Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2 & 3
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
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Experience the majestic beauty of Norway's fjords on this 8 day self guided adventure. Taking you through charming villages, panoramic trails, and serene fjord scenery, this independent self guided holiday has been designed to allow you to explore at your own pace, with a choice of walks or optional extra activities on most days. Whether you're seeking adventure, stunning nature, or the cultural charms of this stunning region, Hardangerfjord has it all. You will visit Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, then onto Rosendal where you can choose from a 5km easy trail to a more challenging 9km hike. At Tyssedal we have included a group guided hike to Trolltunga - ' The Troll's Tongue' - one of Norways most iconic and challenging hiking locations. From there you move onto Lofthus and Ulvik, both famous for its fruit production and cider making, for walks through orchards and forests, before the steep trail known as the Monk`s Sherpa Steps, all with spectacular fjordland views.
On most days we suggest optional activities and sightseeing ideas. Please note any entrance fees or transport to these optional activities are not included, but can be booked and paid for locally.
The accommodation is a variety of three and four star hotels all with breakfast, most picnic lunches and some evening meals included. See the day by day itinerary for full details of inclusions.
This holiday involves transfers between locations by public ferry or bus and therefore no luggage transfers are provided. You must take your luggage with you when you move to the next hotel, but you are not expected to take it on any of the recommended walks. The journeys between locations are part of the overall experience, especially the ferry trips across the fjords. The public transport is reliable and efficient and all the information will be provided for you. Ferries are included in the overall pricing as is the train back to Bergen. Local buses are not included but are regular and very reasonable, we estimate no more than £20 per person will be needed for the whole trip for bus tickets. Extra transfers which might be needed for some of the walks and are not included in the pricing.
The Trolltunga hike is a group guided trip and so you will have others in your group. This is a very challenging hike, mostly due to the long distance (20 km). It runs in the high mountains and the weather can change during the day. More information will be provided before travel. If you do not wish to take the Trolltunga guided trip, we can tailor this trip accordingly, please ask your sales specialist at time of booking.
Arrive into Bergen and spend the day relaxing in this historic coastal city. Exploring is easy with the famous funicular railway taking passengers from the city centre up to Mt Floyen and there is also the cable car which travels to the highest viewpoint in Bergen, the summit of Mt Ulriken. The old town is very nice to wander around - the jewel in the crown being the area on the east side of the Vagen harbour, called Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fish market, in a modern building on the opposite side of this harbour is also worth a visit and the food options are deliciously tempting.
Overnight in the Thon Hotel Orion on bed and breakfast basis.
You stay at Thon Hotel Orion.
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Thon Hotel Orion is a newly renovated 3* hotel. The staff do their utmost to provide a good service so that guests feel welcome. The hotel is in walking distance to Torgalmenningen, Fløibanen funicular and other sights in the centre. All rooms have en-suite facilities and T.V, Safe, Mini Bar, Telephone, Hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
Breakfast is provided.
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
Today you will travel on either a morning or afternoon express ferry to your first location on the trip, (ferry ticket included). Rosendal is a charming village known for its breath taking combination of fjords, mountains, and cultural heritage. Choose from an easy walk through the Folgefonna National Park to Hattebergsdalen (just under 5km) to more challenging hikes such as those to Melderskin (7km) and Malmangernuten (9km), from which there are stunning views of Rosendal, and the Hardangerfjord in all its majestic glory. With your leisure time there are many places of interest to visit such as the Manor House and its Rose Gardens, the Rosendal Stone Park with its collection of prehistoric rock sculptures, or the interactive exhibitions at the Folgefonna National Park where you can learn all about life in Hardangerfjord and the impact of climate change on this glacial region. (Entrance fees and travel to these optional activities are not included and can be paid for locally).
Overnight at the Rosendal Turisthotell, which includes your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch to take with you in the morning.
You stay at Rosendal Turisthotell.
Rosendal Turisthotell, Rosendal
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The Rosendal Tourist Hotel is a charming and historic accommodation, known for its cosy atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. This traditional hotel underwent a significant renovation in 2008, blending its classic charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy one of the 21 well-maintained rooms that retain the hotel's warm, old-world appeal while offering updated amenities. The hotel's intimate size and welcoming staff ensure a personal touch during your stay. There is a lovely restaurant and wine cellar for you to enjoy a drink before dinner.
Your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch are included here.
This morning, spend more time exploring Rosendal, and then take the local bus to head to Tyssedal (approx. 1.5 hrs - not included). Tyssedal is a small, picturesque village, situated at the southern tip of the Sorfjord, a branch of the iconic Hardangerfjord. Today's walk is a steep but quite short hike to the top of Lilletopp, where you have scenic views of the Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna glacier. This is best combined with a visit to the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry, showcasing the region's pivotal and fascinating role in early hydroelectric power development.
Overnight for the next two nights at the boutique Tyssedal Hotel, on bed and breakfast basis.
You stay at Tyssedal Hotel.
