11 Best Things To Do in Odda, Norway

Odda, a small, picturesque town in Western Norway, has been a popular tourist destination for centuries—even Kaiser Wilheim II stayed there! In recent times, the town has become popular thanks to viral photos from Trolltunga (located nearby) and the release of the “Ragnarok” series on Netflix (which was filmed in Odda). In our new article, we will discuss all aspects of traveling to Odda and explore the best things to do in Odda, Norway.

By the way, we have even added Odda to our list of the 17 most picturesque towns and villages in Norway – check out more fabulous destinations in our article. And now, let’s have a look at what to do in Odda, Norway.

 

Best Time to Visit Odda

Indeed, the best time to travel to Odda is during the summer season—from June to August. At this time, the temperatures usually vary between 10°C and 20°C, and the weather is mild and pleasant overall. Also, this is the peak tourist season.

When it comes to traveling to Odda off-season, the temperatures at this time drop to 5°C-15°C. It’ll be even chillier in the mountains, and it begins to rain more often. So, if you want to travel to Odda, we highly recommend you do it in summer, which is the best time to hike Trolltunga and the Buer Valley.

 

How to Get to Odda, Norway

In this part of our article, let’s see how to get to Odda from Norway’s two major cities: Oslo and Bergen. Considering that it is located in Western Norway, it would be faster and easier to travel exactly from Bergen. However, if you find yourself in the Norwegian capital, there’s also a relatively easy (but long) way to get from Oslo to Odda.

How to Get from Oslo to Odda

How to get from Oslo to Odda by bus. Apart from renting a car, this is the only way to travel comfortably from Oslo to Odda. There is one daily departure from the central bus station in Oslo: line NW180 (Nor-Way Bussekspress) to Hagen and change for bus no. 725 (SKYSS) from Hagen to Odda.

How to get from Oslo to Odda by car. You can drive on the E18 road to Drammen, continue your way on the E134 road to Skare, and finish your trip with a short drive on the 13th road (you can even make a stop near the Låtefossen on the way). Overall, the trip will take slightly more than 5 hours.

How to Get from Bergen to Odda

How to get from Bergen to Odda by bus. This is the easiest way to get from Bergen to Odda. There are 3 daily departures of the bus no. 930 (SKYSS) from the Bergen bus station to Odda; the entire trip takes around 3 hours.

How to get from Bergen to Odda by ferry and bus. You can spice your journey up with a scenic ferry ride on your way from Bergen to Odda. There is ferry line no. 2075 that runs 3 times a day from Bergen to Rosendal. From that village, you can either drive or take a bus no. 760 (4 departures per day; the travel time is around 50 minutes) to Odda.

How to get from Bergen to Odda by car. The quickest way to drive from Bergen to Odda would be driving on the E39, E16, 7, and 48 roads to Gjerdmundshamn, then taking a ferry to get across the fjord and resuming the drive on the 500 and 551 roads to Odda thereafter. The entire trip will take around 3 hours.

 

11 Best Things To Do in Odda, Norway

As we have mentioned, Odda is most famous thanks to the Trolltunga hike—most trekkers tend to start their hiking adventure from this picturesque town. But this area has many more exciting activities and things to do! Here, we will explore what to do in Odda, Norway in detail.

 

Hike Trolltunga

Undoubtedly, hiking Trolltunga is among the most popular things to do in Odda, Norway. Many travelers use this town as a base for their hiking adventures to the famous tongue-shaped rock (hence the name) that overhangs Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

The hike itself is strenuous, and you must be in good shape in order to complete it. We advise you to start early, so you can spend enough time on Trolltunga (and avoid large queues) and come back until evening.

The route starts from the parking lot in Skjeggedal, and the entire round trip takes 10-12 hours. If you find yourself in this picturesque town, hiking to Trolltunga and getting a memorable photo is one of the best things to do in Odda. But it’s not just that; the hiking route itself is spectacular, and you will absolutely enjoy the captivating Norwegian nature every step of the way!

