Odda sits at the southern tip of the Sørfjord, a branch of the Hardangerfjord, and it is an industrial town in one of the most beautiful settings in Norway. About five thousand people live here, in a flat, green valley between steep mountains, with the Folgefonna glacier above and the Låtefossen waterfall nearby. The town grew in the early twentieth century around a carbide and fertiliser industry, using hydropower, and the factories left a mark on the landscape and the fjord. Today, the industry has shrunk, and the town is a base for outdoor activities, with a few cafes, hotels and shops.
The big draw nearby is Trolltunga, a rock ledge that juts out horizontally about 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake, and attracts hikers from around the world. The walk takes the best part of a day, and is not for riders in boots, but the trailhead is only a short ride from town. The Buarbreen glacier arm, part of Folgefonna, can be reached by a shorter walk, and Låtefossen is a double waterfall that thunders beside the road. The Folgefonna National Park protects the third largest glacier in mainland Norway.
The ride to Odda along the Hardanger route is a delight. The road follows the fjord for a long way, passing through orchards of apples, cherries and plums, which bloom in May and make the shore a sea of blossom. The Hardanger region is known for its fruit and cider, and farms sell fresh produce at roadside stalls in summer. The surface is generally good, with many tunnels and bridges, and the bends are moderate. Traffic can be heavy in summer, particularly with tourists heading for the hiking trails.
Fuel is available in Odda, and there are supermarkets and restaurants, which makes it a convenient finish. Try the local cider, but save it for after riding, and the cherries, if it is the season. The weather in Hardanger is mild, though rain is possible at any time, and the evening light, with the fjord turning to silver, is beautiful. Spend an hour by the water and listen to the stillness before you move on.