Norway Hike & Bike
Norway Bike Tours
Multi-activity along Norway’s deepest Fjord
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€2800 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This fully guided or self-guided hike and bike adventure starts in Bergen, Norway, one of the major Hanseatic cities in Europe and a strategic trade center throughout the ages.
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, the place that makes every adventurer's heart skip a beat.
Majestic landscapes along with charming, historic hotels and the best of local food, make this trip the best way to visit Norway's fjord country.
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 the negative impact of tourism and to preserve the pristine beauty of a region
Itinerary
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: DepartureThis tour can also be booked as a 7 day guided tour. Ask us for details and availability. Please note the slight variations in the itinerary as well as the differences in what is included/not included in the two different versions.
Day 1: Bergen
You will have 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 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.
This walk will take an entire day.
If you prefer a guided walk, this is possible. Advanced booking is required. Just ask.
Elevation: 20 - 662 meters (5 hours)
Overnight: Bergen
Accommodation: Hotel Holberg
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 recommended routes for both biking and hiking.If cycling, you will pick up your bikes at Bryggen (not included) and can then discover the city by bike. You can also book a 2 1/2 hour guided bike tour which begins at 11 am and costs €50 per person. 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. As you cycle, you have the opportunity to visit, many of the city’s attractions. The port is very close to the bike rental shop and your tour hotel so after dropping the bikes, you will pick up your luggage, and walk to the boat for the 4:30 pm departure.
If hiking, guided tours can easily be booked in advance in Bergen including city tours or guided hiking to/on Ulriken or Fløyen.
Boat departure is at 4:30 pm. You pass the western islands before entering Sognefjorden, whose glacier waters mirror snow-covered majestic mountains and waterfalls cascade into the fjord. Arrival in the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand approx. 8:30 pm. Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodation: Kviknes Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & dinnerDay 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 and on the other, dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. You continue along the ridge towards the highest top, Raudmelen with wonderful views on both sides. There are plenty of options to take shorter routes in case of inclement weather. Recommended to experience Cidertasting and dinner at Ciderhuset (not included.)Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & packed lunch (lunch not included in self-guided tour)
Elevation: 0 - 978 mDay 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 quay 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*
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinnerPlease 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.Day 5: Hafslo. Hiking to Molden, 5 mi. (8 km)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trailhead in Mollandsmarki. Today you will enjoy a good path and stunning views of the fjords and landscapes. Molden is also described as the finest viewpoint of the Sognefjord with the panoramic view of the fjord arms and the high mountains of Jotunheimen. You can enjoy your packed lunch 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), & dinnerElevation: 1116 m
*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.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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (guided tour), & dinnerDay 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.
The Breheimsenter has an interactive exhibition that covers Jostedalen, Jostedalsbreen, and Breheimen National Parks and focuses on climate and glaciers. In addition, there is a cinema which takes you on a tour around the glaciers throughout the years.
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 will be transferred 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
If you want to return to Bergen, the coastal express boat departs just a few meters walk from your hotel to Bergen. It is also possible to take the bus to Bergen or if you are returning to Oslo, there are two buses that depart at 11:30 am arriving in Oslo at 6:20. Flåm railway can also be included, the biggest tourist attraction in Sogn. See details below.Meals: Breakfast
More details on departure options:
Bergen
By coastal express boat from Sogndal to Bergen:
Ferries depart from Sogndal at 7:05 am Monday through Saturday. If this is too early, plan your tour so that you end your tour on a Sunday.
On Sunday, the ferry departs at 10:40 am.
By bus from Sogndal to Bergen:
The VY company (train company) operates a bus from Sogndal to Voss from where you can then take train from Voss to Bergen.
Buses depart at 9:35 with arrival in Bergen at 1:56 pm, 2:35 pm with arrival in Bergen at 6:55 pm, and 4:35 pm with arrival in Bergen at 8:59 pm.You can travel onward to Oslo by air.
Oslo
By bus from Sogndal to Oslo
There are buses that depart from Sogndal at 11:35 and 14:30. Travel time is just under 7 hours.
By bus from Sogndal to Flåm and then onward on the Flåm railway to Oslo
Depart Sogndal at 9:35 am, arriving in Flåm at 11:15. You depart on the Flåm railway at 12:20, arriving in Myrdal at 1:15 pm. Depart Myrdal at 2:06 and arrive in Oslo at 7:05 pm.
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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
Hybrid bikes
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
Guided
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- 5 packed lunches without beverages (you prepare your lunch during breakfast with items provided, except for at Kviknes Hotel where a box lunch is pre-prepared)
- 5 dinners without beverages (2 buffet dinners in Kviknes Hotel, 2 dinners in BesteBakken, & 1 dinner in Tørvis Hotel)
- Transfers: Sogndal to Hafslo, Sogndal to Molden & hike start, Skjolden to Marifjøra, from Marifjøra to Jostedalen
- Bike rental in Bergen
- Entrance to Mount Fløyen cable car in Bergen
- Fast boat ticket Bergen - Balestrand, Balestrand - Leikanger & back to Bergen from Sogndal
- Bike rental along the fjord (24 speed Scott hybrid bike rental, front suspension, mudguards, bottle holder, back carrier, bags, lock, & helmet)
- Guide
- Luggage transfer
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfast
- 4 dinners without beverages (1 buffet dinner in Kviknes Hotel, 2 dinners in BesteBakken, & 1 dinner in Tørvis Hotel)
- Tansfer to the trail head in Mollandsmarki
- Transfer Skjolden to Marifjøra
- Fast boat ticket Bergen - Balestrand & back to Bergen from Sogndal
- Bike rental along the fjord (24 speed Scott hybrid bike rental, front suspension, mudguards, bottle holder, back carrier, bags, lock, & helmet)
- Roadbook
- Luggage transfer
Self-guided
What’s Not Included
Guided
- Entrances to the different sights not mentioned as included
- Dinner in Bergen, 1 dinner in Balestrand, 1 dinner in Sogndal
- Museum & different sights in Bergen
- Aquarium, travel museum - optional & not included in the program
- Boat ticket to get closer to the glacier NOK 60 pr p.
