Voss
Photo: Chuck Nichols/Giske Berland,gb-design
God Tur I Voss!
Voss lies in the kommune of Hordaland, just over 100 km east of Bergen and on the direct train line between Oslo and Bergen. It is located between two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, making it an ideal location for those that wish to explore both the cities and the fjords.
Its topography makes it the perfect base for those wanting to exploit the great range of outdoor activities that Norway has to offer. Voss is surrounded by beautiful mountains, many of which have spectacular views of the fjords and Vangsvatnet, the lake around which the town is based. These mountains, which can be hiked in the summer have, in wintertime, nurtured many of Norway’s downhill and cross-country skiing champions.
Once a year at the end of June, Voss hosts the world’s number one extreme sports week, Veko. In fact, many of its participants choose to live in Voss year round, to make use of top-class and pristine white water rivers, for kayaking, rafting and river boarding. These rivers vary in grading, and can cater for all abilities, from complete beginners to the most experienced paddlers. In addition, Voss’s local airstrip and wind tunnel provide the opportunity for anyone who dreams of experiencing skydiving and paragliding.
Love Norway works with local Voss activity providers to offer our clients not only hiking, water sports, skiing and air activities but also horse riding, high ropes, mountain biking and fjord kayaking. The beauty being that all of these activities can be tailor-made to suit any level of experience.
If you would rather take it easy in Voss, then it is also the perfect base for cultural experiences. Voss Folkemuseum depicts how the way of life has changed in this region and, set in the nearby fjord town of Gudvanger, Viking Valley is a living and working museum dedicated to Viking life. Guided day trips and scenic drives to explore the beautiful regions of Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are easy to embark on from here. It is also a great location from which to take the world-famous train ride to Flåm.
Photo: Sverre Hjornevik/www.fjordnorway.com
Voss itself is a small town that has long been associated with tourism. Back in 1889 the famous Swiss-style hotel of Fleischers was built and today many international tourists enjoy staying there in the summer. It is also very popular with Norwegian tourists in the winter, as they like to take advantage of the region’s many skiing possibilities.
Voss is also home to the smaller historic hotel, Store Ringheim, which is a favourite of Love Norway. Once a collection of small farm buildings, this hotel has been lovingly restored and transformed by Svein and Jorunn F. Ringheim. Each room is named and individually decorated, which gives guests an extra-special feeling. Two of the oldest and most romantic rooms have beautiful wood-burners, making them particularly cosy, especially after a day’s skiing. The restaurant provides excellent local cuisine and good wines. We would recommend sipping on the local apple brandy after a good evening meal and, from the breakfast selection, the traditional cinnamon biscuits and homemade cookies!
For those on a smaller budget, the area also has plenty of possibilities for cabin stays, which Love Norway would be happy to arrange for you.
Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life As/www.fjordnorway.com
Photo: Sverre Hjornevik/www.fjordnorway.com
Photo: Photo: Sverre Hjornevik/Vossvind