From Gudvangen to Vik and the Hardangerfjord Route

The drive from Gudvangen through Granvin, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Myrkdalen, and Vik traces some of western Norway’s most impressive fjords, glaciers, and tunnels.
This region forms the Hardangerfjord–Sognefjord corridor — a living landscape where engineering, tradition, and wilderness meet.

Gudvangen — Valley of the Gods

The name Gudvangen means “field of the gods,” pointing to its pre-Christian history as a Norse sacrificial site.
Here the Nærøyfjord, one of the world’s narrowest fjords (only 250 m wide in places), meets vertical cliffs rising 1 400 m straight from the water.

A recreated Viking village, Njardarheimr, illustrates how early settlers farmed, traded, and honored Njord, god of sea and wind.
Modern Gudvangen remains a hub for fjord cruises, kayak tours, and UNESCO-protected nature experiences.

The Gudvanga and Flenja Tunnels

Leaving Gudvangen toward Flåm and Aurland, travelers pass through some of Norway’s longest tunnels.
The Gudvanga Tunnel (11.4 km) and Flenja Tunnel (5 km) descend from the high valleys toward the fjord, demonstrating Norway’s unmatched skill in mountain engineering.

Most tunnels feature safety bays every 500 m, ventilation fans, and reflective blue lighting zones to reduce driver fatigue — a subtle yet effective piece of design innovation.

Granvin — Waterfalls, Forests, and Fjord Farms

Granvin sits on a quiet arm of the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by steep forests and scattered farms.
Its wooden church dates from 1726, painted white with a slate roof typical of the Hardanger region.

The name Granvin derives from grǫn-vin, meaning “green meadow.”
Farming, fruit cultivation, and forestry still dominate the local economy, and the valley holds over 30 waterfalls, including Skjervsfossen, a double cascade dropping 150 m beside the old road to Voss.

Route

• Gudvangen → Granvin: ~58 km via E16 + Rv13 (1 h 10 min)

• The road passes Vossestrand and Skjervet Canyon, a classic scenic stop.

Ulvik — Orchards on the Fjord

Ulvik opens onto a sheltered bay framed by mountains over 1 000 m high.
Its gentle climate allows extensive apple, plum, and cherry orchards, making it part of the Hardanger Cider Route, a certified Cider Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) region.

Local farms such as Syse Gard, Lekve Gard, and Hakastad Gard offer tastings of traditional eplesider (apple cider), jams, and cheeses.
The poet Olav H. Hauge was born here in 1908 — his poetry garden and home museum overlook the fjord.

Route

• Granvin → Ulvik: 22 km (approx. 25 min) via bridge and tunnel

• Expect fjord curves, narrow bridges, and panoramic lay-bys for photography.

Eidfjord — Gateway to the Hardangervidda Plateau

Eidfjord sits where the Hardangerfjord narrows before turning toward the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest high-mountain plain.

Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Norway’s most famous waterfall, Vøringsfossen, plunges 182 m into the Måbødalen Canyon. A new steel bridge walkway (opened 2020) allows visitors to cross safely above the roar of the falls.
The waterfall is fed by meltwater from the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, visible on clear days from high viewpoints.

The Hardangervidda Nature Centre

Located at Øvre Eidfjord, this interactive museum explains glacier formation, reindeer migration, and the history of hydropower development.
It’s an essential stop for travelers heading east toward Geilo or west to Bergen.

Route

• Ulvik → Eidfjord: 28 km via Hardanger Bridge and Rv7 (30–35 min).

• The Hardanger Bridge (opened 2013) spans 1 380 m, one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe.

Myrkdalen — Norway’s Powder Paradise

Turning inland again, Myrkdalen lies about 30 km north of Voss. Once a quiet valley of dairy farms, it has become western Norway’s largest ski resort.
Its consistent snowfall — over 5 m annually — makes it a paradise for freeriders and cross-country skiers.

The Myrkdalsvatnet Lake provides calm reflections of the surrounding mountains in summer, and the area offers hiking, biking, and fishing in clear alpine streams.

