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Exploring Norway
Destination: Oslo to Bergen, Norway
| Activities: Hiking with one day of biking and one day of kayaking
The dramatic natural scenery of Norway sets the stage for an adventure of epic proportions. From its crystal blue glaciers and fjords to the deep greens of the forests and mountains passes, the country is an adventure traveler's paradise. This trip starts in Oslo and ends in Bergen, and the majority of the trip is spent in wild and dramatic scenery in the landscape between. You'll hike through a massive mountain plateau and ride a bicycle along the most famous bike route in Scandinavia. You'll rope up to hike across glaciers and then be overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature as you explore glacier-carved fjords both by kayak and cruise ship. You'll hike along a scenic path that's been trodden since the Middle Ages and may discover that the quiet you can find in Norway's natural world envelops you like a hug. And despite the massive, impressive proportions of nature here, you'll feel right at home in the cozy villages and farms that make up the heartbeat of the happiest country in the world. Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Diving deep into the natural and cultural history of Norway, from its remote forests to its cozy villages to its capital city
- Discovering the plethora of joys to be found in the happiest country in the world (according to the World Happiness Report)
- Exploring the geological symbiosis of Norway's fjords and the glaciers that receded to create them
- Feasting on fresh local produce and cuisine in Norway's prime culinary season
Departures and Prices
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Inclusions
- A local guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 8 on the trip, there will not be an AGC guide)
- Nine nights lodging in hotels and lodges
- All meals from dinner the first day through breakfast the last, with the exception of one lunch and dinner
- All activities on the itinerary, including glacier walking, bike riding, boat excursion, and kayaking
- All transport once you arrive in Oslo, not including airport transfers
Not included: Airfare to Oslo Airport (OSL) or from Bergen (BGO), airport transfers, travel insurance (evacuation insurance is required), guide gratuities, and alcoholic beverages.
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is for women in good physical condition who enjoy lots of different activities in a beautiful setting while learning about the history, culture and cuisine of Norway. Although for the most part the hiking is moderate, there are occasional steep ascents and descents on rocky paths. The trip is rated 3, and will have 4 to 6 hours of activity everyday. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 4 times a week. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
This multi-sport trip is a combination of adventurous activity with learning about history and culture. Some days will allow for multiple activity options, but the majority of our activities will be done as a full group. You can expect hiking, biking, kayaking, and glacier-walking.
Our accommodations are as varied as our activities. In Oslo and Bergen we will be staying at modern hotels with ensuite bathrooms. You will also be staying in a mountain huts (two) in twin rooms with shared baths. You will also have a farm stay where you will stay in dorm-style rooms with shared bathroom and simple facilities. A limited number of singles are available for most but not all lodgings. You can select this option at registration.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Velkommen! Our trip officially starts today in Oslo, the vibrant and diverse capital city of Norway where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each Autumn. Though a busy metropolis, most of Oslo consists of protected forests, home to lynx, wolf, beaver, moose and roe deer. Meet at our trip hotel at 5PM to review the trip itinerary before going to dinner as a group. (D)
Overnight Oslo
Overnight Oslo
DAY 2
Today begins our hiking adventure! We'll travel by train to the enormous Hardangervidda mountain plateau that sits at an altitude of 4,009 feet. Leaving our belongings at the nearby hotel, we'll take a 3 - 4 hour warm up hike to Jomfrunten. From the top we will have fantastic view of one of Norway's biggest glaciers, and along the way we'll begin getting to know local Norwegian flora and fauna.
After the hike, we share a delicious local dinner together and talk about the next day's adventures. Overnight in Mountain Hotel Finse 1222. (https://finse1222.no/en/). Train: 5 hours. Hiking: 3.5 miles, 3- 4 hours, 820 ft elevation gain and loss. B, L, D.
