Excursion Spectacular route to røldal tour at Rosendal

Spanning some six hours and miles of breathtaking Hardangerfjord terrain, the beauty on this scenic drive never seems to end. It begins right out of the gate as your coach winds northward from Rosendal along the sparkling Hardangerfjord, stopping to capture the graceful torrent of Fureberg Waterfall before turning inland toward charming Odda. Further along, traverse a narrow valley, pass expansive Sande Lake and winding watercourses, and reach the Låtefossen Waterfalls' twin majestic cascades –plunging dramatically from a height of some 550 feet. After a stop to fully take in this stunner, it’s on to Røldal mountain valley.

Church Tour in Røldal

Sequestered in a vale along the Storelva river just north of a gorgeous lake, Røldal is encircled by tall peaks – over 50 of them – clad in small glaciers. Beautiful though this all is, the town is even more famous for its 13th-century Røldal Stave Church. Originally a humble one-room chapel, the impressive building you see now has been expanded, restored, and reconstructed many times since the Middle Ages, when it was a pilgrimage site ranked second only to St. Olav’s in Trondheim. You’ll learn about some of the reasons why, including a reputedly miraculous crucifix. Today, Røldal still attracts pilgrims in sizable numbers and remains Norway’s only stave church regularly used for parish services.

Refreshments, Norwegian-style

Having been on the road quite a while, lunch is in order. You’ll visit an authentic Røldal café to partake of delicious Norwegian pancakes accompanied by tea or coffee before settling back in the coach for the 90-minute return drive to the pier.  

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Fureberg Waterfall, Låtefossen Waterfalls, Røldal Stave Church

Note

Please note: This moderate excursion includes about 400m/1,300 ft of guided walking over mostly flat terrain. Guests must be able to board the coach without assistance. The church visit also involves about 30 minutes of standing, along with some steps to negotiate. This tour navigates narrow, winding roads; guests prone to motion sickness are advised to take appropriate precautions. Comfortable footwear and layered, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The order of sights and activities may vary.