The Voss Guide
Voss is the adventure capital of Norway. Throughout the years the destination have worked together with one common goal: providing guests with a variety of activities and experiences. Voss is well-known for many reasons: a great skiing destination; extreme sports; for our surprisingly large amount of Olympic medals; for our stunning nature and unique culture; and last, but not least, for our delicious and traditional local cuisine.
Voss is a destination that works hard on sustainable tourism. Together with the travel industry, Visit Voss works towards sustainability in all stages. In June 2021 Voss was rewarded the badge for "Sustainable Travel Destinations".
Come experience Voss!
How to travel to and around in Voss?
There are trains to Voss from both Bergen and Oslo. It is also possible to get here by bus or car. Voss station is the transportation hub in town. Local bus routes run from here, you will find Voss Gondola here, and on street level you will find the tourist information.
Find trains to Voss here
Travel planner for bus here
More practical information about travelling, parking and charging points for electric cars is available here
Activities
If you are searching for recommendations for an eventful summer holiday, preferably with adrenaline and excitement, Voss is the place to go to. The town that is known for the Extreme sport festival knows how to take advantage of natural elements to create great experiences. In the winter Voss is a great place for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ski touring and backcountry skiing. We have two ski resorts! Voss Resort and Myrkdalen.
If you are lucky enough to experience true west coast, Norwegian, weather, with horizontal rain and strong wind, we can recommend visiting Vossabadet. Here you can take a dip into three different pools, find out who is the fastest in the waterslide, or get warm and cosy in the sauna.
With two fjords, crystal clear rivers and many lakes Voss has several nice swimming spots for both big and small. Check out our outdoor swimming guide here.
Choose a Voss adventure and you won’t regret it. In this western Norwegian town, everything is in place for a great holiday – on the ground, in the water, or even in the sky!
See more summer inspiration here
See more winter inspiration here
Foto: Hunnalvatn Media
Foto: Andreas Roksvåg
Culture
Voss has a rich culture – and the history is fortunately well preserved.
Finnesloftet is a banqueting hall from the middle ages – built in year 1295! Vangskyrkja (the stone church in the town centre) dates back to year 1277 and is also worth a visit.
In the folk museum of Voss in Mølstertunet, there is a clustering of old farm buildings that has been there since people lived and farmed there several hundred years back. A fantastical glimpse into our history!
Hedleberget is a slate quarry in Kyte, filled with history in spectacular surroundings. Here they put on concerts and tours, and there is a beautiful culture trail that you can walk with lots of information.
Nesheimstunet’s location has a great view over the lake Lønavatnet. This farm has always been run by a single user, not shared between several – which used to be the common practice in Voss. It is believed that this place used to be home to Viking chiefs during the Viking age.
Read more about our unique attractions here
Sport history: At the time of writing, Voss has 98 Olympic and World Championship medals. This is proof of a rich sport- and ski history, that stretches back from Jon Istad’s first biathlon medals in the beginning of the 1960s to Sjur Røthe’s Would Championship gold medal in 30 km skiathlon in 2019.
Finnesloftet
Food and beverage
The food culture in Voss is built on long running traditions that are still standing strong, and our town is known for just this. A journey to Voss offers unique culinary experiences. Vossafår (salami) and smalahove (sheeps head) are just two of many great foods you should try. Most of the restaurants here use local produce and they serve homemade traditional cuisines. Vangen Cafè and Flor’n at Store Ringheim are among the best when is comes to using local produce and suppliers.
See the selection of restaurants in the town centre of Voss and in Myrkdalen here
Voss also have longstanding traditions with beer brewing, something that is still practiced. It is especially the world famous yeast Kveik, which’ use goes far back. This yeast is still used today, both in microbreweries and more traditional farm breweries. Most of those with liquor licences have a broad selection of local brews and will happily help you find something of your liking. If you want to start a conversation with a local, just enquire at the bar about which beer is the best. Several of the breweries accept visitors, such as Voss Fellesbryggeri.
Hiking
The mountains surrounding Voss are fantastic for both short and long mountain hikes, many of the hikes have panoramic views of glaciers, fjords, mountain ranges and lakes. See our top five mountain hikes here. With Voss as your base you have many opportunities – everything from hikes lasting just a couple of hours to hikes over several days with sleepovers in cabins or tents.
If you are looking for a more challenging hike you can walk to Breidskrednosi via Rimstigen. Your reward when you reach the top is a spectacular view of Nærøyfjorden. The hike offers mostly alpine terrain and is about 16-17 kilometres long. We recommend bringing a guide. There are several operators that offer guided hikes in Voss. Oksen, Kiellandbu and Karaldenuten are also mentionable hikes in the area with spectacular views of fjords.
The hiking season in Voss usually starts around the end of June and lasts until the end of October – depending on the amount of snow in the mountains.
The mountains around Voss are vulnerable, and we ask that everyone respect nature and the animals that live here. We have made a collection of simple guidelines called “The Voss way”, that we hope that everyone will follow.
