Discover Lofthus

Lofthus is a fruit-growing and tourist village on the eastern shore of the Sørfjorden. In and above the village, you’ll find destinations that differ considerably: a church with a medieval building history, a stepped path to a viewpoint, and a longer high-mountain hike between Lofthus and Kinsarvik. There are also activities centered around cider. These highlights can help you decide how you’d like to spend your stay.

Church architecture and viewpoints

Ullensvang Church stands on a headland south of Lofthus, on the eastern shore of the Sørfjorden, where the Opo River flows into the fjord. Its window and portal styles suggest that it was built between 1250 and 1300. From 1883 to 1885, the church was extended to the west according to a restoration plan by Chr. Christie; a tower was also added in front of the west entrance. The building therefore brings together its early origins and a clearly dated later extension.

Hovdakruno is a viewpoint on Hovden above Lofthus. Another viewpoint is Vetlehedlesnipa, the destination of Kråkestien. The trail climbs 949 steps to get there; from the top, you can enjoy views of Lofthus village and the Hardangerfjord in both directions. The trail starts at the football field in Lofthus. You can park at the sports hall next to the football field.

From a stepped trail to a high-mountain hike

Kråkestien is easy to identify by its steps and named viewpoint. HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail is on a different scale: the 16-kilometre trail connects Kinsarvik and Lofthus and can be hiked in either direction. It crosses high-mountain terrain. The hike is estimated to take about six to nine hours, with a total elevation change of 1,100 metres. The distance, hiking time and elevation change can help you distinguish this tour from a visit to the Vetlehedlesnipa viewpoint and estimate how much time to set aside during your stay.

Cider at Helleland Gard

Helleland Gard in Lofthus offers bookable cider tastings with cheese and cured meats. Another option is a guided farm tour followed by a tasting. The farm also produces the cider and apple juice “Heldre Sider og Saft.” You can choose between a tasting accompanied by food and an experience that includes a guided tour. Booking and operating details may change; check current booking options in advance.

Getting here and finding your way around

In Lofthus, buses from Odda, Eidfjord, Geilo and Voss stop at the supermarket. The “Hardangerfjord Sightseeing” express boat also stops there; there is a bus connection from the supermarket to Bergen and Norheimsund. Check the timetables for your travel day if you plan to take a bus or the express boat.

For HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail, you can use shuttle buses or taxis between the various car parks and the respective trailheads. This is relevant when planning the hike because it connects Lofthus and Kinsarvik and can be hiked in either direction. During your stay in Lofthus, you can therefore consider local sights, a suitable hiking option and a possible tasting as separate highlights.

Back to the main destination overview: Ullensvang.