Norheimsund is a small waterfront town that sits right on the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most storied fjords. It is the kind of place where you can finish your breakfast and be at a famous waterfall ten minutes later, kayak under apple orchards by lunch, then sip local cider as the evening light slips over snowy peaks in the distance. I grew up with Sunday drives to this area, and it still gives me that same quiet, fjord-deep contentment every time.
If you are asking yourself whether Norheimsund is worth a stop on your Hardangerfjord itinerary, the short answer is yes. Steinsdalsfossen, the waterfall you can walk behind, is right here, and the town is a perfect base for fjord activities, farm visits, and easy day trips to Bergen, Kvamskogen, or the Folgefonna glacier area. You will find a compact harbor center, a historic hotel, a hands-on maritime museum, and plenty of trails and viewpoints within a short drive.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what to see, how to get around, and how to make the most of a day or two in Norheimsund.
Where Is Norheimsund and What’s the Feel?
Norheimsund lies in Kvam municipality, on the northern shore of the Hardangerfjord. From Bergen, it is an easy and very scenic drive that folds through mountains, fjord arms, and fruit-growing villages. The town’s personality is low-key and outdoorsy. There is a small marina and promenade, a few cafes and bakeries, a classic wooden hotel on the waterfront, and locals out walking or launching boats whenever the weather cooperates. In spring you’ll see orchards in blossom; in late summer and early autumn, the roadside farm stands are stacked with apples and plums.
Expect quickly changing weather, as this is fjord country. Bring layers, a light rain jacket, and good walking shoes even in summer. Winters are quiet, with snow up in the hills and ski lifts running at nearby Kvamskogen.
Getting to Norheimsund
Most visitors arrive from Bergen. By car, the route typically follows E16 out of the city before switching toward the Hardanger region and joining RV7 along the fjord. It is around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and photo stops. Public transportation is straightforward, with regular regional buses from Bergen’s main bus station to Norheimsund center.
If you are touring the Hardangerfjord by car, Norheimsund often lines up naturally between the Bergen area and Eidfjord or Ulvik further along RV7. Travelers coming from Odda and the southern fjords can also reach Norheimsund by combining a ferry across the fjord with beautiful drives through the Folgefonna region.
Top Things To Do in Norheimsund
Walk behind Steinsdalsfossen
This waterfall is the headliner, and for good reason. A gently sloped path leads up behind the curtain of water so you can stand in a dry alcove while the falls thunder right in front of you. It is family friendly, free, and takes all of ten minutes from the parking area. Go early or later in the day in summer for more breathing room, and watch for spray on the path.
Stroll the Harbor and Promenade
Norheimsund’s small waterfront is made for slow wandering. Grab a coffee, check out the boats, and find a bench to watch the fjord play its mood changes. On calm days the water is mirror-still; on blustery ones it chops and glints like metal.
Hardanger Maritime Center
I am a sucker for living museums, and this one always delivers. The maritime center preserves traditional wooden boats and shipbuilding skills. There are workshops where you can see old craft techniques up close, plus exhibitions that make sense of Hardanger’s seafaring history. Adults love it, and kids get to poke around and touch things.
Explore Tokagjelet and Fitjadalen
A short drive from town takes you into classic West Norway scenery. Tokagjelet is a narrow gorge where road and river share a tight valley, and Fitjadalen opens into a string of lakes and birch forest. Pack a picnic, pull over at a marked lay-by, and take one of the signed paths for an hour or two on foot.
Kayak or Rent a Boat
Calm mornings on the fjord are golden for paddling. Rentals and guided trips are sometimes available in summer from local operators around the harbor or nearby villages. Even a simple rowboat outing gives you that low-to-the-water fjord perspective and a healthy appetite for lunch.
Cider, Fruit Farms, and Local Food
Hardanger is Norway’s orchard belt. The slopes around Norheimsund and neighboring villages grow apples, plums, cherries, and pears, and you will taste that in everything from fresh juice to award-winning ciders. If you can, book a cider tasting or farm visit at a local producer. You will usually get a short tour, learn about the fruit, and sample several ciders alongside simple local food. Designate a driver or walk it off by the water afterward.
Roadside stands and farm shops pop up from late spring through autumn. I like to stop for a paper bag of apples, a jar of jam, and a slice of apple cake. When the weather behaves, take your treats to a picnic table by the harbor.
Where to Stay
Norheimsund has a small but charming set of places to sleep. The landmark is a historic wooden hotel right on the water, known for creaking floors, fjord views from many rooms, and a cozy restaurant. This kind of grand old hotel experience is very Norwegian and pairs well with a slow Hardanger weekend. You will also find modern rooms and apartments at smaller guesthouses, plus camping and cabins within a short drive if you prefer a budget-friendly base close to nature.
