Overview
Highlights
- Visit Bergen, Norway's most beautiful city
- Travel on Flåm Railway, one of Europe's most beautiful train rides
- Stay in some of Norway's most famous hotels
- Three course traditional meals
- Hike to Trolltunga, the Trolls Tongue
- Hike on a glacier with a trained glacier guide
- Travel within Norway's most gorgeous fjords
From the Hanseatic Wharf and UNESCO listed harbor of Bergen, our guests will experience the most beautiful places of all the Norwegian fjords. From both the waterside and mountainside, the fjords of Norway will be enjoyed while trekking. The long fjords have been a natural harbor of people for decades. The beautiful agricultural landscape is maintained through the centuries by the people living here. Its natural beauty is a well-known story, and on this adventure tour, we combine great day hikes such as Trolltunga, with other beautiful, but less known hiking destinations. In our opinion, the best hikes in the Norwegian Fjords.
Along with fellow explorers, we will experience some of the most spectacular hikes the region has to offer. While moving from one small village to another, we will get to know the local culture, understand their way of living, and get to learn how history and nature have formed their way of life. Impressive architecture, giant waterfalls, locally produced food, the world-known scenery on the Troll's Tongue, and small family owned hotels with high-quality awaits on this tour. On top of this, we will get to hike on one of Norway's biggest glaciers, and enjoy a traditional cuisine especially known for the area.
Small family owned hotels have an unusually warm atmosphere. Like us, our guests prefer staying in locally owned hotels, eating local food, and enjoying the beautiful nature and local culture. As always, we travel in small groups with other people who desire to experience and learn. Are you curious to learn more about Norway, hiking beautiful mountains, take beautiful photographies or enjoy the natural wonders of Norway? Then this combination of the best hikes in the Norwegian Fjords is the perfect tour.
You can book "Bergen, Trolltunga and the best hikes in the Norwegian Fjords" by clicking the green "Dates and booking" button; please let us know if you have any questions. You can contact us at [email protected].
"My trip was fantastic! Good company, funny conversations, great scenery, and just great people!” – Helen, 2019
What's included
- All accommodations
- All meals
- Professional nature guide
- Transport within itinerary
See more of what's included under the "details" tab
Contact
Questions about the trip? Don't hesitate to contact our project leader below, or contact our office here.
Details
Difficulty
Level 3 out of 5. Please read more about our level of difficulty here. The hardest hike is the hike to Trolltunga; it can take up to 12 hours all together. The other days will be about 5-7 hours of hiking. You should expect to scramble and the path is rocky and slippery if it rains. You should have hiking experience with similar conditions. Good fitness and some hiking experience with a good attitude will also prepare you for this trip.
What to bring?
Have a look at the full equipment list by clicking "Equipment list" in the menu above. You can leave your luggage in the car or at the accommodation each day, so when hiking, you only have to carry what you need for the day.
How to get there?
We meet up early morning in Bergen. Bergen is reachable by daily train and flights from Oslo. Please let us know if you need tips on how to get to Bergen!
Accommodation
We stay in unique and welcoming accommodations within the area. If you are traveling alone, you will share a same-sex twin room. If you would like a single room, please request this directly for a single, additional payment of 6500 NOK. Most nights we will stay in en-suite rooms, but not all. If you want a single room we can't guarantee en-suite room each day.
Baggage
Due to limited space in the minibus, we ask that you bring one piece of luggage (we recommend a duffel bag, which is easier than a rolling bag to transport on this tour) with your clothes, toiletries and items necessary for when we are not hiking. We require you bring a day pack (hip belt strongly recommended) to use when hiking for food, water, cameras and layers.
Insurance
You need a travel and health insurance, which also includes transportation back to your country. Remember to bring your insurance card/information.
Languages
The guide will speak English.
Changes may occur
We reserve the right to make changes to the program, and the price. The day to day program is indicative, and changes may occur. Please have a look at our terms and conditions.
Number of participants
Minimum: 4 people; Maximum: 7 people.
What's included?
- Professional nature guide
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner (as described in the day to day program).
- All local transport (ferries, buses, transfers etc)
Not included in the price:
- Transportation to the meeting point in Bergen.
- Transportation/train tickets from Voss on day 6.
- Drinks and snacks.