Waterfalls and gorges
If you want to find serenity and experience nature up close we recommend visiting some of the waterfalls around Voss – such as Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen.
The gorge Bordalsgjelet is also a great nature attraction located within walking distance from the town centre. There you can witness how the ice has shaped the landscape throughout thousands of years. Taking a trip down Stalheimskleiva in the summer is also a must-do (currently closed for maintenance)
Tvindefossen
Voss Gondol
A perfect base point for everyone that wants to experience the nature in Voss – whether you are bringing children, elders, or extremely active people – is Voss Gondol. The gondola is the largest and most modern gondola in Northern Europe. It starts at Voss Station (56 masl) and ends at Hangurstoppen (820 masl). The gondola runs continuously throughout the day – all year. During the trip up you have a spectacular view of Voss, as well as panoramic views of lakes and mountains surrounding Voss.
Hangurstoppen is the ideal starting point for your hike. You can take a short walk with the stroller around the panorama path og go down the MTB trails down the mountain. You can also try tandem paragliding or cross country and downhill skiing in the winter. The trail Grebbesløypa is a great round trip for children, it is about 3 kilometres long in friendly terrain at Hangurstoppen. Here you will also find Voss’ largest restaurant, where they serve homemade meals made from local produce.
Voss from above
To get the best view of Voss you should get up in the air, and there are lots of ways to do so. The bravest can either tandem paraglide from mount Hangur or do a tandem-skydive jump and experience 40 seconds free falling at a speed of 200 kph. Skydiving and paragliding attached to an experienced person, is called tandem.
We also haver Voss Vind, where you can fly like Superman in Norway’s first vertical wind tunnel. Here you can get the feel of a skydive jump, whilst indoors in safe surroundings.
If you just want to get a little bit above ground level, Voss Active’s popular High Rope Park is a great option. Here you will find various courses that are fun and challenging for both children and adults. If you want to try zipline, the longest one is 150 metres and follows the river rapids.
Water and river sports
There is a broad spectre of water activities in Voss. We are surrounded by turquoise mountain rivers and idyllic lakes, and we have Vangsvatnet that stretches all the way from Bulken to the town centre of Voss.
You can try all kinds of activities such as rafting, family rafting, river kayaking, stand up paddling boards, canyoning, waterfall rappelling, or go fishing in a canoe. Rafting may be the most popular summer activity in Voss, and suits both experienced rafters and beginners. Here you will definitely get a fantastic experience on an international level!
It is also possible to take classes where you can learn sea kayaking or river kayaking.
Biking in Voss
From the town centre of Voss you’ll have access to a variety of bike trails both for mountain biking and road biking. Bike from mountain to fjord in spectacular nature, or bike to the waterfalls and idyllic lakes surrounding Voss. There are also several trails suited for families in the area. Visit Voss Tourist Information for bike rental, maps, and the best tips on where to bike! You can also combine Bike&Hike by Nærøyfjorden to get a truly magical experience.
Read more about biking in Voss here.
Voss also has many trails and gravel roads, and the opportunities for mountain biking are almost endless; both Voss Resort and Myrkdalen facilitate mountain biking in the summer season. Take your bike in Voss Gondol and explore Mount Hangur on two wheels,or join a guided tour in Voss or Myrkdalen to find the hidden gems.
Just next to Myrkdalen Hotel you will find an 850 square metre asphalt pump track. A pump track is a compact track made up of various formations, bumps and turns. You can go on the pump track with everything from a skateboard, a scooter, a tricycle, or a regular bike. Fun for people of all ages!
Voss – festivals
Throughout the year Voss is host to several festivals and events
Vossa Jazz is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Norway and is always held the weekend of Palm Sunday.
Voss Cup is Norway’s biggest football tournament for children and is held in June.
Ekstremsportveko (the Extreme sport festival) starts the weekend after Voss Cup with extreme sport competitions and a music festival. They also host lots of try-it events and tasting sessions so that everyone can get a feel of the different sports.
Osafestivalen is a folk music festival with long traditions that is held in October.
There are also many other events held in Voss throughout the year.
Accommodation
The larger hotels Scandic Voss and Park Hotel Vossevangen are all located in the town centre in short distance from the bus- and train station. There is also a large hotel and several cabins in Myrkdalen Fjellandsby, towards Vikafjellet. Here you will get ski in - ski out in the winter and the perfect starting point for various hikes, bike trails and fishing lakes in the summer.
There are also several unique accommodation options both in and around the town centre. Store Ringheim for example, is a small boutique hotel with 15 unique rooms. At Voss Resort you can rent self-catered cabins with a modern standard, or go glamping in hammocks at the old Hangurstoppen restaurant. If you want to focus on the experiences you can have a social and comfortable stay at Voss Hostel just 800 metres from the town centre, or at Haugo utleige, 1,5 kilometres from the town centre.
On the outskirts of town you will find accommodation like Voss Lodge Rongastovo, Eenstunet, Staupstunet, Rongahuset BnB, Lilandtunet Gjestgiveri, Fennebu and Mjølfjell Mountain Lodge.
