Eidfjord: Your Gateway To The Breathtaking Beauty Of Fjord Norway

15.10.2023 - 10:21 / forbes.com

With change coming to tourism in the Norwegian fjords, Eidfjord is one destination that’s set to benefit. The small town is ideally placed to be a base for travelers exploring some of Norway’s scenic fjords, mountainous national parks, and powerful waterfalls.

A typical Norwegian fjordside settlement, Eidfjord is home to several hundred people. It's located at the innermost end of the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s biggest fjords.

Tourism to the town has long benefited from its position on the main driving route between Oslo and Bergen, Norway’s two biggest cities. But now its status as an emerging cruise port could boost the destination further.

At some point in the coming years, the Norwegian government will finally activate its plan to ban all but zero-emission vessels from its UNESCO World Heritage fjords. That means the majority of big cruise ships will no longer be able to easily visit famous ports such as Flåm and Geiranger.

As local authorities have invested in Eidfjord’s cruise port, the infrastructure improvements mean the town could soon welcome many more tourists. Here’s why you should plan a trip to the Hardanger region of Norway, and Eidfjord in particular.

The trip from Oslo to Bergen via the longer Eidfjord route takes drivers along not one but two of Norway’s national scenic routes.

The 41-mile-long Hardangervidda route soars over a mountain plateau before quickly descending down to fjord level at Eidfjord. Then, drivers can pick up some of the 98 miles of roads that together make up the Hardanger scenic route. This is packed with classic fjord Norway features from mountains and fjords to epic waterfalls and apple orchards.

Both scenic routes are dotted with rest stops, providing interesting architecture and sensational views along with the necessary facilities.

One of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, Vøringsfossen plunges down almost 600 feet into a beautiful gorge. Thanks to recent improvements, visitors are treated to fantastic vantage points of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery.

That being said, the recently added metal bridge that spans the upper part of the gorge is a controversial addition. Supporters say it gives visitors a better appreciation of the natural scenery, while opponents say it ruins it.

Whatever the weather, the waterfall and surrounding area are well worth a visit. It's also possible to hike along the bottom of the gorge, but this requires more time.

In upper Eidfjord (Øvre Eidfjord), you’ll find the Norwegian Nature Center. What was originally one of two visitor centres for the vast Hardangervidda National Park is now an experience centre for learning more about flora and fauna in the Norwegian fjords and mountains.

Don’t miss the panoramic movie, which