Secrets of Cider

Tim and I had booked the Secrets of Cider tour following our arrival in Eidfjord. An unusual choice for me? Not at all! Although tasting cider sounded yummy, I was most interested in the drive along several branches of the Hardangerfjord. I saw that the road hugs the coast, and I expected the views to be outstanding.

Indeed, the views were outstanding. Unfortunately, I had not adjusted my camera to compensate for the very dark tinted windows of the motorcoach and was left with very dark photographs. Thank goodness I could borrow some of Tim’s photos.

On our drive, we crossed the Hardanger Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Norway, and then traced the Osafjord and Ulvikfjord to the village of Osa and its namesake valley. We enjoyed magnificent fjord landscapes, fruit orchards, and traditional farms on the way. This part of Norway is famous for its orchards and is known as the Fruit Garden of Norway.

Leaving Eidfjord

First View of the Hardanger Bridge

Hardanger Bridge

One of the Hardanger Bridge Towers

We continued to the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory, where we learned how their famous juice, cider and apple brandy are made. Fruit cultivation in the region dates to the twelfth century, when monks did the harvesting. Growing apples and making cider has been a tradition ever since.

We tasted quite a selection of their products, which was a bit unnerving at nine o’clock in the morning! For some reason, I had not realized that we would be tasting hard cider.

A Lesson in Making Cider

A Wide Variety of Ciders to Sample

Cider Tasting

After our tasting, we enjoyed the beautiful views of the orchard, the valley, and the fjord.  We even had a special treat as the trees were in just starting to bloom.  Apple blossoms are so pretty. 

Views Towards the Fjord

Beautiful Views from the Orchard

The Orchard

Pretty Apple Blossoms

After leaving the cider factory, we ascended a winding road with multiple hairpin curves to a height of 4,000 feet. Here, we were greeted by spectacular views over the lush valley and a barren landscape of cliffs, rock, and snow. The drive back to the ship was equally spectacular, as was our sail away.

Traditional Farms and Orchards

Everything Was So Green

Viking Venus Was Waiting for Us

Our Sail Away