Approaching the jetty at Eidfjord, Norway. Cruise ships berth at the single pier fronting the small village. The useful tourist information office is adjacent to the cruise port.

Troll Train

The Troll Train sets off from a stop next to the tourist information office. The train carries you for a slow (but bumpy) 1 hour tour around Eidfjord, Hæreid and Lægreid (in old Norwegian Eid means isthmus, Hær high and Læg low). On the Hæreid terrace you’ll see the Viking graveyard, and on the Laegreid side the quaint 1309 church.

Hæreid Trail

The tourist information office supplies free walking maps of the area. One of the most popular walks is the Hæreid Trail to the Eidfjordvatnet lake. From the tourist office, cross the bridge over the river Eio, make a left, then follow the riverbank up to a sandy beach on the lake. Head through the Vassbakkane cutting to reach the Viking era graves marked by piles of stones. Continue on along the Hæreid terrace which offers lovely views of the fjord, then head down back towards the village. The walk takes about an hour and a half.

Hardangervidda Natursenter

The most popular shore excursion from Eidfjord is a tour combining the Hardangervidda Natursenter with the Vøringsfoss Waterfall (see below). The modern (though there is a goat grazing on the grass roof) Hardangervidda Natursenter is a great introduction to one of Norway’s most spectacular national parks. The center shows an exciting movie presentation of the park from a birds-eye view. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop. Hardangervidda is located 6.5km southeast of Eidfjord in Øvre Eidfjord at the southern end of Eidfjordvatnet lake.

Vøringsfoss Waterfall

From the Natursenter the road zig-zags up the steep-walled Måbødalen valley to the mighty Vøringsfossen Waterfall. The thundering waters cascade more than 550 feet into the Måbø river below. Most excursions stop at the conveniently positioned Fossli Hotel, next to the Fossetromma viewpoint over the falls. After witnessing the might of nature, stop to enjoy a coffee and snack at the hotel. The Vøringsfoss Falls are located about 10 miles from Eidfjord.

Sima Power Station

A couple of miles up the coast from Eidfjord you’ll find the Sima Power Station, one of the biggest hydroelectric power plants in Norway. A guided tour will familiarize you with the engineering feats that were required to construct the huge station. The main hall, hewn out of the mountain, is 600 feet long, 60 feet wide and 130 feet high.