Driving from Oslo to Bergen across Hardangervidda is an opportunity for amazing nature experiences and takes you through parts of the national romantic landscape in Hardanger.
After about 3 hours’ drive you reach Gol where you can visit Gol stave church or make use of the beautiful ski areas. Another 45 minutes drive and you find Geilo which is known for its ski resorts, mountains and outdoor activities. A great place to stop for food with several restaurants and grocery stores.
Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau and a popular tourist and leisure destination. Most of the area is protected as part of the Hardangervidda National park.
Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Photo: Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen
Only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Geilo you drive through the scenic village of Eidfjord where you can visit the spectacular Vøringsfossen waterfall, with a fall of 182 meters and the Hardangervida Nature Center, a center for nature, environment and climate. The area is a major tourist attraction because of its incredible nature and a great place to stop when driving to Bergen.
Oslo - Bergen © Google maps
Further on, you come to the spectacular Hardanger bridge, which with its length of 1380 meters is among the world's 10 longest suspension bridges and is the longest suspension bridge in Norway. The impressive structure is an attraction in itself. Driving on the bridge also gives you the opportunity to look at the Hardangerfjord from the middle of the fjord.
Hardanger bridge. (Hardangerbroen). Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord
After crossing the Hardanger bridge it is possible to choose two routes to Bergen. The fastest route is via Voss and it takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to Bergen. Voss is a charming village and a great place to stop for that last break before Bergen. Read more about things to do in Voss here.
Voss. Photo: Magnus Furset/Fjord Norway
For a typical Norwegian dinner and some bargain shopping, stop at Dalegarden outlet & cafe, about 40 minutes drive from Voss towards Bergen. Enjoy some typical Norwegian food like "raspeballer" and shop at the outlet.
The other alternative is to drive along the Hardangerfjord through Norheimsund and would normally take only 20 minutes more than via Voss. Via Norheimsund, however, the roads are a little narrower and if there is a lot of traffic it can take longer (especially peak season). If you drive along the Hardangerfjord it is well worth stopping at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, right by Norheimsund, where you can walk on a path behind the waterfall.
Steinsdalsfossen waterfall near Nordheimsund. Photo: Statens Vegvesen / Norske Turistvegar v/Bjørn Andresen
The flexibility of driving through Norway allows you to stop at small quaint towns and villages along the way and enjoy nature and a snack. Take the opportunity to experience some of Norway's most beautiful areas.
The trip from Oslo is also a good starting point for a detour further into the Hardanger areas on your way to Bergen. The Hardangerfjord is one of Norway's largest fjords and the combination of fjords and mountains has inspired artists and visitors for centuries. If you can consider taking the trip over several days to get the most out of the landscape, then a trip into the Hardangerfjord can be an excellent alternative.
Alternative routes between Oslo and Bergen:
There are several options on routes when driving from Oslo to Bergen. Except for this route via Hardangervidda you can also consider driving from Oslo to Bergen via Aurlandsfjellet. If you would like to explore other forms of transport between Oslo and Bergen, you can find other alternativs here.
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