Walking the Fjords

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Guided group walking

8 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

Operated by
Exodus Travels

Printed route
directions

SUMMARY

Operated by our sister company, Exodus
Hike through Norway’s stunning fjords, the most immersive way to experience the natural wonders Ride the Flåm railway, one of the most beautiful and steep train journeys in the world Enjoy a ferry cruise through the dramatic sheer cliffs of Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord) Visit the award-winning Norwegian Glacier Museum to discover the secrets of the landscape Stay at Nes Gard, a family farm on the edge of Lustrafjord

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

All breakfasts, seven packed lunches and six dinners included
All accommodation

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Norwegian fjords are rightly ranked as one of the natural wonders of the world: a contrast of snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides and powerful waterfalls plunging into calm, clear fjordic waters. Purposefully avoiding the tourist hotspots, we stay at guesthouses within the fjords, providing easy access to some of the most picturesque walking trails in Norway. There’s also time to take a ferry through the sheer cliffs of Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord) and ride the Flåm railway, one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Day 1: Start Bergen

The adventure begins in Bergen. We have a welcome briefing at the hotel helmed by our tour leader, then head out for an orientation tour of Norway’s second city. Classic accommodation: Thon Orion Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Transfer to Nes Gard with ferry cruise in the Nærøyfjord

After breakfast, we load up the minibus and begin our journey into the fjords. After 2hr 30min on the road, we reach the village of Gudvangen, where we hop on a ferry for a two-hour cruise through the wild sheer cliffs of Nærøyfjord. Arriving in the village of Flåm, we jump back in the minibus and continue to Nes Gard, our hideaway in the fjords for the next three nights. Classic accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 3: Summit Molden peak, an excellent viewpoint for Sognefjord

After a short transfer, we have a picturesque walk to the top of Molden (3,360ft/1,116m), where we can marvel at the profound chasm that is Sognefjord. Molden is often called the finest viewpoint in Sogn, with an amazing fjord view. With 1,970ft (600m) of elevation gain over 2.6mi (4.2km), the path is neither too steep nor strenuous. Halfway, we stop at the mountain farm of Svarthiller, where we get the first scenic views of the fjord. After, we visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church in Norway and a World Heritage site. Classic accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 4: Transfer to Jostedal Valley; hike and boat trip on glacial lake; optional glacier walk

After breakfast, we have an approximately 40-minute transfer to Jostedal National Park, the home of Jostedal glacier, a mammoth ice cap covering vast swathes of the park itself. It has nearly 30 glacial arms and today we visit two, starting with a walk to the Nigards Glacier where we get really close to the glacier. If you’d like to get even closer, you can join an optional guided walk on the glacier, using crampons and an ice axe to help you navigate. After, we drive to the Bergset Glacier, a mighty ice wall covering the upper part of Krundalen valley. Here, we have a short walk towards this glacier fall before we head back to Nes Gard. Classic accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 5: Hike into Mørkrisdalen Valley

Hike into Mørkrisdalen today, one of the most scenic valleys in Norway. The walk starts in a narrow canyon dominated by a waterfall. As we continue, the canyon opens into a wide valley of moorland with wildflowers and traditional Norwegian summer cottages. Afterwards, we say goodbye to Nes Gard and transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to our second guesthouse in the fjords, the Fjærland Fjordstove in Fjærland, which has a waterfront location and views of a glacier. Classic accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove (or similar)

Day 6: Walk to Anestølen and Lake Tverrdalsvotni

After a short morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes), we begin our walk by following a mostly flat gravel road, which offers panoramic views of the Barnakona peak. We arrive in Anestølen, a summer farm for goats, and enjoy our lunch while our tour leader tells us stories about how farming life has evolved here over the years. Afterwards (with a chance to take selfies with the goats), we continue on the same path until we reach Lake Tverrdalsvotni. The second part of the walk after Anestølen is a bit steeper and rocky in some sections. We return along the same path and continue our walk until we meet our transfer vehicle to take us back to the guesthouse. Classic accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove (or similar)

Day 7: Besshovden hike; visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum

