Photo:
Lars Korvald
Par på toppen av ingebjørgfjellet, hardangerbura og hardangerfjorden i bakgrunnen

Top four mountain hikes with fjord views

Voss is most famous for extreme sports and skiing, but in this western Norwegian village, you will also find spectacular summit hikes with views over the Hardangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Bolstadfjord.

Breidskrednosi via Rimstigen

Breiskrednosi, med utsikt mot nærøyfjorden
This is a long hike, but the view is worth it. Photo: Espen Haagensen

Nærøyfjorden is one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway. Snow-white mountains tower high above this narrow fjord, sending cascades of meltwater down their steep, tall cliffs. Down by the fjord, you'll find beautiful farms and small villages.

We recommend taking the hike to Breidskrednosi, as a round trip from Bakka near Nærøyfjorden, approximately a 50-minute drive from the center of Voss.

This is a long hike, with considerable elevation gain, and you should plan to spend 8-9 hours for the round trip. However, the hike is well worth it, as from Breidskrednosi, at 1189 meters above the fjord, you'll have a panoramic view of Nærøyfjorden and the UNESCO World Heritage area.

Wild Voss offers guided tours to Breidskrednosi.

Ingebjørgfjellet & Oksen

 

Ingebjørgfjellet is the lesser-known "little sister" and neighboring mountain to Oksen, with equally beautiful views.

The hike to Ingebjørgfjellet starts at Stokksel in Granvin. From Voss, drive to Granvin and Kjerland, then continue towards Tveito for about 2 km. Follow Stokkselvegen until you reach the parking area.

From Stokksel to Ingebjørgfjellet, you should plan for a 4-6 hour round trip. From the top, you get a spectacular view straight down to the fjords Sørfjorden and Hardangerfjorden. Once at the top of Ingebjørgfjellet, you can return the same way, or choose to continue on to Oksen. The route then continues along a wide mountain ridge. Show consideration for the vulnerable reindeer population that resides in the area. If you see the reindeers, sit down and be still until they have walked away, so as not to disturb them.

The hike to Oksen from Tjoflot is a relatively long and steep one, but definitely worth the trip. At the top, you get a fantastic view of the Hardangerfjord! Estimate 5-6 hours for the total round-trip.

At the starting point Tjoflot, there is a large parking lot arranged for hikers. The road goes along the fjord past small local communities and through farmyards. Show consideration and drive slowly - children play and people live their lives close to the road.

For more details, you can buy a map of the ara at Voss Touristinformation

 

Karaldenuten

karaldenuten, utsikt mot hardangerfjorden
You will be rewarded with a beautiful view. Photo: Lars Korvald

 

Karaldenuten, located at the innermost part of Bordalen, offers a fantastic view over Hardangerfjorden.

This hike is not marked with trail signs. The most common route to reach Karaldenuten during the summer is to follow the marked trail towards Ålvik until you reach Grunganevatnet. At Grunganevatnet, you will leave the marked trail, cross the river, and then ascend naturally using small ledges until you reach the summit.

The hike to Karaldenuten is relatively challenging and steep, and you should plan for at least 5-6 hours for the round trip.

The starting point and parking area are at Voss Lodge Rongastovo, which is a 25-30 minutes drive from Voss town center.

See our video from the hike, here!

 

Jonshorgi

Utsikt over bolstadfjorden frå jonshorgi
Jonshorgi. Foto: Visit Voss

The hike to Jonshorgi is an unknown gem that offers a beautiful view over Bolstadfjorden.

To get to the starting point, drive for about 30 minutes from Voss town center on E16 towards Bergen. At Bolstad, turn off towards Rasdalen, and park either at the community house or at the parking lot near the lake.

The trail is not marked, but it is easy to find the way if you check the map before you go! The most natural route is to follow Tuftedalen to its end, and then turn up towards Jonshorgi from there. This route is sporadically marked with small pink bands.

The hike is a shorter summit hike with an elevation gain of about 300 meters, making it suitable for children and families.

 

Note: Please be considerate of the local residents, especially regarding where you park, waste disposal, and bathroom visits. Do not block any access roads or park in front of a local farmer's tractor/car. Ask for permission if parking in yards or private areas. Remember to pay road and parking fees.