Perched on the southern shore of the Hardangerfjord, Jondal is a picturesque village on the Folgefonna peninsula. It serves as a gateway to the glaciers and outdoor pursuits of Folgefonna National Park and offers easy access to one of Europe’s premier summer ski centres.
Things to do in Jondal
On the banks of the Jondalselvi river is the Jondal Church, a whitewashed building designed in a long church style in 1888. As the largest church in Hardanger, it has been nicknamed the “Hardanger Cathedral” and has the capacity to seat around 500 parishioners during weekly services.
Sprawling south of Jondal is Folgefonna National Park, which encompasses three glaciers and one of the largest ice caps in Norway. Follow the walking trail that leads through the spectacular Bondhusdalen valley to the Bondhus glacier or soak up the sweeping views across the park from Melderskin - “Queen of the Sunnhordland Mountains”. Folgefonna is home to a healthy population of ptarmigans, as well as golden eagles that can be seen soaring above the valleys.
Skiers and snowboarders can visit FONNA Glacier Ski Resort, which is one of the top summer ski destinations in Europe. It offers alpine trails for all abilities and a freestyle park, as well as cross-country trails traversing the Folgefonna glacier. Enjoy the panoramas across the Hardangerfjord from the top of the ski lift or refuel with hot drinks and meals at the Fonna1199 Restaurant.
Getting around Jondal
Jondal is around two hours’ drive from Bergen and Bergen Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Ferries travel across the Hardangerfjord from Tørvikbygd to Jondal while buses connect to towns and villages throughout the region. The centre of Jondal is compact enough to explore on foot.