Voss - The thrilling heart of outdoor adventures

Voss is an exciting destination with long traditions for both summer and winter tourism. Winter sports are particularly strong and this small village has fostered a whole lot of Olympic medal winners out of its more than 15,000 inhabitants. In fact, there has been one participant from Voss in every Olympics since 1948, with the exception of 1972!

Voss has developed into a real in-place for skiers and extreme athletes from home and abroad. In winter you can ski in the ski resorts at Voss and in Myrkdalen, where you will find everything from easy to demanding trails, or go cross-country skiing in the mountains and peaks around the village.

The place is also very popular with extreme sports athletes, especially because of the popular "Extreme Sports Week". Since 1998, Ekstremsportveko has built up a position as one of the world's largest and most successful extreme sports events. In addition to being a sports festival, Ekstremsportveko has also become a popular music festival. Every year, Voss hosts major artists in the genres of pop, rock, reggae and funk.

At Voss you will also find Scandinavia's first Wind Tunnel, fantastic rivers for rafting and kayaking, mountain hikes that suit all levels, Voss Gondola that takes you up in height and much, much more!

Norwegians flock to Voss because not only is it the largest ski destination in western Norway, it’s also one of the most reliable areas for snow throughout Europe. In addition to the two major alpine resorts, cross-country ski touring and freeskiing are popular in the surrounding mountains.

The well-known resort Myrkdalen is known for excellent off-piste skiing and floodlit cross-country trails. Many of the 22 slopes are suitable for beginners and families. In addition to a day pass, there are cheaper half-day and evening options available. All ski and snowboard equipment is available to rent.

A free shuttle bus runs from Voss, but keen skiers may like to stay at the resort itself in the Myrkdalen Hotel. A further 22 slopes are available closer to the town at Voss Resort, which can be reached by cable car or the free resort bus, both from Voss railway station. Ski rentals and lessons are available.

The mountains surrounding Voss are prime hiking territory. There are many kilometers of marked trails that weave their way through valleys, along lakes, and past former farmsteads for a taste of rural Norwegian life. Keen hikers can challenge themselves with the demanding hike from Voss Folk Museum to the summit of Lønahorgi, a 1,200-meter (3,937-foot) climb that can take up to eight hours for the round-trip.

Other popular hiking trails in and around Voss include the all-day Kiellandsbuhike for a spectacular view, or the much more leisurely walk to Bordalgjelet gorge, which starts from the town center.

At the top of Mount Hangurstoppen, 820 metres above sea level, lies the largest restaurant in Voss. The region has tasty food traditions, and even Gordon Ramsay has visited Voss – to try the traditional local dish smalahove (sheep’s head). You can taste this speciality in the farmhouse Smalahovetunet. On the menu, you’ll also find cured meat, salted and dried ribs of mutton, and sour cream porridge.
You get easily up to Hangurstoppen with the modern Voss Gondola, the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern-Europe. A trip with the gondola gives you some scenic panoramic views and on Hangurstoppen you can parttake in a wide selection of exciting activities!

Several well-known events take place in this village too, like Vossa Jazz and Ekstremsportveko, the world’s largest extreme sports festival!

Voss is also known for its cultural traditions in folk music, folk arts / crafts and traditional food. Voss has attractions such as music festivals Vossajazz and the Osa festival, but its rich food traditions should not be forgotten, with traditional delicacies such as smalahove (dried, salted and steamed sheep's head) being the most famous.

The grand old lady of Voss hotels, Fleischer's Hotel has been run by the Flesicher family since its opening in 1864. The main building gives off the feel of a Swiss mountain lodge with its 19th-century decor and elegant restaurants. A dip in the indoor swimming pool is the perfect way to relax those aching muscles after a day on the slopes.

If you are looking for a special place to stay while you are in Voss, you should check out Ringheim Hotel. The special ambiance of the collection of old farm buildings around a courtyard in an area of cultivated countryside nestling among high mountains, all combined with a high standard of comfort and style, makes the Store Ringheim Hotel & Restaurant a unique place to stay.