Traverse a landscape of dazzling fjords, cascading waterfalls, and historic villages.

Welcome to Norway! Our adventure begins in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bergen with a funicular ride up Mt. Floyen. At the summit, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the port city and the surrounding fjord and mountain landscape.

Mid-morning, we transfer to the Hardangerfjord region, home to wild and rugged mountains rising from the fjord, verdant farmland, and storybook villages. We have lunch sourced from local ingredients, before hiking to the beautiful glacier-fed Lake Bondhusvatnet.

Later this afternoon, we cross the Hardangerfjord between Utne and Kinsavik, arriving shortly afterward at our fjordside hotel in Ullensvang.

Accommodations

Ullensvang Hotel
Lofthus Hardanger, Norway

The Ullensvang Hotel has been run by the same family for five generations and offers the perfect balance of rich traditions with modern facilities on the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

Our hike today begins in Kinsarvik and wends through the Husedalen Valley along one of the most beautiful trails in Norway. We see a succession of stunning waterfalls on the way from Kinsarvik to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, the largest high mountain plateau in northern Europe. Because the hike is an out-and-back trail, it can be shortened for those who prefer a less strenuous day.

Early this evening, we are met by a local farmer who will walk with us to the Alvavoll Fruit & Cider farm. Here we learn about the production of apples, pears, plums, honey, apple juice, and cider, and have an opportunity to taste some of the world-famous cider produced in the Hardanger region. Dinner will follow back at our hotel.

Accommodations

Ullensvang Hotel
Lofthus Hardanger, Norway

The Ullensvang Hotel has been run by the same family for five generations and offers the perfect balance of rich traditions with modern facilities on the beautiful Hardangerfjord.

This morning, a 1.5-hour drive brings us to the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest in Norway. After a safety briefing, our experienced glacier guides take us for a walk across the ice. Surrounded by the Hardangerfjord, Rosendal Alps, and the North Sea, this promises to be an exhilarating adventure.*

Afterward, we transfer to Voss (approximately 2 hours) and our hotel for the next two nights. Known for outdoor and adventure activities, Voss is a charming, small town in the lake district, situated between the mountains and the fjords. Most of the melting water from snowmelt and rainfall comes through this region, and the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are ever-changing depending on the water flow.

*Our guides continuously monitor conditions on the glacier. If conditions are better for snowshoeing, we will trade in our crampons for snowshoes. If it is unsafe to be on the ice, we will hike to the Hovden Viewpoint, an alpine plateau with stunning views of Sorfjorden - one of Norway's most striking fjords (3-4 hours, 4.5 miles, elevation gain 1500').

Accommodations

Hotel Store Ringheim
Voss, Norway

This 15-room historic hotel in a restored farmhouse offers views over different parts of the surrounding farm landscape and distant mountains.

Today, we venture into the waterways of Norway - the fjords! Our morning begins with a 1-hour scenic transfer to Flam, where we gear up for a glorious day of kayaking on the Aurlandsfjord, one of Norway's most picturesque fjords. Our guides offer expert instruction, and all necessary equipment is provided.

Our adventure takes us past unique rock formations, waterfalls, and local small farms. We stop for a break at a suitable landing point and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The return journey brings very different views, looking at the inner part of the fjord back toward Flam. Upon completion of our kayak route, we return to our hotel where we have a chance to freshen up before dinner.

Accommodations

Hotel Store Ringheim
Voss, Norway

This 15-room historic hotel in a restored farmhouse offers views over different parts of the surrounding farm landscape and distant mountains.

After breakfast, we take a short walk from our hotel to the Voss Folkemuseum to be transported back in time. When the museum was founded in 1917, one of its goals was to preserve the old farmstead at Molster (Molstertunet), where all the buildings still stand where they were once built. The wooden walls of the buildings have been weathered brownish-grey and the roofs are covered with turf or ancient slates. Inside the old farmhouse the walls still give off the pungent smell of smoke from the open hearth.

From here, we drive to the historical hotel and viewpoint of Stalheim, offering extraordinary views of the Naeroy Valley. A short hike up the side valley brings us to the farm of Sivle, where we enjoy a local meal and hear about the old traditions of summer farming.

As we depart, we take the steep serpentine road leading down the front side of the mountain between two cascading waterfalls. To the north is the Sivlefossen waterfall, and to the south, the Stalheimsfossen waterfall. As melting water plunges over the cliff edge it makes its way from the mountains to the fjord.

Early this afternoon, we visit the Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik. Believed to have been built around 1130, it is one of the oldest stave churches in existence. Inside, we see examples of carvings from the Middle Ages, and a guided tour of the church offers insight into the era connecting modern day Christianity and Viking beliefs.

Later today, we cross the Sognefjord and reach the township of Balestrand to check in to our waterfront hotel.

Accommodations

Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand, Norway

This historic hotel boasts a large art collection, an onsite restaurant and bar, and beautiful views. Past guests have included Kaiser Wilhelm II and other prominent figures.

Today's hike takes us from the Kreklingen Nature Trail to the stunning Buraasi lookout point. As we climb through moss covered forests and pine-clad trails, our vista opens up at approximately 1870 feet where we have staggering views of Balestrand and the majestic Sognefjorden. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch, or nistepakke, before our descent.

Later this afternoon, our guide will lead an optional Heritage Walk along the coast where we learn about this historic village and the life of the artists who lived here in the 19th century. Others may enjoy a bit of free time before we gather again for dinner.

Accommodations

Kviknes Hotel
Balestrand, Norway

This historic hotel boasts a large art collection, an onsite restaurant and bar, and beautiful views. Past guests have included Kaiser Wilhelm II and other prominent figures.

This morning, we depart for Jotunheimen National Park, also known as "the home of the giants." From the historical Turtagro Hotel, we follow a stream through the lush Skagastol Valley towards Skagastol Lake. We can sense the ancient mountaineering history of this trekkers' paradise, as the mountains here were first climbed by British lords in the 19th century. At this high alpine lake we enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by glaciers and vertical peaks before our descent.

This evening, we stay at a luxurious guest house where we settle in for a cozy evening and a fine dining experience.

Accommodations

Fjelleventyret Guest House
Skjak, Norway

Located at the very heart of Norway, at the junction between majestic mountains and the mesmerising Geirangerfjorden, is a boutique farm-stay with cozy rooms and a restaurant and bar.

We enjoy a scenic drive past Lom as we head to the Geirangerfjord region this morning. Geirangerfjord was granted UNESCO status in 2005 and offers stunning views of several waterfalls, including the famous Seven Sisters.

We embark on a hike from Vesteras farm, an idyllic old working farm sitting high above the town. After about an hour, we arrive to the thundering Storseterfossen waterfall, which we can walk behind. Upon returning to the farm, we enjoy a traditional lunch before heading into town for a different view of Geirangerfjord.

Our final drive takes us to the coastal city of Alesund. Here, we make our way up to the Mount Aksla lookout, which offers fantastic views of the city.

We gather this evening for our final dinner and celebration of our journey, where we raise a glass to new friendships, shared memories, and the many adventures Norway has to offer.

Accommodations

Hotel Brosundet
Alesund, Norway

Ideally-located on the water, Hotel Bosundet has a contemporary and rustic design. A central fireplace and onsite restaurant create a particularly welcoming and cozy communal space.

After breakfast, you are free to depart at your leisure. The airport is a short taxi ride from our hotel.