Fun Things to Do in Rosendal | Travel Guide (2023) | Best Places to Visit

The best time to visit Rosendal is in the late spring, summer and early autumn months. This is when the weather starts to warm up and you can enjoy the stunning beauty of nature in this area. From May through September, temperatures range from mild to pleasantly warm during the day with cooler temperatures at night. In addition, these months offer longer days for sightseeing and hiking. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common, making it difficult for outdoor activities.

The best area to stay in Rosendal is the town centre. Here you will find a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels and guesthouses to apartments and holiday homes. From the centre, you can explore many of the attractions in and around Rosendal such as Kvæven Beach, Folgefonna National Park, Hardanger Fjord and more. In addition, the town offers plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy.

The popular attractions in Rosendal include:

1. Kvæven Beach: A pristine beach located just outside the town center and a favorite among locals for swimming, fishing and camping.

2. Folgefonna National Park: A vast nature park with glaciers, mountains, waterfalls and rivers that offer stunning views of Norway’s landscape.

3. Hardanger Fjord: One of Norway’s most visited fjords. Here visitors can go sailing, kayaking or explore by foot.

4. Rosendal Barony: A historic manor dating back to 1665, this is one of the oldest preserved wooden structures in Scandinavia. Tours are available year round.

5. Ullensvangen Church: Built in 1867, this church is one of the oldest in Norway and is a popular place to visit.

6. Rosendal Fruit Park: An expansive park with apple orchards, berry picking, a petting zoo, playgrounds and more. Open all year round.

7. Hvitserkur Mountain: A magnificent mountain that offers breathtaking views of the Hardanger Fjord. This is a popular spot for hiking and climbing adventures.

8. The Folk Museum of Kvinnherad: Located just outside of Rosendal, this museum includes artifacts from the local area including farming tools and traditional costumes.

The best places to eat in Rosendal are:

1. Halne Fjellstove Hotel and Restaurant: Located in the heart of Folgefonna National Park, this hotel and restaurant offers delicious traditional Norwegian cuisine made from local ingredients.

2. Presterød Farm Café: Located on a farm outside of Rosendal, this café serves up freshly prepared dishes using ingredients from the nearby gardens.

3. Kvæven Bryggeri & Taproom: This brewery and taproom is located in the town centre and is known for its craft beers and burgers.

4. Ullensvangen Grendehus & Cafe: Situated at the foot of Hvitserkur Mountain, this cozy cafe is renowned for its sandwiches and coffees.

5. Fjellgarden Kafe: Situated in the small village of Hordabø, this café offers homemade cakes and light meals with a stunning view of the Hardanger Fjord.

6. Kviten Seter Hotell & Restaurant: Located near Folgefonna National Park, this hotel and restaurant serves up delicious seafood dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

7. Kvernhuset Bar & Bistro: This bar and bistro is located in the centre of Rosendal and specializes in burgers, pizzas and local craft beers.

8. Cafe Elefanten: This café offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and light snacks throughout the day. They also have a great selection of wines, beers and cocktails.

9. Kosmos Restaurant: Situated in town centre, this restaurant serves up delicious Italian dishes for lunch and dinner.

10. Vågen Bistro & Bar: This popular bistro offers a wide range of traditional Norwegian cuisine as well as an extensive wine list.

There are plenty of places to go shopping in Rosendal. Some of the most popular shopping spots include:

1. Fjordtorget Shopping Centre: Located in the heart of town, this shopping centre has a variety of stores selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home goods.

2. Hardangerfjord Handelspark: This is one of the largest shopping centers in Norway with over 100 shops offering all sorts of items from clothing and jewelry to outdoor gear and more.

3. Kvæven Mall: This mall offers a wide range of stores including fashion, jewellery, homewares, electronics and much more.

4. Ullensvangen Outlet Store: Located near Folgefonna National Park, this outlet store has great deals on clothes, shoes, accessories and more.

5. Rosendal Barony Market: This market is held every Saturday in the summer months and features local producers selling their handmade wares such as cheese, honey, jams and crafts.

6. The Fjordmarket: This open-air market is held every Sunday in Rosendal offering a variety of locally produced items from food to art.

7. Kvinnherad Summer Market: This annual event takes place during the last week of June and offers everything from clothes and souvenirs to books and local produce.

8. Ådlandet Shopping Center: Located right outside of town, this shopping center has a range of stores, from clothing and jewelry to homewares and furniture.

9. Sjømannskirka Rosendal: This store specializes in Norwegian souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, clothing and more.

10. Kvam Caravan Centre: If you’re looking for camping or caravan supplies then this is the place to go!

For those looking for a night out in Rosendal, there are plenty of options! Some of the best spots include:

1. Vågen Bistro & Bar: This popular bistro is known for its great selection of beer and cocktails, as well as its live music events.

2. The Pig & Whistle Pub: This English-style pub offers great food and drinks, with a range of beers on tap.

3. Kvernhuset Bar & Bistro: This bar and bistro specializes in burgers, pizzas and local craft beers.

4. Ullensvangen Grendehus & Cafe: This cozy cafe hosts regular acoustic music evenings during the summer months and has a great beer selection.

5. Cafe Elefanten: This café serves up delicious food, wines and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

6. Kviten Seter Hotell & Restaurant: This hotel and restaurant offers outdoor seating with stunning views of Hardanger Fjord, perfect for enjoying a few drinks in the evening.

7. Folgefonna National Park: For those looking for something more nature focused, there are plenty of hiking trails within Folgefonna National Park which can be enjoyed during the summer months after dark.

8. Rosendal Akvariet Fish Farm: During the summer months visitors can take part in night fishing trips on the nearby fjord which offer some great opportunities.

There are plenty of great day trips from Rosendal. Some of the best include:

1. Folgefonna National Park: Just a short drive from Rosendal is this stunning national park with its many glaciers, waterfalls and hiking trails.

2. Kvinnheradstien Trail: This scenic trail leads visitors through the region’s rolling hills and lush valleys, taking in some beautiful views along the way.

3. Hardanger Fjord Cruise: Take a cruise along Norway’s third longest fjord, admiring the dramatic scenery while enjoying refreshments onboard.

4. Stølsheimen Mountain Range: This mountainous area offers spectacular views over Hardanger Fjord and is home to a number of hiking trails.

5. Utne and Jondal: These two charming towns offer plenty of opportunities for exploring, including their many traditional wooden buildings and the stunning countryside that surrounds them.

6. Eidfjord: Home to the spectacular Vøringsfossen waterfall, this town is well worth a visit. There are also several museums here, such as the Hardanger Folkemuseum and the Norussky Sagen Museum.