# Ullensvang

Ullensvang is a municipality in Hardanger, Norway, with its centre in Odda. With 10,000 inhabitants, the land is known for its spectacular mountain formations, including the Trolltunga cliff and the Folgefonna glacier.

## Understand

The current municipality was formed in 2020, when Odda, Ullensvang and Jondal were merged. Also Røldal used to be an independent municipality. The municipal centre is the town of Odda. Other important settlements include Jondal, Kinsarvik and Lofthus, the two latter in former Ullensvang. There is a population of 10,000 on 3,230 km$^2$ (1,250 sq mi) (3.7/km²). The names Odda and Ullensvang come from the farms by which the respective first church there was built.
The municipality borders to Hardangerfjorden and its arm Utnefjorden in the north. Sørfjorden stretches southward to Odda as another arm.

## Get in
### By plane

The nearest airport is in Bergen (BGO).

### By train

The nearest train station is in Voss, 90 km to the north.

### By bus

There are services from Bergen and Voss by Skyss and from Oslo by Nor-way Bussekspress$^{[deadlink]}$.

### By car

From the west, south or east, take E134 (Bergen–Oslo) and turn to the north at Skare, to RV 13, and drive for some 15 km more to reach the centre. From the north, take RV 13 from Vossavangen (Voss).

### By bike

Odda is on the Norvegian cycle route 3 between Kristiansand and Ålesund.

### By boat

There is a sightseeing express boat from Bergen to Rosendal. Continue along Hardangerfjorden to RV 49.

## Get around

E134 leads through the southern part on Odda, via Røldal in the south-east and close to Skare. RV 13 leads from the south (where it shares tarmac with E134 for some distance) via Skare, Odda, Lofthus and Kinsarvik to the north, while RV 49 leads to the north-west from Odda through Folgefonntunnelen and Jonsdalstunnelen to Jondal.

## See

* 60.0702786.5477781 Odda Church. A simple white wooden church dating back to 1870 with beautiful views of Sørfjorden.
* 59.8305566.8213892 Røldal Stave Church (in Røldal). Constructed between 1200 and 1250
* 60.0136.3543 Folgefonna (glacier). 24 h. One the large glaciers in Norway, Hardanger's main glacier, between Sørfjorden and main Hardangerfjord. Visible from a long distance because of its elevation above the deep fjords around. On clear days it is visible from Bergen and from the ocean. Arms of the big glacier stretch into the valleys below, for instance at Odda (Buerbreen) and Mauranger (Bondhusbreen in Sunndal). Summer ski resorts on the glacier. Caution: Hiking the glacier is only for experts, do not attempt a hike outside marked trails at the ski resort on your own. Free.
** 606.3333334 Folgefonna National Park, ☏ +47 53 48 42 80, epost@folgefonna.info.
** 60.04466.4815 Buerbreen (glacier), Odda. 24 h. Buerbreen arm of Folgefonna glacier, visible from road 13 at Sandvin lake. Road up valley towards Buer.
* 59.94756.58426 Låtefossen waterfall (Road 13 south from Odda). 24 h. The most popular of the waterfalls in the "valley of waterfalls". A 160 meters high cascade fall. Road 13 crosses the flow on a fine bridge and mist from the cascade keeps the road wet. Free.
* 60.11886.55637 Tyssedal power plant and museum (Kraftmuseet Norsk vasskraft), 5770 Tyssedal at Odda Naustbakken 7 (Road 13). Monumental and stylish power plant building from early industrialization, now hosting the Norwegian museum of industry and hydro power. The architects were inspired by Italian cathedrals. The building is protected cultural heritage and is nominated to the UNESCO world heritage list. Named "building of the century" in Hordaland county. 90.

## Do

* 60.1241676.741 Trolltunga. July through September. One of Norway's best known mountain formations. Warning: The hike is long and strenuous and ascends into the high barren plateau. This is only for fit and experienced hikers with proper gear. Sturdy hiking boots (or shoes up to the task), windproof long jackets, long pants and warm layer is needed even in summer. Snow often remains into July. A long hike like this can not be done in autumn when days are getting short. Early start is necessary in August and September. There have been fatal accidents and numerous rescue operations, to the point of the SAR volunteers being overworked. Visitors who are unsure should cancel or go with a local guide.
* 59.8236.742 Røldal, Røldalsfjellet 12 (in the southern parts of the Odda district), ☏ +47 53 65 48 00, post@roldal.com. Røldal has one of Norway's best off-piste ski slopes and enjoys heavy snowfalls. Ski lifts operate from late November to early May.