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Epic glaciers, wild valleys, rushing rivers, flowing icefalls and beautiful flora are just some of the incredible features that make Folgefonna National Park a breathtaking destination to visit in Norway.
The perfect place to experience Norway’s gorgeous natural landscapes, Folgefonna National Park is a must-see location for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Let’s learn all about the park, including where exactly it is, how to get there and the top activities to enjoy in our complete travel guide to Folgefonna National Park.
What is Folgefonna National Park?
One of Norway’s incredible national parks, the 545 square kilometer Folgefonna National Park is an area of pristine natural wilderness in South Norway. Glistening glacial rivers and dramatic mountain valleys characterize the landscape of Folgefonna, which is one of 46 Norwegian national parks.
Home to the expansive Folgefonna Glacier, which covers around 200 square kilometers of land, Folgefonna National Park was established as a national park in 2005 to protect its unique natural landscapes and heritage. There are four wilderness preserves surrounding the park and a visitor center where you can learn more about exploring the park.
Where is Folgefonna National Park?
Located just south of Bergen (the second-largest city in Norway), the beautiful Folgefonna National Park sits in the heart of Fjord Norway on the Folgefonna peninsula. Part of Vestland county, Folgefonna National Park spans across three municipalities in South Norway: Etne, Ullensvang and Kvinnherad.
Norway’s capital of Oslo is east of Folgefonna National Park and the third-largest Norwegian city of Stavanger is just south of the park. To the immediate east of the park, you’ll find the largest national park in Norway, Hardangervidda National Park.
How to Get to Folgefonna National Park
To reach Folgefonna National Park, you can either drive, take a bus and/or ride a ferry. Located in the town of Rosendal on the west side of the park, the Folgefonna Visitor Center is a great place to start your trip. To get here from Bergen, you’ll need to either drive or take a bus down the E39 to Osoøyro Terminal, then catch the ferry number 2075 across the fjord. The journey should take around 1 hour and 35 minutes in total.
Another option is to simply catch the same ferry from within Bergen itself, specifically from Strandkaiterminalen båtkai, which will take around 2 hours in total to reach Folgefonna National Park.
If you’re traveling from Stavanger, it’ll take you around 4 hours and 10 minutes by car to reach Folgefonna National Park. You’ll need to take the E39, E134 and Fv500 to get to the park, with a ferry along the way. Be aware that the route also includes tolls.
There are several gateways to Folgefonna National Park, which serve as entry points to the park with friendly park staff who can help guide you and provide you with valuable information for your visit. You can find a map of all the gateways to Folgefonna National Park here.
Things to Do in Folgefonna National Park
So, how exactly can you spend your time at the amazing Folgefonna National Park? Here are our top recommendations for ways to enjoy your visit to this pristine natural wilderness area.
Enjoy an Epic Glacier Hike
The most epic way to spend your time in Folgefonna National Park, joining a guided glacier hike across the third-largest glacier in mainland Norway, Folgefonna Glacier, is an unmissable experience. You can take the historic route between Sundal and Odda, which was taken by the first tourists who came to the region in the mid 1800s.
Along the way, you can experience dramatic, icy landscapes, an overnight stay in a traditional cabin and an epic glacier descent when you’ve reached the end of the trail. Make sure to always have an experienced guide when crossing the glacier to ensure a safe journey.
If you’d like to experience the glacier in another way, you can also choose to do alpine skiing, freestyle skiing or snowboarding at Folgefonna – what an adventure!
Explore the Stunning Bondhusdalen Valley
Considered to be the most stunning valley below the Folgefonna Glacier, Bondhusdalen Valley is surrounded by majestic mountains covered in lush, green vegetation. When Queen Sonja officially opened Folgefonna National Park in 2005, she chose Bondhusdalen as the location for the ceremony and signed a rock by the lake.
At the end of the valley, you’ll find a flowing icefall cascading down the side of the mountain into a crystal clear lake of glacial meltwater. Spending a couple of hours hiking around Bondhusdalen is an amazing way to spend your time in the park, soaking in incredible views and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Visit the Historic Village of Herand
Discover nine millennia of history as you visit the beautiful cultural gem that is the village of Herand. This historic Norwegian village is home to an award-winning landscape park and cultural trail that explains the geology, plant life and cultural history of the area, including Stone Age shelters and Bronze Age petroglyphs.
As well as following the marked cultural trail and learning all about the fascinating history and geology of the area, you can visit the Herand Centre of Cultural History, which sits in the village’s old schoolhouse. Here, you can learn about developments from the Ice Age to the modern day, plus the area’s boatbuilding legacy, as boats were built in the region thousands of years before the Vikings arrived.
Discover Geological and Cultural Gems of Folgefonna
Folgefonna is full of hidden gems to discover, including both geological wonders and cultural marvels. For example, Norway’s fifth-highest waterfall, Langfoss Falls, sits within Folgefonna National Park. Well-worth visiting to witness its beauty, Langfoss cascades into Akrafjord, just next to the E134 highway.
Rosendal Stone Park, which is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Rosendal village, is another such gem that tells the story of Earth’s evolution through incredible colored rocks and geological samples. We also recommend visiting Malmanger Farm and Vicarage, which has a history stretching back over a thousand years and a smokehouse built in 1625, making it one of the oldest buildings in the Kvinnherad region.
Top Tips For Visiting Folgefonna National Park
Here are some top travel tips for your visit to Folgefonna National Park to ensure you enjoy your experience to the max.
You’ll need some sturdy hiking boots if you plan to walk around the Folgefonna area, especially if you want to join a glacier hike. Make sure you have the proper equipment to enjoy a beautiful walking experience.
Bring thick, waterproof layers to keep warm, dry and cozy all day. A waterproof jacket is a must for your trip to Folgefonna National Park.
It’s a good idea to check the local Norway weather forecast before heading out to Folgefonna National Park – you’ll definitely want a clear, dry day to enjoy the amazing landscapes of the park.
We also recommend checking the up-to-date Norway road conditions to ensure your route to the park is open and clear. This is particularly relevant during the cold months when Norway can receive a lot of snowfall.
Plan Your Own Incredible Norway Vacation
If you’re ready to plan your own epic trip to Norway, take a look through our campervan rentals in Norway, perfect for taking you all around the country exploring incredible landscapes, historic cultural heritage sites, bustling cities and picturesque villages.
Traveling by campervan is the ideal way to see Norway, giving you the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore to your heart’s content. See you in Norway soon!
