Hiking Norway's Fjord Country

The sea has shaped the destiny of Norway, carving fjord after fjord deep into rock to create a world of extraordinary range and beauty—crystalline rock walls dropping straight to the sea, bursting waterfalls, sweeping bays, wildflower-covered mountains, and dazzling glaciers. In this spectacular realm, we set out for hikes to discover magnificent landscapes along with Norway’s rural cultural heritage, still thriving in ancient farmsteads and tranquil waterfront hamlets. This new WT Expedition with veteran Trip Leader Richard Bell brings us first through the wonderland of Sognefjord, where sheer rock walls rise 3,000 feet above the water, and then along Hardangerfjord, whose green slopes support fruit orchards and picturesque towns along the water’s edge. Our hikes are wonderfully varied, from ridgetop walks that descend to a village along the fjord to delightful hikes to thundering waterfalls, and one of our adventures is a thrilling walk on the blue ice of the Folgefonna Glacier, with its magnificent views over Hardangerfjord. As we travel and explore, we’ll use Norway’s stunning ferry rides, railways, and a private boat to navigate our way through this pristine land and seascape, and we’ll sample delicious cuisine of Norway and enjoy accommodations in charming fjord-side villages. Join us for an unforgettable journey!

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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

The gateway to Norway’s fjord country, Bergen is a thousand-year-old city set on a quiet fjord with a backdrop of seven steep mountains. After exploring the town, we ride a funicular to the top of Mt. Fløyen (1,056') and set out for a hike through forests and along lakes to Mt. Blamanen (1,845'), enjoying continuous views out over the North Sea, down into Bergen, and along the scattered islands along the coast. A scenic ferry ride brings us through magnificent Sognefjord, the second-longest fjord in the world, to Flam, set on the innermost part of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of Sognefjord.

Days 3-4
Flam Railway / Hardangerfjord / Ulvik

We hop on board the famous Flam Railway for a ride up a steep incline to the mountaintop at 2,500 feet. An express train brings us Voss, where our spectacular hike across a high ridge through lush, green farmlands and deep forests grants us magnificent views across Sognefjord. From the little town of Ulvik, nestled on the shores of Hardangerfjord, we hike through forested trails and past a beautiful lake to a cider farm surrounded by rich orchards.

Days 5-6
Eidfjord / Haereid / Hardangerfjord / Lofthus

A local cruise boat brings us to Eidfjord, surrounded by sheer mountains on both sides, and we walk up to the Haereid mountain plateau, which holds the largest collection of Viking burial mounds in Europe (almost 400). After exploring the mounds, we head through the fantastic setting of Hardangerfjord to the tranquil hamlet of Lofthus, picturesquely set along the fjord and famous for its orchards. From here we hike along the Opo River to reach two magnificent waterfalls, the Skriklo and the Opo, a spectacular 2,150-foot cascade.

Days 7-8
Kinsarvik / Utne / Folgefonna Glacier Hike

A hike along the Kinso River brings us to the Rveieta and Nyastol waterfalls, a spectacular sight with a tranquil river flowing between them, and then further along a deep woodland trail. We then take the public ferry to Utne, one of the prettiest towns on Hardangerfjord. At the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest icecap in Norway, we enjoy a fantastic day of glacier hiking that takes us across blue ice and into fantastic ice caverns. Views from atop the glacier stretch out over magnificent Hardangerfjord and, on a clear day, out to the North Sea.

Days 9-10
Hardanger Folk Museum / Bergen

At the open-air Hardanger Folk Museum, we see exhibits on Hardanger’s folk traditions. Later we board our own private boat for a journey along the fjord to Hardanger Akvasenter, a salmon farm here we enjoy a tour along with a delicious salmon lunch. Returning to Bergen, we visit the boatworks in Norheimsund to see traditional boat-building techniques still in use, and stop at the Steindalfossen, with its 165-foot cascade. Depart from Bergen on Day 10.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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