Bondhusvatnet is a glacial lake located in Sunndal, Norway, about a 2.5 hour's drive from Bergen. Bondhusvatnet is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Hardanger region and also the most popular "Instagram photo spot".
Bondhusdalen, lined with waterfalls, is one of the most beautiful valleys in Norway. The hike through the valley to the lake is easy and short. The lake can be reached by hiking all year round.
The Hardangerfjord Region
Famous for its mountains and fjords, Hardanger is located in Norway, about an hour's drive from Bergen. The Hardanger region is home to many of Norway's most famous natural attractions, such as the Trolltunga tongue, the Vøringsfossen waterfall, and the Folgefonna glacier.
A car & roadtrip is the best way to visit hiking trails, waterfalls and other natural attractions, as well as experience the charming small towns with their local delicacies.
Folgefonna National Park
Folgefonna National Park is located south of Hardangerfjord. The national park was established in 2005. The area has been popular among tourists since the early 19th century.
The Folgefonna glacier is Norway's third largest and southernmost glacier. The edges of the glacier are relatively easy to access to admire the Buerbreen and Bondhusbreen glaciers. The Folgefonna glacier has several deep crevasses, so it is not advisable to venture onto the glacier on your own and without equipment.
The national park is characterized by dramatic mountains, glaciers and water bodies colored by their meltwater, as well as lush green valleys.
There are four open mountain cabins in Folgefonna National Park that are open all year round. The national park is also a popular destination for winter hiking and skiing.
Getting to and parking at Bondhusvatnet
Bondhusdalen can be reached by car, van and bus.
The distance from the road fv 551 – the road that runs through Sunndal and Bondhus – to the parking lot is less than a kilometer. The sign says Bondhusbrea. The speed limit on the narrow road is 30 km/h, and you should carefully follow the speed limit in Norway.
The parking lot is large, but the destination is also popular. Even in the rain, you may have to look for your own parking space.
Parking costs 100 NOK (2024). Parking must be paid for immediately and the receipt must be visible on the car window.
Bondhusvatnet – Route & Map
The hike from the parking lot to the north shore of the lake is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles). At a normal brisk pace, it takes a couple of hours to walk to the lake and back, enjoying the scenery at the lake.
If you walk to the other end of the lake, you can add an extra hour to the walking time.
There are signs and information boards as well as several maps in the area at the starting point, but the route is not marked for the entire length. However, it is impossible to get lost on the route, as there is a sand / gravel road the whole way.
The route from the parking lot to the Lake Bondhusvatnet is classified as green, which is easy. It is suitable for hikers of all levels.
The routes to the south end of the lake and the Bondhusbrea glacier are blue, meaning they are slightly more difficult. The route to Fonnabu hut is black, which means difficult.
Bondhusvatnet Hike
The gravel road Isvegen, which starts from the parking lot, was built in 1863. It was originally made for transporting ice from the glacier down to the fjord. Later, the road has been renovated for hiking purposes.
A bridge leads over the white-foaming River Bondhuselva and continues along the gravel road. The route runs near the beautiful river for almost the entire distance.
The beautiful waterfalls that plunge in narrow ribbons from the incredibly steep mountains can be seen already when crossing the first meadow. In July, the valley is full of different shades of green and the summer flowers smell intoxicatingly.
Although hiking in dry weather is generally more enjoyable, in rainy weather you can admire the fascinating clouds that make the mountains bordering the valley look magical.
The gravel road rises a little higher and runs through a meadow. Then the route leads right to the edge of the splashing water. You could step straight into the river from the slippery shore stones.
If you want to get to the other side of the river, you can cross a wooden bridge. Before that, it is worth reading the sign that instructs you to use the bridge at your own risk. Fortunately, you can get to the lake without crossing the river.
A little after the bridge, an incredibly beautiful resting place opens up, where the River Bondhuselva shimmers emerald green. A stone sits under a tree as if made to order for those who want to take pictures.
A few hundred meters before the lake, you reach a junction. To the left, there is a road that leads to the Fonnabu and Breidablikk huts and to the Gardshammar mountain on the east side of the lake.
Before the lake, magnificent ferns and large boulders line the road. A short section is rocky path, which can however be bypassed by a smoother route.
Then the magnificent lake landscape opens up in all its beauty. The mountains surrounding Lake Bondhusvatnet are reflected in the deep turquoise green water, which on a calm day is like a huge tropical mirror. On the shore you realize why the info board says Lake Bondhusvatnet is the most popular Insta spot!
Poles rise from the water, and a sunken pier can be seen below the surface. The boat familiar from all Instagram photos floats near the shore.
The dazzling turquoise glacier water evokes the same feeling as the stunning blue Blåvatnet in Northern Norway – the color is almost unreal. The mood of The Beach movie is shaken off only by the wind that suddenly turns hard and brings with it a downpour.
Tips for hiking to Bondhusvatnet
- Toilets can be found next to the parking lot.
- The gravel road is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Bondhusvatnet lake is a drinking water source, so swimming is not allowed.
- Dogs are allowed on the hike but must be kept on a leash.
- Sunndal has a good camping area with beautiful fjord views if you want to spend more time in the area.
- If you are coming from the direction of Rosendal, you will pass the magnificent Furebergfossen waterfall on the way.
- In good weather, the lake shore is an incredibly beautiful picnic spot.
- From the north end of the lake, it is worth continuing an extra kilometer to the glacier if the weather is clear.
- In bad weather, when it is raining and cloudy, Bondhusvatnet is a great alternative to climbing mountains.
- From Sunndal it is about a 20-minute drive to Odda, where you can find one of Norway's most famous sights, Trolltunga. Other great destinations in Odda include Freimstölen and Rossnos, Møyfallsnuten and Buarbreen.
- In an hour you can drive to Kinsarvik and the Husedalen valley leading to Hardangervidda. From Odda, it is only about 200 km to Övre Årdal and Vettisfossen, from where you can start the most beautiful hikes in Jotunheimen.
