King of the Fjords
Norway Hiking + Walking Tours
Hike the magnificent Norwegian Fjord landscape
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices fromNOK 18955 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The unique fjord landscape provides a spectacular and majestic dimension to this hiking tour in Norway. This active hiking vacation can be offered as self guided or guided.
Featuring Sognefjorden, King of the Fjords, Norway's largest, deepest, and longest fjord, your walking holiday is backdropped with snow-covered mountains and delicately hued fields of wildflowers, with the thunder of cascading waterfalls as your soundtrack.
Starting in Bergen, you will experience all of Sognefjorden from west to east, getting the bird's eye view of its arms when reaching the peaks.
In Solvorn, surrounded by mountains, you have your choice of accommodations, either a simple but lovely B & B or the historic Hotel Walaker.
Top this walking trip off with great local food and enrich it with some optional activities and you have the perfect hiking holiday.
Highlights
- Bergen – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sognefjorden with its beautiful and dramatic landscape
- Balestrand
- Solvorn
- Urnes stave church – Unesco listed
- Jostedalen Glacier, Jostedal River, Breheimsenter with its exhibition
- Stunning mountain peaks and glaciers
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.
Check out all our hiking tours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: Bergen - Balestrand, 2.5 mi. (4 km)
Day 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 4: Hiking Årøy - Solvorn, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 5: Hiking Molden, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Hiking to the glacier; Jostedalsbreen
Day 7: Departure from Sogndal or extensionDay 1: Bergen
The vibrant and historic city of Bergen (Unesco World Heritage-listed) is Norway’s second-largest city. The old wharf area of the city, Bryggen, with its precarious and colorful wooden buildings, will enchant.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
- The lively fish market next to Bryggen, with several restaurants featuring local cuisine
Meals: None
Overnight: Bergen
Accommodation: Comfort Hotel Holberg or upgrade to the 4-star Hotel Havnekontoret (supplement applies)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 2: Bergen - Balestrand by express boat. Hike in the afternoon, 2.5 mi. (4 km)
The coastal express boat leaves Bergen at 8.00 am, taking you to the western islands before entering Sognefjorden, whose glacier waters mirror snow-covered majestic mountains. You can admire small villages along the fjord and the cascading waterfalls of all sizes. You will arrive at Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand at 11.50 am. As early as the 18th century, Balestrand was a popular tourist destination in Europe. Wealthy and distinguished people and artists from other parts of the country and from abroad came to its shores, attracted to the special fjord landscape. You will want to walk along the fjord on what is now called King Bele's Road. A number of artists built their summer residences here, many preserved today, in the dragon style, a popular architectural style from the same period.One option for hiking today is the Pilgrim Hike which starts about 8 km from Balestrand. You can take a taxi to the trail. In total it is around 4.4 km to walk and you end in Kvamsøy, a small community by the fjord on the west side of Balestrand. In Kvamsøy there is a beautiful place by the fjord with tables for a picnic. It is also possible to visit the tiny church on the small island just a few meters away. You can request that this be booked for you on your arrival.
Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel. You can upgrade here to a demi suite in the historic building.
Meals: Breakfast and dinnerDay 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8 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 over Sognefjord and Esefjella. 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.
Overnight: Balestrand
Accommodations: Kviknes Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Elevation: 0 - 978 mDay 4: Hiking Årøy - Solvorn, 5 mi. (8 km)
Transfer from Balestrand to Årøy. This will be provided by the luggage transfer vehicle. A time will be agreed upon when you meet with our local representative in Balestrand. From Årøy at the end of Barsnesfjorden you pass the mighty Årøy River and start the hike at the other side of the bridge. You follow the same road that King Holy Olav took in 1023 with his men. On this path, they found fresh water from the source and thus the name Olav Source. The path goes up to Hafslo and Hafslo Lake and continues along the lake until Galden, where you hike down to picturesque Solvorn. Because of its location by the fjord, Solvorn was once a very important place for trade, travel, and business, which all took place here for several centuries. Nowadays, Solvorn is a small village but is quite busy in the summertime with its public beach, ferry to Urnes, and nice summer atmosphere. You will overnight in Solvorn and have two options for your accommodations.You can spend the next two nights at the Villa Solvorn, a small family-run guesthouse in the center of the village, or at the historic Walaker Hotel. This establishment is over 370 years old and has been owned by the Nitter family since 1690.
