Hansagarden
Undredal
A valley of true wonders

By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen

You may never have heard of Undredal – and who can blame you? With just about 60 permanent residents, this small community on the shores of the majestic Aurlandsfjorden is hardly the centre of anything. All the more reason to visit. And, the staff at Hansagarden are ready to host you.

“Most people come here for the peace we offer,” says Birger Nedberge, owner of Hansagarden, an old farm in the middle of Undredal which has been turned into lodging for visitors.

And what peace it is. Everything you ever wanted from a holiday in Norway is at your fingertips; towering mountains and quiet fjords, traditional architecture, local – even award-winning – food, all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking to skiing, and more within short distances; and then the silence, that infinite peace that only proximity to nature can bestow. The entire area also figures on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

No wonder most guests actually prefer to stay in Undredal, perhaps making a few excursions to nearby Flåm or taking a cruise on the fjord, and then returning to spend the rest of their time indulging in the peace and quietude of the old wooden docks by the water.

Left: Cosy and romantic Hansaløa on the inside. Photo: Birger Nedberge. Right: Locally produced cheese. Photo: Undredal_Foap – VisitNorway.com

Nature…and culture

Not to be mistaken, there is plenty to do and see should you want to. Located only five minutes by car from Flåm, visitors in Undredal are very close to some of the most important tourist attractions in this part of Norway. One of them is surely Flåmsbanen, which runs through the spectacular scenery from Myrdal to Flåm and has been labelled one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Another attraction you don’t want to miss is Rallarvegen, an old construction road turned cycling route. Connecting Finse and Flåm, Rallarvegen runs along two national parks, Hardangervidda National Park and Hallingskarvet National Park, and, needless to say, the view is breathtaking. Although this is about as far into the mountains as you get, Rallarvegen is an accessible route which is also suitable for children over 12 years of age.

The incredible landscape around Undredal is what it is because of the great fjords that cut into the mountainsides. But the dark blue water is not only beautiful to look at, it also makes for great activities. One of the most popular ones is to rent kayaks in Flåm and go for an indulging trip on the Aurlandsfjord. Another option is to hop on a RIB-boat excursion. If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, you can get a real kick from Flåm zipline – with its 1381 meters, this is the longest zipline in the Nordic countries.

While cycling and kayaking might be better to do in the spring and summer, there are plenty of options also in the winter. This is Norway, after all. Mørkdalen, one of the main ski centres of this part of Norway, is only 45 minutes away by car. At Mørkdalen you can enjoy both several downhill slopes and some 100 km of stunningly beautiful cross-country tracks.

“The entire area is every bit as thrilling in the winter as it is in the summer”, Nedberge says, adding that the movie “Frozen” was inspired by Undredal.

In mountainous areas like Western Norway, cultural traditions are strong. One of the musts for any visitor to Underdal, is to stop by Undredal Stavkyrkje, the oldest and smallest wooden church still in use in Northern Europe. It was built in 1147 and can seat 40 people. Another visit you don’t want to miss is to the remote Nedberge mountain farm, a place where time really does seem to have stopped.

Left: Cows grazing in the valley, producing milk for its award-winning cheeses. Photo: Øyvind Heen – fjords.com. Right: Photo: Birger Nedberge

The best cheese in the world – it’s true!

Whether you take advantage of nearby activities or prefer to stay in Undredal, you are well taken care of at Hansagarden. The lodge, an appendix to the main house, was built in 2023 and the standard is excellent. If you are of the more adventurous sort, you can opt for staying at the summer mountain pasture lodge at Langhusa. As a summer pasture, Langhusa is still operative and is home to Undredal Ysteri – an award-winning cheese producer.

“Both our white and brown goat cheeses have won multiple awards,” Nedberge explains, not without a touch of pride. He adds that there are plenty of restaurant options in the area, including the very popular local brewery in Flåm, Egir Brewery, which has become an attraction in its own right.

Left: The beautiful Undredal Stavkyrkje. Photo: FOAP, VisitNorway.com. Right: Photo: Birger Nedberge

Hansaløa – a private restaurant

Still, you do not have to go all the way to the summer pasture or to Flåm to taste good local food; Hansagarden’s own restaurant, Hansaløa, is open on request (ask a couple of days in advance). It is set in one of the oldest buildings in Undredal, which was restored with support from UNESCO. Seating a total of 30 guests, everything is set for an intimate culinary experience. And the menu? Locally sourced and locally produced food.

“There is a lot of game in the area, deer, moose and reindeer. My family and I hunt the food and prepare it ourselves,” says Nedberge, adding that other types of food are available too, upon request.

Although the seating is limited, Hansaløa is also open for weddings. Both Canadian and American couples have chosen to celebrate their weddings here and the old barn is also a great venue for intimate concerts. In addition to regular tourists, Hansagarden can host small meetings and workshops for up to 10 guests.

In other words, whoever you are and whatever your reason for travelling is, Undredal is waiting, ready to embrace you.