Norway: Bergen & Sognefjord Hiking Tour
Six nights; six days of moderately challenging hikes through lush valleys, fjords, and mountain ranges in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Stirring landscapes with spectacular views!
- Fjord boat cruise and scenic train ride.
- Diverse wildlife due to alpine climate: many species of arctic animals and plants, and largest wild reindeer herds in the world.
- Rich ice age history with traces of Viking rule.
- Restored ancient farmsteads.
- Deliciously fresh Norwegian seafood and unique, authentic cuisine.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~13 km
- DAY 3: ~20 km + boat cruise
- DAY 4: ~20 km + train ride
- DAY 5: ~20 km
- DAY 6: ~5 km
- DAY 7: ~5 km & Farewells
Bergen and Sognefjord Hike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Bergen and Sognefjord Hike
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Pickup at Bergen Airport, 15:00, day one.
Finish: Bergen, 14:00, day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Start with a pickup at the Bergen Airport in Flesland for a transfer to your hotel. Before dinner stroll through Bergen’s old wharf district, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen. A reminder of the town’s role in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire of the 14th-16th centuries, the characteristic wooden houses of Bryggen have endured a number of fires; rebuilding efforts have focused on preserving original patterns and building methods. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only).
Hotel Park Bergen, or, Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Bergen
Leave the city’s centre for today’s hike, tackling two stunning mountains: Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen. Choose between steeper, more challenging climbs, or longer, gentler treks. Either way, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the fjords and islands surrounding Bergen, and on clear days you can see the Folgefonna glacier. BL
Same lodging
Gudvangen to Flam; boat cruise & hike 6km
An early morning 2 ½ hour transfer brings you to Gudvangen for a boat tour along the Nærøyfjord. Visit the quaint villages of Bleiklindi, Bakka, Styvi and Dyrdal, with a longer hike along the Royal Post Road. Dating back to the 17th century, the scenic route was a key element of the postal service between Bergen and Oslo. BD
Flamsbrygga Hotell, or, Fretheim Hotel, Flam
Myrdal to Flam; train ride & hike ~20km
A one-way train ride from Flam to Myrdal leads you up into the heart of the fjords, with majestic waterfall sightings along the way. Hike back down into the valley on the last section of the Rallar Road, built in the early 1900s to transportation equipment for the construction of the Bergen Railway. Halfway down the valley is the Berekvam Gorge; its farms were active long before roads and railways were developed, and are still in use year-round. Stop at the Rallarrosa dairy, a traditional mountain farm, for a well-deserved break and sample of their goat cheese. BL
Same lodging
Østerbø to Vassbygdi; ~15km
Today’s hike is along a path through the wild beauty of the Aurlandsdalen Valley. You will see many charming farms and mountain dairies along the route, most of which were abandoned a hundred years ago when the inhabitants emigrated to America in the hope of a more prosperous life. Fortunately, a number of farms have now been restored to their former states. The glacially-formed valley boasts abundant plant species due to both the soil, which is rich in minerals formed from phyllite in the rocks, and cultural influence over centuries. BLD
Same lodging
King’s Road & Borgund Stave church; ~5km
Transfer 45 min. to the Borgund Stave church, built in 1180, to learn some local history before embarking on a walk along King’s Road, which was voted the most beautiful road in Norway by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The route is both interesting and awe-inspiring. The living culture landscape and spectacular mountains are waiting to be explored. Finish your day with an hour transfer to your hotel. BLD
Fleischers Hotel, Voss
Bordalsgjalet; Hike 5km + 1.5 hr transfer
This morning’s gentle and scenic path alongside Vangsvatnet Lake, through the wooded Prestegardsmoen and over the River Vosso into the dramatic Bordalsgjelet gorge, is a beautiful and fitting end to a week of spectacular hikes. Transfer back to Bergen in time for an afternoon flight to Oslo. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 28-Jun 3
- Sep 3-9
2024 Guided:
- May 19-25
- Sep 1-7
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 5175 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, vehicle and guide support, maps, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4495 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, emergency on-call support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1145
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful countries, Norway’s stirring landscapes – narrow fjords, waterfalls, never melting glaciers – are the result of a succession of ice ages. Following the last ice age some 10,000 years ago, humans settled in the west, leaving behind artifacts that have been well-preserved and can now been viewed in local museums. The area’s rich history is hard to miss; traces of the Viking rule are still evident, and the government has invested in the restoration of ancient farmsteads. The fjords of Western Norway you will explore on your hikes are peppered at either end with charming communities and villages, each with its own traditions and cuisine, reflecting the humble nature of the Norwegian people. You can expect plenty of deliciously fresh cold water fish, and the opportunity to try more adventurous authentic local dishes. The alpine climate has allowed many species of arctic animals and plants to flourish; its wild reindeer herds are among the largest in the world, and, along with deer, moose, and grouse, are featured in most restaurant menus. The best way to arrive is by plane from Oslo to Bergen, where you will be collected and transferred to your first inn. If time allows, plan for a day or two at the beginning or end of your tour to enjoy the vibrant culture of Norway.
