Number 1 Tourist Destination of the World?

National Geographic Traveler has in 2009 for the second consecutive time voted Norwegian Fjords as the very best destination of the world.  This survey was done among the 133 best known tourist sites, and the fjords also won the competition in 2004.

Hardangerfjord is Norway’s second largest fjord, 180 kms long.  It is called the Queen of Fjords and is also the fruit garden of Norway.  Blossom time is in May and harvesting of cherries, plums, apples and pears from July until October.  3 of Norway’s national parks are within our territory.  We also have 2 glaciers, Folgefonna and Hardangerjøkulen. 
At Folgefonna glacier there is a summer ski center, and you may do alpine skiing, cross country, sledges or snowboard from May until September.
Yearly almost 100.000 cruise passengers visit Hardangerfjorden, and the port of Eidfjord is the biggest.  Here you can visit Norway’s natural tourist attraction no. 1, Vøringfossen waterfall with more than 600.000 visitors yearly.  Also, in Eidfjord we offer kayaks and hiking tours.  The second biggest port is Ulvik, where you might attend an Edvard Grieg concert.  A popular shorex is visiting the fruit farms here and have a taste of homemade wafers and cider or apple juice.
In Jondal you have direct access to the glacier, just 30 minutes away from the fjord.  The port of Rosendal offers tour to Norway’s only Barony mansion and rose garden.

All major European cruise lines – and some American – offer cruises to the Norwegian fjords and Hardangerfjord.  Our season is from early April until end of September.

See www.cruisehardangerfjord.com for further details.

FACTS

Time difference: GMT+1

Official language: Norwegian, and almost everybody speaks English.

Currency: Norwegian kroners NOK (1 GBP = approx. NOK 9).

Geography: About 70 kms east of Bergen on the Western coast of Norway. Latitude 60 degrees North.

Cruise ports: Eidfjord, Ulvik, Jondal, Rosendal, Shorex from port of Bergen.