Across beautiful heathland with charming, old drystone walls, through narrow sounds and currents from the ocean's edge to fjords and high mountains. Nordhordland north of Bergen is a gem for nature experiences, exiting emigration history and experiences, eciting emigration history and activities that are guaranteed to bring a glow to your cheeks, the wind in your hai and laughter and joy.

Fjords just outside Bergen

Many people think you have to travel far from Bergen for spectacular fjord experiences. They haven't been to Nordhordland. The sea route is probably the most beautiful way to see the region. Sightseeing boats depart on full and halfday trips every day all year round from the Fish Market in Bergen to the fjords just north of the city.

Rødne Fjord Cruise takes you to beautiful Modalen - to the narrow Mostraumen sound with its strong currents. The nature experiences start as soon as you board the boat, as you pass Nordhordland Brigde, Alverstraumen and the island of Osterøy. This trip is a perfect fjord experience, with steep mountains and waterfalls, idyllic farms and small villages, fauna and fresh sea air.

The historic cultural landscape of the Atlantic coast

Nordhordland is known for its beautiful heathland, a type of landscape which is in danger of disappearing. People used the heathlands to graze sheep to ensure they had enough food through the winter. The Heathland Centre at Lygrapractises traditional land use including grazing by wild sheep, heather burning and haymaking. The centre was established to maintain the cultural landscape of the coast and preserve knowledge and tradional linked to use the natural landscape. At the Heathland Centre, you can buy yarn and taste the delicious meat of local wild sheep from Nordhordland.

Hiking in the beautiful Stølsheimen mountains

The Stølsheimen mountains are situated in Masfjorden between the Sognefjord and Vossafjellene mountains, which offer great natural and historical experiences. In Matre, you will find the Bjørn West Museum where you can learn more about the fighting that took place in the Stølsheimen mountains towards the end of World War II. The area has varied and majestic scenery, with waterfalls and spectacular walks from the fjord to the mountains.

At Frekhaug, there is a fairly easy but quite nice hike up to Håøytoppen. Read more about the hike to Håøytoppen here.

Island hopping at the ocean's edge

From Hellesøy in the very north of Øygarden, you can travel to and from Fedje - the Village in the Sea - on a summer boat service. Travel there and back by boat or stay on Fedje and experience this island out at the ocean's edge. Visit the Tourist Information at the quaint shop on the quay. Walk the coatal path and enjoy 360-degree view from the highest point on the island (41.9 metres). From Fedje, you can travel on to Nordhordland by bus or on bike, before returning to Bergen.

The boat service between Hellesøy and Fedje and operates in the summer season.

Book online on visitBergen.com.