Hovden Mountain Festival
Outdoor and music festival in the Odda and Hardanger region with hiking and nature activities in the mountains.
PlizioGo
Taste the world-famous local apple cider, available at nearby fruit farms or local bars.
Try dishes made with local sheep that graze in the surrounding mountains.
Buy locally grown Hardanger apples from farm stands during the harvest season.
Purchase authentic cider and fruit products directly from Hardanger farms.
The sports stores in Odda center are well-equipped if you forgot any gear for your mountain trips.
Take a peaceful walk along the fjord, admiring the steep mountains reflecting in the water.
A tranquil lake just south of Odda, offering remarkable views without the crowds of Trolltunga.
Water temperature…
Odda is located at the southern end of the Sørfjord, an arm of the Hardangerfjord, and possesses a unique history as an industrial powerhouse set amidst dramatic natural scenery. In the early 1900s, the town underwent rapid urbanization driven by the construction of hydroelectric plants in Tyssedal and the opening of carbide and cyanamide factories. These industrial remains are now part of the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum and are listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site. Recently, Odda has transitioned into a world-class tourism destination, serving as the primary base for hikers trekking to the iconic Trolltunga rock formation. The municipality is set between Hardangervidda and Folgefonna National Parks, with the Folgefonna glacier providing a memorable backdrop to the urban area. The surrounding Hardanger region is also famous for its extensive fruit orchards and premium apple cider production.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -1 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 315 | 218 | 211 | 148 | 140 | 152 | 172 | 194 | 253 | 262 | 292 | 332 |
See what it looks like near Odda right now.
Jordal: Lausastein · 2.6 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at the Folgefonna National Park Centre to learn about the region's icy giants. Stroll through the centre of Odda, visiting the historic church and the impressive industrial monument of the smelting plant. After a hearty lunch, a walk along the shore of Lake Sandvinvatnet offers a peaceful afternoon with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. This walking tour focuses on the heart of Odda and its rich history.
In the morning, the Folgefonna Centre provides the perfect shelter from the rain. At noon, we warm up in the quiet Odda Church before exploring the industrial smelting plant under moody skies. In the afternoon, we enjoy a long lunch in the dry city center. We end the day with a refreshed walk along Lake Sandvinvatnet, where the mist over the water creates a mystical scene.
The winter morning starts late at the Folgefonna Centre. At noon, we visit the heated church while snow falls softly over Odda outside. We spend the afternoon at the historic smelting plant, which looks particularly raw in the winter light. After a warming lunch, we take a short walk by the frozen Lake Sandvinvatnet before darkness falls around 3:30 PM.
Get on your bike for a tour that combines industry and nature. Start at the impressive smelting plant, then cycle south along the tranquil Lake Sandvinvatnet. Return to the center for lunch with a fjord view. In the afternoon, delve deep into the history of glaciers and hydropower at the National Park Centre and the Hydropower Museum. This tour offers a wonderful mix of light exercise and fascinating insights.
The morning bike ride starts at the smelting plant, where the metal glistens in the rain. At noon, we cycle along Sandvinvatnet, being mindful of the water spray. A long lunch provides a much-needed dry break. In the afternoon, we visit the Folgefonna Centre and finally ride to the Hydropower Museum in Tyssedal, where tunnels offer some wind protection.
Winter cycling in Odda requires courage and proper gear. We start the morning at the smelting plant on cleared paths. At noon, the ride takes us along snowy Sandvinvatnet, where the air is freezing. A hot lunch in the center is essential. In the afternoon, we visit the Folgefonna Centre before taking the illuminated road to the Hydropower Museum in Tyssedal.
The car is the key to the wonders around Odda. In the morning, drive to the roaring Låtefossen waterfall and then to the impressive Buerbreen glacier. Return to Odda for lunch and explore the town centre on foot, with its historic smelting plant and church. End the day with a visit to the Hydropower Museum in Tyssedal, which rounds off the region's industrial history. This tour combines spectacular nature with fascinating cultural history.
In the morning, we drive to Låtefossen, which carries giant masses of water during rain. At noon, we view the Buerbreen glacier, even with low-hanging clouds. Lunch in Odda is a dry break before visiting the smelting plant and the church. We end the day at the Hydropower Museum in Tyssedal, with the car keeping us dry between stops.
The winter drive starts at the icy Låtefossen. At noon, we view the snow-covered Buerbreen, paying close attention to road conditions. A warm lunch in Odda prepares us for visiting the smelting plant and the heated church. In the late afternoon, we reach Tyssedal, where the illuminated Hydropower Museum looks like a palace in the dark.
