Hiking Norway's Fjord Country

Mighty glaciers shaped Norway’s magnificent landscapes, carving deep fjords to create a world of extraordinary beauty—crystalline rock walls dropping straight to the sea, towering waterfalls, and glaciated peaks. Our unique cultural and hiking journey explores this spectacular realm, with hikes that bring us along high ridge tops, across glaciers, and to tiny villages nestled between mountain and fjord. Our cultural discoveries are equally enchanting, including a picnic amid heirloom apple orchards and visiting a salmon farm set in mid-fjord. Our hotels, featuring the delightful cuisine of Norway—including great seafood, of course!—are set at the water’s edge for spectacular views.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Bergen / Mt. Floyen / Sognefjord / Flam

After exploring Bergen, with its colorful historic waterfront, we ride a funicular to the top of Mt. Floyen (1,056') and hike through forests to Mt. Blamanen (1,845'), enjoying spectacular views over Bergen and along the scattered islands of the coast. A scenic ferry ride brings us through magnificent Sognefjord, regarded as one of the most beautiful in a country renowned for its fjords, to Flam, set on the innermost part of Aurlandsfjord.

Days 3-4
Hardangerfjord / Ulvik

Our hike across a high ridge through lush, green farmlands and deep forests grants us superb views across Hardangerfjord, with its sheer rock walls rising 3,000 feet above the water. From the little town of Ulvik, nestled on the shores of the fjord, we hike through enchanting orchards and past a beautiful lake to a family-run cider farm for lunch and a special tasting of the signature apple brandy.

Days 5-6
Eidfjord / Haereid / Lofthus

A local cruise boat brings us to Eidfjord, the easternmost branch of the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by sheer mountains on both sides, and we hike up to the Haereid mountain plateau, which holds the largest collection of Viking burial mounds in Europe. We then head to the tranquil hamlet of Lofthus, picturesquely set along the fjord. Our options here include a hike along the Opo River to two magnificent waterfalls, the Skriklo and the Opo, an amazing 2,150-foot cascade. In Loftus, we enjoy glorious views as we stay at a historic fifth generation family-run hotel set right at water’s edge.

Days 7-8
Kinsarvik / Folgefonna Glacier Hike

A hike along the Kinso River brings us to the Tveita and Nyastol waterfalls, a riveting sight with a tranquil river flowing between them. At the icecap of the Folgefonna Glacier, we enjoy a wonderful hike across blue ice and into fantastic ice caverns. Views from atop the glacier stretch out over the magnificent Hardangerfjord.

Days 9-10
Hardanger Folk Museum / Bergen

After a visit to the renowned Hardanger Folk Museum, we board a private boat for a journey along the fjord, stopping mid-way at a floating salmon farm where we enjoy a delicious lunch. We head back to Bergen for our festive farewell dinner and depart on Day 10.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate to Strenuous. It features daily hikes and hotel accommodations throughout. The trip is designed to take advantage of Norway’s excellent transport system. We move around fjords using ferries, boats, trains, and vans. Please note that for the most part, you have to move your own bags off and on the ferries and trains, and for short distance between the ferry landings and our hotels (not more than 100 feet). We suggest you limit your baggage to one rolling suitcase and a daypack. Any extra luggage can be left at our hotel in Bergen for our return at the end of our adventure. Most hiking is below 2,000 feet in elevation on good trails over mountainous terrain. The hikes are mostly moderate, sometimes over terrain that can be damp, and there are some short but steep sections. You will carry just a daypack with the essentials: camera, water bottle, rain gear, and lunch (on some days). Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential. Hiking poles are highly recommended. For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

Temperatures should be in the mid 50s-60s, perfect for hiking. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and changeable, and we want you to be well prepared for all that you may encounter. Trip members need to remain flexible in consideration of inclement weather that may require changes, such as substituting different hiking routes, canceling hikes, or switching the days of certain hikes.

Meals will be hearty local fare, including a lot of fish. Some of our dinners will be buffet-style at our hotels, and several of our lunches are sandwich-style repasts that we enjoy on a hike or a boat ride. Vegetarian options are not always available.

Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the U.S. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

A word about costs: Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit. There is a 25% sales tax, and alcohol has its own special tax, which means that in a bar or restaurant, a small draught beer is $12, a bottle of locally produced ale is $17, and a small glass of wine is $15. Bottled water and soft drinks can cost $9 each. We suggest that you take advantage of your duty-free options for purchasing alcohol before arriving in Norway.

Explanation of Trip Levels