Eidfjord & the Hardanger Mountain Plateau
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Port
Ulvik, Norway
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
The ship's tender transfers you to the Brakanes Hotel. Board a coach here and drive through Ulvik village, skirting the shoreline of the fjord as you travel to Bruravik.
You will cross the fjord on the new Hardanger Bridge. The slopes on either side of the fjord are covered with orchards -- mainly cherries and apples -- and at the end of May and early June the trees in full bloom are incredibly beautiful with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.
After traveling a short distance you'll come to Eidfjord -- an area ideal for hydroelectric power production. A plentiful supply of water comes from the nearby lakes and the numerous fast-flowing rivers that tumble down the hillsides from lofty heights.
The Hardangervidda Nature & Wildlife Center is your next stop. Take in the exhibits of the wildlife in the area and an audio-visual presentation about the waterfalls and dams. Hardanger National Park is home to the largest wild reindeer herd in the country.
Ascend the famous Måbødalen Valley, with its towering mountain walls. The road passes through long tunnels but the old road with its attractive stone bridge is still visible. Climbing to an elevation of 2,500 feet, you will discover the huge Hardanger Mountain Plateau -- the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe. It is also part of Norway's largest National Park.
You will view the Sysen Dam -- the main reservoir for the Sima Power Station and one of Norway's largest embankment dams. The dam has made Eidfjord one of the wealthiest communities in Norway.
The Fossli Viewpoint offers a closer look at the Vøringsfoss Waterfall, which has a free-fall of 600 feet to the canyon below.
Enjoy refreshments of coffee or tea.
Return to Eidfjord to view, from the outside, the old church built around 1309. According to the saga, the church was built by Rike-Ragna, who ruled in the area at that time, and her reason for building the church lay in her desperate need for forgiveness for all her wicked deeds.
Crossing the bridge over the fjord, you'll return to Ulvik.
Notes:
Dress warmly in layers. Wear sturdy, non-skid walking shoes.