Guided tour – Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls

REVIEW · BERGEN

Guided tour – Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls

  • 4.53 reviews
  • 9 hours (approx.)
  • From $322.81
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Operated by Guided Fjord Tours · Bookable on Viator

Hardangerfjord days hit different when you can hop between peaks. This one strings together Voss gondola views and three major waterfalls with time to pause, walk a bit, and take photos that actually explain Norway. It’s a small-group tour (max 15) run in English, so the day feels focused rather than rushed.

I especially liked the combo of the quick, fun Mount Hanguren gondola ride plus the long lookouts that come with it. I also love that you get variety: a giant suspension-bridge stop, a famous waterfall, and another waterfall where you can literally walk behind the water.

One thing to consider: this is not a fjord cruise. You’ll view the Hardangerfjord from the road with scenic stops, not from a boat.

Key highlights you should care about

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Key highlights you should care about

  • Voss gondola to Mount Hanguren: up in under nine minutes, then ~40 minutes to enjoy the view
  • Skjervsfossen (150 m total height): a big waterfall stop near Voss, with about 20 minutes on-site
  • Hardanger Bridge photo stop: Norway’s longest suspension bridge length-wise, with 1,380 m total and a 1,310 m main span
  • Vøringsfossen (182 m total drop): the classic Norway waterfall with major drop of 163 m
  • Steinsdalsfossen (48 m drop): one of the rare spots where you can walk behind the waterfall veil
  • Small-group feel with strong guiding: guides like Ivan, John, and Michael are named for friendliness, knowledge, and smooth pacing

Why this Hardangerfjord day feels like a Norway greatest-hits sampler

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Why this Hardangerfjord day feels like a Norway greatest-hits sampler
This tour is built around a simple idea: you can’t waste daylight in Western Norway. So instead of trying to cover everything, you hit the best “wow” moments in one long, well-paced day.

You’ll get a mountain lift experience, then waterfall power twice more. In between, there are quick stops that help you understand where you are—Voss, Eidfjord, and the Hardangerfjord corridor that shapes the region.

And because it’s capped at 15 people, you don’t feel like you’re trapped in a herd. You can ask questions, grab photos when you actually have time, and keep moving without that constant “hurry up” energy.

You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Bergen

Meeting in Bergen: where the day starts at Strandkaien

The tour starts at Guided Fjord Tours, Strandkaien 16, in Bergen, with a 9:00 am start. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to solve transportation at the end of your day.

The practical win here is timing. A structured day tour means you spend fewer mental calories figuring out buses, parking, and transfers—especially when you’re trying to squeeze in mountains and waterfalls.

You also get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you like keeping your day simple. With English offered, you won’t be stuck translating basic geography on the fly.

Getting from Bergen to Voss: the first taste of West Norway

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Getting from Bergen to Voss: the first taste of West Norway
The rhythm starts when you head toward Voss, a town framed by snow-capped peaks, forests, lakes, and fast whitewater rivers. This area is known for adventure sports, and you can feel that vibe as you roll in.

In Vossevangen, you’ll have about 20 minutes to get oriented. The surroundings are the setup for the rest of the day: mountain weather, quick changes, and water everywhere you look.

If you’re the type who likes to arrive early and scan viewpoints, this stop gives you that small moment to reset before the gondola.

Voss gondola to Mount Hanguren: 9 minutes up, 40 minutes to look around

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Voss gondola to Mount Hanguren: 9 minutes up, 40 minutes to look around
The gondola ride itself takes you from the Voss area up to Mount Hanguren (820 m) in under nine minutes. Then you get roughly 40 minutes at the top—enough time to breathe, take photos, and pick a viewpoint without feeling rushed.

In summer, Hanguren is a classic “mountain day” spot with hiking and biking options. In winter, it links into the ski resort scene. Either way, the main point is the view: multiple mountain directions radiating out from the same vantage point.

This is one of those stops where you’ll understand why people plan Norway days around vertical changes. You go from fjord-region road to an open sky lookout fast, and the contrast makes the rest of the waterfalls hit harder.

Skjervsfossen waterfall: two drops and one very photogenic upper fall

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Skjervsfossen waterfall: two drops and one very photogenic upper fall
Near Voss, Skjervsfossen is the first big waterfall stop, with about 20 minutes on-site. It’s listed as 150 m total height, split into two major drops, with the most impressive part being a single 60 m drop visible from the parking stage.

That detail matters because it tells you what you’ll likely prioritize with your camera. You’ll want to position yourself for the “upper part” impact, not just admire the idea of a waterfall from far away.

This is the kind of stop that works even if your day already feels full. Waterfalls don’t require deep background reading. You show up, you look, you hear it—then you move on to the next powerful moment.

Hardanger Bridge: the longest suspension bridge in Norway (and your quick photo stop)

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Hardanger Bridge: the longest suspension bridge in Norway (and your quick photo stop)
Between the Voss side and the Eidfjord side, you’ll pause at Hardanger Bridge, a suspension bridge across the Hardangerfjord. It connects Ullensvang and Ulvik, and it replaced a ferry crossing, which is why it matters for travel time.

The numbers are what make it impressive: 1,380 m long, with a 1,310 m main span. Even if you’re not a bridges-and-engineering person, the scale comes through fast when you’re standing near it.

This stop is short, but it gives you something most waterfall days miss: a human-made structure that frames the water. It’s also helpful for context—once you’ve seen the bridge, the fjord drive later makes more sense.

