Apple Orchards
98%
LOCAL
In September 2025, the Ethical Norway team went into the Handangerfjord to research a new experience, revolving around the sea and the glacier at this amazing fjord just near Voss. The trip is a direct result of that effort. Raj leads some of the research development around products at Ethical Norway. This experience is a joint effort of all the experts at Ethical Norway and an absolute favourite.
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day self-drive adventure through one of Norway’s most spectacular natural landscapes, exploring scenic fjords, cascading waterfalls, lush orchards, and ancient glaciers at your own pace. This thoughtfully designed itinerary uses Bergen as your gateway, from where you’ll pick up a rental car and begin a winding journey along the iconic Hardangerfjord coast — a region celebrated for its dramatic scenery, serene waters, and abundant outdoor activities.
Each day reveals a new highlight. You’ll traverse panoramic coastal roads and bridges, visit charming fjord villages like Ulvik and Ullensvang, and encounter some of Norway’s most iconic waterfalls. The itinerary balances active exploration — including hiking, e-biking through orchard-dotted valleys, and kayaking on tranquil fjord waters — with opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine.
A standout feature of the trip is the guided glacier hike on Folgefonna, where you’ll step onto ancient ice and witness first-hand the breathtaking contrasts between sea-level fjords and towering glacial formations. Additional experiences may include husky-led glacier excursions, kayaking beside ice arms, and visits to historic towns and gardens, each adding depth to your journey from sea to summit.
Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, From Sea to Glacier captures the essence of Norway’s wild beauty, offering a dynamic blend of landscape, activity, and cultural discovery — all set against the backdrop of fjordland’s majestic vistas.
Itinerary
| Day & Date | Location | Transport | Stay & Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
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Day 1
Mon - Oct 13, 2025
|
ULVIK |
- Rental car
|
Brakanes Hotel
- /
- /
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ARRIVAL | scenic drive
Pick up your rental car at Bergen Airport and start your adventure towards the beautiful Hardangerfjord. This scenic drive is full of amazing views, so go slow and take plenty of photos. Be sure to stop at Steinsdalsfossen, a magical waterfall where you can stroll behind the falling water. Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the pretty viewpoints along the way. When you arrive in Ulvik, a peaceful fjord village, check into your hotel. Explore apple orchards, hike, kayak, or taste local cider. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner, surrounded by stunning Norwegian nature. Total Drive : 150kms Remarks:Alternative Accommodation Top Tip Local Gem
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Day 2
Tue - Oct 14, 2025
|
ULVIK |
Brakanes Hotel
B /
- /
-
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DISCOVERY | apples or adventure
Discover Norway’s cider and apple juice hub! Visit a local farm on the Hardanger Cider Route to taste award-winning drinks while admiring beautiful orchards. If you love adventure, join the Oksen hike with Trolltunga Active. This full-day trek is tough, but the 1,241-metre summit offers amazing fjord and mountain views—without the crowds. For a relaxed lunch, stop by Osa Cafeen for pancakes in nature. Here, you can join guided tunnel tours or kayak trips with B-Active. The area’s fascinating tunnels are over 100 years old and perfect for exploring! Remarks:Fruit & Cider Farms Hike to Oksen – The Bull
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Day 3
Wed - Oct 15, 2025
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ULLENSVANG |
Hotel Ullensvang
B /
- /
-
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DRIVE | waterfalls, tunnels & fjord
