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Former municipality in Hordaland, Norway
Photo: Ximonic, Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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A simple white wooden church dating back to 1870, with beautiful views of Sørfjorden.
Constructed between 1200 and 1250.
One the large glaciers in Norway, Hardanger's main glacier, between Sørfjorden and main Hardangerfjord. Visible from a long distance because of its elevation above the deep fjords around. On clear days it is visible from Bergen and from the ocean. Arms of the big glacier stretch into the valleys below, for instance at Odda (Buerbreen) and Mauranger (Bondhusbreen in Sunndal). Summer ski resorts on the glacier. Caution: Hiking the glacier is only for experts, do not attempt a hike on your own outside marked trails at the ski resort.
Buerbreen arm of Folgefonna glacier, visible from road 13 at Sandvin lake. Road up valley towards Buer.
The most popular of the waterfalls in the "valley of waterfalls". A 160-metre-high cascade fall. Road 13 crosses the flow on a fine old bridge and mist from the cascade keeps the road wet. Be considerate of the passing traffic.
Kraftmuseet Norsk vasskraft
Monumental and stylish power plant building from early industrialisation, now hosting the Norwegian museum of industry and hydro power. The architects were inspired by Italian cathedrals. The building is protected cultural heritage and is nominated to the UNESCO world heritage list. Named "building of the century" in Hordaland county.
Museum showing traditional west Norway buildings and village settlement.
Hardanger museum of cultural heritage with a collection of traditional costumes, hardanger fiddles and other items typical for Hardanger. Occasional arts exhibitions.
One of Norway's best known mountain formations. Warning: The hike is long and strenuous and ascends into the high barren plateau. Only experienced hikers should go on their own. Visitors who are unsure should skip the hike or go with a local guide. There have been fatal accidents and numerous rescue operations, to the point of the SAR volunteers being overworked and the situation prompting national discussions on restricting the right to access. Proper gear needed even in summer: sturdy hiking boots (or shoes up to the task), windproof long jackets, long pants and warm layer needed. Snow often remains into July. A long hike like this can not be done in autumn when days are getting short. Early start is necessary in August and September.
There are companies selling guided hikes with over overnight camping near the summit. This can dampen the strenuousness of the hike at the expense of it taking much longer. These hikes usually time things so that one reaches the summit in time for sunset and leave after sunrise.
Røldal has one of Norway's best off-piste ski slopes and enjoys heavy snowfalls. Ski lifts operate from late November to early May.
Good restaurant, spectacular surroundings, and great staff.
By train
The nearest train station is in Voss, 90 km to the north.
By bus
There are services from Bergen and Voss by Skyss and from Oslo by Nor-way Bussekspress.
By car
From the west, south or east, take E134 (Bergen–Oslo) and turn to the north at Skare, to RV 13, and drive for some 15 km more to reach the centre. From the north, take RV 13 from Vossavangen (Voss).
By bike
Odda is on the Norvegian cycle route 3 between Kristiansand and Ålesund.
By boat
There is a sightseeing express boat from Bergen to Rosendal. Continue along Hardangerfjorden to RV 49.
E134 leads through the southern part on Odda, via Røldal in the south-east and close to Skare.
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