passengers experience spectacular views of the fjord and the mountains, and also visit to the Viking burial ground and the old medieval stone church.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions in and around Eidfjord include:

• The Vøringsfossen waterfall (see above under Do Not Miss)
• Hardangervidda – an experience that provides an immersion into the dramatic scenery and beautiful nature of Europe’s largest mountain plateau.
• Fjord cruises. For those who want to get even closer to the Hardangerfjord, cruises with local boats or ferries are offered.
• If you want to get closer to the Norwegian nature, some cruise lines offer kayak tours on the sheltered Eidfjord lake.
• Coach tours also offer splendid views of the Hardangerfjord, which is sometimes referred to as “the Queen of the Fjords.”