Eidfjord

Eidfjord is a small town in the region of Hardanger, two hours east of Bergen. Like most of Norway its history dates back thousands of years to the 1800’s and there’s still a few buildings that reflect these bygone times.

Eidfjord is mostly a quiet and sleepy little town based at the far est end of the Hardangerfjorden, that is until a cruise ship comes in! They are humongous and they dwarf even the biggest hotel  there. One morning we were woken up at 6:30am by the loudest foghorn I have ever heard. It turns out this thing was docking in the fog.

I attended a photography workshop whilst I was there so you’ll have to excuse some of the photos having wedding models in them.

I was really bowled over by the simple beauty of Eidfjord. There are lots of twisty, winding roads that lead off to the most beautiful country lanes showcasing wooden houses dwarfed by mountains and waterfalls. I just don’t have the language skills to do it justice. It was a humbling experience to feel so in awe of my natural surroundings and I cannot wait to go back.

Five things to do in Eidfjord

1) Hike for a view over Eidfjord

If you’re looking for a big hike, the mountain of Øktanuten on the south west side of Eidfjord will be your best bet. However if you just want a little jaunt up the hillside to the east is Hereidsvegen. Either way you’ll be sure of a good view over Eidfjord.

2. Visit the old church.

The old church (Eidfjord kirke) only dates back to 1309 and is devoted to the Apostle James the Elder. HA! Yes I’m being facetious, it dates to 1309. I just can’t comprehend that, can you?

During the week the church is locked however it is open for service on Sunday’s.  The interior has 100 seats and has undergone various bits of moderninsing over the years. The baptismal font was added in 1680, the pulpit in 1613 and the altar cloth from 1776.  It is a relic from the middle ages and many of the tombstones reflect this.

The area around the church is also a reflection of its times. Many of the very narrow roads intertwine with the houses only leaving a narrow gap for one car to pass. Please excuse the models in the below photo.

After the small dwelling of houses, the fields really open up to reveal vast expanses of prairies with wild flowers and soaring mountains.  The area is known as a viking burial ground and many tombs can be found in the wooded areas.

This picturesque, tree lined lane, close to the church, provided a great backdrop for my kids to have their one photo of the day taken. Yup, they limit me to ONE photo a day!!

3) Go to the beach

Central Norway isn’t really renowned for its beaches so what a pleasant surprise it was to find this sandy cove.

Simadalsvegen is located slightly east of Eidfjord.  Everywhere you go in Hordaland you’ll be dwarfed by mountains and pinetrees and of course the beach is no exception.

4) Have tea in the hotel

The white hotel of Eidfjord offers a bar and afternoon tea. You can sit and watch the clouds roll up and down the fjord in the warmth of the hotel!

5) Rent a canoe and paddle the fjord

There are two locations to rent canoes in Eidfjord and a number of tours you can go on.  The serenity of canoeing on such a flat expanse of water shouldn’t be missed and can you imagine appearing out of the clouds like that! I imagine it to be both terrifying and very exciting.

Credits

Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Sigma 24-70mm
Lens:Sigma 70-200mm

Phone: Samsung S3 Mini