Overview
Hike in the heart of Norway’s unique fjord landscape
Norway’s stunning fjords are rightly ranked as one of the scenic wonders of the world, and few visitors can fail to be inspired by the contrast of snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides and powerful waterfalls plunging into the calm clear waters of the fjords.The majority of visitors come by coach and crowd into a few busy hotspots, whereas we discover these classic landscapes on foot, giving unique access to areas of tranquil beauty and high panoramic viewpoints. Our base at Nes Farm is a cosy family-run guesthouse looking towards the Feigumfoss waterfall across Lustrafjord, nestled between the Jotunheim, Norway’s highest mountains, and the massive ice cap of Jostedalsbreen. The valley lies between three national parks: Jotunheim, Jostedalen and Breheiman. Our base is a cosy family-run guesthouse looking towards the Feigumfoss waterfall across Lustrafjord.
Highlights
* Stunning fjord scenery * Guided tour of historic Bergen * Daywalk in the Jotunheimen National Park * Boat trip across glacial lake and optional walk over Nigardsbreen Glacier
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Bergen.
Fly to Bergen and transfer to our hotel. After our briefing the evening is free to enjoy Norway’s beautiful second city.
*Thon Orion Hotel or similar*
Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Bergen. Journey to Lustrafjord
In the morning we take a short sightseeing tour in the city of Bergen, including the city’s famous Hanseatic Wharf.Mid-morning we depart on the long, but varied and scenic journey.We drive a minibus from Bergen to the town of Voss, crossing the montain pass Vikafjellet to Vik/Vangsnes. From here we go by ferry (15 min) to Hella. From Hella there is a drive of 1 hour to our guesthouse, which is our base for the next 5 days.We arrive in time for dinner. Journey time 4.5hrs
*Nes Farm or similar*
Day 3 Warm-up walk to Molden peak (1116m), excellent viewpoint for Sognefjord; optional visit to UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave church.
We start the week with a lovely warm-up walk to Molden Peak. At 1116 metres this peak gives us great views up and down Sognefjord and is an excellent introduction to this incredible region or Norway. We also visit Urnes Stavechurch, the oldest church in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. *Nes Farm or similar*
Day 4 Full daywalk in Breheimen National Park, known as the ‘Home of the Glaciers’, from Vigdal to Navarsete hut.
Today we explore the Breheimen National Park, known locally as the ‘home of the glaciers’. Here we hike from Vigdal Valley to the Navarsete hiking hut along the Bishop’s Trail, with panoramic views along the way. *Nes Farm or similar*
Day 5 Bus to Nigardsbreen glacier (part of Jostedalsbreen icecap); walk and boat trip on glacial lake; optional glacier walk.
One of the most striking geographical features of this area of Norway is the massive Jostedalsbreen icecap in the Jostedal National Park. From its peak the glacier tongues come tumbling down into deep valleys. We visit the Nigardsbreen glacier for a stunning walk and a boat trip on the glacial lake. There is also the chance for an optional guided walk on the glacier (payable locally – approx 580NOK).
*Nes Farm or similar*
Day 6 Daywalk in the spectacular Jotunheim National Park.
To the northwest of our accommodation are Norway’s highest peaks in the Jotunheim National Park, we enjoy a full day of hiking here. Our route choice will depend on weather conditions, but will take in some of the finest mountain scenery in the country.
*Nes Farm or similar*
Day 7 Hike into the Mrkrisdalen Valley.
We finish the week with a hike into one of Norway’s most scenic valleys, Mrkrisdalen, the walk starts in a narrow canyon dominated by a stunning waterfall. As we continue through the canyon it opens up into a wide valley of open moorland dotted with wild flowers and traditional Norwegian summer cottages. A beautiful end to our trip.
*Nes Farm or similar*
Day 8 Scenic drive to Bergen, some time to explore the city again before transfering to the airport; fly to London.
We drive the minibus from the Guesthouse to Kaupanger and go by ferry, which takes us to the stunning UNESCO listed Naeryfjord (Narrow Fjord), through the fjord to Gudvangen. The journey takes 2,5 hours. After the boat trip the guide will bring us to the top of Stalheimskleiva, and you may walk down this scenic road (30 minutes). The van will be waiting for us at the end of the road. After this short walk, the trip is going on to Bergen and the airport.If you are booking your own flight, please make sure it is in the late afternoon evening, to allow time to drive back from fjord region.; fly to London.
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