Bergen to Bondhus Glacier Lake tour: Ferry, hike & local lunch

Walk to a glacier-backed lake after two ferry crossings and lunch in a fjord village

A 10-hour tour from Bergen combines bus travel, two ferry crossings on the Hardangerfjord, a warm lunch of local ingredients in the village of Rosendal, and a gentle 2.3 km walk to Bondhus Glacier Lake in Folgefonna National Park. A local English-speaking guide leads the walk through the valley to the lake, where the Bondhusbreen Glacier rises at the far end. The route follows a wide gravel road with a gentle incline, suitable for all fitness levels. Children from age 1 are welcome, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bus trip, ferry, hike, and lunch

• Depart Bergen and enjoy scenic views
• Stop at Blåbærsletta for break and views
• Ferry crossing at Gjermundshamn
• Arrive in Rosendal for lunch
• Walk Bondhus Valley to Bondhus Lake
• Photo stop at Jondal ferry terminal
• Second ferry crossing
• Visit Steinsdalsfossen waterfall

The experience

The tour leaves Bergen and within ten minutes enters open countryside, following the Osterfjord past Osterøy, Northern Europe's largest inland island, and the suspension bridge that connects it to the mainland. After about an hour, you stop at Blåbærsletta for 15 minutes to stretch and take in views across the Fusafjord before the road narrows into valleys and mountain scenery, where waterfalls drop down the mountainsides. The landscape opens into wide views of the Hardangerfjord as you approach Gjermundshamn.

At Gjermundshamn, you board the first ferry for a 20-minute crossing of the Hardangerfjord, then drive 10 minutes to Rosendal, a small village set between the fjord and mountains. Lunch is a warm meal made from organic, locally sourced ingredients (typically a traditional soup with homemade focaccia) eaten at a local restaurant where you stay for almost an hour. From Rosendal, the drive continues to Bondhus Valley, where the walk begins. The route follows a wide, well-maintained gravel road through an open valley with views of surrounding mountains and waterfalls. The walk to Bondhus Lake is 2.3 km one way, taking 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace, with the return taking 20 to 30 minutes. At the lake, the Bondhusbreen Glacier comes into view at the far end of the valley, and you have time to rest by the water's edge, surrounded by rock formations, before heading back. A local guide accompanies the entire walk, and the tour allows 2 hours total in Bondhus Valley so there is no rush.

After leaving Bondhus, you stop near Jondal, an official national park village on the Hardangerfjord, for a short photo stop before the second ferry crossing of the day. On the return to Bergen, the route passes Steinsdalsfossen, a 50-metre waterfall famous for the path that runs behind it, allowing you to walk under the rushing water without getting wet. You spend about 30 minutes here before the final drive back to the city. The tour travels in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned bus transport from Bergen.
• two ferry crossings on the Hardangerfjord.
• warm lunch of organic, locally sourced ingredients at a restaurant in Rosendal.
• a local English-speaking guide for the walk to Bondhus Glacier Lake.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 6 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (4 to 15 years) · Child (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Travel North

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Bergen or arriving by train or bus. The tour departs and returns from the city center, so you won't need to arrange onward transport.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

54 verified traveler reviews

5 ★50

4 ★3

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 15 years); Child (1 to 3 years).

How long is the walk to Bondhus Glacier Lake?

The walk to Bondhus Lake is 2.3 km one way and takes 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace on a wide gravel road with a gentle incline. The return takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the tour allows 2 hours total in Bondhus Valley, including time to rest by the lake.

What is included in the lunch at Rosendal?

Lunch is a warm meal prepared from organic, locally sourced ingredients, typically a traditional soup served with homemade focaccia, eaten at a local restaurant in the village of Rosendal.

How many ferry crossings are on this tour?

There are two ferry crossings on the Hardangerfjord: the first at Gjermundshamn, lasting around 20 minutes, and the second near Jondal on the return journey. Both crossings offer views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.

What is Bondhus Glacier Lake like when you arrive?

Bondhus Lake sits at the foot of the Bondhusbreen Glacier in Folgefonna National Park, surrounded by rock formations and with the glacier visible at the far end of the valley. The lake is set in an open valley with views of surrounding mountains and waterfalls, offering a quiet spot for photos and rest.

Does the tour include a stop at Steinsdalsfossen waterfall?

Yes, on the return to Bergen, the tour stops at Steinsdalsfossen, a 50-metre waterfall near Norheimsund famous for the path that runs behind it. You have about 30 minutes to walk along the path, enjoy the views, and take photos.