In summer, the area around the Troll’s Tongue becomes a popular destination to stay camping. Travelers reach this place, pitch their tents, and enjoy their time savoring the beautiful Norwegian nature and good company. But bear in mind, when we say that it’s popular, we really mean it – at times, there are hundreds of tents pitched in this small area around Trolltunga. But the experience of staying there overnight is truly fabulous! If you are an adventurer, you shouldn’t miss out on that.

Do you want to learn more about this hike? Check out our articles on how to prepare for Trolltunga or Norway’s best hiking routes (Trolltunga included).

How to get from Odda to Trolltunga. The easiest way to get to Skjeggedal is by driving, which takes around 20 minutes. If you don’t drive, consider getting a bus or Trolltunga shuttle – see the schedules. Some backpackers choose to hike all the way to Odda, but it would add 12 kilometers more to your trip.

 

Set Out on a Hiking Adventure in the Buer Valley

Even though Trolltunga is the number one attraction around Odda, there are plenty of other things to do in Odda – especially when it comes to hiking. One of the adventures you can embark on is hiking in the Buer (or Buar) Valley to witness the spectacular glacier in the Folgefonna National Park – one of Norway’s best and most popular national parks.

This hike starts straight in the town of Odda. The route is not an easy one – you will have to cross mountain rivers using the shaky suspension bridges and climb rocks using pre-made (ready) ropes. But despite that, this hike is an exciting activity – especially the kids love it! So, if you are traveling with family, don’t hesitate to venture into the Buer Valley.

You can also learn more about hiking to Buerbreen in our article.

 

Go Kayaking in Odda

Do you love outdoor sports and activities? Then, kayaking in Odda must be one of the best things to do in this picturesque town! Odda, nestled between the Sandvinvatnet Lake and Hardangerfjord, offers ample kayaking opportunities for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

Kayaking in Sandvin Lake is a preferred option for beginners, as the lake’s calm waters create perfect conditions for an easy, enjoyable kayaking experience. If you are a more experienced kayaker, you can go paddling in Hardangerfjord along the shoreline. During this activity, you will have an amazing opportunity to explore hidden coves and, if you are lucky, even spot some wildlife, such as porpoises or seals!

If you are traveling to Odda in summer, it is advised that you book kayaking tours early. One local company that offers kayaking tours is Trolltunga Active, based in Setesdal.

 

Visit the Stunning Låtefossen Waterfall

Thinking about what to do in Odda? Låtefossen, a spectacular twin waterfall near the town, is the most popular attraction in the Odda Valley (Oddadalen). The waterfall, which has been a magnet for travelers since the 19^th century, has a drop of 165 meters and is renowned for the scenic road bridge next to it.

If you follow a path up along the eastern side of the valley, you will reach the viewpoint above the waterfall. If you follow a path up along the eastern side of the valley, you will reach the viewpoint above the waterfall. But even if you are too lazy to climb up there, that’s fine – the views from below the bridge are simply astonishing, too!

It takes around 15 minutes to drive from Odda to Låtefossen. If you don’t have a car and need to take public transport, there is a bus no. 640 (SKYSS) that runs about 8-9 times per day from Odda, and the ride takes from 30 to 40 minutes. All in all, traveling to Låtefossen is one of the best things to do in Odda.

 

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Hardanger National Tourist Route

Hardanger National Tourist Route is one of Norway’s 18 designated scenic routes chosen for its exceptional beauty. This particular route consists of four separate drives, altogether totaling 158 kilometers. If you have rented a car in Norway, driving through the Hardanger National Tourist Route is one of the best things to do in Odda.

This scenic route lies along the stunning fjord coast, next to the impressive waterfalls, seemingly endless fruit orchards, and charming tiny Norwegian villages. There are the following four sections of this route:

• Kinsarvik – Låtefoss: this section of the route lies through Odda and follows the southern shore of the Hardangerfjord, passing impressive waterfalls and the Folgefonna National Park.
• Granvin – Steinsdalsfossen: this section follows the northern shore of the fjord and ends near the spectacular waterfall, which you can walk behind without getting wet.
• Norheimsund – Tørvikbygd: this part of the route continues along the fjord, passing through fruit orchards and charming villages.
• Jondal – Utne: in this section, you have to cross the Hardangerfjord by ferry, where you can take in spectacular views from the water.

