Compare Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive by Fjord Travel Norway vs Norway Fjord Trekking by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,360 | $ 2,464 |
| Price Per Day | $ 227 | $ 352 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts |
| Description |
Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive – A relaxing trip with Fjord cruises on the Sognefjord & the beautiful Aurlandsfjord branch, Flam Railway & Bergen rail line. Starting & finishing with stays in Oslo, 2 nights at the historic Kvikne’s hotel in the beautiful Balestrand fjord village & 2 nights in picturesque Bergen. |
The Vikings were some of the toughest people to ever walk this earth, and looking at the land that spawned them, it’s not hard to see why. Carved by the relentless North Atlantic for eons, the Norwegian fjordlands are a challenge that beckons hikers and mountaineers of all ages and abilities. This trip will put you on intimate terms with the great green hills, monstrous peaks, enormous glaciers, and flat-out gorgeous scenery of this isolated chunk of Scandinavia. Lace up your hiking boots and set forth in search of your own personal Valhalla. |
Day 1: First Night In Oslo
Individual arrival and check in at a centrally located hotel.
Oslo is beautifully located by the Oslo fjord, surrounded by forested hills. In Oslo you can visit the Viking ship museum, the Holmenkollen Ski jump, the Vigeland sculpture park.
Spend 1 night in Oslo
Optional: Add city sightseeing or Fjord cruises in Oslo
Day 2: Bergen Line
Morning departure by the Bergen line, taking you through the scenic Hallingdal valley and across the specatcular Hardangerviddda mountain plateau to the mountain station of Myrdal.
Flam Railway & Fjord cruise
At the tiny Myrdal station you change to the famous Flam Railway for an unforgettable descend from mountain to fjord through the Flam valley, with mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, tiny farms and the beautiful river.
In Flam you board an express boat for a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord branch & the main Sognefjord. Disembark in the beautifully located Balestrand village.
The wooden, historic Kvikne’s hotel
Enjoy a relaxing, 2 nights stay in the historic wooden wing – built in the “Swiss style” – in room with fjord view. Buffet dinner in the evening.
The hotel is graced with an extensive collection of antiques and authentic artworks, and the Kvikne family has been the hosts since 1877!
Spend 2 nights in Balestrand
Day 3: Full Day In Balestrand
Balestrand is surrounded by mountain peaks, with beautiful views of the Sognefjord & the Fjaerlandfjord branch. The village is home to a selection of authentic, wooden Swiss style villas, a tiny aquarium & galleries. You can follow the interesting, well-marked cultural trail or one of the marked mountain hiking trails for an active day.
Day 4: Cruise To Bergen
Board the express boat for a 4 hour cruise to Bergen through the outer parts of the Sognefjord and along the coast, with islands, local fjords, tiny settlements & summer houses, passing through narrow straits. The boat takes you to the very heart of Bergen, close to the fish market.
Spend 2 nights in Bergen
Day 5: Full Day In Bergen
Spend a full day at leisure in Bergen –see the UNESCO Bryggen wharf, the Funicular to mount Floyen with a marvelous view of the town, the Fish market, the Aquarium, picturesque areas with tiny wooden houses & narrow streets
Day 6: Oslo & Oslo Fjord Cruise
A 45 min flight to Oslo. Check in at the same hotel as the first night. Enjoy a 2 hour fjord cruise on the scenic Oslo fjord, with islands & narrow straits, tiny summer houses & elegant villas
Spend 1 night in Oslo
The tour finishes after breakfast on day 7
Day 1 Bergen
Arrive at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting before heading out for an orientation walk of Bergen.
If you wish to explore Bergen before your tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Bergen before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Day 2 Bergen/Odda
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful city of Bergen. Transfer by ferry and private vehicle along the Hardangerfjord to Odda, the base in the heart of the fjords. Enjoy an introductory hike.
Day 3 Odda
Known as the Valley of the Waterfalls, Oddadalen is a spectacular wooded ravine adorned with numerous beautiful waterfalls. Stretch your legs on a 10km (6.2 mi) hike along the Buerdalen valley. Consider today’s hike a warm-up to prepare for our full day Trolltunga excursion on Day 6.
Day 4 Odda/Folgefonna Glacier/Odda
Join an expert local guide for a hike across the frozen landscape of the Folgefonna Glacier. Strap on crampons, head out on the ice and take in spectacular views of the glacier.
Day 5 Odda
Enjoy free time today to relax in the beauty of the surrounding fjords, or opt to partake in any of the many activities this area has to offer.
Set in the breathtaking location of the Atlantic fjordlands, Odda is an ideal place to take a day off from hiking. For those looking to recharge today, opt to wander the quaint town that lines the coast with its multi-coloured residences or take a rib boat ride on the fjords. For those who are itching to get back out into the wild, take in the views from a bike or kayak, or consider preparing for your Trolltunga Hike by booking the Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Extension for an enchanting night in the Sunrise Dome perched high above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
Please note that if you choose to book the optional Trolltunga Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Combo Upgrade on Day 5 of the tour, the transfers there and back are not included and cost approximately an additional £25 per person. This price covers the transportation both ways. For the upgraded Trolltunga experience it is recommended travellers bring a 30L day pack to carry additional supplies necessary on this option of the hike.
Day 6 Odda/Trolltunga/Odda
Gear up for the highlight of the week – a challenging full-day journey up to the most famous rock formation in Norway. Trolltunga (the "Troll's Tongue") grants breathtaking views from 700m (2,296 ft) above the Ringedalsvatnet lake.
Trolltunga is one of this area's most popular and challenging hiking destinations. It requires preparation from hikers. Prepare for 10-12 hours of hiking and rock climbing on a route almost completely on a gradient. Should you decide to opt out of the via ferrata route, you are welcome to do the hike only. Compared with our full-day hike early in the week, Trolltunga will physically demand more - with the reward of unrivalled views.
Day 7 Odda/Bergen
Leaving Odda behind, take a bus to Bergen. Trip ends on arrival in Bergen.
This tour will end upon arrival in Bergen. We suggest booking any onward travel for no earlier than 4:30pm. If you wish to extend your stay in Bergen, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Bergen after your tour ends.