DAY 3
Hardangerjokulen is one of Norway's biggest glaciers. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the 1.5- hour long walk to the glacier. Once there, our local guides will assist us in getting equipped with crampons, ice axes, and ropes so we can walk safely on the glacier itself. We will explore this spectacular landscape of blue ice for about 2 hours with the help of our highly-skilled guides and instructors. We'll see more of the landscape as we return by a different path. In the evening, we will have a well-earned dinner at our hotel. Hiking: a total of 7-8 hours of trekking 9 miles, 1500 feet of elevation gain and loss. B,L,D.
DAY 4
The Navvies' Road was built over 100 years ago and today this spectacular 19-mile mountain bike ride is Norway's most famous cycling trip. By bike, we follow the mountain landscape as we pass the Hardangerjkulen glacier that we walked on yesterday. We'll follow mountain lakes, majestic waterfalls, and pass by the famous Flam Railway, home of one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. The majority of this ride is downhill, on gravel roads. You should be able to feel comfortable riding a mountain bike. It is also possible to skip the bike ride entirely and spend the day exploring the village and fjord. Regardless of how we get to Flam, we'll hand in our bikes there and drive to the tiny fjord-side village of Aurland. Our home for the next 2 nights is a local guesthouse on the fjord called Vangsgaarden. https://www.vangsgaarden.com/en/. Biking: 33 or 19 miles, 5-7 hours. B, L, D.
DAY 5
A kayaking adventure awaits us on the narrow Naeroyfjord! We explore the beautiful fjord in safe stable double kayaks as we pass through the landscape that has been carved out by glaciers and watch the waterfalls dive off the steep mountainsides. If we are lucky we might even spot some seals, eagles, otters or small whales on our way! We'll recount the day at our guesthouse by the fjord over dinner. B, L, D.
DAY 6
Today you can choose between more hiking or more time on the water. The hike up the mountain Prest starts gently and then climbs more steeply before we are rewarded with a spectacular view on top. In clear weather we will be able to see the mountain tops and glaciers around us, with the fjord below us. Alternatively you may decide one Norwegian fjord isn't enough, and opt for a fjordcruise to the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord. This tour also takes us to the little village of Undredal, which is home to around 70 people and 500 goats. The village is known for its production of goat's cheese, and we will, of course, sample some of the traditional Norwegian cheese. We will return to Aurland by bus where we'll meet up with the hiking group and drive a beautiful road to our next lodging, Along the way we'll stop at Stegastein, one of the most iconic viewpoints. We'll stay overnight in the Filefjellstuene Lodge: www.tyinfilefjell.no/english/filefjellstuene-lodge.aspx. Hiking: 3.5 miles, 1800 feet elevation gain and loss. Driving: 1.5 hrs. B, L, D.
DAY 7
We travel an hour to the beautiful valley of Utladalen in Jotunheimen National Park. Farming used to be the mainstay of the area but as in many valleys, farmers have left for the cities. Today we'll hike up to Avdalen Gard, a special place in a wild valley, that was last inhabited in 1960 and is now part of a local effort to keep traditional heritage alive. After a local lunch at the old farmhouse we will explore some of the most impressive waterfalls in Norway before returning to the lodge tonight. Hiking: 3.5 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain and loss, 2 - 3 hours. Driving: 2 hours. B, L, D.
DAY 8
On our final active day we'll start with visiting the Borgund Stave Church and then hike like royalty as we head towards Bergen. The King's Road - once a roadbuilding masterpiece, now a scenic hiking route from mountain to fjord- originally opened in 1793 and was built on old trails that had been in use since the Middle Ages. Today, a major part of this historical route has been restored into an award-winning hiking trail. At the end of our hike we'll meet our van and be whisked to Sognefjorden, Norway's longest fjords, for the 5 hour boat ride to Bergen. Hiking: 2-6 hours of easy walking on good paths, anywhere between 2.5 and 6 miles. B, L
DAY 9
We'll have the day to spend in Bergen. Located where the land intersects with the sea, and surrounded by mountains and fjords, it is one of Norway's most beautiful cities. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we'll meet a local guide for a tour of the city. The afternoon is free for you to wander, do last minute shopping, or sit at a cafe and savor your memories. We'll gather for a final farewell dinner, toasting our adventures, and raising a glass as we bid farewell to the happiest nation on earth. B, D
DAY 10
You are free to leave anytime this morning but Bergen is a beautiful and interesting city. If you have time, we encourage you to stick around for more sightseeing on your own. B.
