Experience local tastes and a magnificent fjord landscape on a cider tour to Hardanger! This tour includes several cider tastings in the Hardanger, as well as a sustainable fjord cruise with the ultra-modern catamaran Vision of the Fjords. During the tour, you will experience an orchard walk in Lofthus, visit the Norwegian cider champion Aga and learn more about cider and cider production in Norway. You will also be served a delicious lunch at Aga Farm.
You start the tour from Bergen with a local bus trip across Kvamskogen Forest to Norheimsund. In Norheimsund, hop on the express boat that takes you to beautiful Lofthus, an idyllic fruit village in the heart of the Hardangerfjord. Lofthus and the surrounding area is known as the "Orchard of Hardanger", and it is in these beautiful surroundings that you go on a guided orchard walk. Here you get to taste fresh Hardanger Cider and learn why Hardanger offers the ideal conditions for cider production. You will have 3 tastings here, and you will also have time to visit the farm shop of Alvavoll Fruit and Sidergard.
After the orchard walk, you board the state-of-the-art catamaran Vision of the Fjords. The boat runs on electricity and the trip is quite an experience in itself. From the large and open decks, you can enjoy a silent and comfortable trip over the beautiful Hardangerfjord. On the boat trip, you will have great views of the mighty Folgefonna Glacier, the majestic mountains of the Hardangerfjord as well as the lush fruit orchards covering both sides of the fjord.
You disembark the boat when you arrive at Aga, and as you walk onto the dock you will be greeted by a fruit farmer from Aga Sideri. Aga Sideri is a cider manufacturer that produces some of the finest cider available in Norway, perhaps even in the world! In 2019, the cider "Bøddel" (Executioner) won the award "Norway's best cider". At the cider farm, you will learn more about how traditional Hardanger Cider is made and get to taste different ciders, including Norway's best cider; Bøddel. You will have 3 tastings here and also get the opportunity to buy your favorites home with you. Now that you have a thorough introduction to how cider is made (and how it tastes!), a delicious homemade lunch will be served at Agatunet. The lunch menu will consist of locally sourced ingredients with a focus on fresh produce. You will also be treated to a guided tour in historic Agatunet, one of the few remaining farm clusters in Norway. After a tasty lunch, it's time to get back on the boat and cruise back to Lofthus.
After an exciting, eventful, and tasty day it is time to take a boat to Norheimsund and a bus back to Bergen. Shortly after departure from Norheimsund, you will be able to see the roaring Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall and on the journey further west, you will experience the scenic mountain landscape of Vestlandet on a comfortable bus ride.
What's included
- Local bus Bergen - Norheimsund and back
- Express boat Norheimsund - Lofthus and back
- Guided orchard walk in Lofthus (English speaking guide)
- Cider tasting in Lofthus
- Electric Fjord Cruise Lofthus - Aga and back on board the state-of-the-art catamaran Vision of the Fjords
- Cider tasting at Aga Sideri
- Lunch at Aga Sideri
Important remarks
- Please note the tour is guided in Norwegian and English
- You will meet the guide in Lofthus and you will travel on your own from Bergen to Lofthus and back
Recommendation
We recommend to stay overnight for 1-3 night in in Hardangerfjord area to explore and feel it better. Staying for several nights you will be able to visit Voringfossen waterfall, Steinsdalsfossen waterfall or take fantastic walks in the area.
Ask us for many other ideas how to spend time in Hardanger.