Eidfjord: Waterfalls, Trails and Fjord Landscapes

Getting your bearings in Eidfjord begins with a striking change in landscape: from the Hardangervidda plateau through a narrow valley to the fjord landscape. Waterfalls, hiking trails and traces of history offer different points of reference for planning your stay.

From the Mountain Plateau to Måbødalen

The Hardangervidda National Tourist Route runs from the mountain plateau through Måbødalen to the fjord landscape of Eidfjord. In the valley, Vøringsfossen plunges 182 metres from the mountain plateau into Måbødalen. Along this landscape corridor, plateau, steep valley and fjord landscape come together.

Hardangervidda National Park includes the municipality of Eidfjord. Its protected values include mountain landscapes, plant and animal life, natural and cultural heritage, and cultural landscapes; at the same time, the national park enables people to enjoy the outdoors in a way that respects nature. The protected watercourses Veig and Erdalsvassdraget extend from mountain and plateau landscapes to fjord and valley landscapes in the lowlands. Valurfossen lies on the Veig: the waterfall is part of this protected watercourse and plunges 300 metres over a vertical rock face.

Trails with Different Time Estimates

The trails can be assessed using different details. The Hæreid Trail is 5.5 kilometres long and starts right in the village centre. For the Kjeåsen Trail, the stated distance of about 2 kilometres is for the round trip; the walking time is 2.5 hours, and the elevation ranges from 0 to 550 metres. This tour therefore includes both a time estimate and an elevation range, while the Hæreid Trail is described by its length and starting point in the centre.

Another route runs from Måbø museum via Måbøberget to Fossatromma. The round trip takes three hours and includes about 1,300 steps. As trail conditions and seasonal access may change, check them before your visit. The different details can help with planning your time, but they do not mean that all trails follow the same itinerary.

Vøringsfossen and Practical Information

The site at Vøringsfossen has more than one kilometre of well-secured paths. However, parts of the site are closed in winter. If you are planning a visit during the colder months, check in advance which areas are open. Facilities may also change over time, so it is a good idea to check the site's current condition.

For cyclists, riding through Måbødalen is an important consideration when planning: because of several tunnels, they cannot ride down through the valley along the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route. The recommendation is to take a bus to Eidfjord, if necessary, and continue from there. As route information may change, check the conditions before your trip.

Cultural Trails and a Visitor Centre

The Hereidsvegen–Hereid–Hodna–Eidfjordvatnet loop passes old finds and Viking burial mounds at Hereid; information boards stand along the route. The Lægreid Trail starts in the centre, follows the fjord and offers a view of the old church, dating from 1309. Together, the routes offer different insights: one focuses on archaeological traces and information boards along the way, while the other centres on fjord views and the church.

Nearby, in Øvre Eidfjord, is the Norwegian Nature Center – Hardanger, the official visitor centre for Hardangervidda National Park. Its exhibits include interactive stations, rocks, minerals, fossils, models and aquariums, as well as themed videos and illustrations. The centre complements the trails in Eidfjord with an opportunity to explore topics related to nature and the landscape through a range of exhibits.

Discover more destinations: Vøringsfoss, Øvre Eidfjord, Ullensvang, Samnanger, Kvam, Voss, Radøy, Odda.

For the main travel overview: Hordaland.