Today’s adventure takes you across the famous Hardanger Bridge, offering beautiful views over the sparkling fjord and nearby mountains. On the way, take a short trip along the Hardangervidda scenic route and make sure to stop at the stunning Vøringsfossen waterfall, which drops 182 meters into the valley below. Enjoy the fresh air and amazing views from special platforms. After that, visit Eidfjord for lunch at a cosy café and maybe explore the Norwegian Nature Centre. Later, head to the pretty village of Loftus, where you can relax by the fjord or unwind in the pool or sauna. Total Drive: 110 km Remarks:Local Gems Top Tip
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Day 4
Thu - Oct 16, 2025
|
ULLENSVANG |
Hotel Ullensvang
B /
- /
-
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ACTIVE DAY | e-bikes & waterfalls
Discover the best of Ullensvang on this full-day e-bike and hiking tour! Begin your adventure by riding electric bikes through peaceful orchards filled with apple, cherry, plum, and pear trees. Then, swap bikes for hiking boots and set off on foot into Husedalen Valley, the famous ‘valley of waterfalls.’ You’ll pass four stunning waterfalls and wander through lush forests with plenty of photo stops. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and, if you’d like, pick up fresh fruit at local farm stands along the way. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves gentle adventure and beautiful nature. Approx. 6–7 hours | E-biking: 13 km each way | Hiking: 5–6 km | Elevation gain: 240 m |
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Day 5
Fri - Oct 17, 2025
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ULLENSVANG |
Hotel Ullensvang
B /
- /
-
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OVER THE WATER | Kayak & Chill
Today is a wonderful day for both adventure and relaxation. Start by paddling smoothly across calm waters on a kayaking trip, surrounded by tall, breathtaking mountains. Or, choose a self-guided hike to explore the beautiful area at your own pace. Trolltunga Active offers plenty of fun activities you can book. When you return to the hotel, take some time to unwind. Swim in either the indoor or outdoor pool, or ease your muscles in the warm sauna. As the day ends, enjoy a cool drink outside, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the stunning scenery all around you. Kayaking approximately 5 hours • 8-12 km of paddling |
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Day 6
Sat - Oct 18, 2025
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JONDAL |
Bakketun
B /
- /
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TO THE TOP | Glacier hike
Begin your day with an exciting 10:00 AM glacier hike at Buer Farm. Your journey starts with a peaceful walk through meadows, where you might see horses, sheep, and cows grazing in the fields. At the glacier, a friendly guide will give you the gear you need and explain how to stay safe. Then, you’ll step onto the ice, seeing amazing shapes and learning about this magical place. After the hike, enjoy a tasty lunch at the farm’s cozy restaurant. In the afternoon, drive along the beautiful Hardanger route to Jondal, choosing the scenic path via Utne. Total Drive: 130 kms Remarks:Main Accommodation Suggestion Alternative accommodation suggestion
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Day 7
Sun - Oct 19, 2025
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JONDAL |
Bakketun
B /
- /
-
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UNDERSTANDING GLACIERS | by Husky or Kayak
Today is all about exploring the incredible Folgefonna Glacier at your own pace. Choose a thrilling husky tour with famous explorer Moa Hundseid—spend time with friendly dogs and cute puppies, relax in a cozy Sami tent, and enjoy delicious local food with stunning glacier views. If you prefer peace and quiet, join a guided kayak tour along the shoreline to one of the glacier’s arms. Paddle 3 km each way, take in beautiful fjord and mountain scenery, and stop at a beach for lunch. No matter what you pick, you’ll create amazing memories in Hardanger’s wild landscape. Remarks:Note |
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Day 8
Mon - Oct 20, 2025
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LYSEKLOSTER |
Villa Oleanna
B /
- /
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EXIT THE FJORD | Villages & Heritage
