A journey through history

OpplevOdda invites you to take part in hikes in the mountains of Tyssedal in 2009!

TyssoViaFerrata is a journey through the human-created process of our water in Tyssedal. On the way through TyssoViaFerrata, you will discover the attractions that made Odda northern Europe's most popular tourist destination in 1904. You will be able to experience first-hand the everyday life of the navvies who built the power station.

And you'll learn about Norwegian history. With climbing equipment, a helmet and safety slings, we're inviting you to take part in some memorable experiences in the mountains of Tyssedal.

TyssoViaFerrata follows the water from the mountains of Hardangervidda all the way down to the Hardanger fjord. There is no other place in the world where water is as important for so many industries and producers as in Tyssedal. In mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls, the water is a food source as well as a tourist attraction.

The water is then collected into pipes and used to produce electricity in three power stations (Tysso2, Maageli and Oksla). The electricity is subsequently used in the productions at the factories TTI Tyssedal and Boliden Odda. The water is transported in pipes from the Oksla power station to the TTI factory, and then used as a cooling device for the smelting plant production. The heated water is next transported via pipes back to Norwegian Museum of Hydro Power and Industry (NVIM) where it's used to heat up the building. In the mountains near NVIM there's a big hall that's being used by Hardanger Fjellfisk for rearing mountain trout. They also use the warm water from TTI, as it's ideally tempered to make the trout grow faster.

Finally, the water is also used for drinking. In Hovland, about 10km north of Tyssedal, is the water producer Isklar. They recently scooped the highest accolade of Best Overall Concept and winner of the Platinum Award, as well as being awarded silver in the Best New Brand category, at the 2008 Water Innovation Awards.

TyssoViaFerrata offers experiences that you will remember for life - don't miss it!

Check Tysso Via Ferrata activites »

Glacier climbing in the Folgefonna national park has become a concept - maybe because you can seize the moment both in summer and winter. Folgefonna Summer Ski Resort is only a 90-minute drive from Odda. Here you can go skiing and it will be so warm that you can take your shirt off while a soft warm summer wind gently caresses your skin.  

The Buer valley runs parallel with the Odda valley. It's a beautiful, wild and exuberant valley surrounded by precipitous mountains. At the very end of the valley you'll encounter the magnificent Buer glacier - an offshoot of the gigantic Folgefonna glacier. The Buer glacier is a unique sight, with three arms stretching down the same valley.

If you're well equipped (good shoes), you can follow a marked-up path from the parking area all the way to the edge of the glacier - an incredible experience.

We can organise anything from short daytrips climbing on the glacier, to longer hikes over several days.

Activities Folgefonna / Buer glacier »

When the snow starts melting in spring, nature wakes up - with beautiful contrasts as hills become greener, the fruit trees blossom while the mountains are still covered in snow. This is when the waterfalls are at their most powerful. In this distinctive valley, numerous waterfalls are lined up on a 10km stretch.

The glacier, separating the two national parks, Hardangervidda and Folgefonna, shaped the valley. OpplevOdda invites you to a waterfall-safari, hiking on foot, or using a canoe or bicycle. On the way, you'll see six magnificent waterfalls: Strandsfoss, Tjødnadalsfossen, Vidfoss, Hildalsfossen, Espelandsfossen, and finally 'the king of waterfalls': Låtefoss.

The Odda valley have numerous great hiking routes, including to Eidesnuten/Rossnos, where you can enjoy the view of the Odda valley to the south, the Folgefonna glacier to the west and the Hardanger fjord to the north.

Activities The Odda valley - the valley of the waterfalls »

In Norway's largest national park, Hardangervidda, hikers can trek from cabin to cabin on a great selection of varied footpaths. There are numerous cabins, both staffed and self-serviced, and well-trodden paths, marked with the red "T" by the Norwegian Tourist association. Hiking on the Hardangervidda is a popular activity during both summer and winter.

Our mountains take you on a journey filled with drama in one moment; tranquillity the next. With the special itineraries you can choose to travel by car or on foot, or a combination of the two.

Hardangervidda, home to one of Europe's largest herds of wild reindeers, is a fantastic holiday option filled with powerful experiences.

Please contact us for bookings.

Experience the mountain village of Røldal - the Nordic countries' equivalent of Chamonix. If you and your family and friends travel to Røldal, you can explore the western Norway's most beautiful, unspoilt nature. Whether your favourite is powder, off piste skiing, marked ski slopes or a day cross-countrying in the national park, Røldal is a great choice.

Seljestad is a dream come true for cross-country lovers. Here you'll find the professionals training for the next Olympics, as well as families on a day out.

Activities Røldal / Seljestad »

Odda can boast great shopping and cultural activities. You've got the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry here, an art gallery, accommodation in unique surroundings, an art hotel, a guest house with great experiences, cabins for rent, many exciting activities, a ceramic workshop, gym and other sports activities, and traditional Norwegian food served in our local favourite!

Odda has a lovely shopping area for pedestrians only, with a good variety of stores. The welcoming shop staff in Odda will help you with everything from new sports equipment for your trek to a new dress.

During the year we have numerous festivals and concerts, which helps making this a varied and exciting place to live. More about Odda at http://www.visitodda.com