We start the day with a short transfer to the start point of today’s hike. The route (which takes three to four hours) is one of the most popular in the area and when we reach the top of Besshovden viewpoint, we see why. From the summit, we enjoy majestic views of the Fjærlandsfjorden fjord and the Jostedalsbreen glacier. During summer, you may even see people securing hammocks here to spend the night under the stars. After, we have a short transfer to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, an angular slice of modern architecture backdropped by the ancient mountain peaks. Here, we can spend 1hr 30min enjoying a fascinating insight into the local landscape, the glaciers and how the climate crisis is impacting them. Please note: the order of this day may be reversed, depending on the weather. Classic accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove (or similar)

Day 8: Flåm railway; to Bergen

After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately two hours) to Flåm, where we ride the Flåm railway, one of the most beautiful and steep train journeys in the world. When we are back in Flåm, we continue to Bergen. We arrive around 4pm and then have time to explore the city. Classic accommodation: Thon Orion Hotel (or similar)

Day 9: End Bergen

The adventure ends in Bergen after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like a bit more time to explore the city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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NZ$8140

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$1188.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

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.

Transportation

Transport via private bus, train and ferry to and from Lustrafjord.

Joining Instructions

nKey information Start hotel: Thon Orion Hotel, Bradbenken 3, 5003 Bergen Phone: +47 55 30 87 00 Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 3pm and the welcome briefing will be at 4pm, followed by the orientation walk of Bergen Airport: Bergen Airport (BGO) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or alternatively you can make your own way to the start hotel by using local public transport or by catching a taxi. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, you can also make your own way to the airport by using local public transport or by catching a taxi. n

REVIEWS

As a first time hiker I was worried about what to expect from this trip but I shouldn't have been. Spent a truly amazing week hiking varied and incredibly beautiful landscapes, interspersed with some breathtaking ferry trips. The pace was manageable (although I did start with a good base fitness) and there were often options to shorten or lengthen walks depending on capability but this was always optional. Nes Gard itself is a truly special place and perfect for an escape from real life. Waking up to the view of fjord everyday was such a contrast to living in the UK. The staff at Nes Gard are lovely and evenings were spent eating fab local food and then drinking and catching up in the bar with new found friends. This is the perfect holiday if you want a break from reality, a chance to unwind and to see some truly beautiful scenery as well as the chance to make some amazing friends.

Nes Gard Farm, what “a little gem” of a place to stay for the week. The team, food and wine pairing option was truly amazing at this special place which was also surrounded by incredible scenery. The evening hike briefings for the following day took place either in the charming wine cellar or wonderfully converted old cattle shed with a drink or two to start the evening off before our delicious three course meal was served up each evening including locally sourced ingredients where possible and the option for wine pairing with each course. Being September we were particularly lucky with the sunny warm blue skied weather with no rainfall all week. Each day we set off on a very different hike led by our fantastic guide Anders. No one day was the same and the scenery truly breathtaking. We got an wonderful appreciation for all Norway has to offer in terms of views and what an incredible first visit to this beautiful country we had and we we would love to come back to the country in the future.

The scenery exceeded our expectations and walking among it seemed a real privilege.

A stunningly beautiful adventure exploring Norway. Such a great variety of treks and landscapes led by an excellent, v natural guide who is v passionate about his country. If you love trekking and the outdoors, then Norway should be on your bucket list!

A great week of hiking in a beautiful location with good accommodation and lovely food - and with great guides. This is a full program with little 'down time'.

The accommodation and the guides could not have been better.

Nes Gard Farm is a fantastic place. The meals were fresh, healthy, and delicious. Each day we traveled to a new location for hiking. The people in my tour group were great - 8 women and 3 couples. Everyone was game for adventure and being active. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and very personable.

I had a lovely time in Norway. During the day we were kept busy with hikes in the mountains surrounding the Norwegian fjords - good exercise and beautiful views. Our guest house was charming - was surprised by how nice it was - and the staff was super friendly. We even saw quite a few UNESCO world heritage sites. Overall I was positively surprised with Norway and glad i chose this trip. Great company too!

An action packed week of walking in an area of stunning scenery. Walks full of interest and every day was different terrain so all walks very different all superbly guided.

Even the journey from Bergen to our accommodation was beautiful both ways including ferry crossings of stunning fjords

Nes Gard was a wonderful place to stay. So friendly, lovely accommodation & superb food.

