Ulvik between fjord and high mountains

The village of Ulvik lies at the innermost end of the Hardangerfjord. Steep mountains, green valleys and orchards shape the landscape; Ulvik herad stretches from the innermost part of the fjord to the high mountains of the Hardangervidda. Anyone planning a trip in this area can choose from fjord experiences, hikes, culture and regional products. The village of Ulvik is a specific starting point for discovering the destination’s different sides.

Hiking trails from the village centre to the high mountains

For a hike with a more manageable time commitment, consider Liavegen/Jobykse: this family-friendly trail starts in the centre of Ulvik, is about 9 kilometres long and takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, panoramic views open up over the Osafjord. The route to Solsævatnet has a different surface. It follows a relatively flat gravel track and is suitable for hikers, cyclists and families with pushchairs.

Hallingskeidvegen is more challenging. The trail leads from Osa into the high mountains of Ulvik herad and has long been used as a transport route. It can be completed as a challenging one-day hike; it is also possible to start at Hallingskeid turisthytte. This offers a choice of different hiking experiences, from a family-friendly trail and gravel track to a full-day tour in the high mountains. A hike up Kristinuten offers views over Ulvik, the Osafjord and the surrounding mountains, with Vassfjøra visible in the background.

Enjoy the fjord and high mountains actively

The water activities also vary considerably. Guided kayak tours run by local guide company Angr A/S are offered in Ulvik on most summer days from 10 am to 2 pm. The Hardangerfjord Ultimate RIB Safari starts in Ulvik, enters the Hardangerfjord and continues into the fjord arms of Simadalsfjorden and Osafjorden. At Ulvikfjord, Ulvik vass-skiklubb offers water skiing for beginners and experienced participants.

Rallarvegen in Ulvik is a longer high-mountain route: this 92-kilometre route in the Hardangervidda area can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. It is preserved as a monument to the construction of the Bergen Railway between 1895 and 1902. Those interested in railway history can find photographs and an exhibition about railway construction from 1894 to 1909 at the Rallarmuseum in Østre Lokstall in Finse. Finse station is Norway’s highest railway station and lies at the highest point of the Bergen Railway.

Literature, art and local products

The Haugesenteret offers insights into the life and poetic work of Olav H. Hauge (1908–1994), who spent his entire life in Ulvik. In a writing workshop, visitors can write poems themselves. Traditionally, the Haugesenteret hosts the Poesifestivalen every other year in September, presenting poetry and music. These stops also make Ulvik interesting for travellers who want to include literature and culture alongside nature experiences.

At Ulvik kyrkje, different eras come together: the church was consecrated in 1858 and features traditional rose painting by local artist Lars Osa from 1923, as well as historic Christian artworks. These include a copy of the medieval antependium.

The Frukt- og Siderruta connects the fruit farms Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk. Along the route, the farms offer guided tours with tastings and sell their own products, including cider. Ulvik Frukt & Cideri at Hakastad farm introduces visitors to local products such as apple juice and cider. Syse Gard offers cider, fruit in various forms and traditionally processed lamb; the farm also has a farm shop and a summer café.

Choose Ulvik as your destination

When looking for a holiday apartment, the mix of high mountains, fjord activities, culture and regional products you want can be a useful starting point. Bus connections can also help you plan the rest of your trip: routes 925, 945, 980 and 990 connect Ulvik with Voss, Odda, Eidfjord and Norheimsund. Whether you mainly want to hike, get out on the water, or prefer cultural and culinary stops, Ulvik offers a variety of ideas, though not all the experiences are of the same kind.

Other places at the same level: Øygarden, Fedje, Modalen, Meland, Bømlo, Masfjorden, Stord.

Back to the main travel overview: Hordaland.