A truly unique experience that combines a fjord cruise, culture, and food and drink experiences in Hardanger.

“Sider frå Hardanger” (Hardanger cider) is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the same way as Calvados and Champagne. This unique cider has enjoyed a renaissance and become an award-winning premium product. There are 19 cider producers in Hardanger, each making their own unique cider, based on their story and their apples.

Join a ‘cider safari’ and visit several of the cider makers for an introduction to the production, culture and taste of cider.

The price includes:

• 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a historical room at Utne Hotel
• Five-course dinner both nights
• Cider tasting at Utne Hotel
• Round trip by express boat Utne–Lofthus
• Round trip on the Lofthus–Aga cider boat
• Cider tour at Agatunet, including cider tasting and a traditional lunch

Day 1: Arrival in Hardanger and Utne Hotel

Down by the ferry terminal in the tiny waterfront village Utne, surrounded by a charming garden with white picket fences and a stunning view of fjords and mountains, lies one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved wooden hotels, Utne Hotel. This taste experience starts here, in the heart of Hardanger approx. 115 km from Bergen and 40 km from Voss.

With nearly 300 years of history embedded in its walls the hotel tells a tale of strong women and hostesses who have generously cared for and about their guests and their tiny village for centuries. The quintessential feeling of idyllic grandmother nostalgia hits you as soon as you touch the door handle. It is like coming home. Here you are welcomed with a warm and genuine smile.

The cider safari starts with a fun tasting at the hotel at 18:00. Here you’ll be given an introduction to the different styles and uses of cider. Prepare to be surprised by the range and quality!

After an excellent dinner a good night’s sleep awaits.

Day 2: Cider safari 

After a hearty breakfast (served 07:00-09:45), the adventure continues by express boat to the ‘fruit village’ of Lofthus, leaving from the quay at Utne at 09:55.

Use your time in Lofthus for a beautiful walk along the orchards and enjoy the scenery on your own. Surrounded by the strikingly beautiful Hardanger nature and views of the glacier Folgefonna – you wander between hundreds of fruit trees in one of the largest fruit villages in Norway.

After a pleasant stop in Lofthus, the trip continues by boat from Lofthus over to historic Aga at 11:15. Here you will experience cider tasting at award-winning Aga Sideri. Have you tried pairing cheese with cider? If not, you have some good flavors to look forward to!

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to experience Norway's oldest cluster yard, Agatunet, where a tour and introduction to the historic yard will be given. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the yard, before returning to Lofthus by boat at 14:10.

From Lofthus you take the express boat back to Utne at 17:00 and return to Utne at 17:20 to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in a relaxing environment. A wonderful 3-course dinner will be served between 19:00 and 21:00.

 

Day 3: Check out

After a good night’s sleep, round off your short break with a hearty breakfast served with local apple juice.

Feel free to stay more nights and experience more of Hardanger. Here you can, among other things, walk Dronningsstien, one of HM Queen Sonja's favorite walks, go on a hike to Vøringsfossen waterfall or take a spectacular selfie on Trolltunga.