Odda is a town in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland county, Norway, renowned for its stunning location at the southern end of Sørfjorden, a branch of the Hardangerfjord, and its proximity to the iconic Trolltunga hike. Once an industrial powerhouse, Odda has transformed into a hub for outdoor adventure and tourism, set against a dramatic backdrop of towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Odda lies in the Hardanger region, approximately 80 miles (130 km)
southeast of Bergen and 185 miles (300 km) west of Oslo. Positioned at
the head of Sørfjorden, a 38-km-long arm of the Hardangerfjord, the town
is nestled in a narrow valley between steep mountains and Sandvinvatnet
lake to the south. The Folgefonna glacier, Norway’s third largest, looms
to the west in the Folgefonna National Park, while the Hardangervidda
plateau, a vast mountain plateau, borders the region to the east. The
town’s coordinates are approximately 60.07°N, 6.55°E, and its elevation
is low, close to sea level, typical of fjord-side settlements.
The surrounding landscape is characterized by dramatic cliffs, lush
valleys, and cascading waterfalls, earning Odda the nickname “Valley of
Waterfalls.” The Hardangerfjord, stretching 179 km, is the
second-longest fjord in Norway, and its fertile shores are dotted with
fruit orchards, particularly apple and cherry farms, making it the
“fruit orchard of Norway.” Odda’s climate is temperate but wet, with
significant rainfall and snow, especially in winter, which can lead to
landslides and avalanches. Summers are mild, with temperatures averaging
15–20°C, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
As of 2019, Odda’s urban area had a population of 4,876 across 2.82 square kilometers, with a population density of 1,729 inhabitants per square kilometer. The broader former Odda Municipality (dissolved in 2020) had about 7,025 residents in 2019, with a lower density of 4.8 inhabitants per square kilometer due to its expansive 1,616-square-kilometer area. The population is predominantly Norwegian, with a mix of locals and seasonal visitors, including international tourists drawn to Trolltunga. Migration in the early 20th century, driven by industrial growth, led to a diverse dialect known as a “Koiné language,” blending influences from western and eastern Norway.
Odda’s history spans from humble farming roots to industrial
prominence and its current tourism-driven identity. The name “Odda”
derives from the Old Norse “Oddi,” meaning “headland,” reflecting its
fjord-side geography.
Early History
Odda was a small farming
community until the 19th century, with only 59 residents and 10 houses
in 1801. The first Odda Church, built around 1250 on an old farm, marked
its early significance, though it was replaced in 1870 by a larger
church seating 500 to accommodate growth. The area’s fertile land and
fjord access supported agriculture, and the introduction of apple
cultivation by English monks in medieval times laid the foundation for
Hardanger’s fruit industry.
Tourism Boom (19th Century)
In the
19th century, Odda emerged as a tourist destination, driven by the
Hardangerfjord’s dramatic scenery. Cruise ships began docking at
Sørfjorden, and farmers offered horse-drawn tours to nearby attractions.
Notable visitors included German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II, who
vacationed annually from 1891 to 1914, gifting the town its first
hospital and fire hydrants. By 1875, Thomas Cook organized weekly
cruises from London, cementing Odda’s place in Norway’s tourism surge.
Industrial Growth (Early 20th Century)
Odda’s industrial era
began with the harnessing of its waterfalls for hydroelectric power. In
1906, a hydropower plant in nearby Tyssedal, one of Norway’s first,
supplied electricity for arc furnaces, enabling carbide and cyanamide
production starting in 1908. The Odda Smelteverk, the world’s largest
carbide plant at the time, transformed the town, attracting migrants and
boosting the population from 383 in 1900 to 3,077 in a decade. By 1913,
Odda became a separate municipality, and in 1964, it merged with Røldal,
reaching a peak population of 10,163.
The smelting plant operated
until 2003, when it was sold to Philipp Brothers Chemicals Inc. Its
physical remains, preserved as an industrial heritage site, were
proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010 for their pioneering
role in Norway’s chemical industry. However, industrialization polluted
the fjord, blackened buildings like Hotel Hardanger, and reduced tourism
until World War I halted cruise visits.
Modern Era
Since the
smelter’s closure, Odda has reinvented itself as a tourism and adventure
hub, driven by Trolltunga’s global fame. The 2020 merger with Ullensvang
and Jondal formed the new Ullensvang Municipality, with Odda as its
administrative center. The town’s industrial past is now a cultural
asset, with sites like the Kraft Museet (Norwegian Museum of Hydro Power
and Industry) in Tyssedal drawing visitors.
Odda’s economy has shifted from industry to tourism, supported by
agriculture and fish farming. The Hardangerfjord produces over 40,000
tons of salmon and rainbow trout annually, making it a global leader in
aquaculture. Tourism, fueled by Trolltunga and outdoor activities, is
the primary economic driver, with guided tours, accommodations, and
adventure companies like Trolltunga Active thriving. The region’s apple
orchards and cider production, including the annual Hardanger Cider
Festival, add a unique economic niche, with Hardanger cider compared to
Champagne for its quality.
Small-scale services, including
healthcare (Odda Hospital) and education (a secondary school), support
the local population. The town’s connectivity via National Road 13 and
bus routes ensures accessibility, sustaining tourism and commerce.
Transportation
Road: Norwegian National Road 13 runs through Odda,
connecting it to the E134 highway. The Hardanger National Scenic Route
along Sørfjorden features fruit farms and waterfalls. Landslide-prone
roads, especially in winter, may close temporarily.
