PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Folgefonna Glacier & Bondhus Valley from Bergen, 10 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.)

From the village of Trengereid we take Route #7 to the Hardangerfjord. (Usually we do not stop here.)

Hardangervegen or the Hardanger Road is Norwegian route #7. 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.

We make a stop at Fossen Bratte waterfall - 259 feet (79 meters) tall. The view is great and you can take some memorable pictures here.

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. (Usually we do not stop here.)

The Hardangerfjord is the second longest fjord in Norway. We will be travelling along the fjord to Tørvikbygd - a small village from where a car ferry will take us acorss the fjord to Jondal - a settlement on the south side of the Hardangerfjord. The ferry ride takes approx. 20 minutes. While on the ferry, we can leave the car and enjoy a different view of the fjord.

The ferry arrives in the village of Jondal and from here we start our ride to Folgefonna glacier. Mesmerising views of the rugged mountain scenery will make an unforgettable impression.

Ascending from the sea level at the Hardangerfjord to the hight of approx. 3940 feet (1200 m) ASL, the mountain road takes us to Folgefonna glacier. Folgefonna has a ski center operating during summer. After a short refreshing break at the bottom of the glacier and maybe something to eat at the ski centre café, we are going to the next hightlight of the tour.

We return to Jondal and the Hardangerfjord to be on our way to the next destination: along the fjord, through a tunnel under a 4000 feet high mountain to the neighbouring fjord of Mauranger.

After reaching the secluded area of the Mauranger - a smaller fjord branching off the main Hardangerfjord - we travel to the valley of Bondhus.

Bondhus valley (or Bondhusdalen) is our main destination on this tour. We leave the car on the parking lot and walk to Bondhus Lake through this picturesque and prestine valley. The hike to the lake on the easy-to-walk gravel road takes from 30 to 60 minutes. The path is ascending slightly, so the walk back is faster. At the lake we take a break to enjoy the view of the lake and Bondhus glacier visible in the mountains on the other side. Here we will have our lunch if this option is booked.

After returning from Bondhus Lake to the car, we will be on our way back to Bergen. First we take a ride along the fjords to Årsnes. There we embarn on yet another car ferry which takes us back to the north side of the Hardangerfjord. Ferry crossing takes approx. 20 minutes.

After leaving the Hardangerfjord behind we return to Bergen on a road less traveled by tourists driving along lakes and fjords, through varied scenery of mountains, forests and small villages.