Every spring, something quite wonderful happens on the west coast of Norway. The country’s fruit basket awakens from its winter slumber – and Hardanger bursts into bloom. Want to experience this colorful phenomenon? Here’s how to enjoy a successful apple blossom season in Hardanger!
In Japan, the blooming of cherry trees – sakura – is a major annual event, with tourists flocking to the island to enjoy the sea of pink trees. In the same way, people travel from far and wide to witness the “apple blossom in Hardanger.” And rightly so. But when is the right time? And where should you go?
Agatunet by Sørfjorden in Hardanger. Photo: Fjord Norge, Robin Strand
When does the apple blossom season happen in Hardanger?
We have both good and bad news for those who like to plan ahead. The bad news is that the blossom doesn’t happen at exactly the same time every year. The timing depends on how warm the early spring has been. The good news? It’s actually quite hard to get it wrong, because it’s not just apple trees that burst into bloom along Norway’s second-longest fjord.
The blooming season takes place in May and June. It usually begins around mid-May and lasts for three to four weeks. If you travel during this period, there’s a good chance you’ll get to enjoy the sight of fruit trees reaching toward the sun. The first to blossom are plums and cherries. Then come the magnificent pear and apple trees.
Where should you go?
If you truly want to enjoy the sight of green hills covered in flowering trees, we recommend Route 13 between Odda and the Hardanger Bridge. Here you’ll also find the fruit-growing village of Lofthus, right on the majestic Hardangerfjord. If you have the chance, you should definitely stop here. The "Fruit Trail" in Lofthus is truly enchanting during blossom season.
Apple blossom! Photo: CH - VisitNorway.com
If you're driving your own car, you have complete freedom to stop whenever you like, enjoy the view, and snap photos wherever the blossoms are at their best. But if you’d rather let someone else do the driving while you sit back, relax, and take in the scenery, you can join a guided bus tour from Bergen. The tour runs on selected days in May.
Read more about the tour “Experience the Apple Blossom Season in Hardanger” here.
Along County Road 550 between Utne and Jondal, you can also witness the apple trees in full bloom. This is also where you’ll find the fruit village of Ulvik – a true gem during blossom season. You might also want to read more about Norwegian apples and why the ones from this region are especially tasty.
Don’t forget the fruitful autumn!
Didn’t make it to see the blossoms this spring? That’s okay. The beauty of the seasons is that they keep coming – so you’ll get another chance next year. But the people of Hardanger don’t slow down after summer either: it’s time to harvest the fruit.
You can buy delicious, fresh fruit from farm shops, at local markets, or directly from the growers. Stop by a producer and pick up freshly pressed apple cider or apple juice. It’s about as close as you can get to the taste of Norwegian nature. Read more about what makes the apple juice from this region so special.
Wait, did you say cider? Read more about apple cider here!
If you’d like to experience the blossoms, we have a great suggestion for a day trip by car from Bergen to Hardanger.
Check out the Visit Hardanger website for more information on things to do and places to visit.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
