Renting a car to self-drive the 74 miles (119 km) from Norway's southwestern fjord city of Bergen to the town of Rosendal on the edge of the gorgeous Hardangerfjord is one of the most popular options for travelers looking to explore on their own time along the route.

Another very popular choice for travelers is to venture by ferry, as the journey offers a stunning perspective of the fjord from the water. Rosendal is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts interested in doing some hiking around Norway's epic landscape.

The area around Rosendal is a haven for nature lovers; explore Folgefonna National Park, trek up Skalafjell, the resident mountain with amazing views, or get out on the water via kayaks to venture through the fjord from a different vantage point. This excursion is an option for travelers looking to explore Rosendal from Bergen via fjord cruise, another popular option for seeing the best of the "queen of fjords." 

This 5-day itinerary highlights Bergen, Fläm & the Hardangerfjord, and includes a visit to Rosendal.

By Car

Duration: 4-6 hours

Driving includes a ferry ride for any route you take, and although a straightforward journey would be approximately three hours, it's wise to allow for plenty of extra time to stop along the way, as this is an extremely scenic drive.

One route will have drivers embarking on E39 to E16 and then Fv48 before getting the Gjermundshamn-Årsnes ferry for a quick half-hour ride. Once across the fjord, travelers will continue on Fv48 for another ten minutes before arriving in Rosendal. Or, drivers can choose to take E39 going south, to route 552 which connects to Fv48 before the ferry. 

Along the way, take stop in Fusa, where you can see the historic 18th-century Holdhus Church. In addition, stopping in the Kvinnherad region provides an opportunity to hike to Blånuten or Stussvikhovda. A very short detour will have you exploring old ruins at Uggdalsdalen and venturing on one of the oldest roads in Western Norway between Uggdal and Onarheim.

Once in Rosendal, visit the Skaaluren Ship Museum, walk the rose garden at a historic manor from the 17th century, or stretch your legs on a nearby hiking trail like Bondhusbreen Gletscher, near Sundal. 

By Ferry

Duration: 2-3 hours

It's possible to visit the town of Rosendal for the day via ferry boat into the Hardangerfjord. This is a very popular option for travelers looking to fully enjoy the stunning scenery from the water. Coast through the fjord between giant mountain walls and spot countless waterfalls amongst the pristine beauty of the fjord. You'll have a few hours to explore the town of Rosendal before catching the return ferry to Bergen. Or, if you'd like to spend more time in the area, plan to stay overnight in order to see more of the fjord from the land. 

Ask your local specialist for details. 

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