Round trip starting at Rosendal.
Distance: 76 km
The route: This is a varied trip that is easy to cycle and ideal for a weekend break.
This is a varied, easy cycle which is suitable for a weekend. The Fjord and Mountain Route has been devised as a round trip from Rosendal, but it is also possible to start the trip at other locations. It may be best to follow the route in the direction we describe here, since the ascent from Omvikdalen valley is less challenging than from Matre. The Hardangerfjord Express boat will take you from Bergen to Rosendal in less than two hours. If you arrive the previous evening you will have time to explore the Barony village before you jump on your bike. The putball park, where you can play football golf is in walking distance of the centre of Rosendal, as is the StonePark, which is a beautiful area along the river which displays types of stone from the Folgefonna National Park. A visit to Folgefonnsenteret directly at the quays is also recommended.
Rosendal – Omvikdalen – Matre – Skånevik 26 km
A visit to the manor house from 1665, Baroniet Rosendal or Kvinnherad church is a must before you set off on your bike. The cycling trip to Skånevik is a great leg of the trip which takes you through the agricultural community of Omvikdalen. Follow the Rv 48 road from the centre of Rosendal south towards Uskedalen valley. After roughly 3.5 km you will arrive at the service (petrol) station in Omvikdalen. This is your last opportunity to stock up on provisions before the trip over the mountain to Matre. There are several farm cluster museums in Omvikdalen; Nistovetunet with its smoke house from the 18th century and Hauahuset (Tvedt-stova). The museums are only open on request.
There is a 2-km gentle ascent up the Omvikdalen valley, followed by a 10-km steady ascent before a steep decline to Matre. There is a fantastic view of the Matrefjord. The ferry from Matre to Skånevik takes 25 minutes. Timetable at Skyss.
There are lots of activities throughout the summer in Skånevik, which is famous for its blues festival. There are lots of lovely bathing spots in Skånevik and you can take a nice walk through the centre of the village.
You can take a detour/extend you trip by cycling from Skånevikstranda to Etne, a distance of 26 km. You can get back to Skånevik by a local bus. If you fancy a hike, try the old postal road between Skånevik and Etne.
Skånevik – Valen – Husnes – Uskedalen – Rosendal 50 km
The trip starts with a 20-minute ferry trip from Skånevik to Utåker. There are wonderful views on this leg of the trip, and you cycle close to the fjord all the way. You cycle through beautiful, fertile communities and can take detours to various places such as the beautiful Handelandsdalen valley.
At Sunde, you can take a detour to Halsnøy (Ranavik) or Stord (timetables at Skyss). The trip continues past Husnes, which is the biggest village in Kvinnherad. Here you can either cycle through the village centre or follow the Rv 48 road past Opsangervatnet lake. Take a detour to Herøysund (2 km), which used to be a traffic hub in the days of steam ships, and has a crafts shop and joiner's shop.
In Uskedalen, you can visit Bygdatunet Rød and the Haugland school museum (both open on request). It is 15 km from Uskedalen to Rosendal. There is a beautiful beach at Uskedalen.
Back in Rosendal the Hardangerfjord Express is waiting to take you back to Bergen.
If you want to cycle across to Stord or back to Bergen, you can do so by cycling across the island of Tysnes. The cycling trip can also be combined with the Islands and Skerries Route or the North Sea Cycle Route. You can also start your trip in Skånevik.
A finished package trip that includes this route can be booked at www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no
The route is not suitable for children.
Signposting: The route is not signposted.
Information: Visitor center Folgefonna national park, Rosendal Tel: +47 53 48 42 80 turistinfo@kvinnherad.kommune.no