Land of Fjords and Mountains
In the Ice Ages Norway's elevated highlands were buried under a 2000 metre thick ice sheet, which over millennia carved out glacial valleys unequalled anywhere else in the world. Towering cliffs, ice-capped mountains and deep blue fjords make up a landscape so majestic it almost defies belief. It is an otherworldly place, where the awesome power and beauty of nature dominate the endeavours of man. Travelling by train, boat, bus and on foot, our journey takes us through the greatest of the fjords and up amongst the blue ice caps which created this land.
OSLO & JOURNEY TO THE FJORDS
Built at the head of a fjord and connected by ferries to offshore islands and beaches, Norway's beautifully sited capital city is also home to some notable sites - such as the Viking Ships Museum - and a vibrant, lively night life. From Oslo we reach the Western Fjords on one of Europe's most dramatic rail journeys - first north on the Dovre railway then west on the Rauma railway to Andalsnes, connecting with a spectacular bus and ferry route over the Trollstigen Pass (seasonal opening) to Geiranger.
EXPLORING THE WESTERN FJORDS
Set at the head of an impossibly narrow fjord, and surrounded by 1500m mountains, the village of Geiranger is our base for two nights. We enjoy a boat trip through Geirangerfjord and can hike to spectacular vantage points overlooking the valley below. Then by ferry and bus we travel south through the heart of the fjords to Jostedalsbreen, Norway's largest and most impressive icecap. We include a guided walk on the glacier itself, a chance to see the pale blue shapes of this icy wonderland close up, then continue to the charming village of Flam, close to the head of Aurlandsfjord. From here we hike through the beautiful Aurland valley, one of the historic trading routes between eastern and western Norway, or for a change of scene we can sea-kayak amidst the spectacular scenery of the fjords.
FLAM RAILWAY TO BERGEN
We climb 900 vertiginous metres on one of Europe's most famous mountain trains - the Flamsbana - to the village of Myrdal, then connect onto the hardly less spectacular train line to Bergen. A full day and a half in this attractive and historic trading city, built on the sea and backed by forested mountains, rounds off our short but comprehensive journey through Norway's Western Fjords.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-6209-P) |
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Flights ( London - Oslo - London ) |
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Accomodation |
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9 breakfasts |
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Price Excludes |
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Local Payment 2250 NOK |
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Suitability / Level |
Strenous |
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Max Group Size |
18 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
OSLO Cosmopolitan capital and cultural centre.
OSLO Viking Ships Museum.
GEIRANGER Hike and cruise in Norway’s most spectacular fjord.
JOSTEDALSBREEN Guided glacier walk.
AURLANDS VALLEY Walk in majestic mountain landscapes.
FLÅM RAILWAY Dramatic rail journey from fjord to mountains.
BERGEN Attractive, historic trading city.
DAY 1. SATURDAY. JOIN TOUR OSLO
Arrive in Oslo and check in to hotel.
DAY 2. IN OSLO
Vibrant, cosmopolitan and fun, Oslo often surprises visitors with how much it has to offer: an attractive neoclassic city centre, a beautiful location at the head of Oslofjord, easy access to nearby beaches and parks, plus a selection of very impressive museums.
Of the museums, the Viking Ships Museum is probably the best known, and we include a visit as part of our orientation walk this morning. Later, you will have the afternoon to explore the city and the numerous galleries and museums.
DAY 3. TRAIN, BUS AND FERRY TO GEIRANGER
Heading north from Oslo on the famous Dovre railway, which connects the capital with Trondheim, we then change trains and travel the lesser known Rauma railway to Åndalsnes. En route we witness the impressive “Troll’s Wall,” a vertical wall of rock 1100 metres high, as we press westwards into ever more rugged landscapes. On arrival at Andalsnes we spend the afternoon here before catching the bus to Geiranger.
This journey takes us along the Trollstigen or “Trolls Ladder”, (seasonal opening), a spectacular switch-back road journey over a mountain pass: the northern gateway into the heart of the Western Fjords. We finally reach Geiranger, romantically located at the head of Geirangerfjord and dwarfed by towering mountains on all sides.
