Uñt’ayata: 13.08.2018
[English version below]
We did not experience a Norwegian fjord with a bright blue sky and glittering water, as it is always shown on the posters... The rain was our constant companion on this day. Nevertheless, we can confirm that the tour is worth it!
The tour we booked at the tourist office in Bergen the day before included a bus ride to Norheimsund, where the boat departed. Our boat trip took us through a part of the Hardangerfjord, which is the second largest fjord in Norway and the fourth largest fjord in the world. Most of the time, we had to stay inside the boat due to the weather, but in the moments with clearer weather, we could enjoy the great view from the deck. For a dreamy, albeit slightly misty view, we gladly endured a few drops of rain and cold wind!
The destination of the boat was Eidfjord, a small, sleepy village that mainly caters to the arriving tourist boats in the summer. Upon arrival in Eidfjord, you can either join one of the tourist buses to the nature park for an additional fee, or you can do a small hike like we did!
So, with cookies for strength and unfortunately not appropriately dressed for the weather, we embarked on the 1.5-hour hiking trail. It was really nice and manageable, especially for non-professionally equipped hikers like us. However, the end result was two dripping wet girls! :)
But we definitely deserved the refreshment of waffles and sandwiches afterwards. ;)
We then returned to Bergen by boat and bus along the same route.
Despite the rain, it was a great experience! And as a tip for all fjord enthusiasts: it's best to get information about the various tours at the tourist office in Bergen, where there is definitely a suitable offer for everyone!
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On our second day in Bergen, we explored Hardangerfjorden, 'the queen of Norwegian fjords,' by boat. We booked our fjord tour at the tourist center in Bergen just the day before, and it was completely uncomplicated.
Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and a little bit foggy, so we were not able to experience a clear and wide view of the fjord. TIP: Don't forget your rain jacket (like one of us did)!! Still, we enjoyed our boat tour and took some beautiful pictures.
During the fjord cruise at Hardangerfjorden, we got to see many charming villages, majestic mountains with snow-covered peaks, small waterfalls, and incredible landscapes. After the 3-hour boat ride, we arrived in Eidfjord, a small village by the Hardangerfjord. We had 3 hours to explore Eidfjord on our own (you can also join the Eidfjord Sightseeing group), which we used for a short hike. Again, the rain was a constant companion and our clothes became completely wet. #freeshower ;)
After that hike, hot chocolate and waffles in one of the cute cafés were just the right thing.
Despite the rain and everything, we can recommend doing a fjord cruise from Bergen. The hike was actually very nice too (also for hiking beginners). Just remember to bring your rain jacket. You should definitely experience the Norwegian fjords at least once!