Day by Day
day
1
Welcome to the Norwegian Fjords
Our trip starts early (7:30 AM) by the world famous, and UNESCO listed harbour of Bergen. You can feel the excitement within the group, as we set off for the magnificent fjords of Aurland. Mostly, we will spend our day on the magnificent Sognefjord. One of the world’s longest, and most spectacular fjords. The moment you start thinking that nature can’t be more spectacular, we move into the Aurlandsfjord. As an enormous shaft, the narrow and beautiful walls of Aurlandsfjord surround us. The spectacular landscape has earned this tiny community a place on the UNESCO world heritage list. Our hiking goal for the day is the mountain Prest (1478 meters above sea level). Some parts of the trail might feel exposed, but we guarantee that the experience on the top is worth it. From here you will have a perfect view of the large fjord landscape. Our accommodation for the night is Vangsgaarden, a restored farm from the 1750’s. Through hard work, the owners have maintained the authenticity of the buildings, and it has small lovely gardens surrounding it. No need for feeling at home – this is home!
day
2
Aurlandsdalen
Just like yesterday’s dinner, your breakfast is a combination of local and healthy ingredients. We travel like locals, the bus stop is a short walk from the hotel, and from here the bus will take us towards our goal for today. Some places make Norwegians extra proud, and the valley of Aurlandsdalen is one of these places. Sparkling green colored cliffs, summer pasture farms, wild nature, fun hiking and small waterfalls makes you feel like you are hiking in a postcard. The better part of the hike is slightly downhill, but the walk is quite long. However, with plenty of breaks, healthy food, and the beauty of the surroundings to motivate us, the only worry we will have is that the day will end eventually. We return to Vangsgaarden, where a lovely three-course dinner with a Norwegian touch awaits!
day
3
Towards Hardangerfjord
Today we head south with a railway that many people consider to be «the world’s most beautiful train journey». The Flam Railway is a favorite ride and the main reason why people visit the area. We leave the train in Voss, and our goal today is to experience authentic Norwegian agriculture, culture, architecture and nature. Voss is famous for being the extreme sports capital of Norway, and from here we head towards the fruit capital of Hardanger. On our way, we will pass spectacular architecture, such as the hanging bridge of Hardanger, Norway’s longest swinging bridge, even longer than the Golden Gate bridge. Apples and cider were first introduced here by English monks in the 1300’s. Today, Norwegians know Hardanger best for its lovely blooming and exquisite fruit handcraft. By now, we should all be ready for a majestic sight. The length of today’s hike is not the longest, but that does not make it less exciting. As we cross a small bridge, the 182 meters of free-falling water appears to us, called Vøringsfossen, one of Norway's most famous waterfall. It is a majestic sight, watching and hearing the water thundering down from the mountainside is an experience you will never forget!
We spend the night in one of the oldest hotels in Norway, Utne Hotel, staying here is like being in a history book, with careful thought given to architectural details, amenities, and décor. Our three-course menu at the hotel restaurants is a result of their chefs’ interest in ingredients from local small-scale producers in Hardanger. As an appetizer, we will join them tasting a lovely batch of locally produced cider. Welcome!
day
4
Trolltunga (The Troll's Tongue)
Early breakfast, our legs are rested, and we are ready to experience The Trolls Tongue! People come from all over the world to experience Trolltunga, and today it’s our turn! In English, it is named the Troll's Tongue. Trolltunga is a spectacular mountain formation situated 1,100 meters above sea level, and 700 meters above the lake of Ringedal. This is a long hike (10-12 hours), the longest hike of the trip, so we start off early in the morning, and will have dinner quite late. Even though the hike is tough, it is both doable and worth it! We will have time to relax at the top, enjoy the view, and take memorable photos on the plateau. This place inspired many Norwegian artists during the Romantic era and led to some of the most remarkable artworks ever coming out of Norway. It has been a long day, so a well-deserved dinner awaits us back at the hotel.
day
5
Glacier Walk at Folgefonna
Ever seen or hiked on a glacier before? From our hotel, we make our way up to Folgefonna and go for a full day walk (4-6 hours) on the glacier. Folgefonna is Norway's third biggest glacier, and our tour starts in Folgefonna National Park. Hiking on the glacier plateau is not particularly hard, but it is a truly magnificent experience walking roped up on the 350m thick carpet of ice! When the weather allows, it is a spectacular view of the surrounding fjord landscape from the glacier. During this day we will walk at a gentle pace, and take the time to enjoy our company, and beautiful scenery. After the glacier hike we drive 1,5 hours to Voss, where our accommodation for the night welcome us for our final farewell dinner together.
All cultures have its special kind of traditional food, and western Norway is no exception. The village of Voss is known for its traditional sheep cuisine. And, we would love to give you the opportunity to experience one of the more wonderful traditions of this area. At the accommodation, we will have the opportunity to taste the cuisine of Smalahove. We promise you a once in a lifetime experience and a lot of good memories to get the laughter going during the last dinner together.
day
6
Train to Oslo or Bergen
Our journey ends in Voss after breakfast, 0900AM.
