Norway Hike & Bike
Norway Multi-Adventure
Multi-activity along Norway’s Deepest Fjord
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices fromkr 23099 Rates
Overview
Get ready to be awe-struck on this self-guided or guided hike and bike adventure in Norway.
The spectacular mountains that surround Sognefjorden, the king of the fjords, is one of Norway's most popular adventure areas, rich in hiking and cycling opportunities. You will experience a wild and romantic region nestled between the snow-capped peaks and the mile-long fjords, a place that makes every adventurer's heart skip a beat.
Majestic landscapes, charming, historic hotels, and the best local food make this trip unforgettable in every way!
Highlights
- Small, idyllic villages along the fjords and in the valley
- Bergen - Unesco listed
- Sognefjorden, beautiful and dramatic landscape
- Balestrand
- Norwegian nature and culture
- Idyllic Solvorn
- Hafslo, beautifully located by the lake
Sognefjorden is in the process of being certified as a Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce tourism's negative impact and preserve the pristine beauty of a region. The Norwegians take the care of family, community, and their land very seriously and it shows.
Itinerary
Self-guided
Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: Bergen by bike, 9 mi. (14 km). Travel to Balestrand by coastal express boat (4 hours)
Day 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8.5 km)
Day 4: Balestrand - Leikanger by fast boat. Leikanger - Hafslo, by bike, 27 or 41 mi. (44 or 66 km)
Day 5: Hafslo. Hiking to Molden, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 6: Hafslo - Solvorn - Skjolden, Cycling, 24 mi. (38 km) & hiking, 2.5 mi. (4 km)
Day 7: Marifjøra - Jostedalen - Sogndal, hiking to the glacier, 3 mi. (5 km). Opportunity to cycle from the glacier back to the hotel, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Bergen
You will have ample time to explore Bergen as you will overnight here. We recommend that you add an extra night(s) before or after your tour to have more time in Bergen or Sognefjorden.The vibrant and historic city of Bergen is Norway's second-largest and has much to offer. The Hanseatic Museum provides wonderful insight into the daily life of German merchants living and working here during the Hanseatic era. Located beside this is Norway's best-preserved fortress, the Bergenhus. The oldest structure on-site, Håkon's Hall, dates to 1250 and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages.
Sample accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Holberg
Upgrade: Hotel Havnekontoret (supplement)
Day 2: Bergen - Balestrand by coastal express boat (4 hours)
After breakfast, you are free to discover Bergen the way you prefer. Be sure to explore Bryggen, the historic harbor district in Bergen, one of North Europe’s oldest port cities. Though many recent fires have ravaged the old wooden houses, the rebuilding has remained faithful to the original. Today, some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape.You will be provided with recommended routes for both biking and hiking. If cycling, you will pick up your bikes at a local bike shop (not included) and can then discover the city by bike. If hiking, guided tours can easily be booked in advance in Bergen including city tours or guided hiking to/on Ulriken or Fløyen. Check Mount Floyen and the Funicular (you can hike on several trails and utilize the cable car at many points). You can also book guided hiking tours.
Below are some hiking and biking options in Bergen.
Ferry departure is at 4:30 pm and is located quite close to your tour hotel. The journey to Balestrand takes just under 4 hours and is a stunning introduction to Norway's fjords.
You pass the western islands before entering Sognefjorden, the king of the fjords, whose glacier waters mirror snow-covered majestic mountains with cascading waterfalls. Arrival at the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand is at approx. 8:30 pm. (Dinner is included)
Sample accommodation:
Kviknes Hotel - Built in 1752, this esteemed establishment came under the ownership of the Kvikne family in 1877, a tradition that continues today. Guests are presented with the option to stay in either the contemporary section or the historic building, with a supplementary fee for the latter. Regardless of the choice, the hotel emanates an old-world charm and ambiance, adorned with a rich collection of artworks and antiques that contribute to its distinctive styleDay 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8.5 km) | Elevation: 978 m
Today’s hike starts from the hotel. You will walk to the Belehalli Sports Hall where the path begins and follow the well-marked red route to Raudmelen. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods, it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370 m). From here you get a wonderful view over Balestrand and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken, you follow the path upwards to Buråsi at 575 m. You will enjoy a marvelous view of Sognefjord and Esefjella and can have your picnic lunch here. On one side, you overlook the green slopes to Balestrand, on the other, dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. You can continue along the ridge towards the highest point, Raudmelen with wonderful views on both sides. There are plenty of options to take shorter routes in case of inclement weather. (Packed lunch is included in the guided tour. Self-guided clients can request this at the hotel for a supplement.)Sample accommodation: Kviknes Hotel
Day 4: Balestrand - Leikanger by fast boat (or cycle). Leikanger - Hafslo, by bike, 27 or 41 mi. (44 or 66 km)
You can take the fast boat from Balestrand to Leikanger at 11:50 (ticket not included) or if you prefer, you can bike here as well (22 km). From Leikanger, you begin to cycle from the quai to Sogndal. Spend as much time as you like here in the regional center, before cycling to Hafslo and Bestebakken Hotel.Sample accommodation: BesteBakken Boutique Hotel - This unique hotel is an experience in and of itself. Once a small family farm, now completely restored and renovated, the establishment is located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. Each of the 15 rooms are different and eclectic, retaining the farmhouse feel but with a modern twist. The culinary experience is based on fresh local food and is a highlight of a stay here.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinner
Please note that this boutique hotel is small with limited capacity. If it is booked, there are other options:
Hotel Eikum: located in Hafslo. Discount will apply.
