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NORWAY | The Fjord Region, Norway Travel Guide
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
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Hardanger and Eidfjord
Hardanger
Hardanger is just east of Bergen on the way to Oslo. You get there by taking RV 7, which is the shortest route between Bergen and Oslo and the one used before the highway was built to the north of Hardanger. The highway is longer, has more tunnels but is also faster than RV 7, which is now only a tourist route for visitors to the Hardanger area.
Eidfjord
Eidfjord is one of the regions in Hardanger and is easily accessible since it’s right on the road, RV 7, between Bergen and Oslo, 150 km (90 miles) from Bergen. Eidfjord is also the name of the biggest village in the area. The well-known Måbø Valley and the waterfall Vøringfossen are just east of it.
Despite its proximity to Bergen, the area was virtually unknown to the general public before the 19th century. Prior to that, mainly scientists and explorers came here, but that would all change with the visit of a professor from Oslo named Christopher Hansteen. Hansteen came here in 1821 primarily to make astronomical observations, but he also wanted to make sure that the beauty of the Hardanger region was appreciated by everyone.
Hansteen became known as the discoverer of the giant waterfall Vøringfossen. Although he certainly wasn’t the first man to visit the falls, he probably was the first to measure its height by dropping stones from the top of the falls and timing how long it took for them to reach the bottom.
Norway is known for its countless waterfalls, many of which can be seen from the roads while driving around, particularly in the fjord region. At 182m(600 feet), Vøringfossen is not the highest waterfall in Norway but it is one of the most spectacular and it inspired Hansteen to write an article in a famous magazine encouraging everyone to come to Eidfjord and see it. Today, it’s by far the most visited waterfall in Norway.
Last updated December 4, 2007
Posted in Norway | The Fjord Region
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