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Lofthus
ℹ️Practical info — Lofthus
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit in late May to mid-June to witness the spectacular cherry and apple blossoms covering the hillsides along the fjord.
- Walk HM Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail (Dronningstien) for some of the best elevated views over the Hardangerfjord.
- Stop by the historic Ullensvang Church, a beautiful stone church built in the 13th century right by the water.
- Look out for Edvard Grieg's composer cabin, 'Komponisthytta', located in the gardens of the local historic hotel.
🍽 Food
The region is famous for its premium apple cider; taste it at local farms or hotel bars.
Buy them directly from roadside stalls during late summer and autumn.
A regional specialty featuring meat from sheep grazing on mountain pastures.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Fruit juices, cider, and jams sold at farm shops scattered around the village.
Intricate traditional needlework sometimes found in local craft shops.
A short drive away, one of Norway's oldest clustered farm yards, offering a peaceful step back in time.
Take a leisurely stroll along the smaller paths winding between apple and cherry trees.
Water temperature…
Lofthus is often called the 'fruit garden of Norway' and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages along the Hardangerfjord. In spring, the landscape turns into a sea of white blossoms as thousands of cherry and apple trees bloom simultaneously on the hillsides. This idyllic setting inspired the composer Edvard Grieg, who kept a small hut here where he composed many of his world-famous works. Today, the hut is preserved in the gardens of Hotel Ullensvang. For hikers, Lofthus is the starting point for the famous 'Dronningstien' (The Queen's Path) and the Munketreppene (Monk's Steps), which lead steeply up to the Hardangervidda plateau. The steps were carved in the 13th century by Cistercian monks and offer spectacular views of the fjord and the Folgefonna glacier across the water. The combination of gentle orchards and rugged mountain peaks defines the local scenery. The village is also a center for Norwegian cider production. Many local farms offer cider tastings, allowing visitors to sample authentic Hardanger cider directly from the producers. The best time to visit is late May for the blossom season or late summer for the fruit harvest. Accessible via National Road 13, the village is located on one of Norway's most scenic tourist routes. The 13th-century Ullensvang stone church stands as a testament to the village's medieval history.
- Location: Norway
- Top sights: Ullensvang naturreservat · Olaf Olafsen · Skredhaugen
- Nearby: Kinsarvik (6 km)
- Population: ~565
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -5 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 249 | 178 | 175 | 125 | 124 | 142 | 161 | 171 | 217 | 213 | 232 | 262 |
Geography
Facts
- Fruit garden of the Hardangerfjord
- Inspiration site for Edvard Grieg
- Famous Monk's Steps (Munketreppene)
- Center for Norwegian cider production
- Starting point for the Queen's Path
- Views of the Folgefonna glacier
- Thousands of cherry blossoms in May
- Historic 13th-century Ullensvang Church
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lofthus (4)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lofthus called the 'orchard of Hardanger'?
What is the Dronningstien (Queen's Trail)?
Where did Edvard Grieg stay in Lofthus?
Can you taste local cider?
What is Skrikjofossen?
Lofthus: where is it located?
Lofthus: what is there to see?
Lofthus: when is the best time to visit?
Lofthus: why is it worth visiting?
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