Ulvik: Norway’s Orchard Village On The Hardangerfjord

At the far end of the Ulvikafjord, a branch of the mighty Hardangerfjord, lies the charming village of Ulvik.

Known for its fruit orchards, cider production, cultural heritage, and peaceful fjord setting, Ulvik is a rewarding stop for anyone exploring western Norway.

With fewer visitors than some of Norway’s busiest fjord destinations, Ulvik offers space to breathe. It is a place where travellers can hike through blossom-filled orchards, taste locally made cider, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the fjords at a slower pace.

Where Is Ulvik?

Ulvik is located in Vestland county, in the heart of Norway’s Hardangerfjord region. The nearest city is Bergen, about 150 kilometres away, while Voss is the closest larger town.

By car: From Bergen, the journey to Ulvik takes around 2.5 hours. The highlight is crossing the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. From Voss, the drive takes about 45 minutes.

By bus: Regional buses connect Ulvik with Voss and Eidfjord, although services are limited. Visitors who want to explore beyond the village will find a car more practical.

By cruise ship: Some cruise ships call at Ulvik, but only smaller vessels can pass under the Hardanger Bridge. Passengers are often tendered ashore, adding to the sense of arrival in a secluded fjordside community.

Watch: A Day in Ulvik

Speaking of arrival in Ulvik by cruise ship, check out this 60-second introduction to the village that I filmed on a recent visit:

If you enjoyed that introduction, keep reading for lots more information, photographs, and travel tips.

The Orchard Of Norway

Ulvik is often called the orchard of Norway, thanks to the thousands of fruit trees covering the slopes around the fjord. Apple blossom season in May turns the valley into a sea of white and pink, while the autumn harvest adds vibrant colour and the chance to sample ripe fruit.

A highlight for visitors is the Fruit and Cider Route, Norway’s only dedicated cider trail. Three family-run farms—Ulvik Frukt & Cideri, Syse Gard, and Hardanger Saft- og Siderfabrikk—welcome guests for tastings, tours, and farm shop browsing.

Each farm has its own style, from small-batch cider to traditional juices, but all showcase the unique conditions of Hardanger’s fruit-growing culture: long summer daylight hours, a cool climate, and centuries of farming know-how.

In addition to cider, many farms sell homemade jams, chutneys, honey, cured meats, and handicrafts. Some also offer accommodation, allowing you to stay right among the orchards.

Ulvik’s Cultural Side

Despite its small size, Ulvik has a strong cultural identity. Most famously, it is the hometown of Olav H. Hauge, one of Norway’s most important poets.

Hauge wrote in nynorsk, the less commonly used written form of Norwegian, and his simple but profound verses often drew inspiration from nature and philosophy.

The Olav H. Hauge Centre in Ulvik explores his life and work. Around the village, you will also see his words inscribed on benches and stones, encouraging reflection as you wander.

Other cultural highlights include:

Ulvik Church: Built in 1859 and designed by the architect Hans Linstow, this is actually the third church to stand in the village. Earlier stave and timber churches once occupied the same site. Artefacts from those buildings are preserved today in Bergen.

Inside Ulvik Church, visitors can see a striking altarpiece painted in 1876, while the rose-painted decoration by Lars Osa from the 1920s gives the interior much of its character.

Handelslaget: A local cooperative marketplace showcasing the creativity of Hardanger, with pottery, textiles, glassware, and preserves made by local craftspeople.

Outdoor Adventures

Ulvik’s peaceful setting doesn’t mean a lack of activity. The surrounding landscape invites exploration in every season, whether you prefer to walk, cycle, or take to the water.

Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the area, with trails ranging from easy strolls through the orchards to more challenging climbs that reveal panoramic views of the Hardangerfjord.

The Liavegen–Jobykse route is a popular three-hour hike, while shorter marked trails closer to the village are ideal for families or those seeking a gentle walk.

Cyclists will also find plenty to enjoy in Ulvik. The quiet country roads that wind through the valley are particularly appealing in late spring and summer, when the orchards are heavy with blossom and the air is filled with the scent of fruit trees.

On the water, kayaking on the Ulvikafjord offers a serene way to immerse yourself in the fjord landscape. For something faster paced, local operator Angr runs RIB boat safaris across the Hardangerfjord and also offers sea kayaking courses.

When To Visit Ulvik

Each season in Ulvik brings a different atmosphere. Spring, especially in April and May, is one of the most beautiful times to visit, as the orchards burst into blossom and the first warmth of the year returns.

Summer is peak season, with long days, warm temperatures, and an active cultural calendar, making it perfect for hiking, cycling, and water activities. Autumn transforms Ulvik once again, as the harvest brings apples, plums, and pears, and the hillsides glow with colour.

Winter is a quieter time, with limited services for visitors, but those who make the journey are rewarded with peaceful snowy surroundings.

Where To Stay In Ulvik

Despite its small size, Ulvik offers a good choice of places to stay. Brakanes Hotel is the best-known option, sitting right on the fjord with many rooms offering waterfront views. Its restaurant places local produce at the centre of its menus, giving guests a taste of the region.

For a more intimate experience, several guesthouses and farm stays provide warm hospitality and direct access to hiking trails or orchards. During the summer months, camping is also possible in the area, appealing to travellers who prefer a closer connection with nature.

Practical Travel Tips

Ulvik is well equipped for visitors, although services are small-scale. You’ll find grocery stores, cafés, and a handful of restaurants, but for larger shopping trips you’ll need to head to Voss.

If you are not arriving by cruise, travelling by car makes exploring Ulvik and the wider Hardangerfjord region much easier, as public transport connections are infrequent.

The weather in western Norway can change quickly, so it’s wise to bring layers and waterproof clothing even in the height of summer.

Beyond Ulvik

Ulvik makes an excellent base for discovering the wider Hardangerfjord. Just half an hour away, Eidfjord is another small fjord village with access to the dramatic Måbødalen valley and the famous Vøringfossen waterfall.

To the south, Odda has long been an industrial town but is now better known as the gateway to the iconic Trolltunga hike.

Voss, about 45 minutes from Ulvik, is a year-round adventure hub with skiing, extreme sports, and rail connections to both Bergen and Oslo.

And of course, there is the Hardangerfjord itself. Stretching for 179 kilometres, it is one of Norway’s longest fjords, surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain plateaus, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

Why Visit Ulvik?

Ulvik offers a slower, more intimate fjord experience than many of Norway’s better-known destinations.

With orchards, cider tasting, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities all within easy reach, it’s a rewarding detour for anyone exploring western Norway.

If you want to combine fjord landscapes with authentic village life (and perhaps a glass or two of locally made cider!) Ulvik is hard to beat.