Voss is where Norway’s big landscapes meet small-town warmth. Tucked between fjords and mountains about 75 minutes by train from Bergen, this valley town (Norwegians call it “Voss” or “Vangen” for the center) has built a reputation for high-adrenaline adventure, winter skiing, farm-to-table food, and lakeside lounging that suits families just as well as thrill-seekers. I grew up taking Sunday hikes above Vangsvatnet, and later worked summers helping visitors book rafting and paraglide flights. If you want a place that feels authentically Norwegian yet easy to navigate, Voss is an ideal base.
If you’re in a hurry: you can arrive by train, hop straight onto Voss Gondol next to the station, stroll the lakefront, and add either rafting, Bordalsgjelet gorge, or a waterfall stop at Tvindefossen. In winter, ski Voss Resort via the gondola. For food, think hearty mountain fare, local cured meats, and excellent coffee and pastries in town.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Voss: where to stay, what to do across all seasons, and how to make the most of this compact adventure hub.
Getting to Voss
Voss sits on the main Bergen Railway between Bergen and Oslo, which makes it both scenic and practical. From Bergen, the train takes roughly an hour and a quarter; from Oslo, it’s a full-day journey through mountain plateaus and valleys. Arriving by rail is the most stress-free option, and it drops you right in the center. If you’re driving, the E16 is the main road, but keep an eye on conditions in winter and early spring.
Once in town, you can walk to most things: the lakefront, cafés, hotels, and the gondola are within a few minutes of the station. For out-of-town sights like Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen, use local buses or a rental car. The regional bus network is reliable, but schedules thin out on weekends and evenings.
When to Visit: Seasons and What to Expect
Voss changes character with the season, and that’s half the charm.
Summer (June to August): Rivers swell for white-water, hiking trails clear, and paragliders color the sky above Vangsvatnet. You’ll find lakeside swimming on warm days, plenty of family activities, and long daylight hours. Late June often brings Ekstremsportveko, the extreme sports festival that fills town with athletes and pop-up events. Book accommodation early in this window.
Autumn (September to October): My favorite time. Crisp air, golden birch forests, and quieter trails. Rivers can still be good for rafting in early autumn, and the waterfalls look dramatic after rains. It’s an excellent season for food experiences with local farms offering tastings.
Winter (December to March): Voss Resort becomes the home slope, accessed via Voss Gondol from town, while Myrkdalen (about 40 minutes by road) is known for deep snow and wide runs. Expect properly wintery conditions; dress for it. On stormy days, indoor options like Voss Vind (indoor skydiving) hit the spot.
Spring (April to May): Waterfalls thunder, snow lingers on the peaks, and valley hikes open first. It’s a shoulder season bargain if you don’t mind changeable weather.
Top Things to Do in Voss
Ride Voss Gondol to Hanguren
The gondola station sits practically on the train platform, which still makes me smile. In 8–9 minutes you’re whisked to Hangurstoppen with a restaurant, short walks, and summer trails. Families like the Hanguren Panorama path, while more ambitious hikers continue toward Lønahorgi on a long, satisfying day out. In winter, this is your lift into Voss Resort.
Local tip: Weather shifts quickly. Bring layers and a windproof shell even on sunny days.
White-Water Rafting and River Adventures
Voss’s rivers are playgrounds for guides who know their stuff. The Raundalselva is beloved by kayakers, while the Vosso offers mixed sections suitable for different levels. Most operators provide all gear. In summer, you can also try canyoning or riverboarding if you want to level up the adrenaline.
Local tip: Book rafting in advance, especially in July and during Ekstremsportveko. Ask about water levels; conditions vary by rainfall and snowmelt.
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
You’ll see tandem paragliders drifting over Vangsvatnet on fair-weather days. It’s a gentle ride paired with big views. For many visitors, this is “just scary enough” while still feeling safe in the hands of instructors. If you prefer to keep feet on the ground, watch takeoffs from the lakeside with an ice cream.
Voss Vind: Indoor Skydiving
A fun, weatherproof option that works for families and groups. First-timers get a quick coaching session, then float in the wind tunnel with an instructor. Book end-of-day slots if you plan an active daytime itinerary.
Bordalsgjelet Gorge
A short drive or a pleasant walk from the center brings you to Bordalsgjelet, where safe viewpoints show an impressive, narrow gorge carved by the river. After rain, the power of the water is palpable. I like to combine this with a coffee stop in town and a stroll along the lake.
Waterfalls: Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen
Tvindefossen, around 12 kilometers north of Voss, is an elegant, multi-tiered fall visible from the road with a short, accessible path. Skjervsfossen, toward Granvin, has thoughtfully built walkways and viewpoints that let you feel close to the water without risking your ankles. Go early or late in the day for fewer people and softer light.
Hiking: From Family Strolls to Peak Days
In the valley, Prestegardsmoen is a flat riverside loop perfect for families and jet-lagged legs. For half-day hikes, trial Hanguren Panorama or paths around Tråstølen. If you want a bigger day, Lønahorgi is a classic with real mountain feel; check conditions and bring proper kit. Always consult locals or the tourism office for trail status, especially outside midsummer.
Skiing: Voss Resort and Myrkdalen
Voss Resort is the town’s “home hill” with runs for all levels and a cozy local vibe. The gondola from the station takes you right up, which makes ski-in by train a real thing. Myrkdalen sits higher and often gets generous snowfall; it’s worth the bus or car ride if you’re chasing fresh powder. Both areas offer rentals, lessons, and family facilities.
