About Odda

The valley of waterfalls

When the snow starts melting in spring, nature wakes up – beautiful contrasts as hills become greener, the fruit trees blossom while the mountains are still covered in snow. This is when Låtefoss is at its most powerful. The ‘king among waterfalls’ and the main attraction in the Odda valley, the ‘valley of waterfalls’. The valley was shaped by the glacier, separating the two national parks, Hardangervidda and Folgefonna.

In this distinctive valley, numerous waterfalls are lined up within only 10km.

Folgefonna national park/the Buer glacier

Glacier climbing in the Folgefonna national park has become quite famous, probably because one can experience this in both summer and wintertime. An hour and a half’s drive from Odda you’ll find the Folgefonn summer ski resort. Here you can go skiing in a bikini or a pair of shorts, while the sun and a warm summer breeze gently touches your skin.

The Buer valley is attached to the Odda valley. It’s a beautiful, wild and lush valley with steep, steep mountain sides. In the very heart of the valley you’ll encounter the spectacular Buer glacier, having three arms stretching down the same valley.

If you’re well-equipped (good shoes), you can follow a path from the parking area up to the edge of the glacier. A memory for life.

We can organise everything from a short day hike including glacier climbing, to longer hikes including accommodation. Please contact us to book a trip or for more information.

Ringedalen/Trolltunga

Trolltunga is a a clip of rock that stands horizontally out of the mountain about 350m above the Ringedal lake. The name Trolltunga means the troll’s tongue, and is a classic example of how fairy tales about trolls are closely connected with the wild nature in Norway. Even for the bravest of us it’s a challenge to make it all the way to the edge of the tongue. Trolltunga has not been secured, so be careful!

Hardangervidda national park

In Norway’s largest national park, Hardangervidda, hikers can trek from cabin to cabin on a great selection of varied footpaths. There are numerous cabins, both staffed and self serviced, and well trodden paths, marked with the red “T” by the Norwegian Tourist association. Hiking on the Hardangervidda is a popular activity during both summer and winter.

Our mountains take you on a journey filled with drama in one moment; tranquility the next. With the special itineraries you can choose to travel by car or on foot; or a combination of the two.

Hardangervidda, home to one of Europe’s largest herds of wild reindeers, is a fantastic holiday option filled with powerful experiences.

Please contact us for bookings.

Røldal/Seljestad

Experience the mountain village of Røldal – the Nordic countries’ equivalent of Chamonix. If you and your family and friends travel to Røldal, you can explore the west of Norway’s most beautiful, unspoilt nature. Whether your favourite is powder, off piste skiing, marked ski slopes or a day crosscountrying in the national park, Røldal is a great choice.

Seljestad is a dream come true for crosscountry lovers. Here you’ll find the professionals training for the next championship, as well as families on a day out.

The Odda city centre

Odda can boast great shopping and cultural activities. You’ve got the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry here, an art gallery, accommodation in unique surroundings, an art hotel, a guest house with great experiences, cabins for rent, many exciting activities, a ceramic workshop, gym and other sports activities, and traditional Norwegian food served in our local favourite!

Odda has a lovely shopping area for pedestrians only, with a large variety of stores. The welcoming shop staff in Odda will help you with everything from new sports equipment for your trek to a new dress.

During the year we have numerous festivals and concerts which helps making this a varied and exciting place to live. More about at Odda at http://www.visitodda.com