If you drive a car, you must absolutely take on this scenic road trip! Once you find yourself in Odda (which itself is a part of this scenic route), you will definitely more to explore the Hardanger region more!

 

Go Hiking in Odda

Wondering what to do in Odda, Norway? The answer is simple: hiking! Yes, we know that we have already covered two exceptional hiking routes near Odda: Trolltunga and Buerbreen. However, there are many more spectacular routes near Odda, and here we will take a look at each option.

In other words, Odda is a true paradise for hikers and adventurers. So, if you find yourself in this town, don’t hesitate to embark on these picturesque, exciting hikes!

 

Jordalsnuten

Difficulty: moderate to challenging.

Distance: around 12 kilometers for a round trip (around 5 hours).

Elevation gain: 800+ meters.

Starting point: Strand near the Sandvinsvatnet Lake (free parking available there).

When it comes to hiking near Odda, Jordalsnuten is definitely one of the most spectacular hikes. The trail starts with a steep ascent on stone stairs, followed by a path through green forests, open meadows, and rocky terrain. During this hike, you will also pass the stunning Strandsfossen waterfall.

From the peak of Jordalsnuten, which rises at 1,043 meters above sea level, you will enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Hardanger region and Folgefonna glacier. Bear in mind that, even though the hike is not as popular as Trolltunga or Buerbreen, the trail may get crowded during the peak season. Overall, Jordalsnuten is a perfect choice for hiking in Odda.

 

Bondhusdalen Valley

Difficulty: easy to moderate.

Distance: from 4 to 13 kilometers for a round trip, depending on how far into the valley you want to go (from 2 to 6 hours for a round trip).

Elevation gain: from 190 meters.

Starting point: Bondhus.

Bondhusdalen (the Bondhus Valley) is definitely one of the most picturesque places in all of Norway (you can see the valley in the photo above). That’s why the hike to the Bondhus Valley is so popular, especially considering that the route is relatively easy. And it isn’t that difficult to reach Bondhus from Odda: it takes just a 20-minute drive or a bus ride (read the practical tip below) to get there.

During this adventure, you will witness the spectacular valley below the Folgefonna glacier. The beauty of its icefall reflected in the Bondhusvatnet Lake (formed by the melted water from the glacier) is hard to put into words. If you are not a fan of hiking and outdoor adventures, you can go for an easy version of the hike to reach the lake and back. But if you are thirsty for more adventures, you can continue your journey all the way to the glacier viewpoint.

All in all, hiking in the Bondhusdalen is surely one of the best things to do in Odda!

Practical tip: if you don’t drive, you can get from Odda to Bondhus by taking a bus no. 760 (SKYSS). The bus runs every 4 hours, and the trip takes up to 20 minutes.

 

 

H.M. Queen Sonja’s Panoramic Hiking Trail

Difficulty: moderate to challenging.

Distance: 18 kilometers (from 6 to 8 hours).

Elevation gain: 820 meters.

Starting point: there are two starting points: in Lofthus (near the Hotel Ullensvang) and in Kinsarvik (in Røte, a short drive from Kinsarvik).

H.M. Queen Sonja’s Panoramic Hiking Trail, more commonly known as Dronningstien, is one of the most beautiful hiking trails not only in Hardanger but in the entire country. It got its second name because it was one of H.M. Queen Sonja’s favorite hikes. The trail runs through the mountains between Lofthus and Kinsarvik, and at an altitude of 1,100 meters, it is quite a strenuous hike.

On this trail, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Sørfjorden, a branch of the Hardangerfjord, throughout the entire hike. On top of that, you will also get a glimpse of the Folgefonna Glacier and the Hardangervidda plateau in the distance. Unlike most hikes in Norway (which are marked the usual red “T”), Dronningstien is marked with a blue “D” in honor of the Queen.

