//
Municipality in Vestland, Norway
Photo: Per Olav Bøyum, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Voss is a municipality in the inner part of Hordaland, between the great fjords of Sogn and Hardanger. Voss is known to be the adventure capital of Norway. Voss is also the major winter destination in Hordaland with two ski resorts and long skiing traditions. Voss village is surrounded by rivers, mountains, fjord and lakes, and there is a wide range of challenges at all levels. A web of valleys converveges at Voss village, locally known as Vossevangen, which is also the centre of the municipality. The village sits at the eastern end of Vangsvatnet lake. Voss village is a station on the Bergen-Oslo railway line little over 1 hour by train or car from Bergen. Voss village is a transport hub as key roads and the railway intersect.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The deep and dramatic Bordalsgjelet Gorge has information boards, viewpoints and benches. When snow and ice does not affect accessibility you can also follow a footpath that leads alongside the gorge. Here you will have excellent views of the fascinating potholes. Remember, however, for your own safety: Keep to the marked footpaths.
Stalheim is known for the great view down the gorge-like Nærøydalen valley with unusual shapes and tall waterfalls. The best view is from the plateau at Stalheim hotel, though often crowded by busloads of tourists. You may be required to pay for a cup of coffee to be allowed access to the plateau, as it is private ground only accessible through the hotel. Two of the waterfalls are beneath the hotel and not easy to see from there. Stalheimskleiva is one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, built during 1842-1846. The road has 13 hairpin bends. On either side of the road you can see the Stalheim Waterfall (126 m) and the Sivle Waterfall (142 m). Stalheimskleiva is a one-way road going down. As of May 2021 the road is permanently closed to motor vehicles due to unstable conditions of the fundament.
A 152-metre waterfall by Tvinde Camping. There is a road/footpath to the top of the falls. Kiosk. This walk combines well with a Car Walk, either to Afdal-Prestølen or Leidal-Hustveit.
Skjervesfossen
It's a steep valley with hairpin bends and waterfall. At the top, you are able to park the car and enjoy the view. Until 2011 the hairpins were part of road 13 and the only road between Voss and Hardanger. Since 2011 a long tunnel bypasses this difficult stretch. The old stretch is part of national tourist route Hardanger. Driving in summer is easy. From Granvin: At the upper end of lake leave the main road between the tunnels. From Voss: Turn left off the main road some 300 meters before the tunnel. Until 1988 Voss and Granvin port were connected by railway through Skjervet, one of the steepest in Norway. Rail tracks have been removed and converted into bicycle and pedestrian road.
Near Voss Camping in Prestegardsmoen there is an outdoor swimming pool with a diving tower plus three water chutes and a paddling pool. Fun for the whole family. Kiosk available for refreshments, ice, chocolate etc.
Finnesloftet is a medieval wooden building near Voss village, built in year 1295. It is one of the oldest non-religious wooden buildings in Norway and this is one of the few in Western Norway. Norway is the only country with a considerable number of ancient wooden buildings, about a half of these in Telemark and only a small number in Western Norway. Finnesloftet belongs to the Finne farm, presumably a rich property in the middle ages. This building is of the loft type, a traditional two-storey building for storage, bedrooms and official receptions. During the middle ages and well into the 17th and 18th centuries two-storey houses were uncommon, and two-storey lofts were the most prestigious and elaborate buildings. Finnesloftet is unique among loft as the first level is a log construction while the second is a stave construction like stave churches. The upper level of Finnesloftet was presumably used as guild hall and was in the middle ages more prominent in an area with only small single-storey houses.
The Voss Resort is one of the longest established ski centres in Norway and its welcome centre is situated in Bavallen.
The area of Myrkdalen where you can find the welcome centre of Voss Fjellandsby - or "Voss Mountain Village" if translated into English.
For small and large groups Voss Rafting Senter offers a range of guided tours during the winter months, from sunset snow shoes tours, to skiing tours in the hills around Voss.
