Odda: Culture, Industrial History and Walking Paths

In Odda, culture, industrial history and outdoor trails are distinct themes. The following places and routes can help you plan your stay around architecture, events or a walk.

Culture and Industrial History in Odda

Odda Church was built in 1870. It is a long church with a chancel, nave and porch, above which the tower rises.

Sentralbadet opened in 2011 in the former changing-room area of the smelter in Odda. Sentralbadet Litteraturhus is a cultural centre that hosts its own events and festivals, as well as others. These include literary discussions, the Litteratursymposium, seminars, debates and readings, as well as concerts, exhibitions and writing courses. School visits and residential school trips are also part of the programme.

KraftLaben offers exhibitions, experiments and science shows. Visitors can take part in experiments at real laboratory benches from the historic smelter in Odda.

Walks and Getting Your Bearings

The Opo River Trail is an easy walking route in Odda that runs from the fjord to Lake Sandvinvatnet. Each leg takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on walking speed and the number of photo stops.

The route passes the old industrial site of Smelteverkstomta. You can use the information boards on the buildings for a self-guided tour. A viewpoint on a hill offers views of Odda and the fjord. The Opo River Trail is fully lit after dark and can be walked year-round. By the lake, its gravel path continues to Trolltunga Camping.

Another local route is the Hjøllo–Mannsåker Culture Trail in Odda; there are three information boards along the way. Nearby, Låtefossen is a twin waterfall about 165 metres high, right beside National Road 13 between Odda and Røldal. It is about a 15-minute drive from Odda.

Ullensvang as a Wider Destination

In the wider destination of Ullensvang, Dronningstien is a challenging hike between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. It is 16 kilometres long and takes six to nine hours—a very different time commitment from the Opo River Trail. The route offers views of the Sørfjorden and Folgefonna Glacier and passes through lush orchards with thousands of apple trees. Seasonal conditions and operational details may change; check them before setting out.

The Fruit Trail is also part of the wider destination of Ullensvang. Access points include Lofthus Camping, Hotel Ullensvang, Ullensvang Gjesteheim, Hardanger Youth Hostel and the supermarket in Lofthus. Buses from Odda, Eidfjord, Geilo and Voss stop at the supermarket. The “Hardangerfjord Sightseeing” express boat also stops there; bus services to and from Bergen and Norheimsund are also available. Check timetables and routes before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Tyssedal, Skare, Røldal

Return to the main travel overview: Odda.