The valley’s name, myrk-dal, means “dark valley,” referencing the shadow cast by steep cliffs much of the year.

Vik — Stave Churches, Cheese, and Fjord Heritage

The road continues north over the Vikafjellet Mountain Pass (alt. 980 m) — often closed in winter due to snow — then descends toward the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord (204 km long, 1 308 m deep).

Hopperstad Stave Church

Built around 1130 AD, this is one of Norway’s oldest surviving stave churches, blending Romanesque stone carvings with Viking-era wood ornamentation.
Its interior still contains painted altar panels from the 14th century.

Vik Cheese Heritage

Vik is home to the TINE cheese factory, founded 1893, where the world-famous Gamalost (“old cheese”) originates.
Made from sour milk curd and matured with mold, Gamalost was a Viking staple rich in protein and easily stored on ships.

Each July, locals celebrate Gamalostfestivalen, featuring farm markets, folk costumes, and tastings.

Route

• Eidfjord → Vik: about 125 km via Rv13 + Vikafjellet (3 h drive).

• The journey includes seven tunnels and panoramic viewpoints over Storehaugfossen Waterfall and Vikafjell snowfields.

Nature & Geology Along the Route

The terrain between Gudvangen and Vik represents nearly 500 million years of geological history —
from Precambrian gneiss to younger Devonian sandstones shaped by the last Ice Age.
You can still see U-shaped valleys, glacial moraines, and hanging waterfalls, classic features of fjord carving.

Wildlife includes reindeer on Hardangervidda, sea eagles, otters, red deer, and migratory salmon in nearly every river.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best travel months: May – September for driving; December – April for skiing (Myrkdalen).

• Road conditions: Always check Statens Vegvesen (Norwegian Road Authority) for tunnel closures or mountain-pass snow.

• Car ferries: The short ferry between Vangsnes and Dragsvik connects Vik with Balestrand and further to the north shore of the Sognefjord.

• Cider tasting: Book in advance — many farms allow tastings only on guided visits.

• Accommodation: Family-run guesthouses in Ulvik and Eidfjord; mountain lodges near Myrkdalen; fjord hotels in Vik.

Gudvangen ⇄ Vik — Self‑Guided Day Tour

Quick Overview

• Theme: Fjords, tunnels, orchards, waterfalls, stave church.

• Best season: May–September for driving; December–April for skiing (Myrkdalen).

• Driving style: Short scenic hops with photo lay‑bys; combine with a fjord cruise if time allows.

• Roadheads: Main axes are E16, Rv13, and Rv7.

Step‑by‑Step Itinerary (southwest → northeast)

1) Gudvangen — UNESCO fjord gateway

• Why stop: Viking village (Njardarheimr), fjord‑cruise quay, dramatic cliffs of the Nærøyfjord.

• Map pin: 60.8787, 6.8388

2) Skjervsfossen — two‑step waterfall

• Access: Short pull‑outs and paths by the old road between Vossestrand/Granvin.

• Map pin: 60.5878, 6.6363

• Note: Twin falls ~150 m total; safe viewpoints and paths.

3) Granvin — quiet Hardanger arm

• Map pin: 60.5269, 6.7194

• Why stop: Wooden church, fjord views, connection toward Ulvik.

4) Ulvik — orchards & cider farms (PDO)

• Map pin: 60.5712, 6.9170

• Why stop: Tastings (book ahead) at farms like Syse, Lekve, Hakastad; poetry garden of Olav H. Hauge.

5) Hardanger Bridge (Hardangerbrua) — engineering icon

• Map pin: 60.4743, 6.8255

• Note: Suspension bridge across Eidfjorden branch; long main span and tunnel‑to‑tunnel approaches.

6) Eidfjord — gateway to Hardangervidda

• Map pin: 60.4675, 7.0719

• Why stop: Norwegian Nature Center (Hardangervidda visitor centre), cafés, short fjord walks.

