The striking fjord setting of Ulvik, Norway.
David Nikel
Norway’s famous fjords may be among the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, but the growing popularity of cruise travel has brought overwhelming crowds to iconic destinations like Flåm and Geiranger.
Enter Ulvik. Tucked away at the end of the Ulvikafjord, a stunning branch of the Hardangerfjord, Ulvik offers all the drama of Norway’s fjords but without the crush of tourists.
Although Ulvik does welcome some cruise ships on Norwegian fjords itineraries, the presence of the Hardanger Bridge and the need for tendering restricts the number and size of ships that can call here.
As a result, visitors will find a quieter, more authentic atmosphere that’s still rooted in more than a century of small-scale tourism.
Known as the orchard of Norway, Ulvik and the wider Hardanger region burst into bloom each May and offer seasonal delights like cherries, plums, pears, and apples through October.
Add in an impressive network of hiking and biking trails plus opportunities for kayaking and fjord safaris and it’s easy to see why Ulvik is one of the Norwegian fjord region’s most rewarding detours.
The Fruits Of Ulvik’s Orchards
Ulvik is home to Norway’s only Fruit and Cider Route, a collection of family-run farms where visitors can taste freshly pressed juices and craft ciders made with local fruit.
Apple trees line the waterfront in much of Norway’s Hardanger region.
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The route connects three working farms: Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard, and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk. Each farm offers a different perspective on the region’s proud agricultural traditions.
At these farms, you’ll find more than just tasting rooms. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Hardanger’s unique climate, long daylight hours, and deep-rooted farming know-how come together to create high-quality cider and juices.
Many of the farms also have charming farm shops, selling bottles to take home along with homemade jams, chutneys, cured meats, and other local delicacies.
Time your visit right, and you may catch the apple blossom in May or the fall harvest season, when the fruit is at its ripest and the surrounding hills glow with color.
Ulvik’s Creative and Cultural Heart
Ulvik’s beauty has long inspired artists and writers, most notably Olav H. Hauge, one of Norway’s most celebrated poets, who lived his entire life in the village.
Hauge wrote in nynorsk, the lesser-used written standard of Norwegian, and played a major role in elevating its literary status through his spare, lyrical verses rooted in nature, philosophy, and rural life.
It’s worth taking a few minutes to admire the fine interiors of Ulvik Church.
David Nikel
Visitors can dive deeper into his legacy at the Olav H. Hauge Centre in the village. Hauge’s influence is felt all around Ulvik. Short excerpts of his poems are inscribed on benches, walls, and stones throughout the village, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the landscape through his words.
Handelslaget is a marketplace showcasing local creativity, from delicate glassware and handwoven textiles to small-batch preserves and fine pottery.
Finally, don’t miss the rose-painted interior of Ulvik Church, decorated by local artist Lars Osa.
Ulvik’s Outdoor Adventures
Ulvik’s peaceful setting doesn’t mean a lack of adventure. The surrounding hills and fjord offer countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Well-marked trails wind through orchards, forests, and steep mountain terrain, offering panoramic views of the Hardangerfjord region. Liavegen/Jobykse is a popular three-hour route for day hikers, while kayaking tours allow visitors to experience the fjord landscape from water level, often in complete silence save for the splash of a paddle.
For something more high-octane, local operator Angr offers RIB tours on the Hardangerfjord as well as sea kayak courses and rentals.
Ulvik Travel Tips
The nearest major city to Ulvik is Bergen, around 2.5 hours away by car. The scenic drive includes a crossing of the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, which links Ulvik to the main route between Bergen and Oslo.
Brakanes Hotel is a historic place to stay on the waterfront of Ulvik, Norway.
David Nikel
Alternatively, regional buses connect Ulvik to nearby towns like Voss and Eidfjord, but schedules are infrequent.
For overnight stays, Brakanes Hotel is a popular choice, offering waterfront rooms and a traditional Norwegian set menu featuring local produce.
For a more intimate experience, smaller guesthouses and farm stays in the area offer warm hospitality and direct access to hiking trails.
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