Holidays in Voss

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Voss

Voss is fantastic for those wanting to be active on holiday. Voss itself is known for all the sporting activities it has on offer, including walking. You’ve got some lower level walks in the valley and around the lakes or head into the surrounding hills and mountains for more of a challenge. You’re also situated in a great location to access more of the local area. With train and bus connections heading east and west, it’s easy to get out and explore. Whether you decide to head west for Bergen or east for Flam, you’re in for some great walking.

Lifts

In Voss you’ll find the Hangurstoppen cable car – which is Northern Europes largest gondola lift. You can purchase tickets locally and you’ll travel from Voss to the top of Hangurstoppen in just nine minutes. At the top you’ll find a restaurant which prides itself on locally sourced food.

Buses

Voss is well connected by bus and the best way to plan your route is via Skyss which operate many of the local services in this area. There are numerous bus stops around Voss so make sure you go to the correct one depending on where you’re travelling to.

Trains

There is a train station not far from the centre of Voss that connects you to Bergen in the west and Myrdal in the east which is where you can get on the Flam railway. You can travel from Bergen to Voss in around 1.5 hours and the line to Myrdal has several small villages along the way if you’re wanting to visit some different areas.

Bordalsgjelet – Voss' gorge walk

• Ascent/descent: Approx. 50 metres
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 5 kilometres (approx. 1.5 hours round trip from central Voss)

This lovely walk from Voss is great for those wanting to see some of the area's natural wonders without too much difficulty. You’ll take the path out of the main centre of Voss that has a gentle incline, it takes around 45 minutes on foot to reach the impressive Bordalsgjelet gorge. This dramatic gorge has been carved out by nature and you'll find information boards next to the footpaths telling you all about this natural spectacle. The paths have also been designed to offer you great vantage points so make sure you stick to them.

Skutsgardstjorni

• Length: Approx. 4.5 kilometres
• Ascent: 169 metres
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate

You'll need buy tickets to the Voss cable car to start this walk, once at upper cable car station you'll begin on the trail which offers gentle terrain and some great views overlooking Voss. The route is generally quite easy but some sections are steep.

Dagsturhytta

• Numerous route options to suit different abilities
• Take the Hangurstoppen gondola if you want to make the route easier

The Dagsturhytta is a little unmanned cabin above Voss that offers a great stopping point to admire the views. If you’re looking to challenge yourself then you can start the walk from central Voss and climb up to the views, or, if you’re looking to take a more relaxed pace then you can always buy tickets to the Hangurstoppen gondola and be whisked up the mountain before doing an enjoyable walk to the cabin.

Recommended Equipment

Comfy walking boots, sun cream, insect repellent, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Voss.

Walking Guidelines

The mountains, lakes and fjords are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate your self
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Culture and History

For a stroll down Voss’s memory lane then maybe try out The Bergsliloypa (The Bergsli-Trail). It’s a cultural walk that takes you past several locations that had historical significance to the Bergslien family that were made up of three artists and sculptors. The Bergslien artists lived in Voss during the 19th century and today you’ll find most of their work is in Oslo. This walk begins at the church where you’ll see a monument with three reliefs depicting the artists. Follow the route, stroll along the lake and pass by the Berglitraeet where two of the family members grew up – this is now a little museum that opens on selected days during the summer (usually open on a Sunday).

If you’re wishing to learn a bit more about what life was like centuries ago in Voss, then the Voss Folke Museum has a permanent exhibition in place. It’s set in a beautiful location across several historic buildings that you can wander around at your leisure.

An active town

There’s plenty to keep you busy when you’re in Voss with a bunch of activities on offer that kids and adults will love.

The bowling and activity centre has eight bowling lanes, two pool tables as well as a great play area for kids. Or, head to the Vossabadet Indoor Swimming Centre which has an exercise pool and a family friendly pool, it’s great for cooling off on warmer days.

For epic views and a great day out, you can head up in the gondola. Once at the top you can wander some of the walking trails, dine in the restaurant or simply admire the views.

If you’re wanting to get a little further afield then there are several local bike trails to explore. Go in search of waterfalls or lakes.

Flam Railway

The Flam Railway is often referred to as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. It departs from Myrdal and journeys to Flam, which is around 20 kilometres away. Skirt through the Flam valley, keep your eyes peeled for distant waterfalls and dramatic mountains.

Riding the Flam railway is a must for many visitors coming to this part of Norway so you’ll need to book tickets far in advance and there’s no seat allocation so if you’re hoping to bag a seat, make sure you arrive with plenty of time to board the train. From Voss, the best way to do the journey is to catch a train to Myrdal where the Flam Railway departs and do a return journey. 

Journey outside of Voss

Whether you’re looking to head to the famous village of Flam and spend the day admiring the views or, head to the city of Bergen for plenty of sightseeing, Voss puts you in a great position to explore the area. There are numerous train routes to get you to different destinations or, you may wish to book onto one of our excursions (see the excursions section below for more information).

Gudvangen takes around an hour and thirty minutes to get to by bus from Voss. It sits right at the entrance to the Nærøyfjord, so you won’t be disappointed by the views. What makes this village so unique though is its Viking heritage which has led to a reconstruction of a Viking settlement, called The Viking Village – there are often exhibits with workshops and sometimes performances taking place. You may wish to purchase tickets in advance as it can be a popular attraction during high season.