We base ourselves here for two nights to explore one of Norway’s most breathtakingly beautiful fjords. Although in peak season the village itself becomes crowded during the day, it’s all too easy to escape into the mountains and return in the evening when Geiranger is as quiet and tranquil as the fjord itself.
DAY 4. CRUISE AND WALK IN GEIRANGERFJORD
A visit to Geirangerfjord is not complete without a cruise along the fjord, to witness the near vertical walls of the valley and its magnificent series of waterfalls. There is an optional hike taking you high up to a viewpoint overlooking the fjord and continue on foot to Geiranger later in the afternoon, enjoying the magnificent landscapes as we go. (5 hours walk).
DAY 5. FERRY TO HELLESYLT; BUS TO LOEN
The day begins with a ferry journey down Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt for lunch, originally an old Viking port, and from here a public bus takes us on to the small settlement of Loen. Located just to the west of the looming ice-cap of Jostedalbreen, Loen almost cowers in its shadows.
DAY 6. JOSTEDALBREEN GLACIER HIKE; DRIVE AURLAND
We hike into part of one of the most scenic areas of Jostedalbreen, Norway’s largest icecap, Bodalsbreen. For many this hike is an unforgettable highlight: the glacier lies in the heart of the dramatic landscape between the fjords and Jostedalsbreen, and exploring it’s icy blue forms is an other-worldly experience.
The river Lo, coloured green by the ice melt from the glacier, runs down the Lo valley. We walk with expert local guides, and all safety equipment is provided. No previous experience is necessary, but walking boots with ankle support (to which crampons can be attached) are essential. Later we drive via the Mannheller – Fodnes ferry to Laerdal and on to Flam, through the world’s longest road tunnel (24.5 kilometres), arriving late in the evening.
DAY 7. IN FLAM; OPTIONAL HIKE IN AURLANDS VALLEY
A leisurely day allowing plenty of time to take in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Western Fjords. The Aurlands Valley is also historically important: an ancient path running through the valley used to connect eastern and western Norway, at a time when the hinterland plateau was all but impassable.
Your tour leader will take you on an optional walk beginning our hike at Østerbø and walk downhill to Vassbygdi, (7 hours), before transferring back to Flam (seasonal opening). For non-walkers – or for an alternative perspective on the fjords – you could try sea–kayaking on nearby Naeroyfjord instead: a really spectacular experience.
DAY 8. FLAM RAILWAY; TRAIN TO BERGEN
The Flamsbana, or Flam railway, is with good reason listed as one of the top railway journeys in Europe. Climbing by train from Flam, at sea level, to Myrdal, perched 900 metres high on the Hardangervidda plateau, is an experience not to be missed! The track winds up the mountainside in a series of steep bends, climbing at an average gradient of 1:18. En route the train stops to allow passengers to take in the scenery at the raging Knosfossen waterfall.
On arrival at Myrdal we transfer onto the mainline train to Bergen, which takes us on through more magnificent fjord landscapes. Our hotel in Bergen is located close to the station so we walk the short distance and check in. We plan to make a short walking tour of the city, including the famous Torget fish market and the historic waterfront district of Bryggen – a UNESCO world heritage site.
DAY 9. IN BERGEN
A full day in Bergen rounds off the tour. The options are limitless and there’s something for everyone! Keen walkers may want to explore the hiking trails in the mountains behind Bergen. A popular 3 hour walk, offering fine views over Bergen and the surrounding area, passes pine forests and mountain lakes, and ends at the Floibanen funicular – which we take down to reach the city centre.
Boat trips to the nearby fjords can be arranged and for music lovers a visit to the house of Norway’s best known composer, Edward Grieg (1843 – 1907), shouldn’t be missed. The choice of museums and galleries is also very impressive for a city of just 240,000 inhabitants. There are few more attractive cities in which to relax and wander on foot – perhaps reflecting on our journey through the majestic mountains and fjords of Norway.
DAY 10. MONDAY. TOUR ENDS BERGEN |
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Accommodation
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7 nights hotel
2 nights cabin |
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Holidays
Extras |
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