Hotel Walaker: this establishment is located in Solvorn which is just a few miles from Hafslo (best hotel along the entire fjord and quite expensive.
Villa Solvorn: also located in Solvorn, it is a small family-run guesthouse. There are 6 rooms which share two bathrooms. This establishment is perfect for families.Day 5: Hafslo and hiking to Molden, 5 mi. (8 km) | Elevation: 1115m
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trailhead in Mollandsmarki and will enjoy a good path and stunning views of the fjords and landscapes. Molden is also described as having the finest views of the Sognefjord with the panoramic view of the fjord arms and the high mountains of Jotunheimen. We recommend if you are self-guided that you order a packed lunch from the hotel. This is included on the guided tour. You can picnic on the mountaintop with these amazing views. There are many possibilities for shorter hikes.
Sample accommodation: BesteBakken Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinnerDay 6: Hafslo - Solvorn - Skolden, Cycling, 24 mi. (38 km) & hiking, 2.5 mi. (4 km) | Elevation: 150m
After breakfast, you cycle down to Solvorn. This idyllic small village with small, white wooden houses was built up when the fjord was the most important source of communication. Here the fjord is deep enough so larger boats could come to dock. Solvorn has a small grocery store and the hotel has a nice gallery. You will want to spend a little time here before you take the small ferry that leaves every hour from 10:00. Cost is NOK 50 (payable on arrival) and the crossing takes around 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Urnes, you should cycle up the 700 meters to Urnes stave church, a Unesco site. The stave churches are Norway’s most important contribution to European cultural heritage. You will have a great view of Solvorn from the church.Leaving Urnes on the small roads along Lusterfjorden, the innermost arm of the Sognefjord. About halfway you pass the impressive 218-meter high Feigumfossen waterfall. A 40-minute hike will allow you to get up close and personal, or you can admire the view of it from the road and have a swim in the fjord – or both! There is a small café by the fjord and a lovely spot for you to enjoy your picnic. You will arrive in Gaupne by transfer.
Note: You need good shoes if you want to walk up to the waterfall, the ground can be very wet and slippery.
Sample accommodation: Gaupnetun
Meals: Breakfast & lunch (guided tour)Day 7: Gaupne - Jostedalen - Sogndal, hiking to the glacier, 3 mi. (5 km). Opportunity to cycle from the glacier back to the hotel, 19 mi. (30 km)
After breakfast, you can take a bus to Jostedalen National Park and the Breheimsenter. This bus only runs from June 20 to August 20. If you travel outside this window, you can request a private transfer for 1200 NOK.The Breheimsenter is an authorized National Park Center for Breheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks. These two National Parks have 9 of the 30 largest glaciers in Norway, with Jostedalsbreen as the largest, at 474 km2. Nigardsbreen is the most visited. The glacier is about a 45-minute walk. The Breheimsenter can be visited before or after you walk up to the glacier. (entrance not included).
If you would like ice grips for walking on the glacier, they must be ordered in advance. Guided glacier walks can be reserved, in advance, or at the Breheimsenter upon your arrival.
If you do not wish to walk to the glacier, another option would be to take a boat (Jostedalsrypa) over the lake toward the glacier. The boat travels back and forth over the lake each day between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. The cost is approx. 60 NOK per person.
After your visit, you can take the public bus to Sogndal for your last overnight or you can cycle from the glacier to the hotel. (Bike transfer to glacier not included, but may be added.)
Sample accommodations: Hofslund Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & packed lunch (guided tour)Day 8: Departure from Sogndal and onward travel
If you want to return to Bergen, the coastal express boat departs for Bergen just a few meters walk from your hotel. Travel time is 4 3/4 hours. It is also possible to take a bus to Bergen, or all the way to Oslo, if you prefer. There are two buses that depart at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. Travel time to Oslo is approx. 7 hours.Flåm railway can also be included. See details below.