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the lovely village of Rosendal. Stroll through the gorgeous gardens of Baroniet Rosendal or uncover the region’s past at the interesting Folgefonn Centre. Later, enjoy a beautiful drive to Lysekloster, where cozy comfort awaits. This charming village, nestled in Bjørnafjorden, is famous for the ancient ruins of Lyse Abbey. Surrounded by lush green hills and close to the fjords, it offers tranquility and natural beauty at every turn. Total Drive: 135 kms Remarks:This route includes two local ferries. No need to book in advance. Local Gem
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Day 9
Tue - Oct 21, 2025
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LYSEKLOSTER |
Villa Oleanna
B /
- /
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UNWIND & REFLECT
End your Norwegian adventure with a calm and peaceful day. Walk through quiet nature to the old Lysekloster ruins and imagine life during medieval times. The air is fresh and the green surroundings are stunning. If you’re feeling active, try the easy Lysehornet hike. It’s just 2.2 km each way and suitable for families. As you climb gently, beautiful mountain views open up all around you, showing Bergen from a new angle. It’s the perfect and relaxing way to say goodbye to Norway, making memories you’ll treasure long after your trip ends. |
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Day 10
Wed - Oct 22, 2025
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BERGEN |
B /
- /
-
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DEPARTURE
Time to say farewell to Norway and drive back to Bergen to drop the car and get ready for your next adventure. Total Drive: 25km Remarks:Top Tip |
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From NOK 25,000 per person
Price is based off two people sharing a room during the peak summer season, and a 10 day car rental with Hertz.Inclusions
- Meals only as in the itinerary B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner
- Activities and Experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All applicable Norwegian local taxes
Notes
Highlight Gallery
Buer and the glacier
Scenic Drive
Waterfalls
Hardangerfjord
Sustainability Receipt
Impact Summary
The trip’s carbon footprint is moderate, with most emissions from car travel and hotels. However, the positive social and economic impacts are significant, as your spending directly benefits local communities and supports cultural preservation. By making small eco-friendly choices, you can further reduce your impact while maximizing the good your journey does for people and place.
Total Carbon Footprint :
306.00 CO₂ kg
(
153.0
CO₂ kg / per person
)
Carbon Footprint (CO2)
Social Impact :
This itinerary supports local communities by spending on small farms, local guides, and family-run accommodations. It encourages visits to local restaurants, cideries, and cultural sites, spreading money across rural villages. The trip is entirely within Norway, helping sustain local jobs and traditions. Engaging with local people and businesses fosters cultural exchange and supports the region’s unique heritage, making your travel more meaningful and beneficial to the area.
Environmental Impact :
The trip’s main carbon impact comes from the rental car, accounting for over 40% of emissions, followed by accommodation. Local ferries and meals add smaller amounts. Activities are mostly low-carbon. To reduce your footprint, consider renting a hybrid or electric car, sharing rides, and choosing eco-certified hotels. Eating more plant-based meals and minimizing waste also helps. Overall, this itinerary is relatively low-impact for a 10-day adventure, especially compared to air travel.
Economic Impact :
The trip distributes spending across multiple small towns, benefiting local farmers, guides, and independent businesses. By choosing local accommodations, restaurants, and activity providers, your money stays in the region, supporting jobs and community development. This approach helps rural economies thrive, encourages sustainable tourism, and reduces economic leakage to large international chains.
* Our Sustainability Impact figures are generated using AI-supported
models. These models improve as we process more itineraries and
refine
our data
sources. Because of this ongoing development, the numbers you see
today
may
evolve
over time. They still offer a solid directional guide to help you
understand
your
trip’s footprint and the positive impact it creates.
Where will the money go?
The partners who make it happen.
