If you know Voss from those expensive water bottles, you might be surprised to learn the water actually comes from near Kristiansand.
The real Voss is much more interesting. It's a town of about 15,000 people sitting 100 kilometres east of Bergen, right at the crossroads between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.
The town centre is called Vossevangen, but everyone just says Voss. One thing you'll notice immediately is the lack of old wooden buildings. Unfortunately, Voss was bombed during World War Two and most of the historic centre burned down. The stone church survived though. It dates back to 1277 and is built in Gothic style, which is quite unusual for Norway.
The railway station is the heart of town. Trains run hourly to Bergen and six times daily to Oslo. Right next to the station is Fleischer's Hotel, which has been family-run since 1864. Edvard Grieg stayed here, and you can still see the piano he played.
Above the station, you'll spot the Voss Gondol. This cable car opened in 2019, replacing the old one locals called "Dinglo og Danglo". Nine cabins carry up to 34 people each up Mount Hanguren. At the top there's a restaurant and hiking trails for all abilities.
Voss calls itself Norway's extreme sports capital, and honestly, it's earned that title.
There's also cultural history here. The Bergslien family produced three famous 19th-century artists. You can follow the Bergslien Trail starting from the church to learn about them.
The Bordalsgjelet gorge across the lake offers dramatic scenery, though avoid it in winter when the paths ice over.
The Voss Folkemuseum up the hill shows traditional farm life, but it's a bit of a drive to reach. Be aware that Voss has become quite touristy, especially in summer.
The real Voss is much more interesting. It's a town of about 15,000 people sitting 100 kilometres east of Bergen, right at the crossroads between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.
The town centre is called Vossevangen, but everyone just says Voss. One thing you'll notice immediately is the lack of old wooden buildings. Unfortunately, Voss was bombed during World War Two and most of the historic centre burned down. The stone church survived though. It dates back to 1277 and is built in Gothic style, which is quite unusual for Norway.
The railway station is the heart of town. Trains run hourly to Bergen and six times daily to Oslo. Right next to the station is Fleischer's Hotel, which has been family-run since 1864. Edvard Grieg stayed here, and you can still see the piano he played.
Above the station, you'll spot the Voss Gondol. This cable car opened in 2019, replacing the old one locals called "Dinglo og Danglo". Nine cabins carry up to 34 people each up Mount Hanguren. At the top there's a restaurant and hiking trails for all abilities.
Voss calls itself Norway's extreme sports capital, and honestly, it's earned that title.
There's also cultural history here. The Bergslien family produced three famous 19th-century artists. You can follow the Bergslien Trail starting from the church to learn about them.
The Bordalsgjelet gorge across the lake offers dramatic scenery, though avoid it in winter when the paths ice over.
The Voss Folkemuseum up the hill shows traditional farm life, but it's a bit of a drive to reach. Be aware that Voss has become quite touristy, especially in summer.