7) Vøringsfossen — Norway’s classic viewpoint

• Map pin: 60.4264, 7.2548

• Why stop: 182 m total drop; dramatic step‑bridge walkway opened in 2020; multiple viewpoints.

8) Myrkdalen — ski valley turned four‑season hub

• Map pin: 60.8422, 6.4654

• Why stop: Major ski area (deep snow winters), summer biking/hiking, calm lake reflections.

9) Vikøyri — fjord village on the Sognefjord

• Map pin: 61.0879, 6.5797

• Why stop: Historic street grid, local bakery/cheese shop; short drive to Hopperstad.

10) Hopperstad Stave Church — medieval masterpiece

• Map pin: 61.0733, 6.5598

• Why stop: c. 1130 AD stave church with Romanesque details and 19th‑century restoration.

Optional 11) Vangsnes Ferry — onward to Balestrand

• Map pin: 61.1749, 6.6376

• Why stop: Frequent car‑ferry link to Dragsvik (and Hella) for loops around the north shore.

Coordinates are approximate visitor points for easy navigation.

Suggested Day Plan (example)

• Morning: Gudvangen quay & Viking village (60–90 min) → drive to Skjervsfossen (photo paths, 20–30 min).

• Mid‑day: Granvin → Ulvik (orchard tasting/lunch; pre‑book) → cross Hardanger Bridge to Eidfjord.

• Afternoon: Vøringsfossen viewpoints (60–90 min) → return via Myrkdalen (coffee/short lake stop).

• Evening: Vikøyri stroll → Hopperstad Stave Church (30–45 min). Optional ferry from Vangsnes if continuing west/north.

Distances & Driving Times (indicative)

Segment Distance Time Notes Gudvangen → Granvin ~58 km ~1 h 10 m Skjervsfossen en route (old road viewpoint paths). Granvin → Ulvik ~22 km ~25 m Bridge & short tunnel; lay‑bys with fjord views. Ulvik → Eidfjord ~28 km ~30–35 m Includes crossing of Hardanger Bridge (toll). Eidfjord → Myrkdalen ~95 km ~2 h Mountain scenery; weather‑dependent pacing. Myrkdalen → Vik ~30 km ~40 m Over Vikafjellet pass; winter restrictions possible.

Practical Tips

• Road & tunnels: Expect long tunnels (E16/Rv7) and changing light. Obey speed limits; avoid stopping near tunnel mouths except in signed bays.

• Mountain pass: Vikafjellet (Rv13) can see winter closures/convoys; always check live status before departure.

• Ferries: Vangsnes–Hella–Dragsvik runs frequently; verify current schedule and fares.

• Cider tastings: Ulvik farms often require advance booking.

• Weather: Layer up; coastal‑mountain microclimates change quickly even in summer.

• Leave no trace: Use marked pull‑outs; respect fences and farm gates in orchard areas.

Accessibility Notes

• Skjervsfossen: Built paths and ramps to viewpoints; some sections are wet/slippery in spray.

• Vøringsfossen: Multiple viewpoints with railings; the step‑bridge has stairs.

• Hopperstad: Historic site with uneven ground; check seasonal opening hours/guided tours.

Sustainability

• Combine public transport segments (fjord cruise, regional bus, Bergen Line connections) where possible.

• Support local producers (Ulvik PDO cider, Vik cheeses/bakeries).

• Keep drone use within local/park regulations; avoid wildlife disturbance.

“At‑a‑Glance” Pins (copy‑paste)

• Gudvangen quay: 60.8787, 6.8388

• Skjervsfossen falls: 60.5878, 6.6363

• Granvin centre: 60.5269, 6.7194

• Ulvik centre: 60.5712, 6.9170

• Hardanger Bridge: 60.4743, 6.8255

• Eidfjord centre: 60.4675, 7.0719

• Vøringsfossen viewpoints: 60.4264, 7.2548

• Myrkdalen valley: 60.8422, 6.4654

• Vikøyri centre: 61.0879, 6.5797

• Hopperstad Stave Church: 61.0733, 6.5598

• Vangsnes ferry quay: 61.1749, 6.6376