Accomodation
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Brakanes Hotel
Brakanes Hotel is a well-regarded tourist and conference destination in Hardanger, popular with both local and international visitors. The hotel works closely with local businesses to offer authentic and memorable experiences. Located in Ulvik, a certified Cittaslow municipality, Brakanes actively supports sustainability through environmental initiatives and a strong focus on local, eco-friendly production. It is also home to the Brakanes Course and Conference Center and part of the Fjordtind Hotels group. -
Hotel Ullensvang
Hotel Ullensvang has welcomed guests since 1846, combining historic fjord-side hospitality with a long-standing commitment to sustainability. For generations, the hotel has championed local sourcing and responsible use of natural resources, partnering with nearby farms and embedding environmental stewardship into its daily operations.Where to book: [email protected]
Contact: 4753670000
Address: Ullensvang, Århus, Lofthus, Ullensvang, Vestland, 5781, Norge
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Bakketun
Nestled in the heart of Hardanger, overlooking the glittering waters of the Hardangerfjord, Bakketun Accommodation offers an unforgettable stay where history, comfort, and nature meet. Stay in beautifully restored farmhouses and charming holiday apartments surrounded by lush gardens and dramatic mountain landscapes. Each unit combines authentic Norwegian character with modern comfort — from cozy wood interiors and crackling fireplaces to private terraces with panoramic fjord views. -
Villa Oleanna
Tucked away in the Lysefjord, Villa Oleanna offers a slow-living retreat where sustainability is woven into daily life. Restored with care, the villa showcases reuse, cultural preservation, and locally inspired hospitality. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the fjord, leaving with a sense of harmony between people, culture, and nature.Where to book: [email protected]
Contact: 4790073313
Address: Lysekloster, Bjørnafjorden, Vestland, 5215, Norway
Activities
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B-Active
If you're looking for an experience off the beaten path, the B-Active Centre is the place for you. B-Active is located in the heart of Ulvik, offering a variety of activities to ensure you have a fun and action-packed stay in Ulvik. Here, you can book guided tours, workshops and bikes/kayaks for hire. -
Trolltunga Active
Guiding visitors to one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks, Trolltunga Active is committed to making adventure tourism both safe and sustainable. Their small-group tours emphasize respect for fragile mountain environments, while local guides share knowledge that fosters deeper appreciation of the landscape. By encouraging responsible travel, they help protect Trolltunga for future generations. -
Buer
Buer Farm is a historic family-run farm with roots dating back to 1070, when Bjørn’s ancestors first welcomed visitors with milk, flatbread, and beer. With the exception of a brief period during Odda’s tourism peak, the farm has remained in family hands. Today, Bjørn and Elisabeth Buer continue this legacy, shaping a new era of sustainable tourism where local food is once again central to the experience — now expressed through a modern, high-quality restaurant that welcomes guests after guided glacier adventures. -
Folgefonna Husky Camp
Folgefonna Husky Camp invites guests to experience the wild beauty of the Folgefonna Glacier alongside Moa and her team of huskies. From May to August, she shares her passion for the outdoors through unique, small-group husky adventures, offering unforgettable encounters with nature in one of Norway’s most stunning landscapes.Where to book: [email protected]
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Folgefonni Breførarlag
Folgefonni Breførarlag offers small-group glacier adventures on the spectacular Folgefonna. Led by experienced local guides, experiences range from beginner glacier hikes to ski tours and kayaking, all designed to connect guests with this dramatic natural landscape. Safety, sustainability, and respect for the fragile environment are central to every tour, ensuring meaningful and memorable journeys.
Local Gems
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The Story of BuerFor generations, the Buer family has lived here, working the land, raising animals, and welcoming visitors who came to see the glacier. What was once a simple mountain farm has grown into something extraordinary: a place where tradition, nature, and hospitality come together.
Top Tips
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Travel Like a Local: Seeing Norway with Open EyesTo travel like a local in Norway doesn’t mean pretending to be one of us. It’s not about speaking perfect Norwegian or knowing which bus to take to which fjord. It’s about understanding the rhythms of this land, and learning to move with them rather than against them. It’s about simplicity, patience, and respect—the same quiet values that guide our lives here, where nature still decides the pace. -
Getting Off the Beaten Path in NorwayGetting off the beaten path in Norway does not require extreme planning or heroic effort. Often it means taking the second ferry instead of the first, or driving past the viewpoint everyone stops at and continuing just a little farther. It means trusting that the country has more to offer than its postcards. -
Meeting Norwegians - How and WhereMeeting Norwegians adds depth to the journey. It turns a list of attractions into something special and memorable. -
Ultimate Norway Packing List“Bad weather doesn’t exist—only bad clothing.”