Meals: Breakfast
More details on departure options:
Bergen
By coastal express boat from Sogndal to Bergen:
Ferry departs from Sogndal at 7:05 am Monday through Saturday. Sunday departures are at 10:40 am.
By bus from Sogndal to Leikanger, ferry to Flåm, scenic train to Myrdal, and then onward to Bergen
Depart Sogndal by bus at 11:50, arrive to the Leikagner Dock at 12:15, departure by ferry to Flåm at 12:20. You take the Flåm scenic railway to Myrdal, and then onward by train to Bergen.
By bus from Sogndal to Bergen
There are buses that depart from Sogndal for Bergen at 2:30 pm. Travel time is 4 1/2 hours.
Oslo
By bus from Sogndal to Oslo
There are buses that depart from Sogndal.Travel time is just under 7 hours.
By bus from Sogndal to Flåm, scenic train from Flåm to Myrdal, and then onward by train to Oslo
Depart Sogndal by bus at 11:50, arrive to the Leikagner Dock at 12:15, departure by ferry to Flåm at 12:20. You take the Flåm scenic railway to Myrdal, and then onward by train to Oslo.
Options for hiking or cycling in Bergen
If you have booked an extra night in Bergen, there are a few options for hiking, guided walks, bike rental, or guided city tour.
Hike from your hotel to Mount Fløyen, or, cable car up, and walk down again (1.5 h)
This is a golden opportunity to photograph the best that Bergen has to offer, assuring you of a great view. If you want to take the Fløibanen cable car partway down, this is possible. You can hop off at one of the middle stations, such as Fjellveien, and do the last bit of the journey by foot. The route winds its way down from the mountain with many twists and turns, but it’s very easy to find your way. Make sure you leave plenty of time to relax on one of the many benches along the route. They are placed so that you can really take in the great view. When you are almost at the bottom, you pass the lovely Skansedammen, a perfect place for a picnic.
Hike from Mount Ulriken to Mount Fløyen, 9 mi. (15 km)
The Ulriken Express bus from the city center takes you to the Ulriken Cable car to transport you up to Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. (Tickets for the Ulriken643 cable can be booked online.) From the summit, you can enjoy magnificent views of Bergen, the sea, the islands, and fjords, with the surrounding mountains standing guard.
The ensuing hike is a journey through varied nature with incredible views and exciting sights along the route. From the top of Mount Fløyen, you can enjoy a bird's eye view at 1049 feet above the city. To return to the city, you can hike back down or travel by cable car.
If you prefer a guided walk, you can find information here.
Elevation: 20 - 662 meters (5 hours)
Rent a bike
Perhaps you prefer some time in the saddle. Please options for bike rental in Bergen You can spend the day exploring on your own or you can also book a 2 1/2 hour guided bike tour.
The Nærøyfjord and Flåm railway
The narrow and spectacular Nærøyfjord and Aurlandfjord, arms of the Sognefjorden, are surrounded by steep mountains with snow-covered tops that stretch up to 1600 meters above sea level. Waterfalls cascade down the mountains and picturesque villages dot the landscape. UNESCO has included the Nærøyfjord in its famous World Heritage List. The fjords have also been awarded first place in the prestigious list of the National Geographic Traveler magazine.You will take a bus from Sogndal to Leikanger and then the fast ferry from Leikanger at 12:20. From Leikanger you then take the famous scenic Flåm train to Myrdal. This stretch of rail has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. Over the course of one hour, the train takes you from sea level at the Sognefjord in Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station, situated at 867 meters above sea level. Myrdal is also a station on the Bergen Line, meaning the Flåm Railway connects with trains running between Bergen and Oslo, allowing you to travel to Bergen (or Oslo) by train.
This is a very popular train ride so it is important to book in advance. We can provide any details you may need.
The guided itinerary is similar to the self-guided itinerary but some changes are possible due to availability of hotels and guides. Please contact us to inquire about a guided tour.
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Please see each day’s details for the overnight accommodations. You will enjoy charming, historic hotels that showcase the area.
Bicycles
Touring Bike
Scott Sub Cross
- Men or women's alloy frame
- Sportier riding position
- Sub Cross EVO saddle
- Hydraulic lockout front suspension
- Shimano Alivio 8 x 3 gearing
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Felmin flat pedals
- 29-inch rims
- Approx. weight 30 lbs. (13.64 kg)
Accessories
- Mudguards
- Bottle holder
- Rear rack
- Panniers
- Lock
- Helme
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
- Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast
- 1 night in Bergen at the Comfort Hotel Holberg (upgrade possible)
- 2 nights in Balestrand at the historical Kviknes Hotel
- 2 nights in Hafslo at BesteBakken Boutique Hotel
- 1 night in Gaupne at the Gaupnetun
- 1 night in Sogndal at the Hofslund Hotel
- 4 dinners without beverages (2 buffet dinners in Kviknes Hotel, 2 dinners in BesteBakken)
- Transfer to the trailhead in Molden on Day 5
- Transfer to Gaupne on Day 6
- Bike rental along the fjord (24-speed Scott touring bike rental, front suspension, mudguards, bottle holder, back carrier, bags, lock, & helmet)
- Roadbook
- Luggage transfer
What’s Not Included
Self-guided
- Bike rental in Bergen
- Lunches
- Dinner in Bergen, Gaupne, and Sogndal
- Museum & different sights in Bergen
- Boat ticket to get closer to the glacier (NOK 60 p.p.)
