8 tips for an exciting day in Ulvik

Whether you arrive in Ulvik by cruise ship, on a fjord cruise, as part of a road trip between Oslo and Bergen, or on a detour from Voss, you’ll find plenty of experiences to suit your taste.

It’s easy to combine several activities in one day – perhaps a stroll along the Frukt- og siderruta (Fruit and Cider Route), a visit to the Olav H. Hauge Centre, an exciting RIB tour or a peaceful paddle on the fjord. If you’ve got more time in Ulvik, spread the experiences over a few days and enjoy both the stunning nature and rich cultural heritage. You can even fit in a fjord cruise to Eidfjord with the option to take the bus up to the spectacular Vøringsfossen waterfall.

The most popular tours and activities – from cider tastings and cycling trips to kayaking and guided fjord adventures – can be booked directly with Book Hardanger. See all our bookable activities in Ulvik here.

1. The Fruit and Cider Route

Norway’s only fruit and cider route is right here in Ulvik, at the innermost end of Hardangerfjord. Three farms offer their own unique experiences, but all serve a cider tasting board during opening hours and have regular guided tours in the summer season.

• Guided Cider tour and tasting or just cider tasting at Lekve farm (Hardanger saft- og siderfabrikk)
• Guided Cider tour and tasting or just cider tasting at Syse farm (Syse gard)
• Ulvik Frukt & Cideri at Hakastad right before Syse farm also offers cider tour and tasting – visit the farm on the route.
• Staying in Voss? There’s a ready-made return cider tasting tour by bus from Voss to Ulvik.

Read more about the fruit and cider route

2. RIB Adventures on Ulvikfjord and Osafjord

Experience remote fjord villages and breathtaking nature on a RIB tour from Ulvik. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the landscape, nature, and the people who have lived here for generations. And while the tour is both safe and comfortable, you’ll get the chance to feel the power of the RIB boat. Expect wind in your hair and a little adrenaline rush along the way!

• The ultimate Hardangerfjord RIB safari from Ulvik
• Osafjord RIB safari from Ulvik
• From Voss? Book the return bus package with a Hardangerfjord RIB tour included.

3. Cultural Heritage Walk in Ulvik

Join a guided stroll through this charming fjord village with its rich farming and cultural history. The walk starts in the centre and takes you along peaceful paths and quiet roads with wonderful views of the fjord, mountains, and surrounding orchards. Includes a stop at Syse farm.

4. Guided kayak tour from Ulvik

Experience Hardanger from the water on a guided kayak tour from Brakanes Hotel in Ulvik. Over four hours, you’ll paddle through calm fjord waters, taking in the views of mountains, orchards, and small farms along the shoreline. Our experienced guide gives a short introduction, making this tour suitable for all.

5. Visit the Olav H. Hauge Centre

Discover poetry and song in many languages at this beautifully located centre by the fjord, housed in Ulvik’s old town hall. The exhibition features stories linked to the poems of Olav H.

6. Fjord Cruise to Eidfjord with 3 hrs 35 mins in Eidfjord

Travel from Ulvik to Eidfjord by the local passenger boat and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Tickets available here:

• Ulvik to Eidfjord: Departs 11:15, arrives 11:45. Enjoy a scenic fjord cruise from Ulvik to Eidfjord.
• Eidfjord to Ulvik: Departs 15:20, arrives 15:55.

What to do in Eidfjord during your Fjord Cruise

The Vøringsfoss waterfall

One of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, Vøringsfossen, drops 182 metres into the Måbødalen valley and is a must to see. A series of viewpoints along the way offer different perspectives, with the best view from the dramatic viewing platforms near the hotel. A footbridge across the gorge lets you see the falls from above. If you have time, explore the nearby trails for an even closer look at the surrounding landscapes.

No car? No problem! Here are ready to book tours to Vøringsfossen waterfalls:

• Easy and budget-friendly: Vøringsfoss waterfall tour convenient shuttlebus available on cruise days. Departure every 30 minutes. Around 2 hours round trip, with 1 hour at the waterfall. Digital guide included.
• Daily: Vøringsfossen Waterfall Express at 12:25 from Eidfjord, about 50 minutes at the waterfall. Total trip around 1 hour 40 mins, with English and German audio guide.
• Comfort option: Small group taxi tour to Vøringsfossen waterfall (min. 4 people) – available daily.
• Daily Vøringsfossen sightseeing tour incl. Norwegian Nature Center: Departs 11:50 from Eidfjord. A 3 hr 25 min trip including both the Norwegian Nature Centre and Vøringsfossen. Audio guide in English and German.

Norwegian Nature Center

The Norwegian Nature Center in Øvre Eidfjord (about 7 km from Eidfjord) is also worth a visit. An interactive experience centre for Norwegian nature, climate and environment. Good restaurant and souvenir shop. To get there you can book the Vøringsfossen sightseeing tour incl. Norwegian Nature Center.

Ravenheart Viking experience

Learn about Norway and Eidfjord’s interesting Viking history at the family-friendly Ravenheart museum. Visit this hands-on interactive exhibition where you are allowed to touch and try the artefacts in the exhibition, making it a popular experience for families with children. Hear the echoes of history as the expert guide shares exciting stories and insights. Connect with the Vikings and feel the texture and craftsmanship that defined that era. Book tickets to Ravenheart viking experience here

7. Delicious food with a stunning view of the fjord

Both Brakanes Hotel and Yppal mat og drykk (in the same building as the Olav H Hauge Centre) offer lunch and dinner right by the fjord – perfect with the gentle sound of waves in the background.

8. Shopping

Ulvik may be small, but the few shops here are full of charm. Browse the local treasure trove Wollert’n on the promenade, and check out the souvenir shops at Brakanes Hotel and the Olav H. Hauge Centre. And, not to forget, the charming farmers market at Syse farm.