Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking
9 days
From $ 4599
Duration9 days
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  • Etepia
  • Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking

Spend nine days exploring Norway’s endlessly beautiful and adventure-filled landscapes. Carved by the sea over the ages, these narrow, deep inlets set between high cliffs have become a destination spot for hikers and mountaineers the world over. Tap into the Norwegian passion for active adventure with world-class hiking and sea kayaking. Our trip takes us into close proximity with rolling hills, stunning glaciers and wickedly high peaks. Rendezvous in Voss, gateway to the fjordlands, for a hike to colossal waterfalls in nearby Husedalen Valley. Travel to the tiny village of Gudvangen to begin a paddle trip on the deep blue waters of the Naeroyfjord. We spend five days alternating between hiking and kayaking, enjoying mountain trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and scenic paddling past small villages and cascading waterfalls. Two nights of tent camping bring us close to the natural beauty of the fjords, and two nights in charming guesthouses reveal the warm hospitality of local hosts. We spend a memorable final day exploring the fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls of the Nigardsbreen Glacier.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 9 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Rendezvous with your guides and fellow travelers in Voss, Norway.
Our trip begins at 7:30pm in Voss, Norway, located about 1.5 hours from Bergen by train. We gather at our hotel for an orientation meeting that includes group introductions and a thorough overview of the upcoming adventure. Trip members arriving earlier in the day may wish to stroll around Voss and enjoy the local scenery, visit the Voss Folk Museum, or discover the feeling of skydiving in Scandinavia’s first wind tunnel. No meals included.
Day 2: Hike to colossal waterfalls in the remote Husedalen Valley.
The Hardanger region is home to the Husedalen Valley, which links the fjord region to the rugged and immense Hardangervidda Plateau (3,500’). Our hike begins in a pristine forest and continues uphill past spectacular waterfalls that spill over the cliffs of the plateau. Our goal is Sotesfossen, the fourth and final of the big Husedalen Waterfalls. We take time to soak in the sights and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to our lodgings in Voss for the evening. All meals included.
Hiking: 4-8 miles (3-5 hours); Elevation gain/loss: up to 2,300’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Paddle beneath 3,500' high walls and tranquil fjord-side camping.
A scenic drive brings us to the tiny village of Gudvangen, situated on the deep blue Nærøyfjord. After a safety briefing, paddling instructions, and loading our dry bags into the kayaks, we begin paddling. The Nærøyfjord is an idyllic spot with typically calm waters and waterfalls cascading from the fjord's 3,500’ walls. We set up camp on the shore of the Nærøyfjord and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner prepared by the guide. A bonfire completes the scene and makes for a cheerful gathering place before we turn in for the night. All camping gear included. All meals included.
Kayaking: 8 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike to the top of a towering peak for remarkable bird's-eye views.
Leaving our campsite and kayaks behind, we take up our daypacks for a hike to the highlands above Nærøyfjord. Our goal is the top of one of the fjord's towering peaks. From the summit we take in the magnificent views of the water-filled channel cutting its way through the mountainous landscape. We return to our campsite for dinner and a second night under the stars. All meals included.
Hiking: Up to 11 miles (7-9 hours); Elevation gain/loss: up to 3,600’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Kayak into the Aurlandsfjord and overnight at a charming guesthouse.
We load up our kayaks and paddle through the Nærøyfjord. The cold, clean waters offer opportunities for seal spotting and with luck, we may even encounter Niser, a local species of harbor porpoise. At midday, we pass the towering headland of Beitelen, the natural divider between the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Our take-out point is either Stigen or Undredal in the Aurlandsfjord. We check into a unique guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay. All meals included.
Kayaking: 8 miles. When overnighting at Stigen, we hike to our lodgings 0.5 miles, elevation gain: 1,000'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Paddle to Fresvik for a delicious home-cooked dinner and hot tub soak.
We paddle north towards the main channel of the Sognefjord, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Following the southern shores of the Sognefjord around a headland, we head into the picturesque bay of Fresvik in the late afternoon. Our guesthouse in Fresvik is owned by a delightful couple who have hosted REI Adventures groups for many years, Dee Cunningham and his Norwegian wife Hege. We have time before and after dinner to take a relaxing soak in one of the guesthouse's fjord-side hot tubs. A dinner of homegrown ingredients from Dee and Hege's garden rounds out our day. All meals included.
Kayaking: 14 miles. When overnighting at Stigen on Day 5, we hike back to our kayaks 0.5 miles, elevation loss: 1,000’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Kayak across the Sognefjord, the longest navigable fjord in the world.
This is our final day of paddling. We kayak north across the Sognefjord, which is considered the longest navigable fjord in the world at 125 miles, with depths reaching over 4,000'. Depending on the pace of our group and weather conditions, we reach the northern shore of the fjord by early afternoon. After unpacking the kayaks and changing clothes we set out for our lodgings at Jostedalen, one of Norway’s Glacial Valleys. Note: If wind conditions make the Sognefjord crossing too challenging, we are transported across the fjord by boat. All meals included.
Kayaking: 8-15 miles.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Strap on crampons and hike on the Nigardsbreen Glacier.
We spend the morning exploring Jostedalsbreen National Park and its namesake icecap, which is mainland Europe's largest. At the Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of the park's most dramatic glacial tongues, we transfer by small boat to the glacier's snout. After a briefing by the glacier guide, we strap on the provided crampons and set out on an unforgettable hike to see fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls. We then drive to Voss and spend a final evening celebrating a memorable adventure in the company of newfound friends. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-4 miles (2-4 hours); Elevation gain/loss: 1,000'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Transfer to Bergen for final farewells.
The trip concludes with a group transfer from Voss to the Bergen airport, and then to a central downtown Bergen location. We depart Voss at 7:30am and arrive at the airport about 9am. Please do not book a flight from Bergen prior to 11am. Breakfast included.
Transfers: 1.5 - 2 hours
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Double occupancy hotel accommodations on 4 nights, dormitory-style farm/guesthouses on 2 nights, tent camping for 2 nights
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • professional guides
  • private vehicle transportation within Norway
  • one group airport transfer on Day 9 plus drop off at central downtown Bergen location
  • all group camping gear including tents and sleeping bags
  • kayaking gear including wetsuits and PFDs and kayaks
  • entrance fees to visited parks
  • glacier hike and related glacier hiking gear

  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 4 nights, Farm guesthouses, 2 nights (dormitory-style rooming), tent camping, 2 nights

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