- Glacier hiking on the Jostedal Glacier Day 7 (must be booked in advance)
- Mandatory Travel Insurance (policy number must be provided on arrival)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Self-guided
Daily arrivals from May 15 to September 18, 2024
A minimum of 2 people is required.
Guided
Dates are on request
Traveling to the Fjords in May and September is ideal due to the good weather and is particularly appealing for those who prefer fewer tourists, but it's important to be aware that numerous cultural sites are closed during these months.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Self-guided
2 people 4 people Twin/double NOK 24099 NOK 23099 Single supplement NOK 4300 Guided
Groups of 2 On request Groups of 4 or more Extra Options
Twin/double Single Bergen: Hotel Havnekontoret NOK 1680
On request
Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel, historic building (2 nights) Hafslo: Bestebaken Hotel, superior room Double/twin Single Bergen: Comfort Hotel Holberg w/ breakfast NOK 945 NOK 1680 Bergen: Hotel Havnekontoret, breakfast NOK 1365 NOK 2310 Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel, modern building, w/ breakfast & dinner NOK 1522 NOK 1890 Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel, historic building, w breakfast & dinner NOK 1969 NOK 2336 Hafslo: BesteBakken Hotel w/ breakfast NOK 1470 NOK 2310 Hafslo: BesteBakken Hotel superior room, w/ breakfast NOK 1706 NOK 2546 NOK 2000
Fast boat tickets (must be booked in advance and subject to change)*:
Bergen to Balestrand (one way | mandatory) NOK 998** Roundtrip Bergen to Balestrand |Sogndal to Bergen NOK 1995** Booking fee NOK 250 *Prices are valid as of November 2023. Subject to change.
**A mandatory one-way ticket will be booked for you after tour confirmation. Travel within this part of Norway is complicated and due to the logistics of the tour, arrivals and departures must be organized within tight guidelines. If you are planning on returning directly to Bergen after your tour, please request a roundtrip ticket. Or if you are planning on experiencing the Flåm railway, please advise and we can inform you of specifics and order your Flåm railway pass- Names as they appear on your passport
Please see the section Returning to Bergen in the Day to Day for more details.
(The following should be requested at the time of booking.)
Fast Ferry from Leikanger to Flåm, Scenic Flåm Railway to Myrdal, and train ticket onward to Bergen, approx NOK 1312 Booking fee NOK 250 Any changes in the booking after official confirmation will incur a change fee of NOK 518 per booking (approx. $50 USD). If the changes/revisions result in higher hotel prices or higher fees in general, this expense will also be based on to the client.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Cycling in this area gives you the opportunity to experience breathtaking locations, as you pedal small main roads, with little or no traffic. The route is mostly flat but there are some minor ups and downs. There is one major hill of 2 km from Sogndal to Hafslo. The hiking is pleasant and not technical and the distances for both hiking and cycling are very manageable.
Airport Info
The closest airport to your tour start is Bergen Airport (Flesland BGO)
Local Travel
From Flesland Airport to Bergen center:
Express bus (20 minutes)
The airport express bus is located right outside the arrival hall. The bus makes several stops in the city center. Tell the driver the name of your hotel and he will tell you where to get off.
Departure: Every 10 minutes in busy hours or otherwise every 20 min. Latest departure at 23.50.
Price:
One way ticket: NOK 115
Roundtrip: NOK 195
www.flybussen.noLight Rail (45 min.)
The train station is located on the lower level of the airport. There are two trains that travel to the city center. One is the regional train which takes longer but is less expensive.
Airport Express Train
Taxi:
Several taxi companies operates from the airport. Estimated price between 500 and 600 NOK to the city center.
Climate
Due to its position on the Bergenshalvøyen peninsula, Bergen boasts the warmest temperatures in the country, but do note that rainfall is frequent. Once outside of Bergen, you travel deep in the fjord landscape where the weather will vary from Bergen. The local climate is mostly oceanic, with mild winters and pleasant cool summers. Do check local conditions before you travel and plan on layers!
Recommended
Please note that for hiking, you will need shoes with good grip!
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Fjord Cycling.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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