Vøringsfossen at Måbødalen: the classic 182-meter Norway waterfall

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Vøringsfossen at Måbødalen: the classic 182-meter Norway waterfall
If you’ve only ever seen one Norway waterfall on postcards, chances are it’s Vøringsfossen. Here you’ll get about 45 minutes, and it’s set in the Måbødalen valley in Eidfjord area.

The stats are huge: 182 m total drop, with a major drop of 163 m. That’s the kind of height where you stop thinking in meters and start thinking in force.

You’ll likely get the most dramatic views from viewpoints designed for maximum sightlines toward the fall. The best approach is simple: take your main photo first, then slow down for a second look so you can actually register the scale of the water as it drops in layers.

And since this is a top tourist attraction on the Hardangervidda-to-Hardangerfjord route, it’s one of those places where the whole region’s geography shows up as one picture.

Eidfjord: a cruise-port village with access to Hardangervidda

Guided tour - Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls - Eidfjord: a cruise-port village with access to Hardangervidda
You’ll spend about one hour in Eidfjord, right at the inner branch end of the Eid Fjord. It’s a major cruise ship call, so the village has a “meet travelers here” feel, even though it’s still very much a place tied to the surrounding valleys.

Eidfjord connects you to the natural world beyond the waterfalls. The Måbødalen valley and the Vøringsfossen area are close by, and you’ll also find the Hardangervidda Natursenter (visitor center and museum) in Øvre Eidfjord.

If you want a low-effort way to understand why this region is so special, this is where you’d look. Even a short visit to a visitor center can help you connect the dots between plateau, valley, fjord, and waterfall.

And since you’re only there for an hour, keep your plan tight: pick what you want most—viewpoints, a quick stop for context, or just time to absorb the valley air.

Hardangerfjord driving time: a fjord you feel from the road

You’ll spend about two hours with Hardangerfjord views as you travel along the fjord corridor. The Hardangerfjord is described as the fourth longest in the world and the second longest in Norway, stretching 179 km from the Atlantic into the interior.

The region’s identity is tied to water and farming. It’s often called the fruit orchard of Norway, because the fjord-area terrain supports agriculture along the fertile stretches.

There’s also a tourism history angle that’s worth remembering while you ride. In 1875, Thomas Cook started weekly cruise departures from London to the Hardangerfjord, driven by its spectacle—glaciers, grand waterfalls, and that intense sense of space.

You won’t be on a ship today, but you can still use the time well. When you stop, step out, and look beyond the nearest water. Try to spot how the fjord walls rise and how the valley shape guides the light.

Steinsdalsfossen: the waterfall where you can walk behind the water veil

The last waterfall stop is Steinsdalsfossen, with about 30 minutes on-site. It’s on the Fosselvi river, which drops 48 m, and the standout feature is that you can walk behind the water veil.

That’s a rare experience in Norway waterfall terms, so treat it like the main event in the second half of your day. Give yourself a minute to adjust to mist, wind, and the constant water sound, then reposition for the best angles.

The waterfall is said to have a fairly consistent flow, fed by water from a series of lakes, including Myklavatnet. So you’re less likely to feel like you “missed it” compared to waterfalls that might be inconsistent due to season swings.

There’s also a classic royal-story note: it was popular a century ago, and Wilhelm II visited every year until World War II began. That tidbit helps you understand why people keep returning to this particular spot.

Price and value: what $322.81 covers on a 9-hour day

At $322.81 per person for about 9 hours, the value mainly comes from logistics and access, not just sightseeing.

You’re paying for:

  • guided pacing across multiple regions (Voss to Eidfjord)
  • transportation by road for a full day
  • priority time at key stops like the gondola and waterfalls
  • admission included where it matters most: Skjervsfossen and Steinsdalsfossen are marked included, while several other stops are listed as free

So if your goal is to see a mountain view plus three named waterfalls without building your own route, this price starts to make sense fast.

A small-group cap of 15 also matters here. On a day built around timing—gondola hours, waterfall viewpoints, and switching between valleys—smaller groups usually mean fewer delays and less waiting around.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want a Norway “greatest hits” day with clear targets: Voss gondola, Hardangerfjord views, and Vøringsfossen + Steinsdalsfossen + Skjervsfossen.

It also suits people who like good guiding. In the guide names shared for this route—Ivan, John, and Michael—the common thread is friendly, helpful, and story-driven explanations that keep the drive from feeling like dead time.

Skip it if you’re hunting for a ship day. This is an on-land route with fjord views, not a cruise. Also, if you hate sitting in vehicles for hours, you might find the long travel segments tiring.

Should you book this Hardangerfjord, Voss Gondola & 3 Great Waterfalls tour?

Book it if you want a structured day that reliably hits the region’s top sights with smart timing, a small group, and a strong chance of learning something while you’re out there looking.

Think twice if you were hoping to cruise the fjord itself, or if you prefer fewer stops and more wandering on your own. The tour is designed to move—so plan for photos, short walks, and frequent lookouts, not long independent adventures.

If you’re in Bergen and you want one high-impact day that feels like Norway in technicolor, this is a solid choice. And when you’re standing behind Steinsdalsfossen’s water veil, you’ll see why this kind of checklist tour can still feel deeply personal.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 9 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $322.81 per person.

Is this tour in English, and how big is the group?

Yes, the tour is offered in English, and it has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Does the tour include a fjord cruise?

No. It’s a guided road trip with stops along the Hardangerfjord, not a cruise on the fjord.

What attractions are included for admission?

Admission is included for Skjervsfossen and Steinsdalsfossen. Other stops on the route are listed as free.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

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