For those of you who would like to stay longer in Norway – Voss has connections to Bergen or Oslo with train. Let us know if you need any assistance or tips on what do after the trip. Maybe you want to combine this tour with one of our other tours? You can easily book your train ticket on https://www.vy.no/en
Equipment List
Take a good look at this list, and make sure you bring everything you need. We encourage you to use what you have for this trip, and purchase items if you're missing something important on the list below. We have divided the gear list into three categories:
- Required: If you do not own this gear, you must acquire it for your trip.
- Recommended: Gear we suggest to be comfortable, but it is not imperative.
- Optional: Fun, additional luxuries.
Layering is extremely important in a variable climate like Norway. This list will guide you through the essentials. Remember the Norwegian saying "There is no bad weather, only bad gear", and prepare appropriately for any weather. You can read about the weather where you're traveling here.
Advice on other essentials to pack in your pack from Hvitserk of Norway on Vimeo.
How to pack for your trip to Norway from Hvitserk of Norway on Vimeo.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions and check out our gear page to learn more.
We always recommend wool in the Norwegian Mountains, but if you already have synthetic layers and don't want to buy new ones, synthetic is okay.
Required:
BASE LAYER |
Wool long-sleeved top and bottom. |
MID-LAYER |
A medium thickness wool or fleece top. |
INSULATED JACKET |
A warm jacket for breaks and before after hiking. We recommend a puffy jacket with down or synthetic. Something equivalant in warmth is also okay. |
WATERPROOF SHELL PANTS |
We strongly recommend having a water proof layer for your legs in case the weather is cold and rainy. You will enjoy the hiking more when warm and comfortable. |
SHELL / RAIN JACKET |
Gore-Tex or similar is mandatory. Extrememly important in Norwegian climate. The jacket must be waterproof, have a hood, and make sure you don’t get wet even if it rains all day. We recommend jackets with pit zips for ventilation. |
HIKING PANTS |
Hiking pants comfortable for all day wear. Should fit your long underwear beneathe and fit under your rain shell pants if you choose to bring some. Zip off into shorts or an additional pair of shorts is option. |
HIKING SHIRT |
Bring 1-2 shirts for daily hiking. |
GLOVES / MITTENS |
1 thin pair of gloves to protect your hands. 1 pair of over mittens for additional warmth. |
HATS |
1 sun hat, 1 warm hat. |
HIKING SOCKS |
2-4 pairs, we recommend wool, above the ankle, in your preferred thickness. If your footwear is not waterproof consider a gortex sock option. |
HIKING SHOES |
Bring footwear you know fits you and is comfortable. Trails can be wet and rocky. We recommend waterproof hiking boots. |
BACKPACK |
Daypack for warm layers, food, snacks, water and needed items. 20-40 liters. |
SUNGLASSES |
UV rated, we recommend a strap to keep them in place and so they don't get lost. |
SUNSCREEN / CHAPSTICK |
Make sure the Chapstick has UV rated sunscreen in it. |
WATER BOTTLE / CAMELBACK |
2 liter capacity. |
TOILETRIES |
Personal basics: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc... |
PERSONAL MEDICATIONS |
Make sure you bring any personal meds you need on your trip, and ensure the Hvitserk office is updated on your allergies or needs. |
Recommended:
WOOL UNDERWEAR |
We highly recommend bringing wool underwear and bra for hiking. No cotton. |
SCARF OR BUFF |
A layer to protect your neck or face. |
THERMOS |
We recommend a thermos for hot drinks to have with you all day. |
SWIMWEAR |
A bathing suit and small towel if you would like to swim, hot tub or sauna depending on your trip. |
TREKKING POLES |
Most guests prefer hiking with poles. Helps with challenging terrain and to maintain energy over long days. |
HEADLAMP |
Important item to always have in your pack. Emergency back up and useful for long days. |
FIRST AID KIT |
If you have certain hiking aids specific to you: i.e. blister care or ibuprofen, etc... |
CAMERA |
Its important to be present while hiking, but also a great joy to bring some snapshots home with you for memory lane. |
CASUAL CLOTHES |
A reminder to bring a set of clothes for transfers, relaxing in the evenings, and non-hiking time. An extra, dry pair of shoes is recommended for after and before hiking. |
Optional:
ANTIBAC |
If you need it for the bathroom or lunch. |
WET WIPE OR TOILET PAPER |
If you have a bathroom emergency while hiking. We use "pack it in pack it out" ethics, so you will need to carry out your used items and throw them away later. |
EAR PLUGS |
If youre a light sleeper. |
JOURNAL |
In order to take notes and write about the trip. |
SNACKS |
Chocolate, nuts or energy bars if there is something particular you enjoy eating. You will have the opportunity to buy snacks on your trip. |
SLEEPING MASK |
To cover your eyes when sleeping in 24 hour light. You can aslo use your buff. |
Bed linens and towels are included all nights.