Hardanger isn’t only a favorite in summer. Winter brings powerful experiences in a quieter, clearer landscape. Here you’ll find both active winter adventures and places to slow down and recharge, and we’ve gathered what is actually open.
Trolltunga is accessible with a guide in winter? You can even spend the night at the snow-covered rock formation.
Hardanger has very little light pollution, and on clear winter nights you’ll often experience an incredible star-filled sky.
The mountain village of Røldal is one of Europe’s most snow-secure areas, with frequent powder conditions and playful terrain for all levels.
Hardanger offers more than you might expect in winter, but it’s important to choose experiences, activities, and attractions that are actually open. Start here to find your winter experience in the Hardangerfjord region. To make it easy, we’ve created an overview of everything available during the winter season.
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Many accommodations in Hardanger close for the winter, but some stay open and make your winter holiday extra comfortable. Here we’ve gathered a small selection you can rely on, and you’ll find the rest in our full overview.
Note: Remember to check opening hours, especially outside weekends and holidays.
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Trolltunga is one of the world’s most famous rock formations and a popular hiking destination in summer, but in winter you experience it in a quieter, rawer, and perhaps even more spectacular setting. With Trolltunga Active and Trolltunga Adventures, you can join a guided journey through the winter mountains and reach a viewpoint that leaves most people speechless. And the best part? In winter, you’ll have this iconic place almost entirely to yourself.
Trolltunga can only be experienced with a guide in winter, and you can choose between a day trip or an overnight tour.
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Røldal is one of the few true mountain villages in Western Norway and has been an important route between east and west for centuries. Today, the village is especially known for its deep snow and a snow-secure ski resort located above the tree line - perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers who want access to freer terrain. You can also rent equipment if you don’t bring your own.
After an active day in the mountains, it’s good to settle into the warmth. Close to the ski resort you’ll find both places to eat and places to stay, and the village also offers cultural history, a stave church, and pleasant experiences in the town centre.
Winter in Hardanger is more than just Trolltunga and ski days in Røldal. You don’t have to head into the high mountains to have a memorable experience. You’ll find winter-open activities and attractions that bring you close to the fjord, nature, and the winter atmosphere - whether you want to stay active or simply enjoy the views. Many places close for the season, but there’s still plenty to choose from. Experience the fjord landscape in new ways, from warm breaks and slow days to guided fjord experiences and short adventures.
Browse the favorites and plan a winter day that suits you.
It’s not only the scenery that leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Hardanger. The region also offers memorable food experiences. During winter, you can enrich your stay with local delicacies and good meals at places that remain open. Taste your way through everything from apple juice, cider, and jams to lamb, cured meats, and dishes made with ingredients from the fjord and the mountains.
Note: Here too, it’s wise to check opening hours, especially outside weekends and holidays.
Yes. Winter is the quietest season in Hardanger, with snow-covered mountains, calm fjords and low winter light. You can join a guided winter hike to Trolltunga, ski in Røldal, try fjord floating in Norheimsund or take a RIB safari into the narrow Fyksesund fjord. Several hotels, restaurants and activities stay open throughout the winter. You'll find them all in our overview of what's open in winter.
Yes, but only with a guide. In winter, the trail is covered in deep snow, the weather can change quickly, and hiking without a local guide is not safe. Trolltunga Active runs guided day hikes from January to May, plus a winter sunset tour with a night in an Arctic Dome near Trolltunga, including dinner and breakfast. Trolltunga Adventures offers guided day hikes from March to May. Expect a long, demanding day of 8–12 hours, so you should be fit and used to mountain hiking. See all winter tours to Trolltunga.
Yes. Skyss express buses 925 and 930 run from Bergen Bus Station to Norheimsund on the Hardangerfjord in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. The Hardangerfjord-Ekspressen boat sails daily all year between Bergen and Rosendal, with a stop at Bergen Airport Flesland. In Norheimsund you can join Fjord Floating, where you float in the fjord in an insulated suit with a local guide, or a RIB safari into Fyksesund. Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, just outside the village, is open all year. The path behind the falls can be slippery in winter, so wear good shoes. Find bus and boat timetables in our guide to getting to Hardanger.
Yes, as long as you are prepared. Rental cars in Norway come with winter tyres during the cold season. The routes from Bergen into Hardanger don't cross any high mountain passes. The mountain roads to the east and north – Road 7 over Hardangervidda, E134 over Haukelifjell and Road 13 over Vikafjellet – can switch to convoy driving or close at short notice during bad weather. Check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration before you set off, and bring warm clothes, food and a full tank. The ferries Tørvikbygd–Jondal and Kvanndal–Utne–Kinsarvik run all year.
Around the winter solstice in late December, Hardanger has about six hours of daylight. By mid-February it is around nine hours, and by mid-March almost twelve. The mountains around the fjord block the low sun, so the visible daylight in the villages can be shorter. If you are planning a hike or a longer drive, start early in the day.
Occasionally. The northern lights are seen most often in Northern Norway, but during periods of strong solar activity they can also appear further south. Hardanger has little light pollution, so if the aurora is active and the sky is clear, you have a chance. Plan your trip around Hardanger's other winter experiences, and see a sighting as a bonus. On clear winter nights, the starry sky is often worth looking up for in itself.
Røldal Ski Center is known for large amounts of snow and usually opens in late December and stays open until early May, snow permitting. Much of the area is above the tree line and suits beginners as well as skiers who want more open terrain. You can rent equipment and book ski lessons on site. For ski touring, Hardangerfjord Adventure offers guided tours with views over the fjord, adapted to the group's level. Opening hours and snow conditions for Røldal are on roldal.com.
Some are. Many accommodations and restaurants close for the winter, but several hotels stay open all year, including in Øystese, Odda, Røldal and Rosendal. Opening hours are often shorter outside weekends and Norwegian school holidays, and some places only open on request. Book your accommodation first, then check opening hours for restaurants and activities. See winter-open accommodation and places to eat.