You can complete the hike in both directions, but the most popular direction is from Kinsarvik to Lofthus. And it is located not that far from Odda: it takes around 35 minutes to drive from Odda to Lofthus. Overall, this is deservedly one of the best hikes in the Hardanger Region. If you are up for some intense, strenuous activity, this is the hike you should absolutely try!

Practical tip: if you don’t drive, you can take a bus no. 990 (SKYSS) that runs every 4 hours from Odda to Lofthus. The trip takes around 35 minutes.

 

Hardangervidda

Difficulty: challenging.

Distance: 40 kilometers (2-3 days).

Elevation gain: 1,000 meters.

Starting point: Odda.

Route: Odda – Stavali – Husedalen – Vøringsfossen – Skjeggedal.

Hardangervidda, the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe, offers ample opportunities for hiking near Odda. Indeed, there are dozens and dozens of hiking routes across the plateau, most of which are multi-day hikes. And, of course, there are several spectacular hikes you can take from Odda!

The route we have offered here runs through the western part of Hardangervidda. During this multi-day hike, you will venture into several picturesque valleys, witnessing spectacular waterfalls and mountains. One of the highlights of this hike is the roaring Vøringsfossen waterfall, which boasts a total drop of 182 meters and appears to be among the most visited waterfalls in the country.

But, of course, there are other Hardangervidda hikes starting from Odda – both longer and shorter. One of the most popular routes is the 5-day hike from Kinsarvik to Odda (or the other way round), which covers 65 kilometers and runs through Trolltunga. But bear in mind that this hike is truly strenuous and requires all adventurers to be in good shape.

As you can see from this list, Odda is truly a fantastic destination for people who love recreation in the mountains. There are many picturesque hikes near Odda, and you can select those you prefer the most. Good luck with your Odda hiking adventures!

 

Visit the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry in the Nearby Tyssedal

Regarding the best things to do in Odda, traveling to the nearby Tyssedal is usually off the travelers’ radar (unless you are going to hike Trolltunga). However, this small town can boast an impressive attraction: a monumental power station that was transformed into the Museum of Hydropower and Industry.

This engrossing museum explores the industrial history of Odda and Tyssedal, providing a fascinating insight into hydropower production, electricity, and power-intensive industries. The trip would be worth even just to admire this spectacular building, designed by Norwegian architect Thorvald Astrup, who was famous for industrial architecture.

Hours: the museum is open from Tuesday through Friday (10:00–15:00) but please double-check the hours before you travel.

Practical tip: getting to Tyssedal isn’t that difficult. If you don’t drive, you can get there by bus, train, or ferry within minutes. There are two daily ferry and two daily train departures (book here), as well as buses departing every hour (no. 995 SKYSS).

 

Visit an Authentic Cider Farm in Hardanger

The Hardanger region is renowned for its apple farms, where you can taste delicious jam, juice, cider, and much more! With mild winters and sunny, long summers, Hardanger became an ideal place for growing apple orchards a long time ago. Today, the region boasts a rich history of producing cider and apple jam spanning centuries.

Apple farms in Hardanger are usually located in absolutely scenic places, surrounded by fjords, mountains, and orchards, reinforcing the unforgettable experience of visiting the farm. Many of them offer guided tours, where you can learn about the production process, taste their produce, and even buy some souvenirs and products for your family and friends.

The closest cider farm to Odda is Aga Sideri, which is famous for its award-winning ciders and offers tasting tours to visitors. But if you don’t mind a trip further away from Odda, you can travel to Ulvik, a small town that is home to numerous apple farms. Some of the farms you may consider visiting include Syse Gard, Hardanger Saft-og Siderfabrikk, and Ulvik Frukt & Cideri.

Overall, traveling to the Hardanger region without ever stepping foot in an authentic apple farm is a definite no-no. Don’t miss this chance to tantalize your taste buds in Hardanger’s picturesque setting!