We were picked up from the airport with no problem and taken to a very nice hotel (Thon Orion) in Bergen. The hotel puts on a free evening buffet type dinner which was perfectly adequate for us. The rooms were good, clean and comfy. Asbjorn owns the farm in Nes where we stayed, and he drove us there, quite a long journey but with plenty of stops. He was happy to tell us all about his country and Nes Gard. The accommodation was lovely, just across the road from the Fjord. My bed was amazingly comfortable, everywhere was spotless. Food was delicious. The walks were varied, not difficult if you're used to hiking. Some might find some of the walks a little challenging, as the terrain was often rocky, and steep in places. Some of the walks were there and back the same way which probably couldn't be helped, but it made me feel a little cheated.

The only problem I have with waking in Norway was the tracks .

They are in a state of great repair . Ground in places need to be leveled out . Some rocks need to be removed .

New soil needs to be placed down in most places.

As below

our host at Nes Farm was excellent ,changing the order of our walks to suit the weather pattern ,giving us great information about Norway's history and sharing his passion for the outdoors and his country. Food and hospitality made this trip special.

Jillian

An excellent holiday! The walking was wonderful, the scenery stunning, food fantastic, and the guide generous, (I like alliteration!). We stayed at Ned Guard where our room was very comfortable and the staff brilliant. Our guide, Asbjorn Manum, was a wonderful host who shared his love of hiking with the group. A gentleman of, let's say, more mature years, but still walked up the steepest slopes like a youngster.

A brilliant holiday

The superb walking with plenty of spectacular and varied landscapes along the way would by itself make for great trip, but what makes it special is staying at the guest house at Nes Farm. The accommodation is comfortable, the location is wonderful and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Asbjorn & Mari, are the perfect hosts and together with their staff, work hard to keep their guests happy. They also have a good chef, so the standard of the breakfasts and dinners is excellent.

As a cautionary note, the 'wow' factor on this trip may depend on the weather. I'm not sure if we were particularly lucky, as we did have rain on some days, but generally it was only for a short duration and nothing that detracted from the enjoyment of any of the walks. There again, they had just experienced two months without much rain before we arrived, so you never can tell.

This is a trip with some cultural content for walkers who are capable of hiking up hills and walking for between 4-6 hours a day. The scenery is stunning.

The landscape was just out of this world - my jaw was almost permanantly dropped! I've seen a million pictures of the fjords so I thought I knew what to expect but actually, once you're there it's like stepping through a gateway to another world, simply awe-inspiring. No National Geographic image can quite prepare you for how small you feel. One lady on the trip was an artist and she took a sketch pad with her, which I thought was a wonderful idea. The guest house was another surprise - it's so quaint! And the dinners - well, it's lucky we were walking all day! Three course meals every evening, truly superb. Even the breakfast was seriously impressive - they bake their own bread so you have fresh rolls, and pick their own fruit from the orchard. The chef is a truly talented individual!

This was a wonderful trip that I can highly recommend. Beautiful country to visit, great walks, lovely accommodation with superb food, brilliant leader.

A great escape! The trip was appropriately graded: the hikes were just challenging enough to make it feel like we'd earned our suppers! The food, service and accommodation at Nes Gard were first class - well above expectations. Asbjorn, Mari and their staff were wonderful. Eric was a fantastic guide too. We enjoyed ourselves very much!

Superb trip. Fantastic walking, each day very different scenery. Great accomodation, with excellent food. Very friendly hosts, felt like you were staying in a private house, rather than a hotel.

I have been on numerous Exodus trips over the past ten years and the Walking the Fjords has been the best. Why! Quite simply the accommodation and food was first class and plenty of it. The Hosts and staff at Nes Gard worked tirelessly to make our week memorable. As for the treks each was unique in scenery and condition under foot, ending with a course on using crampons which included a climb over the glacier. It also helps being blest with excellent weather. Making this a trip to remember.

Speedy and helpful

19 Oct 2024

Excellent. Very good and discussing solving issues and options. Good team.

12 Sep 2024

Kate was very efficient in arranging our holiday.
She listened to what we wanted.

4 Sep 2024

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Norway