4.7
(18 reviews)
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*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Teresa F.
1 year ago
Norway and our local guide Benedicte
Michelle M.
1 year ago
The beauty of Norway, variety of activities and great travel companions.
Marlene B.
1 year ago
First time to Norway. It was packed full with all of the activities I wanted to do. It was fun being with all women. It was nice getting to know some of these folks.
Teresa R.
1 year ago
I loved the variety that this trip provided, including the activities (hiking, biking, kayaking), as well as the type of location (mountains, fjords).
Katherine H.
1 year ago
The variety of activities on this trip really made it spectacular. Kayaking, glacier walking, biking, hiking and a chance to explore 2 awesome Norwegian cities really provided something for everyone.
Dianne B.
1 year ago
Joann S.
1 year ago
Jan M.
1 year ago
Claudia P.
4 years ago
Tasha H.
4 years ago
Norway is spectacular. Eira (the Norwegian guide) was great.
Sarah L.
4 years ago
👍 bike ride, Avdal gard. 👎 - weather: although not under AGC’s control, August is one of the 2 wettest months in southern/western Norway, so I would avoid going during this month.
Carol F.
4 years ago
Highlights of the trip for me were meeting the wonderful women who also appreciate adventures outdoors, the hike to the top of the mountain and the farm at the top of the waterfall. And most of all, walking on the glacier!
Donna R.
4 years ago
Since we were the first group to take the Norway trip, we all learned a lot. The accommodations were all very nice, clean and friendly. No changes there. Our adventures were made more challenging by the weather. Reinforce the importance of gloves and warm clothing, waterproof gear is already emphasized, although the amount of rain we had was hard to protect against. Stress not to over pack. Moving around becomes a chore for those with enormous suitcases.
Michele G.
4 years ago
Beautiful scenic areas, the great Bergen train ride, unique locations ( Finse and Aurland esp) And diversity of activities hiking, kayaking esp.
Robin Z.
4 years ago
Highlights- unbelievably beautiful scenery, loved the Borglund Stave Church visit and hike on Kings Road, fantastic hikes overall Shortfalls- wasn’t prepared for quite so much rain and wind, it was unsettling to hear the local guide say on several different days, “No, I haven’t done this hike” or “I’ve never been here before.” Wish the kayaking had been longer.
Michelle M.
4 years ago
Highlights: glacier climb, kayaking, last 19 miles of Navvies Road, hike to farm, Bergen Magic Ice Bar. Anne
Diane S.
4 years ago
Mountain Biking from Finse to Flam was epic! Best ride of my life! The Stave Church tour was amazing. Oslo and Bergen had too many museums to visit!! An extra day in both highly recommended. The beauty of Norway wild was indescribable!! Waterfalls never got old. Food was delicious. Hello salmon!!!
Claudia P.
4 years ago
Comrades. Scenic beauty Kayaking fjords 5 hour fjord ferry to Bergen UNESCO fjord ride out if Aurland. Abundance of fish based meals
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinners will be in restaurants with primarily set menus. Vegetarian options will be limited and you will want to pack additional protein rich snacks. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging. - I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?
This is the perfect trip for new and more experienced kayakers. The guides are experienced kayak instructors and will teach you everything you need to know, including instruction on safety and basic kayaking strokes. - I have never mountain biked before, what can I expect?
The biking on this trip is epic, but is definitely mountain biking as apposed to biking on paved trails. You will want to be comfortable biking on varried surfaces, and while the biking is primarily downhill there will also be uphills and you will be shifting gears. There is a shorter ride available, and if biking is not your thing you can skip the bike ride entirely and spend the day exploring the village and fjord.
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