Kvam, Ullensvang and Jondal

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Tour 20. Hardanger - the roundtrip

This tour passes through three of the main districts on both sides of the Hardangerfjord: Kvam, Ullensvang and Jondal.

 

As the regional centre in Sunnhordland the community hosts a wide range of educational opportunities and service industries. The local flora is rich and varied and you will find a sprig of holly - which thrives freely here - in the coat of arms.

 

Kvam district: on the northern side of the lovely Hardangefjord. Its coat of arms rerflects the meaning og the Norwegain word kvam, the head of a valley , in this case the head of Steinsdalen below Tokagjelet. Agriculture is a key industry, particularly fruit-growing and horticulture. The fjord contains several large salmon and trout farms. Tourism too has long been an important industry.

 

Ullensvang district: covers the eastern and western sides of the Sørfjord and the Oksen peninsula, with fruit-growing and tourism as the main industries. Ullensvang is Norway`s principal fruit-growing district, where 80% of the country`s cherries are grown, although apples are the main crop. Some 500.000 fruit trees make spring and autumn a unique experience.

 

Jondal district: a small, attractive district with about 1.250 inhabitants, is famous for its traditional Crafts Fair which attracts people with an interest in arts and crafts. Exhibitions and sales of local handcrafts throughout the year. The only boatbuilding college of its kind in Norway.

 

Tour 20. Hardanger - the walks

20A: Norheimsund

A walk around Movatn (lake) to the famous Steinsdalsfossen waterfall.

Terrain: An easy walk on flat terrain on marked paths, country roads and pavements.

Time: Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20B: Tolomarka - Børvemarka

Interesting walks in the area between Norheimsund and Øystese, with beautiful views over the Hardangerfjord and surrounding mountains.

 

Alt I, Øystese - Mo - Børve

Terrain: Approximately 5 km. country roads, 2 km. footpaths.Slight incline (approx 100 metres).

Time: About two hours.

 

Alt II: Børvemarka -Tolomarka

Terrain: Approximately 5 kms on country roads, 2 km on footpaths. Slight incline (approximately 140 metres).

Time: About 2 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20C: Fitjadalen - Øystese

The walk follows an old path, now known as the History Trail (Sogestien), round the lake, and 27 signs along the way provide information on valley life in times past.

Terrain: Flat, approx. 4 km footpath, 3 km tarmac road.

Time: Approx. 2.5 hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20D: Goldfish lake

It is the golden ide that has made Skårsvatnet lake known all over the country as the "Goldfish lake", after it was introdused to the lake in the summer of 1914.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20E: Ålvik village

Until 1905, Ålvik was a small rural community of four farms, a few cotters and some tradesmen. In 1905 an engineer named Hjort purchased the land and water rights for industrial purposes, establishing a metals plant (A/S Bjølvefossen) in 1915-18. After 1924/25 the plant switched from producing carbide to ferrochromium and silicon, becoming fully operational again in 1928.

 

 

 

20M: Herand

Two alternative walks for country lovers - or why not try both?

 

Alternative I:

Terrain: Country road, footpath, slight incline.

Time: 1-1½ hours.

 

Alternative II:

Terrain: Farm road and footpath, hilly.

Time: Around 1 hour.