Buarbreen – an Easy and Spectacular Hike near Odda
Buarbreen is an easy and spectacular hike near Odda, and a perfect choice if you want a strong nature experience without committing to a long and extremely demanding trek. It is an ideal stop on a Road Trip Norway itinerary, especially when exploring Hardanger by car or campervan.
The trail takes you close to the glacier, follows the river and waterfalls through Buardalen, and offers dramatic views along the way – all on a hike suited for ordinary walkers with a normal level of fitness.
Buarbreen vs Trolltunga
Many people associate Odda with the famous hike to Trolltunga, but Buarbreen shows that you don’t need to spend an entire day – or push yourself to the limit – to experience Hardanger’s dramatic landscape. The Trolltunga hike is not for everyone: it is extremely demanding, and can be very crowded.(many hikers realize that it is too demandig halfway through).
Buarbreen, on the other hand, is a hike that offers a lot in return for the effort, and can easily be done as a half-day trip – whether you’re on a road trip or traveling through Hardanger by campervan.
A hike that gives a lot – without demanding everything
The hike to Buarbreen is often described as challenging, especially in wet conditions. At the same time, much of the trail is technically straightforward. What requires attention is the combination of steep sections, water-filled streams, and a few narrow passages – not extreme physical strength.
In the steepest parts, fixed ropes have been installed to provide extra safety. This makes the hike manageable even for less experienced hikers, as long as conditions are good and you take your time.
From valley floor to glacier – step by step
The trail starts down in Buardalen, surrounded by steep mountain sides and the characteristic ice-blue river flowing from the glacier. At first, the path follows the river before turning into forest and more varied terrain.
As you gain height, the landscape gradually opens up. Streams cascade down the mountainsides in every direction, and the sound of running water follows you all the way. Along the route, there are several natural pauses and viewpoints that make you feel immersed in a living, dynamic landscape.
When plans change along the way
We hiked towards Buarbreen on a rainy day during a campervan trip in the region. The forecast wasn’t great, and the plan was simply to drive up Buardalen and locate the trailhead – to see if this was a hike worth doing another day in better weather. Once we found the trail, we decided to walk a short section before the rain arrived.
But you know how it goes.
First, you walk a little.
Then a little more.
And suddenly, you’ve walked much farther than planned.
We ended up hiking almost all the way up towards the glacier before turning back due to incoming rain and a lack of food and water. Not because the hike was too difficult, but because we were unprepared for how tempting it was to keep going.
Good hiking boots are essential
After several days of rain, the streams were particularly full. In some places, water flowed directly across the trail, forcing us to hop from stone to stone. Elsewhere, small bridges made crossings easier. Good hiking boots were absolutely essential on this hike.
The higher we climbed, the stronger the experience became. Views towards the glacier and back down the valley were spectacular throughout, and the feeling of being surrounded by ice, water, and mountains made the hike feel far greater than its length suggests.
The steepest sections were equipped with ropes, making it surprisingly manageable even for someone without prior experience using them.
We turned back at around 520 meters above sea level, after hiking roughly 1.3 km and gaining about 200 vertical meters. The trail continues up to around 800 meters, but even without reaching the top, the hike felt complete.
It was a spontaneous decision – but one that delivered big experiences.
Tip: If you’re on a road trip through Hardanger, we also recommend hiking up Husedalen near Kinsarvik. This waterfall trail is considered one of Norway’s most beautiful, leading you past four powerful waterfalls in a dramatic and lush landscape.
Practical information: access and parking
The road into Buardalen is narrow, especially towards the end, with few passing places. It is still fully drivable with normal caution, even with a campervan, but you should be prepared to reverse if you meet oncoming traffic.
At the end of the road lies Buer Farm, which offers parking and campervan parking for a fee.
Facts: Hiking to Buarbreen
Distance: approx. 1.5–2 km one way
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m (to the top)
Time required: approx. 4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate – can feel demanding in wet conditions
Season: Late spring to autumn
Equipment: Good hiking boots recommended
Note: If you find the trail challenging, simply turn around when it feels right. The views along the way are beautiful, and it is not necessary to hike all the way to the top.
An alternative that leaves room for the experience
Buarbreen is a great example of how you don’t need to choose the most famous – or most demanding – hikes to have powerful nature experiences. Here, you get a taste of glacier and high mountain terrain, while still having the freedom to enjoy the journey rather than focusing solely on reaching a goal.
For many, that’s exactly what makes this hike so rewarding.
Take your time – and choose your hike for the day
Buarbreen fits perfectly into a Road Trip Norway itinerary, and is an ideal stop when exploring Hardanger on a road trip, offering a powerful nature experience without committing to a full-day hike.
If you’re in the Odda area and wondering which hike fits your energy level and the weather today, Buarbreen is a safe and rewarding choice. Check the forecast, wear proper footwear – and allow yourself to be tempted a little further up the trail.
That’s often how the best hiking experiences begin.
Happy hiking,
Anne Bente
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