Are you looking for the most beautiful hikes in Norway for your upcoming road trip? Then you definitely need to go to Odda! Odda is the perfect base between Folgefonna National Park and Hardangervidda National Park. In this little piece of Norwegian hiking paradise, you’ll find everything you could wish for: powerful waterfalls, shimmering glaciers, and of course the famous Trolltunga. We stayed here for three days in May and I’m happy to share our experiences with you.
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Why Odda is a must-visit for hikers
Odda is perfectly located in the heart of the Norwegian fjords, close to the well-known Folgefonna National Park and Hardangervidda National Park. The town itself isn’t particularly special, but the surroundings more than make up for it. Odda may also look familiar if you’ve watched the Netflix series Ragnarok. In the series, the fictional town is called Edda.
The biggest attraction in the area is the famous Trolltunga (“Troll’s Tongue”), a spectacular rock formation that juts out 1,100 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. But there is so much more to discover! Trolltunga isn’t accessible year-round. Planning to go early or late in the season? Then you’ll need a guide due to safety and snow conditions.
We chose to visit in May, which turned out to be a great choice. There is so much beauty to explore besides Trolltunga. You do have to take into account some snow on the higher routes.
The most beautiful hikes around Odda
Buarbreen: Climbing to the glacier
If you enjoy a bit more challenge, you should definitely do the Buarbreen glacier hike. This hike starts close to Odda itself. This 5.5-kilometre route is quite tough! You’ll use ropes and chains to pull yourself up, and sometimes you’ll really need to scramble. But what do you get in return? A breathtaking view of one of Norway’s most beautiful glaciers!
Note: you do have to pay for parking here (around 185 NOK). And even more importantly: make sure to check the weather conditions. In wet weather, this route becomes much more challenging.
Two hikes start from here. The one to Buarbreen appealed to us the most!
I previously wrote an extensive blog about Buarbreen.
Husedalen: Four waterfalls in one route
Another absolute highlight for us was the Husedalen hike. I already wrote a detailed blog about it earlier. This hike starts 45 minutes’ drive from Odda (Google Maps). Imagine: four incredible waterfalls on one 11.6-kilometre route! You start at Tveitafossen, climb up to the impressive Nyastølfossen (truly a highlight!), then Nykkjesøyfossen, and end at Søtefossen.
The trail starts easily but becomes more challenging as you go. In May, we still found some snow near the last waterfall, but that actually made it more adventurous. The entire route took us around 4 hours, including photo stops. Make sure to bring enough water and snacks!
Bondhusvatnet: Hiking along a glacier lake
Another gem in the Odda region is the hike to Bondhusvatnet. This 10.5-kilometre trail takes you to a beautiful glacier lake with a view of — you guessed it — another glacier! It’s a fairly challenging hike that takes around 3.5 hours, but it’s worth every drop of sweat.
The great thing about this hike is the variety. You start in a green valley and walk through a lovely forested area. Along the way, you pass old farmhouses that take you back to the time when farming was still active here. The trail is well maintained and gradually ascends, allowing you to enjoy increasingly beautiful views.
The highlight, of course, is the lake itself. The water has that typical light-blue glacier colour, and at the far end you can see the Bondhusbreen glacier. Especially when the sun is shining and you see the crystal-clear water glittering, you’ll understand why this hike is so popular. Be sure to take your time to picnic by the lake and enjoy the view!
Trolltunga: the world-famous hike
You can’t write about Odda without mentioning Trolltunga (“the Troll’s Tongue”). This iconic rock formation sticks out like a tongue 1,100 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It’s probably one of the most photographed places in Norway — and understandably so! The hike to get there is quite an undertaking: 28 kilometres (round trip) and about 10–12 hours of hiking.
We visited Odda in May and chose not to do Trolltunga. In the winter period (October to March) and often still in May, there is a lot of snow on the route. You’re required to go with a guide. And honestly: that’s a wise idea! The guides know the route by heart and know exactly where it’s safe to walk. Plus, they carry all the necessary safety gear.
Visiting in summer (June–September)? Then you can do the hike independently. But prepare well: bring plenty of water and food, start early (preferably around sunrise), and check the weather in advance. The route is clearly marked, but it remains a strenuous day hike. If you manage it, you’ll be rewarded with one of Norway’s most breathtaking views!
Bonus tip: Vøringsfossen waterfall
Still not tired of waterfalls and are you continuing your journey north? Then Vøringsfossen might be a great extra stop. But keep in mind: it is about a 1.5-hour drive (one way) from Odda.
This waterfall is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls — and for good reason. With a height of 182 meters, it is an impressive sight. The nice thing is that you don’t have to walk far to get there: the route is only 1.8 kilometres long. You can admire the waterfall from several viewpoints. There is even a glass bridge for the daredevils among us!
Is it worth the drive? If you are short on time, I would choose the Husedalen waterfalls instead — they are closer, and you get four for the price of one. But if you have an extra half-day and don’t mind driving a bit, then Vøringsfossen is definitely worth it. Tip: combine it with your route heading north through Norway, as the road to get there is already beautiful!
Practical tips for your visit to Odda
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Always bring rain gear — the weather can change quickly
- Wear good hiking boots with ankle support
- Download routes in AllTrails beforehand to avoid getting lost
- Do your groceries in Odda itself. Most shops are closed on Sundays
- Expect paid parking at popular hikes
Our stay: A fruit farm as a home base
We stayed in an Airbnb on a fruit farm, just 13 kilometres from Trolltunga. And look at that stunning view you get there. The house was located between Odda and Kinsarvik, perfect for all our hiking plans. Tip: do your groceries in Odda, because you’ll be pretty remote once you get here!
On the map below, you can easily find a hotel near the highlights from this blog.
Combine it with Preikestolen
A helpful tip: you can perfectly combine Odda with a visit to Preikestolen! We hiked Preikestolen in the morning (8 kilometres) and then drove on to Odda. The drive takes about 4.5 hours, but the route goes through stunning landscapes and even includes a ferry crossing. It makes for a beautiful road trip!
Feeling excited about hiking in Odda? Then definitely plan at least three days in this region. With so many different hikes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you enjoy challenging climbs or prefer peaceful walks along waterfalls — Odda is an ideal base.
Activities nearby
Want to plan some other fun activities near Odda? For example, you can also go rock climbing for a day or take a boat tour on the Hardangerfjord!
Planning a 6-day trip to Norway full of hikes? Then read my blog 6 days in Norway in May – sample itinerary from Stavanger.
