Cider Tour in The Hardangerfjord

Did you know that "Cider from Hardanger" or "Hardangersider" is a protected origin name, just like Calvados or Champagne? On the Cidertour in Hardanger you travel right into the heart of this geographical area with its fantastic fjord landscape and lush orchards. You will experience an exciting and tasty tour through a landscape of mighty mountains, dramatic waterfalls, fascinating glaciers, and lush orchards.

Tour description

You start the tour from Bergen with a bus trip across Kvamskogen Forest to Norheimsund. In Norheimsund, hop on the express boat that takes you to beautiful Lofthus, an idyllic fruit village in the heart of the Hardangerfjord. Lofthus and the surrounding area is known as the "Orchard of Hardanger", and it is in these beautiful surroundings that you go on a guided orchard walk. Here you get to taste fresh Hardanger Cider and learn why Hardanger offers the ideal conditions for cider production. You will have 3 tastings here, and you will also have time to visit the farm shop of Alvavoll Fruit and Sidergard.

After the orchard walk, you board the state-of-the-art catamaran Vision of the Fjords. The boat runs on electricity and the trip is quite an experience in itself. From the large and open decks, you can enjoy a silent and comfortable trip over the beautiful Hardangerfjord. On the boat trip, you will have great views of the mighty Folgefonna Glacier, the majestic mountains of the Hardangerfjord as well as the lush fruit orchards covering both sides of the fjord.

You disembark the boat when you arrive at Aga, and as you walk onto the dock you will be greeted by a fruit farmer from Aga Sideri. Aga Sideri is a cider manufacturer that produces some of the finest cider available in Norway, perhaps even in the world! In 2019, the cider "Bøddel" (Executioner) won the award for "Norway's best cider". At the cider farm, you will learn more about how traditional Hardanger Cider is made and get to taste different ciders, including Norway's best cider; Bøddel. You will have 3 tastings here and also get the opportunity to buy your favorites home with you. Now that you have a thorough introduction to how cider is made (and how it tastes!), a delicious homemade lunch will be served at Agatunet. The lunch menu will consist of locally sourced ingredients with a focus on fresh produce. You will also be treated to a guided tour in historic Agatunet, one of the few remaining farm clusters in Norway. After a tasty lunch, it's time to get back on the boat and cruise back to Lofthus.

Explore more

You can take this tour as a day trip from Bergen, but we highly recommend spending some extra time in Hardanger! There are many beautiful hotels in Hardanger and several exciting activities you can do in the region.

Have a great and tasty trip!