If you're wanting to explore further on from Gudvangen then you can always book onto a Fjord cruise that takes you through the Naeroyfjord and journey to Flam. From Flam you can catch the flam railway to Myrdal where you can catch a train back to Voss (this journey must be booked in advance as flam railway tickets can sell out months in advance).

Skjervefossen waterfall

The Skjervefossen waterfall is around a 20 minutes bus from Voss (bus routes are subject to local schedules and changes, make sure you plan your journey), with around a 40 minute walk (one way) from the bus stop to the waterfall. This powerful waterfall has water flowing through it from a height of 150 metres, there are several rest areas – perfect for a picnic, just make sure you take food and drink with you as there’s nowhere to purchase any once you leave Voss.

Festivals

Ekstremsportveko Festival - This festival is usually held annually at the end of June (check event dates prior to booking, you’ll need to purchase tickets to attend this event and they can sell out fast so it’s best to book in advance). It’s the largest extreme sport festival in the world, you’ll get to see national and international athletes do everything from kayaking, paragliding, skydiving, skateboarding, rafting and many more. During this time Voss has a great energy with lots of people flocking to this mountain town especially for the event.

Pre-book your activities or excursions online or give us a call

Guided Hiking Trip to Kiellandbu from Voss from £240 per person

To start the walk you'll hop on a transfer to Kiellandbu which takes about 30 minutes, passing some gorgeous scenery on the way. The walk starts near the Hamlagrøvatnet lake and takes you through wild Norwegian landscapes and up to the fascinating and popular Kiellandbu. The Kiellandbu is a small cabin, spectacularly located near the edge of a cliff. Behind it, you’ll see a narrow fjord, and if you look out to the horizon, you'll see the brilliantly white Kiellandbu glacier, which makes this a truly magical mountain experience!

Departs Daily

Guided Viking Trail Hiking in Voss from £225 per person

To start the walk you'll hop on a train from Klyve, (just a couple of minutes from Voss) to Sverrestigen. Thanks to its wild nature and interesting history, Raundalen, a 25km long valley that stretches from Rastalii up to Upsete, is a rare gem and the perfect valley for walking. You'll start the trail by a deep gorge which shapes an impressive entrance to the Raundalen valley, and from there you'll follow in the footsteps of the Viking King Sverre Sigurdsson up to the top of Rastalii!

Departs Daily

UNESCO Nærøyfjord hike from £240 per person

Join in on a spectacular guided mountain walk up the historic Rimstigen with a fantastic view of the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord! Rimstigen is an historic path used by the farmers of Bakka to herd their farm animals to the summer pastures in the mountains. Walking through lush forests and up steep rocky steps, this walk offers a unique mix of beautiful fjord nature and local culture and the untouched nature of the area has earned it a spot on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Departs Daily

Fjord & Glacier tour from £158 per person

Starting with a scenic bus journey from Voss to Vik you’ll cross the Vikafjell passage through stunning landscapes and you may even glimpse some summer snow! On the way back down you’ll stop at the Storesvingen viewpoint offering excellent photo opportunities with magnificent views of Vik and the Sognefjord.

In Vik you’ll experience a historical guided tour of the Hopperstad Stave Church, one of Norway's best-preserved stave churches, and from there continue by boat to the stunning Fjærlandsfjord and on to Fjærland. From Fjærland you’ll join a guided tour to the fascinating Norwegian Glacier Museum and then onto the Bøyabreen glacier. On returning to Fjærland, you'll then head to Vik on a boat, where the tour continues onto the spectacular Tvindefossen waterfall, where you’ll learn about the myths and historical significance of the waterfall, before heading back to Bergen on a bus!

Departs Daily

Viking Village from £32 per person

In the village of Njardarheimr, you'll get to experience an authentic Viking village that shows how the Vikings lived 1,000 years ago, when Gudvangen got its name. The locals in this village are not actors in costume, but people who have adopted the old Viking culture as a lifestyle. They really know their history and have unique knowledge about how the Vikings lived and live, which they would love to share with you!

Departs Daily

Flam railway from £55 per person (01 May-30 Sept) & from £47 per person (01-31 Oct)

The Flåm Railway has been described by many as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station and passes through some of the most striking scenery of Western Norway.

Departs Daily. To get to the railway you'll start by heading from Voss to Myrdal on the train (train tickets included) from where you'll change and hop on the Flåm Railway. 

Nærøyfjord cruise from £85 per person (01 May-30 Sept) & from £82 per person (01-31 Oct)

Experience a cruise on the West Norwegian Fjords - Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. According to UNESCO, the two fjords are archetypal fjord landscapes which have been left more or less untouched.

Departs Daily. To start the excursion, you'll head over to Gudvangen on the bus (bus tickets included) where the Nærøyfjord cruise starts.

Nærøyfjord cruise and Flam railway from £93 per person (01 May-30 Sept) & from £85 per person (01-31 Oct)

Experience a cruise on the West Norwegian Fjords - Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. According to UNESCO, the two fjords are archetypal fjord landscapes which have been left more or less untouched. For the second part of the day hop on the Flåm Railway which has been described by many as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station and passes through some of the most striking scenery of Western Norway.

Departs Daily. To start the excursion, you'll head over to Gudvangen on the bus (bus tickets included) where the Nærøyfjord cruise starts.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.