Book Hardanger

20/12/2023

Season's greetings from Book Hardanger! 🎄

As the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the fulfilling journey we've shared throughout this incredible year. We have worked hard to start up the company, secure partnerships and get ready to launch our offer to the public in the beginning of next year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who shares this journey with us! ✨

May your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and the love of your close ones. And may the New Year 2024 bring even more exciting adventures. We hope you will enjoy this wonderful time of the year! ❄

08/11/2023

Check out this article by David Nikel describing Eidfjord as "ideally placed to be a base for travelers exploring some of Norway’s scenic fjords, mountainous national parks, and powerful waterfalls". You can find some inspiration on what to do in Eidfjord, how to get there and where to stay.

The Norwegian fjords are a must-visit travel destination. Here’s why you should plan a trip to Eidfjord and the Hardanger region.

27/10/2023

With the days getting darker and shorter, it is nice to look back to the sunny, summer days in June, when Book Hardanger team visited Hardangerfjord Adventure and took part in their exciting RIB boat tour to Fykesund!

Fykesund is the only fjord branch of the Hardangerfjord which has no road leading to its end. We were fascinated by the stunning landscapes of the area, with mountains rising up to 1000 metres above the sea level, deep blue water and lots of waterfalls. We got close to some of them just to feel the refreshing water sprayed on our faces. There was also some adrenaline and fun included in the tour too!

16/10/2023

Did you know that about 2 kilometres west of Norheimsund in Hardanger you can walk behind a waterfall and still remain dry? Steindalsfossen is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway, with a path behind the main 20-metre-high drop of the waterfall. The whole waterfall is 46 metres high and it is part of the Fosselva river (Waterfall River), which starts in lake Myklavatnet, 814 metres above sea level.

This special waterfall is located along the National Scenic Route Hardanger. There is a parking lot nearby with a tourist information office. It is also possible to buy souvenirs here. From the parking you can see the whole waterfall, before taking a short walk up the path leading right to it. After walking behind the mighty waterfall, you emerge on the viewpoint on the other side.

27/09/2023

Happy World Tourism Day!

At Book Hardanger, we are thrilled to join the global celebration of World Tourism Day today. This day holds a special place in our hearts as we embark on an exciting journey to promote and showcase the breathtaking beauty and culture of the Hardanger region to the world. Nestled in the heart of Norway, Hardanger is a place where fjords, waterfalls, orchards, and traditions merge to create a truly unforgettable experience for every traveler.

We are fueled by our passion for this stunning region and its incredible potential. Our mission is simple, yet powerful - to invite the world to discover the beauty of Hardanger in a sustainable and responsible way. That's why we are busy working on our website and booking system, as well as signing contract with local product owners, so that soon we will offer a wide range of tourist products and experiences.

Follow our page for more updates and let's embark on this adventure together!

22/09/2023

Throwback to the end of August's visit at Syse Gard in Ulvik, located at the fruit and cider route. The history of the farm dates back to 1888 and it is now run by the 5th and 6th generation of owners. We were welcomed by Gro, Hans and their son Erling for a small chat regarding future cooperation, followed by a short tour of the orchard and production facilities. We then joined a group for a juice and cider tasting combined with an interesting presentation of the farm and family history. Syse Gard is a very friendly, cozy place to visit with fantastic view over the end of the Hardangerfjord and we are looking forward to be able to sell tours that include apple farm visits and cider tasting!

11/09/2023

On Saturday, Hardanger was the scene for Dynafit Hardangervidda Marathon. Book Hardanger representative, Alexander Hillerich, was present and volunteered to support the event, where he was giving out the GPS trackers to the participants and keeping track on where in the terrain the runners were during the competition. It is important to support such great local initiatives!

The marathon is organised every year by Xtremeidfjord and is very popular amongst runners. The participants run through the mountain terrain in the spectacular surroundings of the largest plateau in Europe - Hardangervidda. The track is varied, from easy, fast paths to more technically challenging sections, including some climbing. One can choose if they want to run the whole marathon or half marathon. Have a look at some photos from the event!


(Photo 1, 2 and 3: A. Hillerich, Photo 4 and5: XTREMEIDFJORD)

07/09/2023

The logo of Book Hardanger was designed by Mediesmio, and was inspired by symbols that can be found on the traditional crafts from the Hardanger region. Before getting to draw, the designer took a trip to Hardanger Voss Museum to look for insights and found some interesting the ornaments on a local bunad (traditional dress) and woven carpets. That’s where the journey started.

But there is more to the idea of the logo, as it has to communicate the vision of Book Hardanger. Here’s how the elements of the design work together. The square, app-related icon format shows that we are a modern, customer-friendly, one-stop shop for tourist products in the whole Hardanger region. The arrow, inspired by a mouse pointer, demonstrates how easy it is to click and book Hardanger experiences through Book Hardanger. Finally, the fact that the arrow points to the centre from the outside illustrates Book Hardanger’s openness and will to invite everyone to the heart of the region.