Voss Rafting Senter has a broad spectrum of activities like white-water rafting, sportsrafting, riverboarding, waterfall rappelling, canyoning, obstacle course and wilderness camp for tourists, companies, bachelor parties, societies, schools and friends. All products are related to water sport and based on strict safety procedures and the crew is highly professional in all aspects. Voss Rafting Senter`s motto is to "Guarantee To Wet Your Pants!" under controlled settings. Voss Rafting can offer everything from adventures family rafting to extreme rafting trips in world class.
Gondola lift directly from the railway station to Hanguren summit, fine panorama of Voss district. Very expensive.
Fun climbing park through treetops, open all year round.
Great place for lunch, dinner or a drink. Has a comfortable and cosy setting.
Inside a restored old barn at Store Ringheim, offers set menus and an ala carte menu. There is a strict policy to make all food from scratch. Also they strive to find the best local ingredients from local farmers or in the nature. There is also a patio, where the meals can be enjoyed outside, in good weather conditions.
International cuisine based on local ingredients, comprehensive wine menu. Excellent food and wine. Choose from the à la carte menu, or order a 3, 4 or 5 course set menu with wine.
Brewery with a fairly large selection on tap, but do note the short opening hours. You can buy growlers (large bottles) there too. You must pay a kr 100 for a growler, which is refundable when you return it empty.
A cafe with a distinctive character and good atmosphere all year round. Outside seating during the summer.
A Cosy piano bar is located in the middle of the hotel. Sink down into a comfy chair, relax with a drink from the well stocked bar, and be entertained by evening performers from Monday to Saturday.
Pentagon is one of the biggest night spots in Voss. It is busy, with good dance music and a great atmosphere.
Extensive winecellar. The most comprehensive wine collection in Norway. Wine tasting and wine seminar.
Voss Vandrerhjem
Fleischer's Hotel is an old hotel that in the past has been visited by royalty and nobility as well as the ordinary tourist and traveler. Modern comfort and facilities have been incorporated into the old building in a natural way. All rooms have en suite bathroom, mini-bar, telephone and television. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, solarium, Jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a separate conference section.
Hotel Jarl is a modern family-run hotel in the centre of Voss - by the river "Vosso". All rooms have bathroom, TV and mini bar. Swimming hall, sauna and solarium. Light and intimate restaurant, lounge and bar. Large car park. Free transport to the railway station and the alpine centre.
Park Hotel Vossevangen has 131 rooms, including 15 deluxe rooms and a side wing with multi-bed rooms. All rooms have their own bathroom and toilet.
Gamlahuset is located at the small farm Kvale in the valley Raundalen at Voss, approximately 17 kilometers east of the centre of Voss. Gamlahuset has two big living rooms, three bedrooms, kitchen, two toilets and a bathroom. There are beds for 8 persons. The house, which is from around year 1800, was renovated in 2007. In several of the rooms the authentic style is kept. The house is 100m².
Beautiful boutique style hotel in an old restored farm building situated on the hillside 1.2km from Voss center. The place offers a stunning view over nearby farm landscape and distant forests and snow patched mountains. 6 unique rooms with good beds and ensuite bathrooms, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, free parking and a choice of complimentary tees and coffes. Daily service of the rooms and a good breakfast with many local, high quality products.
Mjølfjell Ungdomsherberg
Youth hostel and lodge at the end of the road in Raundalen valley about 35 km from Voss village. Steep path 300 meters from Ørneberget stop on Bergen railway.
A 124-room family run hotel with long traditions. Standard double room kr. 1500 per night.
By plane
Bergen Airport Flesland is the closest airport to Voss, with non-stop international flights from larger scale European airports such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London, Stockholm and…
By train
Voss is a central stop on the Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen. The service to Bergen by train is fairly frequent, with several local trains making the run.
By bus
Busses from Bergen are operated by NOR-WAY and Skyss and take about 100 minutes.
By car
Voss is centrally located on the main road network in Western Norway. On Route E16 between Oslo and Bergen and on the North/South inland route RV13.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Bergen · International · BGO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Voss and Norway.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Nature & adventureWhere to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Nature & adventureDiscover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.