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 fortresses, the  Bergenhus. The oldest structure on-site, Håkon's Hall, dates to 1250 and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages. 

Suggestions: You can take the cable car to the top of the famous mount Fløyen and enjoy a bird's eye view 1049 feet above the city. Enjoy the lively fish market beside Bryggen, here you find fresh fish and seafood and several restaurants serving a large selection of local dishes. Or meet the sea lions, the creepy - but great crocodiles, fish, and the fascinating snakes at Bergen Aquarium close to the Nordnes parc and the city center.  

Other highlights:

• St. Mary's Church, Bryggen's tallest and oldest structure
• The Hanseatic Museum and the Bergenhus Fortress gives you a glimpse into the Hanseatic era
• The oldest structure on-site, Håkon's Hall, dates from 1250 and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages

If you have time and have booked at least two extra days:

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 Ulriken cable can be booked online.) You can enjoy magnificent views of Bergen, the sea, the islands, and fjords from the summit, 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.

This walk will take an entire day.

Elevation: 20 - 662 meters (5 hours)

Overnight: Bergen
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel Holberg

Tip: If you are planning on doing the 14 km bike ride tomorrow, you can book your rental here. 

Day 2: Bergen by bike, 9 mi. (14 km) or hike.  Travel to 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 and overnight.

Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodation: Kviknes Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8.5 km)
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.

Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel
This historic establishment was constructed in 1752. The Kvikne family, which owns the hotel today, took over in 1877.  You have your choice here, to stay in the more modern part of the hotel or in the historical building (a supplement applies).  Either way, this establishment exudes old-world charm and atmosphere and is graced with an extensive collection of artworks and antiques, which give it its special style. Upgrade to the historic part of the hotel is available.
Meals: Breakfast & packed lunch (lunch is not included in the self-guided tour but can be ordered from the hotel)
Elevation: 0 - 978 m

Day 4: Balestrand - Leikanger by fast boat,  Leikanger - Hafslo, by bike, 27 or 41 mi. (44 or 66 km)
You 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.

Overnight: Hafslo
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)
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.

Overnight: Hafslo
Accommodation: BesteBakken Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinner

Elevation: 1116 m

Day 6: Hafslo - Solvorn - Skolden, Cycling, 24 mi. (38 km) & hiking, 2.5 mi. (4 km)
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 at Marifjøra by transfer and to your accommodationTørvis Hotel by the fjord.

Note: You need good shoes if you want to walk up to the waterfall, the ground can be very wet and slippery.

Overnight: Marifjøra
Accommodation: Tørvis Hotel
Tørvis Hotell has roots dating back to 1639 when Marifjøra was an important trading center in the region. All rooms with a view and a balcony!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinner

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) 
After breakfast, you can take a bus to Jostedalen National Park and the Breheimsenter. 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 resesrved, in advance, or at the Breheimsenter upon your arrival. 

The Breheimsenter has an interactive exhibition that covers Jostedalen, Jostedalsbreen, and  Breheimen National Parks and focuses on climate and glaciers.

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 back to Sogndal for your last overnight at Hofslund Hotel or you can cycle back from the glacier to the hotel.

Overnight: Sogndal
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