Camping: if you want to go camping you have Voss Camping in the town centre; caravan parking by the golf course; Flatlandsmo Camping - located 12 kilometres from the centre of Voss towards Hardanger; or Myrkdalen Camping in Myrkdalen.
Frequently asked questions about Voss
How do I get from Bergen to Voss?
The train is the most practical option. The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) runs roughly every hour and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes through some of Norway's most dramatic mountain scenery. Tickets typically cost between 250 and 300 NOK. You can also drive (about 1.5 hours via E16) or take the express bus. From Oslo, the train takes around 6 hours and prices vary depending on time of day and how far in advance you book.
Do I need a car to visit Voss?
No, Voss station sits right in the centre of town. Voss station sits right in the canter of town, where you also find the gondola, tourist information, and several hotels within walking distance.. Activity operators like Voss Active pick up guests at or near the station, and there are taxi services available locally. If you want to explore smaller villages or remote valleys around Voss, a car gives you more flexibility, but for the main activities and a 2–3 night stay, you will not miss it.
What is the best time of year to visit Voss?
It depends on what you are looking for. May to September is best for rafting, kayaking and outdoor activities. June also brings better swimming temperatures, Voss Cup and Ekstremsportveko, the world's largest extreme sports festival. December to March/April is the ski season, with reliable snow conditions at both Voss Resort and Myrkdalen. Mid-week tends to be quieter and cheaper than weekends in winter. If you want to combine skiing and culture, Vossa Jazz is held around Palm Sunday every year and is an internationally acclaimed festival. If crowds matter to you, spring and autumn are significantly quieter than midsummer and most activities are still available.
Is Voss good for families with children?
Yes, though it depends on the age of your children and what they enjoy. Many summer activities have a minimum age of 5, but there are plenty of options for all ages, including Voss Aktivitetspark, a free outdoor playground in the town centre. Voss Gondola is suitable for everyone: ride up to Hangurstoppen and walk the panorama trail or have a meal at the restaurant without any physical effort. Vossabadet indoor pool and the outdoor pool both have waterslides and heated pools and are good options on both rainy and sunny days. Family rafting on calm sections of the river, guided forest biking and Voss Vind wind tunnel are all suitable from around age 5. For older children and teenagers, the High Rope Park, zip-line, grade 4 rafting and the skate park tend to be popular. In winter, both ski resorts offer beginner slopes and ski school, as well as more challenging runs for experienced skiers.
What extreme sports can I try in Voss?
Voss has a broader range of extreme sports than most European destinations its size. Options include tandem skydiving (40 seconds of free fall at around 200 km/h), tandem paragliding, white water rafting, river kayaking, canyoning, indoor skydiving at Voss Vind and mountain biking. Most activities run from May through September. All operators offer beginner level options and no prior experience is needed for tandem skydiving or paragliding. For adults, prices range from around 950 NOK for indoor skydiving at Voss Vind to 5,700 NOK for tandem skydiving including photos and video. If you get a taste for it, most operators also offer courses for the next step.
What is Ekstremsportveko?
Ekstremsportveko is the world's largest extreme sports festival and has been held in Voss every June since 1998. It runs for about a week and combines elite competitions in skydiving, base jumping, paragliding, longboarding, mountain biking and other disciplines with a music festival and public try-it sessions. The try-it sessions mean you can have a go at most sports even as a complete beginner. It is a lively and informal event that draws adventurous people from all over the world. If you plan to attend, book accommodation several months in advance as it sells out fast.
Is VOSS Water from Voss?
No. VOSS Water is actually produced in Iveland in southern Norway and the name is a branding choice, not a geographical origin. That said, the water you find in Voss from the tap, streams and mountain rivers is genuinely exceptional. Our tap water has won the award for best drinking water in Norway several times, most recently in 2023, and you can drink it straight from the tap without filtering. So we understand why they wanted to borrow our name.
What are the best hikes near Voss?
Nærøyfjorden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway, with snow-capped mountains rising steeply above the narrow water. Any hike in the area offers dramatic scenery, though some trails are quite challenging and joining a guided tour is recommended if you are not an experienced hiker. Stalheim Nåli is on the easier side and gives stunning views of the Nærøy Valley. Bakkanosi offers panoramic views of Nærøyfjorden and is a very popular trail, but requires some previous hiking experience and takes around 7 hours in total.
Closer to Voss, Oksen is shorter but steep, with views of both fjord and mountain peaks. Hangurstoppen via the gondola is accessible for all fitness levels, with marked trails ranging from very easy to easy. Dagsturhytta is a good option for families. The walk from Voss town centre to Bordalsgjelet Gorge is easy but ends with a stunning natural view. Kiellandbu, Kvanndalsstølen and Oksen are all medium difficulty hikes with incredible fjord and Hardanger views and several guiding companies offer these trips.
Most trails are accessible from late June and the season runs until late October. A local tip: always check the weather forecast the day before and on the morning of your hike. Weather in western Norway can change quickly and rain, sunshine and snow can all happen in the same day. Dress in layers and according to the weather conditions.