Vikebygd: Orchards and Folgefonna

Vikebygd combines a cultural landscape shaped by orchards with the Folgefonna glacier. The landscape park is home to numerous orchards between the Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna; the glacier, Norway’s third largest, is located at the upper edge of the mountain slope. Agatunet, a preserved cluster of farm buildings in the park, adds a cultural and historical dimension to the landscape.

Orchards, glaciers and Agatunet

The Vikebygd Landscape Park stretches along the Fv 550 road between the Kvitno River in the south and Velure in the north. These landmarks give the park a clear geographical setting. Orchards, the fjord and the glacier are defining features of its cultural landscape. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether to focus your stay on this landscape park or include other destinations in the wider destination of Ullensvang. These are different priorities for planning your trip.

Excursions in the wider destination of Ullensvang

In the wider destination of Ullensvang, the Fruit Trail has several access points, including Lofthus Camping, Hotel Ullensvang, Ullensvang Gjesteheim, Hardanger Youth Hostel and the supermarket in Lofthus. Buses from Odda, Eidfjord, Geilo and Voss stop at the supermarket; the express boat “Hardangerfjord Sightseeing” also stops there. Bus services run to and from Bergen and Norheimsund. Check timetables and routes before travelling so you can plan around the specific connections.

The hikes also differ in distance and duration. The Dronningstien between Kinsarvik and Lofthus is 16 kilometres long, challenging, and takes six to nine hours. It offers views of the Sørfjorden and Folgefonna and passes through lush orchards with thousands of apple trees. The route in Husedalen from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda is listed as taking three to six hours; it leads into Hardangervidda National Park. The time ranges for the two routes are therefore three to six and six to nine hours, respectively. Seasonal conditions and operational details for the Dronningstien may change; check them before planning.

Culture, museums and regional experiences

The protected farm settlement of Agatunet is located at Aga in Ullensvang. Its oldest building, Lagmannsstova, dates from 1220. Agatunet offers guided tours and exhibitions on art and cultural history; dates may vary. In the wider destination of Ullensvang, the Hjøllo-Mannsåker Cultural Trail is another way to learn about the region’s history. It runs through the cultural landscape to the farms at Mannsåker and Hjøllo. Along the route are 34 information boards about the history of the first settlers in this area.

In the wider destination of Ullensvang, the Hardanger Folk Museum in Utne has exhibitions on Hardanger embroidery, traditional costumes and folk music; the museum also has an open-air museum with several historic buildings. In the wider destination of Ullensvang, the Kraftmuseet in Tyssedal focuses on Norway’s hydropower and industrial history. There are also activities for the whole family, although the programme may vary. In the wider destination of Ullensvang, Mikkelparken in Kinsarvik is a family park for children aged one to ten, with water play areas and a zoo. Facilities and age recommendations may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Apple cider, cycling and boat connections

In summer, Aga Sideri in Ullensvang offers apple cider tastings with a guided tour of the historic Agatunet. Tastings are seasonal, and booking arrangements may change. In the wider destination of Ullensvang, you can combine the bike ride from Utne to Herand with the return journey to Utne on the “Hardangerfjord Sightseeing” express boat. Check the timetable and seasonal rules for taking bicycles on board in advance. This lets you choose between hiking trails, cultural attractions, seasonal tastings, and a cycling-and-boat combination when planning, while keeping each offer and its conditions in mind.

Discover more destinations: Utne, Nå, Vallavik, Grimo, Lofthus, Kinsarvik, Ullensvang

Go to the wider travel overview: Ullensvang.