Bride's Veil and Steinsdalsfossen waterfalls with sceneries of Hardanger Fjord

A cluster of medieval merchant houses that belonged to the German Trading Hanseatic League that is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. The center of trade in Scandinavia from the start of 14th century. Narrow passages between old wooden houses preserved spirit of passed centuries. The most of buildings here were re-erected after the most destructive Bergen fire in 1702. Bergen is the only one place in the world were architectural traces of Hanseatic can be seen concentrated in one place.

Bergenhus Fortress became the seat for Norwegian kings from the end of 11th century. Haakon Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower both erected in 13th century give us visibal information about medieval Bergen and Norwegian royal family, when Norway was the strongest country in Scandinavia.View of the the city fjord and islands in front of the harbor from fortress bastions is unforgettable.

Waterfall Bratte you will reach in 1 hour by your vehicle after leaving old quaters of Bergen. Road to this waterfall is also attraction. It goes along Osterøy Fjord and through the mountain region Kvamskogen. Waterfall Bratte is more known here under the name of Bride`s Veil waterfall due to its shape. During your private tour you will stop beside narrow trail coming to the bottom of deep ravine that became the house for speedy mountain river with rainbow trout. This river is falling down from the steep cliff forming waterfall shaped as bride`s veil.

Steinsdalsfossen waterfall has its own unique history that differs this waterfall from thousands others. We know when this waterfall occurred. In 1699 strong earthquake in the region of Myklavatnet lake high up in the mountains changed the course of Fosselva river that started to fall from 50m high cliff. Natural nisha along the mountain slope allows visitors to walk safe behind falling water of this waterfall and stay dry. From the view point beside the waterfall you can see snow clad mountains heading above Hardanger Fjord.

Hardanger Fjord or the "Queen of Fjords" is the second longest Norwegian Fjord and the 4th longest fjord in the world. Its deepest point equal to 879m (2900ft). The whole region along this fjord is known as the largest Norwegian fruit garden. For example apple trees here were counted more than 1.5 million. Hardanger Fjord is known as one of the best places for fish farms. Every year Hardanger region can supply market with more than 40000 tones of farmed salmon. Zig-zag road along the fjord has many special parking places for photographers. From them in sunny day you can see also the top of Folgefonna glacier on oposite side of the fjord.

More than 100 years ago one of local farmers brought with him from distant place a small number of gold fish (carp family). Gold fish population increased quickly and after a couple of years a big lake where gold fish were released got new name Goldfish Lake. Today families and groups are common visitors to this lake where you can make a barbeque in a special place and to feed gold fish that in a big number coming close to the shore.

After the lunch in one of the restaurants in Hardanger you will set on a tour back to your hotel or cruise ship in Bergen. After crossing Kvamskogen mountain region you will continue along Osteroy Fjord to the center of Bergen. Bjorkheim is just in the middle of your trip back.