Tyssedal Hotel, Tyssedal
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Located by the majestic Hardangerfjord and at the foot of the breathtaking Hardangervidda Mountains, Tyssedal Hotel is your perfect retreat as the hotel combines comfort, charm, and adventure. Most rooms offer stunning views of the fjord or mountains and there is free WiFi and complimentary sauna access to help you unwind after a day of exploration. Visit the Norwegian Museum of Hydro Power and Industry, located just 400 metres from the hotel.
Breakfast is included here and lunch on the Trolltunga hike. Your evening meal is not included.
One of the trip's highlights is today's hike to Trolltunga, offering spectacular scenery with views of mountains, fjords, deep valleys, waterfalls and glaciers. Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular cliffs in Norway, hovering 700 meters above Lake Ringdalsvatnet, a sight not to be missed. Today we have arranged for you to take part in an group guided trip, as this is a very challenging hike, mostly due to the long distance (20 km).
Please note this guided walk takes place in the high mountains where the weather can change quickly and continually during the day. There are options to tailor the trip if you do not wish to take the Trolltunga hike.
Overnight again at the boutique Tyssedal Hotel, on bed and breakfast basis. Lunch during the hike is also included today.
The next morning take a short 30 min bus ride (ticket not included) to the scenic village of Lofthus. This area is especially famous for its fruit production, and many local farms produce cider, juice and jam, which can be bought directly from the farmhouses or by the side of the road.
The walking options here include a trail along the River Valley to see waterfalls and beautiful forests (3.5km round trip), the Fruit Trail, an easy walk amongst the orchards that make the region famous (7km), or a steep trail known as the Monk`s Sherpa Steps and Nosi (12 km). As the name suggests this walk involves many stone steps and also breathtaking views. These walks can also be combined, depending on how far you want to venture.
You could also join a cider tasting tour (not included/must be pre-booked).
Your hotel for the next two nights is the Ullensvang, which includes your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch to take with you in the morning.
You stay at Hotel Ullensvang.
Hotel Ullensvang, Lofthus
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Nestled along the stunning Hardanger Fjord, Hotel Ullensvang offers a serene waterfront escape with breathtaking views of the Folgefonna Glacier. Perfect for both relaxation and adventure, the hotel has a swimming pool, fitness centre, hot tub and a great restaurant on site serving a delicious breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Dinner, breakfast and picnic lunch is included for you here.
Today you can choose to relax at the pool or venture out on one of our recommended walks, Queen Sonja`s Panoramic hiking trail (16km) known as one of the most beautiful in Norway, with its serene locations and incredible views or the Husedalen Valley home to a chain of awe inspiring waterfalls, (max 15kms but shorter options possible).
Shuttle buses may be needed to the start and from the end of the walks, these are not included and are payable locally.
Your hotel for the next two nights is the Ullensvang, which includes your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch to take with you in the morning.
You will leave Lofthus this morning on the 10:15 express boat to Ulvik (1 hour, ferry ticket included). Ulvik is a picturesque village tucket away in the innermost part of the Hardangerfjord, known for its serene fjord views, lush orchards, and welcoming atmosphere.
Do not miss today's walk along the Fruit and Cider route, (5-10km) where you will learn about the region's rich cider-making traditions, and sample some of the wonderful produce in a series of tastings along the way. The route takes you through idyllic orchards, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains and tranquil fjord waters.
Optional activities here in Ulvik include joining a guided kayak tour (must be pre booked and paid for locally).
Your hotel is the Brakanes Hotel which includes your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch to take with you in the morning.
You stay at Brakanes.
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Located on the shores of Hardangerfjord, the 4* Hotel Brakanes is surrounded by stunning orchards and sparkling waters. Set within its own grounds on the water’s edge, this hotel has several lounges and a bar, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and good restaurant which serves a wide variety of first-class cuisine. Many rooms also have balconies and fjord views.
All 142 spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Today's bus journey to Voss can be taken at leisure, following breakfast (1 hour/paid for locally). Voss is known as the adventure sports capital of Norway and has much to offer, including white water rafting, guided hikes, bikes to hire and much more, (not included/must be pre-booked). From the town, a short but spectacular walk can be taken to Bordalsgjelet (5km) a narrow canyon carved by glacial water over thousands of years or you may choose to take the gondola to the top of Hangurstoppen and enjoy longer walks from here, with spectacular views.
Your hotel is the Fleischer's Hotel which includes your evening meal, breakfast and picnic lunch to take with you in the morning.
You stay at Fleischer’s Hotel.
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Conveniently located close to the train station, the historic 4* Fleischer’s Hotel is set between stunning lakes and peaks, not too far from the beautiful landscapes surrounding Sognefjord. Dating back to 1864, they have hosted princes, princesses, kings, queens and emperors who came to experience the unique atmosphere of the area. Now run by the fifth generation of Fleischer’s, they offer delicious contemporary meals in a classical setting. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna available to all guests.
All 110 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Following breakfast, a train will take you back to Bergen for your onward journey home (train ticket is included and will be prebooked for you). Or you may choose to extend your trip with some extra days in Bergen or Oslo. Please ask your sales specialist at time of booking.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £425.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2 & 3
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
