Eidfjord: Between Highlands and Fjord

On the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route, Eidfjord connects the high plateau with the fjord landscape: the route passes through Måbødalen to Eidfjord. The transition between highlands, valley and fjord shapes the landscape, as well as the range of nature and culture themes. When planning your trip, you can choose different areas of focus: waterfalls and secured trails, hikes or traces of history. Trail lengths, walking times and elevation profiles help you understand the character of each route.

Highlands, Waterways and Waterfalls

Hardangervidda National Park includes the municipality of Eidfjord. It protects high-mountain landscapes, plant and animal life, natural and cultural monuments, and cultural landscapes, while also allowing nature-friendly outdoor recreation. The protected waterways Veig and Erdalsvassdraget also illustrate the changing landscape: they extend from high-mountain and plateau landscapes to fjord and valley landscapes in the lowlands. The Valurfossen waterfall is part of the protected Veig waterway and plunges 300 metres over a sheer rock face.

Vøringsfossen plunges 182 metres from the Hardangervidda high plateau into Måbødalen. The site has more than a kilometre of well-secured paths. Parts of the site are closed in winter; as restrictions can change depending on operations and weather, check conditions before visiting. This makes the waterfall a destination in its own right, with views of the high plateau, valley and fjord landscape providing a broader sense of the surrounding scenery.

Choose Routes by Time and Trail Conditions

The Kjeåsen trail is about 2 kilometres for the round trip, with a walking time of 2.5 hours. Its elevation ranges from 0 to 550 metres. The Måbø museum–Måbøberget–Fossatromma route is described as a three-hour round trip and has about 1,300 steps. These two trails therefore highlight different details: the Kjeåsen trail gives the round-trip distance and elevation profile, while the Måbø route gives the number of steps and the duration. Trail conditions and seasonal access on the Måbø route may change; check them before planning your trip.

The Hæreid trail is 5.5 kilometres long and starts right in the town centre. Details of the hiking route may be revised, so it is recommended to check the latest trail conditions. Another option is the Hereidsvegen–Hereid–Hodna–Eidfjordvatnet loop: at Hereid, it passes old archaeological finds and Viking graves, with information boards along the way. Here, the route offers a direct glimpse into the history of the area.

Local History and a Visit to the National Park Centre

The Lægreid trail runs from the centre of Eidfjord along the fjord and offers a view of the old church, dating from 1309. For seven centuries, it was the village’s largest and most important cultural institution. Kjeåsen also shapes the character of the surrounding area: the settlement consists of two farms situated 600 metres above the fjord. The farms are therefore in sharp contrast in elevation to a route that runs right along the fjord.

Nearby, in Øvre Eidfjord, is the Norwegian Nature Center – Hardanger, the official visitor centre for Hardangervidda National Park. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, rocks, minerals, fossils, models, aquariums, themed videos and illustrations. The variety of exhibits provides an introduction to the park’s nature and landscape themes, complementing what visitors can experience on a trip through the highlands and valley.

For cyclists, the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route is restricted by several tunnels in Måbødalen: they cannot cycle down through the valley. The official recommendation is to take a bus to Eidfjord if needed, then continue the journey. As route guidance can change, check conditions before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Eidfjord, Vøringsfoss, Øvre Eidfjord, Radøy, Voss, Vaksdal, Bergen, Askøy.

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