About this tour
When Ben from our team did this tour, we rolled out of Bergen for a 10-hour loop that ticks several boxes at once: two ferry crossings on the Hardangerfjord, a proper lunch in the village of Rosendal, and a straightforward walk to Bondhus Glacier Lake in Folgefonna National Park. The hike itself is genuinely easy — 2.3 km each way on a wide gravel track with a gentle slope — which means you're not scrambling up a mountainside. The lake sits below the Bondhusbreen Glacier with raw rock formations framing the water. It's the kind of outing that doesn't demand fitness but still delivers that Norwegian scenery everyone comes here for.
Highlights
- Two fjord ferry crossings let you sit back and absorb the landscape properly
- Bondhus Lake framed by glacier and grey rock — genuinely photogenic without the crowds
- Lunch using local organic ingredients before the walk, not after when you're knackered
- Wide, well-maintained gravel path means no scrambling or route-finding stress
- Rosendal village stop adds a quiet cultural beat between transport and hiking
- Gentle pace suits mixed fitness levels without feeling patronising
- Knowledgeable local guide fills in the park's geology and history as you walk
What to expect
Your day starts with a coach ride out of Bergen, then you board a ferry across the Hardangerfjord — this isn't a quick hop, so settle in and watch the water and cliffs slide past. You'll dock in or near Rosendal, a small village where you'll eat lunch before heading to the trailhead. The organic spread is hearty and worth savouring; it's the kind of meal that actually fuels you rather than leaving you hungry an hour later.
The walk to the lake takes maybe 45 minutes at an easy pace. Ben noticed the path is busy with families and older walkers, which speaks to how low-stress it is. You get 45 minutes or so at the lake itself — enough time to stand about, take photos, and feel the cold air coming off the glacier without getting bored. The return walk mirrors the outbound route, then it's another ferry crossing before the drive back to Bergen. The whole day has a gentle rhythm: sit, walk, sit, walk. No surprises, no rushing.
Good to know
This is exactly what it says — no hidden technical difficulty, no surprise scrambles. Families with prams can manage it, and older travellers aren't left behind. The combination of ferry, village, and glacier lake gives you a proper slice of western Norway without needing a guide who yells motivation slogans. Lunch included is genuinely good value.
The path can get muddy in wet weather, and there's no dodging 2.3 km of walking even if it feels flat. Summer brings crowds, so expect other groups. Weather in the mountains changes fast — wind at the lake can be sharp. The tour isn't suitable if you have spinal issues or serious cardiovascular concerns, so check yourself honestly. Strollers work fine on the track, but that's still a long day with a small child.
Bring waterproof jacket and good walking shoes — the gravel holds water. The tour includes both ferry crossings, lunch, vehicle, fees and taxes. Group sizes vary but tend toward mixed ages. Peak season is June to September. Arrive dressed for mountain weather, not beach weather.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.