Bus: Skyss and
NOR-WAY buses link Odda to Bergen (3 hours, bus 930), Voss (2 hours, bus
990), and Oslo (via bus NW180 and 725, ~7–8 hours). Trolltunga Shuttle
buses operate from Odda to Skjeggedal during high season.
Car/Ferry:
Driving from Bergen takes 3 hours via E39/E16 and a ferry at
Gjermundshamn, or 5.5 hours from Oslo via E18/E134. Car rentals are
available in Oslo or Bergen.
Air: Bergen Airport (BGO), 77 km away,
is the closest, with flights from the UK (e.g., Aberdeen, 1h 20m).
Stavanger Airport (Sola) is another option.
Local: Odda Taxi (+47 53
64 14 44) and Trolltunga-Road Buss (+47 900 52 663) serve local routes,
including trailheads.
Education and Healthcare
Odda has a
secondary school and primary education facilities, serving the town and
nearby villages like Tyssedal. Odda Hospital provides local healthcare,
a legacy of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s contributions.
Accommodation
Options include:
Trolltunga Hotel: A mid-range guesthouse with lake
views, offering traditional and modern rooms.
Tyssedal Hotel: A
historic 1913 Art Deco building with modern amenities.
Bakkegata Blue
House: Hostel with dorms and apartments in central Odda.
Odda
Camping: A main campground for budget travelers.
Apartments/Cabins:
Airbnb and Booking.com list limited but cozy options, often with fjord
or mountain views.
Odda’s cultural identity blends its industrial heritage, natural
beauty, and outdoor adventure ethos. Its colorful houses and fjord-side
setting create a picturesque atmosphere, featured in the Netflix series
Ragnarok (where Odda is fictionalized as “Edda”).
Trolltunga
Trolltunga, a rock formation 1,180 meters above sea level and 700 meters
above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, is Norway’s most famous hike and Odda’s
primary draw.
Hike Details: The 27-km round-trip from Skjeggedal
(8 miles from Odda) takes 10–12 hours, with an 800-meter ascent. It’s
demanding, requiring good fitness and preparation.
Options: Guided
tours (e.g., Trolltunga Active) include via ferrata routes (820-meter
climb) or overnight camping for sunset/sunrise views. The season runs
mid-July to mid-September, weather permitting.
Safety: Rapid weather
changes, poor mobile coverage, and rugged terrain necessitate following
the Norwegian Mountain Code. Guided hikes are recommended for safety.
Impact: Certified as a national hiking route in 2021, Trolltunga
attracts global tourists, with Odda hosting its visitor center and
shuttle buses.
Buerbreen Glacier
Located in Folgefonna
National Park, this glacier hike starts in Odda’s Buer Valley. The
3.4-mile trail involves crossing rivers via suspension bridges, climbing
with ropes, and scrambling over boulders, gaining 1,300 feet. Guided
tours provide crampons and ice picks for safe glacier exploration,
offering views of blue ice caves.
Låtefossen Waterfall
Nine
miles from Odda, this twin waterfall cascades 165 meters, converging
under a stone bridge on RV 13. Visible from the road, it’s a popular
stop for its dramatic beauty.
Tjørnadalsfossen Waterfall
Four
miles from Odda, this 1,600-foot waterfall is accessible via a 0.5-mile
hike from RV 13. Its remote setting offers a quieter alternative to
Låtefossen.
Folgefonna National Park
Encompassing the
Folgefonna glacier (213 square kilometers), the park offers hikes like
Holmaskjera (with DNT self-service lodges) and historic trails from the
1800s. Glacier treks and summer skiing at Fonna Glacier Ski Resort are
popular.
Cultural Sites
Odda Church: Built in 1870, this
central church seats 500 and reflects the town’s growth.
Kraft
Museet: In Tyssedal, this museum explores hydroelectric power and
industrial history, ideal for rainy days.
Odda Smelteverk: The
preserved smelter site showcases early 20th-century chemical production,
proposed for UNESCO status.
Outdoor Activities
Kayaking:
Sandvinvatnet Lake offers serene kayaking, with rentals available.
RIB Fjord Safari: High-speed tours on Sørfjorden include cider tastings
and farm visits.
Hiking: Beyond Trolltunga, trails like Rossnos (10
km, 8 hours, glacier views) and Jordalsnuten offer challenging treks.
Cider Tours: Norway in a Nutshell and Trolltunga Tours offer fjord
cruises with cider tastings at orchards, celebrating Hardanger’s apple
heritage.
Events
Hardanger Cider Festival: An annual
celebration of local cider, showcasing Hardanger’s orchards.
Cultural
Walks: Guided tours explore Odda’s industrial and natural history.
Odda’s tourism has surged due to Trolltunga’s social media fame, with
3,913 Tripadvisor reviews praising its attractions. The Odda
Turistinformation office (Opheimsgata 31, +47 480 70 777) provides
hiking advice, maps, and activity bookings, with staff noted for their
helpfulness.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: June–August for
hiking (peak prices); September–November for budget travel.
Getting
There: Bus from Bergen (3 hours, ~£30) or Oslo (7–8 hours, ~£78).
Driving is scenic but includes ferries.
Safety: Check weather
forecasts, carry extra clothing, food, and a power bank for hikes.
Budget: Expect £1.49/liter for fuel; accommodation ranges from £50
(hostels) to £150 (hotels).
Dining
Local restaurants serve
Norwegian cuisine, emphasizing fish, game, and Hardanger apples. Cider
tastings are a highlight, with Hardandergutane cider praised for its
quality.