Lake Life at Vangsvatnet
On a still morning, Vangsvatnet looks like a mirror. Rent a kayak or SUP board, swim if you’re brave, or just picnic on the grass by the lake. If you’re into photography, sunrise or evening light across the water with paragliders aloft is a simple win.
Food and Drink: What to Try in Voss
Voss leans hearty and local. Vossafår (a cured sausage) and fenalår (cured lamb) show up on sharing boards. In autumn, some places offer smalahove (smoked sheep’s head), a traditional dish rooted in farm culture. It’s not for everyone, but it’s distinctly Voss.
For sit-down meals, you’ll find Nordic comfort food done with care: trout, lamb, root vegetables, and seasonal mushrooms. Park Hotel Vossevangen is known among Norwegians for its wine cellar, and Fleischer’s Hotel serves classic fare in a historic setting. Casual cafés in the center do excellent pastries, cinnamon buns, and coffee; perfect pre-hike fuel.
Local tip: Norway’s alcohol is regulated. For wine and spirits to take away you need the Vinmonopolet store during limited opening hours; beer is sold in supermarkets until the evening cut-off. Tap water is superb everywhere.
Where to Stay
You can sleep grand, simple, or outdoors in Voss:
- Historic hotels: Fleischer’s Hotel sits by the lake with its Swiss-style architecture and old-world atmosphere. Park Hotel Vossevangen in the center is a favorite for food and wine lovers.
- Modern mid-range: Several newer properties and apartments cluster near the station and along the lake, handy for walkers and skiers.
- Cabins and camping: Voss Camping by the river is within walking distance of town. Cabins in the surrounding hills give you that fireplace-and-view feeling Norwegians love.
Book early around late June for Ekstremsportveko and during peak winter weekends.
Easy Day Trips from Voss
Voss makes a practical base for exploring western Norway’s greatest hits:
- Nærøyfjord and Gudvangen: Ride a fjord cruise through UNESCO-listed waters. You can link this with the Flåm Railway for a full day.
- Hardangerfjord: Drive or bus toward Skjervsfossen, Granvin, Ulvik, and Lofthus for fruit orchards and trailheads.
- Norheimsund and Steinsdalsfossen: An accessible waterfall you can walk behind, paired with fjord views.
If you’re using public transport, pick day trips with simple bus connections and check return times in advance.
Sample Itineraries
One Day in Voss
- Morning: Arrive by train. Ride Voss Gondol, short walk at Hanguren, coffee at the top.
- Midday: Lakeside lunch, then Bordalsgjelet or Tvindefossen by bus/car.
- Afternoon: Kayak or SUP on Vangsvatnet, or indoor skydiving if the weather turns.
- Evening: Local dinner and a stroll along the lake.
Two to Three Days
- Day 1: Gondola hiking plus town exploration.
- Day 2: Rafting or paragliding; slow afternoon with pastries and a gentle valley walk.
- Day 3: Nærøyfjord day trip or a full-day mountain hike to Lønahorgi if conditions are right.
Winter Weekend
- Day 1: Train in, ski Voss Resort from the gondola. Sauna or hot tub if your hotel has one.
- Day 2: Bus to Myrkdalen for varied terrain. Back to Voss for a cozy dinner.
Practical Tips from a Local
- Dress for changeable weather. Even in summer, pack a light puffer, waterproof shell, and proper footwear. In winter, bring warm gloves and a face buff for the lifts.
- Book adventures ahead. Rafting, tandem paragliding, and Voss Vind fill up in July and during festival week.
- Travel light on cash. Norway is almost entirely card-friendly. If a place uses Vipps (a mobile payment app), cards are still normally accepted at the counter.
- Sunday quiet. Many shops have limited hours on Sundays; restaurants and hotels adjust but plan groceries beforehand.
- Safety first. Rivers and gorges are powerful. Stick to marked paths and platforms, and follow guide instructions. On hikes, tell someone your plan and check the forecast.
Family-Friendly Voss
Voss might be famous for extreme sports, but it’s very family friendly. The gondola is stroller-friendly, the lakefront has space to play, and Prestegardsmoen offers a flat loop for small legs to toddle. Summer rafting has gentler family trips on calmer sections, and in winter, Voss Resort has dedicated learning areas and rental shops close to the lifts.
Local tip: For a low-effort afternoon, grab pastries from a café, wander the lakeside, and watch paragliders land. Kids love it.
Responsible Travel and Nature Etiquette
Norwegian outdoor culture is built on shared access and respect. Pack out all trash, stick to marked trails to protect fragile vegetation, and keep drones grounded where they’re not permitted. In pasture areas, close gates behind you and give livestock space. If you drive, park only in designated spots; the fines for creative parking in Norway are the opposite of fun.
How to Plan Your Days Smoothly
Start with what matters most to you: one headline activity per day, then fill the gaps with easy wins like the lakefront or a café. Use the gondola for built-in views without a long hike. Aim for waterfall visits early or late to avoid tour bus peaks. And if the weather flips, don’t force it; Voss always has a plan B indoors or at the waterside.
Bottom line: Voss earns its “adventure capital” nickname, but the real magic is how accessible everything feels. You can step off the train, ride a gondola into the mountains, dip your feet in the lake, and be at dinner all within a few hours. Whether you’re here for adrenaline or a quiet taste of Norwegian valley life, Voss delivers with a smile and a side of fresh air.