Tip: In May, June, and early July the area is popular with blossom chasers and summer holiday makers. Book ahead for waterfront rooms or cabins with a view.
Eating and Drinking
Look for menus that lean into fjord and farm: trout or salmon, local lamb and cheese, and apple-based desserts. Cafes serve proper coffee, waffles with brunost or homemade jam, and hearty soups on rainy days. In the evening, restaurants often showcase Hardanger cider alongside Norwegian beers. If you are self-catering, the town center has supermarkets and a bakery, and there is usually a small fish counter for something fresh to cook.
Outdoor Activities Nearby
Kvamskogen Skiing and Snow Play
About 30 to 40 minutes from Norheimsund, Kvamskogen is the local winter playground. Family-friendly slopes, sledding hills, and cross-country trails make it a good option for a day on snow without the big-resort bustle. If you are visiting in winter, check road and weather conditions before you set out, and bring proper clothing. In summer, these hills turn into mellow hiking territory with berries along the trails in August.
Folgefonna Glacier Area
Across the fjord, the Folgefonna peninsula holds blue ice and high summer snowfields. Many travelers combine a ferry crossing with a drive up to the glacier area for a guided walk on the ice or just to breathe in the views at the edge of the snow. Save this for a clear day, and bring sunglasses and layered clothing even in July.
Fyksesund and Viewpoints
The narrow Fyksesund is one of my favorite arms of the Hardangerfjord for photographs. Viewpoints along RV7 and side roads offer classic fjord shots with steep mountains diving into cold blue water. Pull-outs are signed, but do keep an eye out for traffic and always park fully off the road.
Day Trips That Work Well
Bergen
Norheimsund to Bergen is an easy there-and-back if you want a city day for museums, Bryggen’s wooden wharf, and a ride on the Fløibanen funicular. It also works the other way around: stay in Bergen and set aside a full day for Norheimsund, Steinsdalsfossen, and a farm visit.
Eidfjord and Vøringsfossen
Continue along RV7 for bigger-mountain drama. Stop at viewpoints over the Hardanger Bridge, then carry on to the high plateau toward Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. Walk the viewing platforms and feel the spray in your chest.
Ulvik and Fruit Villages
Ulvik is another orchard village that pairs well with Norheimsund. The drive gives you fjord curves, small tunnels, and a grab-bag of farm shops. If you are chasing the Hardanger blossom season, this loop is prime.
Practical Tips From a Local
Weather and packing: Even in July, mornings can start cool and damp. Bring layers, a warm sweater or fleece, a waterproof jacket, and shoes with good grip. In winter, crampons for city shoes can be handy if sidewalks get icy.
Driving and parking: RV7 hugs the fjord and can be narrow in places. Pull over in signed lay-bys for photos, not on the shoulder. There is usually signed parking near Steinsdalsfossen and in town by the harbor. Payment apps and cards are widely accepted.
Public transport: Regional buses connect Norheimsund to Bergen and other Hardanger spots. If you are not renting a car, planning your day around bus timings is very doable here.
Money and payments: Norway is largely cashless. Card and mobile payments are the norm, even at small cafes and many farm stands.
Swimming: Summer brings tempting water. Fjords can be chilly even on hot days. Look for designated bathing spots, and avoid jumping near boat traffic or docks.
EV charging: If you are driving an electric car, chargers are common around the Hardangerfjord, including in and near Norheimsund. Download a couple of Norwegian charging apps before you go to keep options open.
When To Visit
Spring through early summer is my personal favorite. The apple blossom usually peaks from mid May into early June, making the slopes look frothy and bright. Summer is best for hiking, kayaking, and long evenings by the water. Early autumn gives you fruit, cider, and color, plus fewer people. Winter is for quiet fjord views and snow at Kvamskogen, with short days and cozy nights.
If you want mild weather, long days, and full services, aim for June to August. For blossom or autumn color and easier booking, target late May or September.
Suggested One and Two Day Plans
One day in Norheimsund: Arrive by late morning. Start at Steinsdalsfossen before the midday rush. Grab a coffee and lunch by the harbor, then visit the Hardanger Maritime Center. In the afternoon, take a short drive into Fitjadalen for a one to two hour walk, and finish with dinner overlooking the fjord.
Two days based in town: Day one as above. Day two, book a cider tasting at a local farm for late morning. In the afternoon, rent kayaks or take a fjord cruise if available, or drive to Kvamskogen for a hike in summer or skiing in winter. If the weather is crystal clear, you could instead devote the day to crossing the fjord and getting up close to the Folgefonna ice.
Norheimsund suits travelers who like variety without complicated logistics. You can touch a waterfall, taste the region in your glass, and end the day on a pier with your feet dangling over the Hardangerfjord. Simple, calm, and exactly what many people come to Norway to feel.