GUIDED TOUR: Queen of the Fjords - mini-tour from Bergen, 6 hours

Our tour starts in the city of Bergen - the Gateway to the Fjords. The city was founded in 1070 and contains many historical and cultural landmarks. We will pass some of them on our way from the city and also on our return to Bergen.

Sørfjorden or the South fjord is part of the Osterfjord which is a peculiar natural phenomenon: an salt water inlet that surrounds the largest inland island in Northern Europe - Osterøy Island - enclosed by contitental land. We drive along the South fjord until we come the the crossroads in Trengereid. (Usually we do not stop here.)

(Usually we do not stop here.)

This road is a tourist attraction in itself. We will see beautiful sights along the way: mountains, lakes and waterfalls. On the way to the Hardangerfjord we will make two photo stops at 2 waterfalls: Fossen Bratte and Steinsdalsfossen.

The view is great and you can take some memorable pictures here. A short walking tour to the bottom of the waterfall is highly recommended - you simply must feel the roaring freshness and gentle and pure water drops on your face.

The next stop is at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall - 164 feet (50 meters) tall. You can actually walk behind the falling water without getting wet. A walk behind the waterfall to the view point is highly recommended.

We pass through a small town of Norheimsund - the local municipal administration center on our way to the Hardangerfjord. This is where we usually stop for lunch. There are several options. We recommend having lunch at the Sandven Hotel - a historical landmark from 1857.

The Hardangerfjord is the second longest fjord in Norway. We will be travelling along the fjord to Vangdal - a view point where we will make our next stop.

We make a stop at the outlook over the fjord not only to enjoy the view, but also to visit two sights with stone carvings. There is some walking involved down and up moderately steep trails to see the petroglyphs from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.

Enjoy the views: natural beauty of the scenery with small quaint villages scattered along the coast. There are a lot of fruit farms on the Hardangerfjord. During summer we can stop at a couple of fruit stands and buy some fruits and berries (available in season).

Hardangerfjord - one of the best views in the area. After that we'll be driving farther along the Hardangerfjord.

(Usually we do not stop here.)

The ferry ride takes approx. 15 minutes. While on the ferry, we can leave the car and enjoy a different view of the fjord.

(Usually we do not stop in Osøyro.) Our tour ends in Bergen.