Kinsarvik
Kinsarvik at a Glance
Costs: $120-$180 / day - norway rates apply: plan on $120-$180 daily for food, lodging and activities.
Safety: Very safe - very safe with low crime; standard Norwegian safety and infrastructure.
Best Time: May-September - late spring to early autumn is best for hiking, waterfalls and fjord activities.
Why Visit Kinsarvik?
Perched where valleys meet the Hardangerfjord, Kinsarvik is a practical stop for lovers of fruit country and mountain scenery. The village is surrounded by orchards famed for blossoms and cider, and the medieval Kinsarvik Church adds a historic touch to the shoreline. Hikers use Kinsarvik as a gateway to Husedalen’s waterfall corridor and to Folgefonna glacier excursions, while farm stalls and summer markets highlight local apples and preserves.
Best Things to Do in Kinsarvik
Cliff
Trolltunga
Dramatic cliff ledge over fjord; strenuous hiking destination
Waterfall
Låtefossen
Twin waterfall where two streams merge, roadside attraction
Lake
Eidfjordvatnet
Lake near Eidfjord beneath Hardangerfjord and mountain scenery
Lake
Granvinsvatnet
Scenic lake in Vestland county, Norway
Lake
Juklavatnet
Lake in Vestland county, Norway
Lake
Ringedalsvatnet
Scenic Norwegian lake beneath Trolltunga cliffs
Waterfall
Tyssestrengene
Majestic twin waterfalls in Vestland, Norway
Waterfall
Tjørnadalsfossen
Waterfall in Vestland known for scenic cascades
Kinsarvik Bucket List
Don't Miss
Kinsarvik Church (Kinsarvik kyrkje) - 12th-century stone church with historic frescoes and riverside setting and fjord views.
Hardangerfjord waterfront and ferry - Short ferry rides along Hardangerfjord to Lofthus and scenic waterfront viewpoints.
Husedalen waterfall hike - Trail up Husedalen valley past multiple waterfalls to alpine plateau trails and viewpoints.
Hidden Gems
Ullensvang fruit orchards - Local orchards offering cider tastings and seasonal blossom or harvest experiences nearby.
Kinsarvik seasonal village market - Seasonal market with local cheeses, cured meats, jams and handcrafted souvenirs.
Nearby glacier viewpoints - Scenic vantage points reachable by short drives for close views of glacial ridges.
Day Trips
Vøringsfossen (Eidfjord) - One of Norway’s largest waterfalls with high viewpoints and visitor information centre.
Trolltunga (Odda) - World-famous cliff hike near Odda, requiring a full-day trek and good preparation.
Folgefonna Glacier guided walks - Glacier excursions from nearby centres offering close-up ice formations and expert guides.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Kinsarvik
Kinsarvik sits at the head of Hardangerfjord with a maritime climate: mild winters, cool wet summers and spectacular waterfalls. Late spring to summer is best for fjord activities and hiking.
Winter
Mild, wet winters with frequent rain rather than deep snow; good for cozy stays but less ideal for long outdoor excursions.
Spring
Spring brings orchards and valleys to life-muddy at first, then excellent for riverside walks and waterfall viewing.
Summer
Cool, often rainy summers with spectacular fjord scenery and long daylight-perfect for hiking, boating and tasting local fruit.
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1349 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -4° | 153 mm | overcast | 95% | 2.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 2° | -4° | 117 mm | overcast | 94% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 5° | -1° | 105 mm | overcast | 93% | 1.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | 3° | 51 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 9° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.0h |
| June | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 66 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 19° | 15° | 78 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 18° | 14° | 102 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 14° | 10° | 142 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 9° | 5° | 152 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | 0° | 160 mm | overcast | 95% | 1.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -2° | 171 mm | overcast | 96% | 1.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Kinsarvik
How to Get Around Kinsarvik
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Where to Stay in Kinsarvik
Budget
Kinsarvik village - NOK 300-900/night
Kinsarvik has a few low-cost options: small fjord hotels and camping cabins. Summer fills quickly; winter services are reduced.
Kinsarvik Fjordhotel - Simple rooms by the fjord (seasonal)
Kinsarvik Camping - Cabins and cheap camping options nearby
Mid-Range
Kinsarvik / Lofthus / Ulvik - NOK 900-1700/night
Good mid-range stays are in Kinsarvik or neighboring Lofthus/Ulvik. Expect fjord views, hearty meals, and seasonal opening times.
Hotel Ullensvang (Lofthus) - Comfortable fjord-side hotel, classic rooms
Brakanes Hotel (Ulvik) - Historic mid-range hotel across the fjord
Luxury
Lofthus / Ulvik - NOK 1700+/night
Luxury options are limited but available nearby: upgraded rooms at classic fjord hotels and a couple of boutique stays. Book well in advance.
Hotel Ullensvang (Superior rooms) - Historic grand hotel with fjord views
Fjordahotel (nearby boutique) - Boutique, high-comfort option on the fjord
Where to Eat in Kinsarvik
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kinsarvik’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.