Norway: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Hallo! Welcome to Norway. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, known for its colourful wooden houses, historic harbour and vibrant food scene. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen and wander through the reconstructed medieval homes and warehouses. Or visit the beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic Museum (a former trade building) and explore the old Hanseatic port area – the Hanseatic merchant confederation dominated Baltic maritime trade for 400 years from the 15th century. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so maybe venture out with the group for a bite to eat this evening.

This morning, travel by private vehicle to the village of Loen, tucked at the eastern end of Nordfjord – one of Norway’s most picturesque fjords. When you arrive, ride the Loen Skylift – one of the steepest cable cars in the world, soaring from the fjord’s edge to Mount Hoven at 1011 m. From the summit, take in the views of glaciers, peaks and the glassy Nordfjord below. Then set out on a guided hike with your leader along well-marked trails, offering views over the fjords, mountains and several tiny villages. (B)

Set off on a peaceful ride around Lake Lovatnet – a glacial lake famed for its turquoise colour and mountain backdrop. Fed by the surrounding glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park, the lake’s calm waters and well-maintained trails make it ideal for a leisurely cycle. The afternoon is free to relax.

Today, drive to the entry of Jostedalsbreen National Park in Briksdal. From here, set off on today’s hike along the Briksdal Glacier Trail. As you walk, take in the surrounding landscape of mountains and wild rivers – you’ll also pass the Kleivafossen waterfalls along the way before travelling back to Loen later today.

Travel to Flam – a picturesque village at the end of Aurlandsfjord. From here, pick up yor bikes then board the world-famous Flam Railway for a ride up to the mountain station of Myrdal – make sure to have your camera ready! At Myrdal, swap the rails for wheels as you hop on a bike and enjoy a leader-guided downhill ride back to Flam. Follow a glacial stream through a lush valley, past goat farms, waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery. It’s a peaceful, invigorating way to take in the landscape at a slower pace. After, take a public bus to your next cabin stay in Gudvangen, sitting between steep cliffs and deep fjords.

Today is all about exploring the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord by kayak. Starting from Gudvangen, meet your local guide at the kayak center and get fitted with your gear for a full-day kayaking on the calm waters. Explore hidden corners beneath the cliffs that are only accessible by kayak. Paddle past waterfalls, historic farms and small settlements like Bakka – areas unreachable by roads. Learn about the region’s history and landscape and make sure to keep an eye out for seals. Along the way - weather dependent - stop for a barbecue lunch where you’ll have plenty of time to swim, explore, or just soak in the views. Return to Gudvangen for the night. (L)

Say goodbye to Gudvangen as you travel back to Bergen, arriving before lunch. There are no activities planned for your last day and you’re free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.