Practical tip: there is one daily train departure from Odda to Ulvik (book here), and the train also stops in Aga (in case you want to visit Aga Spideri). Alternatively, you can travel by bus, but that would entail one transfer: no. 990 bus from Odda to Kinsarvik (Bu Terminal), then change for a no. 945 bus from Kinsarvik to Ulvik; total travel time is up to 2 hours.

 

Go Glacier-Hiking and Summer Skiing in Folgefonna

If you love outdoor activities and extreme adventures, then visiting the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort would be one of the best things to do near Odda for you. The center opens its doors every summer, offering experienced skiers and snowboarders the chance to enjoy winter activities in the middle of the hot season.

On top of that, you can also go hiking the glacier in Folgefonna if the weather conditions are right and the ice is solid enough. There are several companies that offer glacier hiking tours for varying levels of difficulty. But in either case, glacier hiking is physically demanding, so at least a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

All in all, traveling to Odda means enjoying an amazing selection of outdoor activities, even finding winter in the middle of the hot summer. And you can be sure there are activities to do in Odda that you will absolutely love!

 

Visit the Historic Gamlet of Agatunet

Traveling to taste that renowned cider at Aga Sideri? Complement it with a visit to Agatunet, a traditional Norwegian village center in which the oldest building dates back to 1220. At this historic place in Aga, you can book a guided tour and see art and historic exhibitions.

As of the present time, Agatunet is one of Norway’s few listed historic hamlets, and it is undoubtedly the largest one. Here, you can witness 45 historic houses and 10 associated boat houses. The highlight of Agatunet is Lagmannstova, Norway’s oldest documented courtroom that was built by Sigurd Brynjulvson Aga in 1220.

In fact, there are plenty of things you can do at Agatunet. There is a cozy café, museum shop, film room, art exhibitions, historical exhibitions, and even knight playroom for children. And guided tours are available every hour until 4 PM.

 

Dine in One of Norway’s Most Extraordinary Restaurants in Rosendal

We conclude our list of the 11 best things to do in Odda with a dinner at the Iris restaurant in Rosendal (be sure to book a table at least a few months in advance). Located in the middle of the Hardangerfjord and accessible only by boat, this unique restaurant combines astonishing architecture, innovative cuisine, and spectacular natural beauty, thus creating an unforgettable experience.

The restaurant is housed in the Salmon Eye, a floating art installation that resembles a fish eye and provides an immersive atmosphere for the restaurant. Iris offers what is called “Expedition Dining” and focuses on serving dishes from local, sustainable ingredients. Overall, Iris is one of Norway’s most extraordinary restaurants, located just within a 45-minute drive from Odda. If you’re up for an absolutely mind-blowing (warning: but expensive) experience, book a table well in advance!

And now, after reading this article, you definitely know what to do in Odda, Norway. Now it’s time to find out where to stay in Odda, Norway.

 

Where to Stay in Odda, Norway

Now, you’re almost ready to travel to Odda. Except for one matter: what is the best place to stay in Odda? Well, we have a couple of suggestions, and you can see the hotels we suggest below (that’s where we usually accommodate our guests).

Trolltunga Guesthouse. Located in the town of Tyssedal (on the way to Trolltunga), this guesthouse is nestled in the picturesque valley and offers a variety of rooms (standard rooms, apartments, and dormitories). All the modern amenities are available, and there is a shared kitchen for guests. On top of that, the guesthouse features a lovely garden where guests can relax. Breakfast is included, and there are a variety of activities you can book directly at this hotel.

Hordatun Hotel. This 3-star hotel is located within a 40-minute drive from Odda, near the Røldal Ski Center (those travelers who fancy skiing will love this hotel!). The rooms feature all modern amenities and panoramic windows. The hotel’s facilities include a bar, restaurant, free parking, and a wellness area with a sauna. And, of course, you can book many activities at the hotel, including skiing.

 

Did you find our article on what to do in Odda useful? You can also check out our insightful and detailed guide to the Lofoten Islands in summer. Enjoy your adventures in Norway!

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