Overlooking Hardangerfjord, Rosendal is a small village surrounded by dramatic mountains and the vast glaciers of Folgefonna National Park. It’s home to the historic estate of Barony Rosendal and the tiny, whitewashed Kvinnherad Church, which dates back to the late 13th century.
Begin your visit at the Folgefonn Centre to explore its interactive exhibits about the ecology and geology of Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna National Park. It’s located adjacent to the Boatbuilding Museum - Skaaluren Collection, which documents the history of wooden boatbuilding in the region from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries.
One of the most exhilarating experiences in Folgefonna National Park is exploring its glaciers, which can be accessed on blue-ice and snowshoe hikes or during ice climbing adventures. The park’s summer ski resort enables you to alpine and cross-country ski even in the warmer months and there are some magnificent hikes to Juklavatnet Lake or through the picturesque valleys of Bondhusdalen and Buardalen.
Getting there
Rosendal is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Bergen and Bergen Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses are the main means of getting around the region, although having your own vehicle is best for accessing Folgefonna National Park.