Krødsherad: Fjord, Hiking Trails and Culture

Krødsherad surrounds the southern part of Lake Krøderen and has a shoreline along Krøderfjorden. The fjord is 41 kilometres long. Water, mountain scenery and culture offer different ways to shape your trip: you can plan time by the water, consider hiking destinations or explore the region’s railway and fairy-tale history.

Fjord and scenery

Fishing, swimming and boating are all possible at Krøderfjorden. Krødsherad has several equipped bathing spots. The Haverstingen nature reserve also includes areas in the municipality; the associated nature conservation regulations were established on 12 December 2025.

Høgevarde is located at Norefjell. At 1,459 metres, the mountain is the highest point in Krødsherad and one of the most popular hiking destinations at Norefjell. On clear days, the view stretches as far as Jotunheimen, Hardangerjøkulen and Gaustatoppen; it is considered one of the finest in eastern Norway.

Hiking and winter at Norefjell

The local hiking programme includes 22 destinations with logbook boxes. The trails are marked in blue; many are also marked with GPS and listed on UT.no. For a specific hike, the route to Kleivavarden names Krødsheradhallen as its starting point. This gives you both local guidance via marked trails and a named starting point for this hike.

When there is enough snow, cross-country skiing trips can start directly at Norefjellstua and Norefjell Ski & Spa. There are several shelters along the trails. Norefjell also has two snow parks and three children’s areas: one of the snow parks is in Bøseter, while the central Norefjellparken offers runs for all ability levels. As resort facilities can change, check the current offerings before planning your winter trip.

Swimming, boating and fjord cruises

There are public boat ramps in Noresund and Krøderen. In Noresund, the facility is on Bjørøya, below the car park at Villa Fridheim; the ramp provides access to the fjord. Another public boat ramp is located in the centre of Krøderen. Noresund Outlet rents canoes for trips on Krøderfjorden.

The MS Kryllingen II offers trips on the fjord. The seasonal programme includes themed cruises, such as those centred on shrimp, wine, knitting and wartime history, as well as other offerings. The programme may change; check the sailing dates before making plans. This means you can consider a boat ramp or canoe rental on the one hand, and an organised fjord cruise on the other, as different ways to spend time by the water.

Krøderbanen and Villa Fridheim

Krøderen station is protected as a technical heritage site. Krøderbanen ceased operating as an NSB railway in 1985 and has since been run as a heritage railway by the Norsk Jernbaneklubb and Stiftelsen Krøderbanen. The exhibition “For full damp” is housed in the goods shed at the station. The railway history and the exhibition offer two different perspectives on the site: the former railway line and its technology.

Villa Fridheim is a well-preserved Swiss-style house and a fairy-tale museum. It focuses particularly on fairy tales, storytelling and intangible cultural heritage; the museum’s main focus is the life’s work of Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. The villa’s programme includes exhibitions, concerts and events. The programme may change.

Plan your stay

If you’re looking for hotels for a trip to Krødsherad, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: time by the fjord, hiking and winter activities at Norefjell, or visits to Krøderbanen and Villa Fridheim. This can help you consider which experiences matter most when choosing accommodation. For seasonal train trips and changing resort offerings, it’s worth checking the latest dates and information before finalising your plans.

Discover more destinations: Noresund, Krøderen, Sigdal, Ringerike, Lier, Hol, Nore Og Uvdal, Ål.

Return to the regional travel overview: Buskerud.