25/08/2023

Book Hardanger spent good time yesterday on the road travelling through some picturesque areas of Hardanger. We started the day taking the ferry from Kvanndal to Utne, where we had the opportunity to see one of the oldest Norwegian hotels, Utne Hotel. We then set off for a drive along one of the Norwegian Scenic Routes in Hardanger towards Jondal, where we stopped at Hereiane rest area and viewpoint. Having arrived to Jondal, we got a tour of the exclusive, family owned hotel Hardanger House. We continued over the Hardangerfjord with a ferry to Tørvikbygd and on to Norheimsund. Here we visited another great hotel - Thon Hotel Sandven. Finally, we concluded the day with a delicious apple cake at Spildegarden Sideri og Eplemostspesialisten i Hardanger, a local cider and juice producer from Øystese.

It is important for the Book Hardanger team to be out there, in the field, meeting product owners and getting to know their product offer personally. Only in this way, by learning as much as possible about tourism offer from around the whole area, can we make sure that we get to promote and sell Hardanger as one region.

22/08/2023

Today Book Hardanger team went for a short visit in Kinsarvik, where we met Dag and Lars Instanes from Mikkelparken and Mikkelparken Ferietun. We got a short introduction and tour of the park and the accommodation facilities, as well as a nice chat with the CEO and the owners.

Mikkelparken is a family-run company established in 1950. According to the local story, there was a charming fox named Mikkel, who stole shoes of Kinsarvik residents and visitors and hid them in the forest. Today Mikkelparken is a home to Mikkel and his friends, and a lovely amusement park for children, together with Mikkelparken Ferietun that provides accommodation for families visiting the area.

17/08/2023

Did you know that the Hardanger Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Norway and one of the longest in the world? It was opened exactly 10 years ago, on August 17th, 2013, after 4 years of construction. The bridge connects the municipalities of Ulvik and Ullensvang and replaced an earlier ferry connection between Brimnes and Bruravik.

The length of the Hardanger Bridge is 1 380 metres and there are two driving lanes for cars and one for pedestrians and cyclists. There are tunnels with roundabouts leading to the bridge on both sides of it - Bu tunnel (1,2 kilometres long) and Vallavik Tunnel (7,5 kilometres long). The towers reach over 200 metres, while the clearance under the bridge is 55 metres. The main span stretches over 1310 meters, which is 30 metres longer than the main span of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

On the south side of the bridge, in Bu, there is a view point with a parking lot, picnic area and toilets. The view of the bridge is truly stunning from here. One can walk or cycle down to the pedestrian lane and cross the fjord on foot or bicycle, to another view point at the north end of the bridge in Vallavik. There is also a small parking at the northern end.

13/08/2023

For many years Hardanger has been a scene for an international chamber music festival - Hardanger Music Festival (Hardanger Musikkfest). This year, it is taking place between August 31st and September 3rd and it's main theme is what Norwegians call Grøde, which means fertility or crops. With summer slowly turning into autumn, people from Hardanger are busy harvesting crops, collecting fruits and berries, which creates an authentic setting for the festival, where local traditions can be reflected in music and culture. During the festival one can experience chamber, folk and contemporary music with artists coming from Norway and abroad.

You can see the program, check out the artists and buy tickets on the festival's website: https://hardangermusikkfest.no/nyheter/program-in-english Tickets will also be available at the activity desk in Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus during the festival.

09/08/2023

Eidfjord, located in the innermost part of the Hardangerfjord, has been one of the most popular cruise destinations in Norway. Passengers arriving here on the cruiseships have the unique experience of sailing under the longest suspension bridge in Norway - the Hardanger Bridge. Once in Eidfjord, the ships dock in the centre of this picturesque little town, with lots of possibilities for walks around, little hikes, visits to restaurants or shops. Travellers can also explore some nearby attractions, such as the Vøringsfoss waterfall in the Hardangervidda plateau, Norwegian Nature Centre - Hardanger, Kjeåsen viewpoint or cider farms in Ulvik, or choose from different activities like rib boat tours, kayaking or cycling.

The cruise port terminal in Eidfjord was inaugurated in 2005. In 2023, there have been more than 70 cruise calls planned, with average number of passengers per ship reaching over 2600. Eidfjord is visited by ships from such cruise lines as MSC, AIDA, Fred Olsen, Holland America and Viking Ocean Cruises.

Visit Eidfjord

03/08/2023

Throwback to the beginning of July, when our Product Manager had a personal fam trip with a kayak in Ulvik at the invitation of the activities company Angr. The idea was to get familiar with the products and cooperation possibilities. We are busy working on our product portfolio, so meeting product owners and getting to know their products is very important right now.

Ulvik is a truly serene village in Hardanger, with exquisite landscape dominated by the dark blue waters of the Hardangerfjord and lush green slopes of the surrounding mountains. Kayaking in such place is a unique experience!

