Norway Hike & Bike

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: Departure

Day 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 accommodation:

Day 2: Bergen -  Balestrand by coastal express boat (4 hours)
After breakfast, you are free to discover Bergen the way you prefer. 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. 

Bryggen is 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.

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 here.

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 style

Options for hiking or cycling in Bergen

If you have booked an extra night here 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 visit Bike rental and self-guided cycling in Bergen You can spend the day exploring on your own or you can also book a 2 1/2 hour guided bike tour here.

Day 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*
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), & dinner

Day 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:

Extend/enhance your stay

You can view all of our tours in Europe or look at all our adventure vacations!

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

Electric Bike

Scott Sub Active eRide

• Alloy Frame
• Front suspension
• Shimano Alivio 3100 9 Speed
• Bosch Active, PowerTube 400Wh
• Shimano Disc Brakes
• Schwalbe Energizer Active Plus Tires
• Selle Royal Essenza saddle

Accessories

• Mudguards
• Bottle holder
• Rear rack
• Panniers
• Lock
• Helmet