Living on the Edge in Voss: Norway’s Most Unexpected Town
✍️ By Hilola | Currently Traveling in Voss
Hi friends! I’m writing this post while traveling through Voss, one of the most scenic and culturally rich towns I’ve ever visited in Norway. From its breathtaking fjords to its unique food traditions and kind-hearted people, Voss is truly a hidden gem.
📍 Where is Voss?
Voss (or Vossevangen) is located between the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord in Western Norway. Just 1.5 hours by train from Bergen, it’s the perfect stop for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adrenaline seekers.
🌟 What Makes Voss So Special?
One thing that truly surprised me here is the traditional dish called Smalahove — a smoked sheep’s head! I didn’t try it (yet 😅), but locals told me it’s a symbol of heritage and hospitality, usually served at Christmas. It’s not something you see every day, and it reflects how proudly people in Voss preserve their customs.
🎷 Vossa Jazz – Music in the Mountains
Voss also has its own jazz festival, which I didn’t expect in such a small town. The Vossa Jazz Festival attracts musicians from all over the world. Many songs are actually written just for the event! Imagine listening to live jazz in the middle of snowy mountains—unreal.
🧗♀️ Adventures, Everywhere!
The adrenaline here is real! Voss is a hub for:
Paragliding (you’ll see people flying overhead almost daily!)
Skiing and snowboarding on Mount Hanguren
Skydiving (yes, they actually jump from planes here!)
Indoor skydiving at VossVind, which I visited—it was like flying!
Even the locals do these sports, not just tourists. You can feel how active and alive this place is.
👨👩👧 Life in Voss: The People
What touched me most was how kind and grounded the people are here.
They speak a strong regional dialect and use Nynorsk, one of Norway’s official written forms.
Community matters a lot. The locals love helping each other (they call it dugnad — community volunteering).
Whether it’s serving local food or guiding you through a hiking trail, the people are welcoming and warm.
🎓 Education: Nature Is Their Classroom
Education in Voss isn’t just books and tests. It’s about learning through nature:
Kids here are taught skiing and mountain safety in school!
I passed by Voss Gymnas, a high school with vocational tracks in adventure sports.
Voss also has a Folk High School (Voss Folkehøgskule) where students learn outdoor life, arts, and team skills—no exams or grades!
✨ My Personal Reflections
Traveling in Voss has been a healing and inspiring experience. Here’s what stood out:
The balance of tradition and thrill — from ancient food customs to modern skydiving
The natural beauty — lakes, mountains, rivers all in one place
The community spirit — I truly felt welcomed, even as a foreign visitor
If you’re ever in Norway and want to see the soul of the country—its land, its people, its heartbeat—come to Voss.
🧭 Quick Travel Tips (from me!)
✅ Take the train from Bergen – the views are stunning
✅ Visit in summer for rafting and hiking, or in winter for skiing
✅ Try raspeballer (potato dumplings) if you’re not ready for smalahove 😄
✅ Pack layers – weather changes quickly
✅ Don’t miss the Voss Folk Museum for local history
💬 I hope this blog inspires you to visit Voss and fall in love with it like I did! If you’ve been here or plan to visit, leave a comment.
Let’s keep exploring the world, one city at a time 🌍💙
— Hilola