Hardanger and Aurland are two beautiful parts of the western Norway. Almost regardless of weather. But it helps with sunshine!
View from the farm Kjeåsen towards Eidfjord, Hardanger, Norway.
Sunshine and high pressure was the forecast for this Saturday. That and high temperatures, well for the time of the year. Quite often you’ll experience clouds early in the morning. Clouds that clears a little later, as the sun warms up the mountains and penetrates the valleys.
We were in no hurry, and had our breakfast and coffee, then made ourselves ready for a long day in the saddle.
To Hardanger
Our base was in Vassbygdi, a community in Aurland, through which road Fv50 goes. It’s a scenic pavement road across the mountains, with some of the coldest, most dungeon like tunnels in the country. Even in summer the temperatures drop below 10C.
Between Vassbygdi and Aurlandsvangen there camp sites and places to rent cabins. Google maps might provide some helpful information to travellers.
Route planning in progress. Truls-Erik setting up his tablet/GPS.
We started on E16 to Vossevangen. Past Flåm two tunnels awaits. The longest is Gudvanga Tunnel, the third longest in the country. You exit into Gudvangen, from there to Vossevangen it’s about 45/46 kilometers. On the way you pass Stalheimskleiva, a spectacular road, now permanently closed for traffic.
Outside Vossevangen we continued onto Rv13, also called Hardangervegen, in direction of the Hardanger bridge.
Before the first tunnel we took off to the left, to Skjervsfossen. I suspect many might drive straight past this exit. Highly recommended, plus you skip at least one tunnel. This old road and route in direction of Granvin has some nice twists and turns. Plus great views!
Ulvik and Osafjellsvegen
Back on on the main road we continued about 2.5 kilometers or so, then took road Fv572 to Ulvik, Hardanger. I can strongly recommend this road, with many great turns and ditto great views. As you approach Ulvik Hardanger and Hardangerfjorden opens up in all it’s beauty. Like below.
View from along Fv572 of Hardanger and Ulvik.
We stopped to take in the view, then continued down to Ulvik which is a nice little town. But our mission was further in and higher up. Onto Osavegen to Osa, an even smaller place at the far end of the fjord arm. Right above Osa the road changes name and the name indicates what to expect.
The beginning of the ascent up Osafjellsvegen
The road’s name is Osafjellsvegen (fjell = mountain in Norwegian). Yet another road would not exist if it wasn’t for hydropower development. When it comes to small, interesting roads in Norway, we have a lot to thank hydropower development for. Without which there would be no money for quirky and complicated road projects.
To here but no further. Snow blocking the road
Osafjellsvegen goes all the way up to a a couple of dams. But May 18th is too early for a ride all the way up to the end. We got above the tree line but then it was full stop. As picture above indicates, going any further would mean switching to a snow mobile.
Oh well, something to return to later. And good to have a reason to return!
View from Osafjellsvegen in direction of Osa
The road wasn’t in great nick when we came here. Not strange after a long and tough winter. Back down in Ulvik we continued on Fv572, this time along Hardangerfjorden in direction of Hardanger bridge.
Motorcyclist on Hardanger bridge
Eidfjord and Kjeåsen
We crossed Hardanger bridge, and continued on Rv7 towards Eidfjord, beautifully situated by the fjord. But a visit to Eidfjord was not the reason we came this way. After a quick coffee stop with something to bite we rode past onto Simadalsvegen, or Fv103. This road eventually takes you to one of the more interesting tunnels in the country.
A warning sidn outside the tunnel up to or down from Kjeåsen
Traffic can only pass in one direction. Which is why the sign. The only ones who can exempt themselves are motorcyclists. But certain parts of the tunnel is pretty narrow. I would not gamble, especially not in the high season.
Kjeåsen farm at an elevation of 513 meters (1,683 ft)
We parked near the tunnel and walked for a few minutes down to Kjeåsen farm, with history that dates back to at least 1650. To think that people walked up and down to this farm is pretty amazing. But walked they did. In the 1930 a cable car was built to bring food, goods and materials up to the farm.
View from Kjeåsen towards Eidfjord. A large cruises is tiny
Kjeåsen is quite a place. Well worth a visit, however you make it here or travel. Life here must have been pretty challenging back in the day. Especially in the winter.
We stayed for a while, then agreed the missions of the day were accomplished. Still a lot more to see and discover, so “I’ll be back”!
I didn’t include all photos taken in this post. These and more will be added to the Galleries & Photos section soon. Below the route of the day.
The May 18th route
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