Lofthus village with apple orchards along the Hardangerfjord
Ullensvang · Hardanger · Vestland

Lofthus

FruitybytheFjord

L ofthus is often referred to as “Hardanger’s orchard,” and with good reason. This is one of the largest fruit-producing villages in Norway, with apple orchards densely scattered. Plus, every year, the Norwegian championship in cherry pit spitting is held here!

Village Snapshot
Residents ~600
Landscape Fjord & Orchards
Region Hardanger
Municipality Ullensvang
County Vestland
Known for Cider & Queen’s Trail
Nearest city Bergen — 2.5 hrs

Hardanger’s Orchard

Lofthus orchards with apple trees and mountain backdrop

Orchards in Lofthus with the mountains of Hardanger in the background. Photo: M. King, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The nearly 600 residents of Lofthus enjoy the pleasure of experiencing large-scale fruit blossoms every spring. Seeing and smelling the white, fragrant apple blossoms along the Sørfjorden is a special experience for sure.

So beautiful is this village that even Edvard Grieg, the world-renowned composer from Bergen, had a composer’s hut built in Lofthus. Inspired by the Hardanger nature, he found inspiration for his music.

Spring blossoms along the Sørfjorden in Hardanger
Photo: Svein-Magne Tunli, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, Lofthus has become known for its cider production. In the steep slopes, apples are cultivated, sun-facing towards the southwest, with fertile soil and long summer days.

Cider production has led to many new attractions with cider tasting—often combined with local food and tours in the orchards.

Considering a move?

Freysta members can explore local job opportunities and connect directly with representatives from the village. Feel free to get in touch whether you’re actively looking or just curious. It is completely free. And ad free.

Become a Freysta member →

The Queen’s Trail

And for those who wish to venture further up, the mountains around Lofthus await. One of the most famous hikes is the Queen’s Trail, named after HM Queen Sonja of Norway. This is one of the queen’s favorite hikes, which says a lot about its beauty.

This mountain hike can start (or end) in Lofthus, taking you 1,100 meters up into the mountains between the villages of Lofthus and Kinsarvik. Lofthus is a charming village, from the fjord to the mountains – and in between.

Panoramic view of the Hardangerfjord from above Lofthus

The Hardangerfjord seen from the mountains above Lofthus. Photo: Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Mountain trail view near Lofthus in Hardanger

The mountain landscape surrounding Lofthus offers spectacular hiking opportunities. Photo: Jan-Tore Egge, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Village Services

What’s Here

Services, activities, and amenities available in Lofthus and within a short drive.

Public Services

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Church
  • Bus connections

Private Services

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Hotel Ullensvang
  • Cider producers
  • Farm shops
  • Restaurants

Leisure

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Hiking trails
  • Queen’s Trail
  • Fruit orchard tours
  • Cider tasting

Within 45 min

REGIONAL ACCESS
  • Odda
  • Kinsarvik
  • Hospital
  • Supermarkets
Location

Where is Lofthus?

Lofthus is located along the Sørfjorden in Ullensvang municipality, Vestland county. The village is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Bergen.

Lofthus

Municipality Ullensvang
Region Hardanger
County Vestland
Open in Maps

Curious which Norwegian village could be your best match?

Screenshot of Freysta portal showing job listings linked to Norwegian villages

Freysta matches you with villages based on what you’re looking for — jobs, lifestyle, and community.

  • Real job openings linked to villages
  • Matched to your preferences
  • Direct dialogue with villages
Become a Freysta member

Completely free — and always will be.

Freysta Portal for Members

Your next career move starts with a place

Freysta shows real job openings from across Norway — each one linked to a specific village. Explore a position and get to know the place around it, all in one view.

Screenshot of Freysta job listings linked to Norwegian villages

People are different — and Norwegian villages are too.

Describe what matters to you — nature, services, activities — and Freysta shows you villages that fit. Not a score. A starting point.

Screenshot of Freysta village matching dashboard

Start a conversation — when it makes sense

Freysta makes it easy to start a direct conversation with participating villages on the platform. Message village representatives, ask questions, and share documents — all in one place. In some cases, villages may also reach out to you if they think you could be a good match.

Dialogue happens when there’s mutual interest — on your terms.

Screenshot of Freysta messaging between user and village
What happens after you sign up?
1

You set up a profile — in minutes

You choose what matters to you in a place to live, along with your background and job interests. You can add more details later if you want.

2

You see villages and jobs that match you

Explore Norwegian villages that fit your preferences, with live updates on job openings in rural areas that match your skills.

3

Villages and employers may reach out

Village representatives and local employers can view your profile and contact you if they think there’s a good match.

4

You can get job alerts if you want

Receive notifications when new jobs are posted in villages you’re interested in — or turn alerts off at any time.

5

You can start conversations when it feels right

If you want to, you can also contact villages directly through the platform.

Simple, human matchmaking — always free for people who want to move to a Norwegian village.

Sources & Credits

Photography

Main photo by Svein-Magne Tunli, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Other photos by M. King (CC BY 2.0), Ryan Hodnett (CC BY-SA 4.0), and Jan-Tore Egge (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Text

Text by Marion Solheim, journalist and co-founder of Freysta.