- Glacier hiking on the Jostedal Glacier Day 7 (must be booked in advance)
- Entrances to the different sights
- Lunches
- Bike hire in Bergen
- Dinner in Bergen, 1 dinner in Balestrand, dinner in Sogndal
- Museum & different sights in Bergen
- In Balestrand, Aquarium, travel museum - optional & not included in the program
- 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)
Self-guided
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2022
Daily arrivals are possible from mid-May through until mid-September.
Please Note
- Rates are 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
2022
Self-guided
Minimum of 2 people
Twin/double: $ 3341 £ 1901 $ 3,023 € 2170 ₪ 8024 NZ$ 3675 kr 23552 $ 2,328 Single supplement: $ 523 £ 298 $ 474 € 340 ₪ 1257 NZ$ 576 kr 3690 $ 365
Guided
On request
Extra Options
Price $ 169 £ 96 $ 153 € 110 ₪ 407 NZ$ 186 kr 1194 $ 118
Bergen:
Comfort Hotel Holberg
Double/twin, breakfast included: $ 129 £ 74 $ 117 € 84 ₪ 311 NZ$ 142 kr 912 $ 90 Single supplement: $ 85 £ 48 $ 77 € 55 ₪ 203 NZ$ 93 kr 597 $ 59 Hafslo:
BesteBakken Hotel
Double/twin, breakfast included: $ 194 £ 110 $ 176 € 126 ₪ 466 NZ$ 213 kr 1368 $ 135 Double/twin, breakfast and dinner: $ 316 £ 180 $ 286 € 205 ₪ 758 NZ$ 347 kr 2225 $ 220 Single supplement: $ 85 £ 48 $ 77 € 55 ₪ 203 NZ$ 93 kr 597 $ 59 Sogndal:
Sogndal Hotel
Hofslund Hotel
Double/twin, breakfast included: $ 137 £ 78 $ 124 € 89 ₪ 329 NZ$ 151 kr 966 $ 95 Single supplement: $ 77 £ 44 $ 70 € 50 ₪ 185 NZ$ 85 kr 543 $ 54Bergen:
Hotel Havnekontoret or Clarion Hotel Bergen
(Price varies depending on time of booking)
Twin/double, per person/per night (two nights required) up to: $ 100 £ 57 $ 91 € 65 ₪ 240 NZ$ 110 kr 705 $ 70
Balestrand:
Upgrade to the historic building at Kviknes Hotel
(Price varies depending on time of booking)
Twin/double, per person/per night (two nights required) up to: $ 77 £ 44 $ 70 € 50 ₪ 185 NZ$ 85 kr 543 $ 54
One way or round trip to Balestrand from Bergen and from Sogndal to Bergen
One way (mandatory) Bergen to Balestrand: $ 123 £ 70 $ 111 € 80 ₪ 296 NZ$ 135 kr 868 $ 86 *
Roundtrip Bergen to Balestrand/Sogndal to Bergen: $ 246 £ 140 $ 223 € 160 ₪ 592 NZ$ 271 kr 1737 $ 172
*Prices are valid as of November 2021. Subject to change.
The following should be requested at the time of booking and cost will be included on your invoice:
Hybrid bike rental in Bergen (8 hours): $ 77 £ 44 $ 70 € 50 ₪ 185 NZ$ 85 kr 543 $ 54 * Electric bike rental in Bergen (8 hours): $ 100 £ 57 $ 91 € 65 ₪ 240 NZ$ 110 kr 705 $ 70 *
*you can also request half-day rental if you prefer.
The following can be requested at time of booking and you will pay upon your arrival:
Guided walking tour in Bergen, 2 hours, from: $ 38 £ 22 $ 35 € 25 ₪ 92 NZ$ 42 kr 271 $ 27 Guided cycling tour in Bergen in Bergen, 2 1/2 hours: $ 77 £ 44 $ 70 € 50 ₪ 185 NZ$ 85 kr 543 $ 54Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
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 BGO 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.)
Taxi:
Several taxi companies operates from the airport. Estimated price between 500 and 600 NOK to the city center.
Train
The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is considered one of the world’s most scenic train rides. There are four daily departures from Oslo. The 7 hour journey brings you across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus, and takes you to through spectacular and varied nature.
Fjord Line Boat:
Travel by ferry between Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Langesund and Hirtshals in Denmark, and between Sandefjord and Strömstad.
Climate
Due to its position on the Bergenshalvøyen peninsula, Bergen boasts the warmest temperatures in the country. 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 a good grip as you will walk in the area that the glacier receded from, and the rock can be slippery.
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.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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