27/07/2023

Did you know that the name "Hardanger" probably comes from Old Norse, where the first part means "hard" and refers to weather, while the second part, "angr", means "a tight fjord"?

Hardanger is a traditional Norwegian district in the western part of the country, with the mighty Hardangerfjord in the center, the vast Hardangervidda plateau on the east and the Folgefonna glacier on the Folgefonna peninsula. It is one of the country's most important agricultural regions - approximately 40% of the Norwegian fruits, such as plums, pears, cherries, redcurrants and many others, are grown right here. Probably the most well-known fruit from Hardanger is the apple, which has been cultivated here since the 14th century, and is being used to produce the famous Hardanger cider and Hardanger apple juice. Apart from that, the region is also famous for Hardanger embroidery, a traditional craft of decorating white fabric with white thread as well as Hardanger fiddle, which is considered to be Norway's national instrument.

There is a lot to experience in the beautiful Hardanger region. One can explore the Hardangerfjord by several boat cruises, rib boats or kayaks, visit the impressive waterfalls such as Vøringsfossen or Steindalsfossen, hike in the mountains (not only to the well-known Trolltunga, but also on less famous and still stunning trails), explore the fruit farms and taste some cider or just simply enjoy the picturesque landscape. There are interesting museums and galleries, comfortable hotels, great restaurants all over the region. Welcome to Hardanger!

20/07/2023

In the last couple of weeks we had the opportunity to visit all three Fjordtind Hotels that are located in Hardanger: Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik, Hardangerfjord Hotel in Øystese and Vøringfoss Hotel in Eidfjord. Each of them is located right by the Hardangerfjord and surrounded by high mountains, offering fantastic views over the landscape.

The history of Brakanes Hotel dates way back to 1860. Destroyed during the II world war, it was soon rebuilt and has been extended and restored in the years to come. Ulvik Conference Centre was built in 1988. In 2018 the hotel has been bought by its current owners and a new brand profile of Fjordtind has been developed.

Hardangerfjord Hotel is not only a pleasant place to stay with magnificent view over the Folgefonna glacier, but also a high quality conference centre. Additionally, right next to it, there is a health and wellness centre, Hardangerbadet, which guests can enjoy in their free time.

Last, but not least, Vøringfoss Hotel offers comfortable rooms right by the fjord, spa experiences and excellent food. It was built in 2001, but its roots reach all the way back to 1889. Like the other two hotels, it also has modern conference facilities and can offer events tailored to specific needs.

12/07/2023

Throwback to last Thursday, when we were took part in a rib tour on the Hardangerfjord operated by Hardanger Fjordsafari. Our local guide, Helge, took us on an exciting trip towards Simadalsfjord where one of Norway's largest power plants is located. He showed us the path up to Kjeåsen viewpoint, which we visited last months. We then continued along the fjord towards the Hardanger Bridge, stopping by some picturesque waterfalls, spotting seals and sea eagles and finally jumping some waves in the middle of the fjord, before returning to Eidfjord.

Big thanks to Hardanger Fjordsafari AS for inviting us to participate in this thrilling adventure!

04/07/2023

Yesterday the Book Hardanger team spent a fruitful day in the southern part of Hardangerfjord - Odda, Tyssedal and Lofthus. We met with Trolltunga Active in Odda and visited their base in Skjeggedal, dropped in Kraftmuseet for a little chat and show around, as well as stopped in Hotel Ullensvang for another inspiring meeting and lunch.

Such days in the field let us really appreciate the diverse, beautiful region we represent and promote with its stunning nature, fascinating culture, impressive industrial past and wonderful agriculture!

26/06/2023

Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell is a great way to explore the Hardanger area. Starting either from Bergen or from Oslo, it takes you through the the idyllic villages, magnificent landscapes of fjords and mountains and lush fruit farms with glacier in the background. It is a flexible two-day trip with possibility of extending and adding activities of your choice.

The Book Hardanger team took the tour to get to know the product and its components better and we really enjoyed the time, not only gathering experience and feedback, but also simply savoring the beauty of Hardangerfjord.

19/06/2023

The beginning of summer is a perfect time to visit Hardanger! You can enjoy magnificent fjords with crystal clear water, mountains covered in lush green and topped with glaciers, mighty waterfalls powered by melting snow, fruit tree blooming, amazing local food and drinks, great places to stay and exciting activities.

This is exactly why the Book Hardanger team spent a couple of days traveling around the region, getting to know some of the tourism products better and meeting representatives of the tourism industry. Have a look at some snapshots from the region!

16/06/2023

Welcome to Book Hardanger! Established in 2022, the company has a goal to contribute to the value creation of the tourism industry in the whole Hardanger region and to strenghten it as a tourism destination. We want to further increase the attractiveness of the area through commercialising and promoting its product portfolio to both national and international customers.

With the CEO, Alexander Hillerich, and Product and Quality Manager, Ewa Serwicka, we are busy starting up the company. Please follow us for more updates, which will be coming soon!