Norway – Fjord Country Hiking Tour

Time to explore Bergen. The vibrant and historic city of Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and has a lot to offer. Most famous is Bryggen; the wooden buildings on Bergen’s iconic wharf are reflections of its history in the Hanseatic League. St. Mary’s Church is Bryggen’s tallest and oldest structure, dating to 1180. The Hanseatic museum provides wonderful insight into daily life of German merchants living and working here during the Hanseatic era. Just beside it, is one of Norway’s best-preserved fortresses; Bergenhus. The oldest structure on site, Håkon’s Hall, dates to 1250, and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages. Tonight, you will have a welcome orientation (by phone and an in-person meeting when you get to Balestrand.)

Meals: None
Overnight: Bergen

Today’s hike is a walk with beautiful views and is suitable for all ability levels! You will start with a ride on a lovely cable car (roundtrip tickets are included for the cable car.) Take the cable car up, or down, or some of the way. At the top, which is 1049 feet above the city, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city! Stop for a break in the café, restaurant, or at the scenic viewpoint. Several nice walks start from the top, so it is quite easy to continue on. For example, on short walk takes you to the small lake “Blåmannsvatnet” (+ 5 km.) To finish your day, you can either take the cable car down to the city centre, or walk down. The path winds its way down from the mountain with many twists and turns, but it is easy to follow. Make sure you have plenty of time to admire the views and stop in the one of the parks! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own.

Meals: breakfast
Distance/Elevation: 3-10 km / 2-6 mi, 2-3 hours
Highlights: Mount Fløyen and panoramic views
Overnight: Bergen

This morning take the coastal express boat into the Sognefjorden, whose glacier waters mirror snow-covered majestic mountains. Admire small villages along the fjord and cascading waterfalls as you make your way to Balestrand at mid day. As early as the 18th century, Balestrand was known as a popular tourist destination for the wealthy and also many artists from Norway and Europe. A number of artists built their summer residences in the dragon style, a popular architectural style from this period. Many of these houses are well preserved today, creating a unique architectural environment and also Scandinavia’s largest concentration of dragon style houses. Take a walk along King Bele’s Road, to enjoy these houses or take a longer hike, which also features artistic influences! Tonight, stay at the Kvikne’s Hotel (from 1877), with its imposing façade facing the fjord.

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Distance/Elevation: 2 different options in the afternoon – ca 4 km / 2.5 mi
Highlights: boat ride, exploring Balestrand, cider tasting option
Overnight: Balestrand

After breakfast, today’s hiking starts from the hotel. Follow a relatively steep path up through the woods, until it opens up to a view over Balestrand and the Sognefjord. From here, follow the path upwards to a marvellous viewpoint over Sognefjord and Esefjella. On one side you will see the bright green slopes of Balestrand and on the other, dramatic rocky mountains towards Esedalen. Follow along the ridge towards the highest peak, Raudmelen, with its expansive views on both sides. Note: There are plenty of options to take shorter routes in case of bad weather or other.

Optional services, advance booking required:
-Easier hike (ca 5 km) that can end with a cider tasting.

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Distance/Elevation: 8 km / 5 mi, 100- 978 m, 6 hours
Highlights: views from Raudmelen
Overnight: Balestrand

Transfer from Balestrand to Årøy. From the end of Barsnesfjorden you pass the mighty Årøy River and start the hike at the other side of the bridge. Follow the same road that King Holy Olav took in 1023 with his men. This is the path where they found fresh water from the source and since then, was named the “Olav Source.” The path goes up to Hafslo and continues along the lake until Galden, where you hike down to picturesque Solvorn. A small village with white wooden houses, Solvorn is busy in the summertime with its public beach, ferry to Urnes, and nice summer atmosphere. The town has a small café and a nice art gallery in one of the old boathouses. Overnight at the historic Walaker Hotel, which is over 370 years old. Passed on from generation to generation since 1690, the hotel is now an attraction in itself.

Optional services, advance booking required:
-Transfer (or bus) – hike from Nyre from Solvorn, or to Legene. Both tours along the fjord, 4 to 8 km.

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Distance/Elevation: 8 km / 5 mi, 240 m, easy walk
Highlights: hiking by Årøy River, Hafslo Lake, cute town of Solvorn
Overnight: Solvorn

Transfer to Molden, ca. 6 km to reach the trailhead. The first few km follow trails through the forest, then the path rises steeply and climbs to Svarthiller, with its spectacular view over the fjord towards Ornes. Leaving Svarthiller, the path turns and winds its way past steep crags before levelling out, where you reach the top of Molden, at 1116 m above sea level. The best view is to the east, over the innermost parts of Lusterfjorden with Nes and Høyheimsvik in the foreground. Molden is described as the finest viewpoint of the Sognefjord, with a panoramic view of the fjord arms and the high mountains of Jotunheimen. Return to Solvorn to relax and have dinner.

Optional visits, payable on-site:
-Ferry to Urnes: (20 minute ferry) visit the famous Urnes stave church and hike from the church. You can also add this to an extra day.
-Visit the inside of the historical Urnes church

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Distance/Elevation: 10 km, 1116 m
Highlights: magnificent Molden, Urnes stave church option
Overnight: Solvorn

Today is your departure day, following your last delicious Norwegian breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your time in Norway’s magical fjord country!

Departure:
-Take the bus to the coastal express (either from Sogndal or Leikanger). Departure from Sogndal is at 7:05 am and Leikanger is 12.20 pm. Must check timetable for every booking because Saturday and Sundays are different.
-Take the bus to Oslo.
-Flight from Sogndal Airport to other parts of Norway.