Overnight: Solvorn
Accommodations: Quaint Villa Solvorn or Historic Walaker Hotel
Meals:
Villa Solvorn: Breakfast and packed lunch
Walaker Hotel: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Elevation: 240 mDay 5: Hiking Moden, 6 mi. (10 km)
An included transfer will be provided to Molden (ca. 6 km) to reach the trailhead. The first few kilometers finds you following trails through the forest. From here, the path rises steeply and after a little climb, you reach Svarthiller, with its spectacular view over the fjord towards Ornes on the other side. Leaving Svarthiller, the path turns and winds its way past steep crags before leveling out. You reach the top of Molden, at 1116 m above sea level. The best view is to the east, over the innermost parts of Lusterfjorden with Nes and Høyheimsvik in the foreground. Molden provides the finest viewpoint of the Sognefjord, with a panoramic view of the fjord arms and the high mountains of Jotunheimen. Return to Solvorn to relax and have dinner.Overnight: Solvorn
Accommodations: Villa Solvorn or Walaker Hotel
Meals:
Villa Solvorn: Breakfast and packed lunch
Walaker Hotel: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Elevation: 1116 mDay 6: Hiking the Jostedalsbreen glacier, 3.1 mi. (5 km)
After breakfast, you can take a bus to Jostedalen National Park and the Breheimsenter. The bus departs from the main road at 8:51 am. You will arrive at Breheimsenter at 9:55 am. 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. From where the bus will stop to the glacier is about a 45-minute walk. The Breheimsenter can be visited before or after you walk up to the glacier and features an interactive exhibition on 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.After your visit, you will take the bus to Sogndal (52 km) for your overnight at Hofslund Hotel.
Overnight: Sogndal
Accommodations: Hofslund Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunchDay 7: 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 travel options
We will provide details on request.
Bergen
By coastal express boat from Sogndal to Bergen:
Ferries depart from Sogndal at 7:05 am Monday through Saturday. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. The port is located within walking distance of your hotel.By bus from Sogndal to Bergen:
The VY train company operates a bus from Sogndal to Bergen. Departures are later in the day and there are direct departures. Travel time is approximately 4 hours.Transfer to Leikanger, fast ferry to Flåm, scenic Flåm railway to Myrdal, and then by train to Bergen.
Travel time is approximately 4 1/2 hours.Oslo
By bus from Sogndal to Oslo
There are buses that depart from Sogndal directly to Oslo. Travel time is just under 7 hours.
Transfer to Leikanger, fast ferry to Flåm, scenic Flåm railway to Myrdal, and then by train to Bergen.
Travel time is approximately 7 1/2 hours.
Looking for more than a hiking tour. View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of tours in Europe & Beyond.
Map
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in charming 3 and 4-star establishments. Preferred hotels are Hotel Holberg in Bergen, Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, and in Solvorn, either the Villa Solvorn, a lovely bed and breakfast, or the Walaker Hotel, a historic establishment owned by the same family for nine generations. There is the option to upgrade your accommodations to the Hotel Havnekontoret (seaview) in Bergen, a demi suite in the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand with spectacular views of the Sognefjord, and in the historic building of the Walaker Hotel.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Arrival meeting
- 6 Breakfast
- 4 packed lunches
- 2 dinners without beverages in Kiviknes Hotel
- If you are upgrading to Hotel Walaker, 2 more dinners without beverages will also be included
- Roadbook, maps, & GPS files
- Luggage transfer
- Transfer to the hiking start in Molden & back
What’s Not Included
- All dinners not mentioned as included
- Beverages with included dinners
- Ticket to the coastal express boat from Bergen to Sognefjord (one way ticket is mandatory. See pricing)
- Booking fee for coastal express boat and/or Flåm scenic railway: €250
- Optional activities mentioned
- Mandatory Travel Insurance (policy number must be provided on arrival)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Wednesday arrivals from mid-May through mid-September.
Tour not possible: June 14-July 5, 2023 (fully booked)
Minimum of 2 people required to confirm a departure.
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
2023
With accommodation in Villa Solvorn
Double/twin: $ 2685 £ 1404 $ 2,370 € 1634 ₪ 6526 ¥ 243104 NZ$ 2901 NOK 18955 kr 18945 $ 1,747 Single supplement: $ 779 £ 407 $ 688 € 474 ₪ 1893 ¥ 70539 NZ$ 842 NOK 5500 kr 5497 $ 507
With accommodation in Hotel Walaker
Double twin: $ 3040 £ 1589 $ 2,683 € 1849 ₪ 7386 ¥ 275168 NZ$ 3283 NOK 21455 kr 21443 $ 1,978 Single supplement: $ 878 £ 459 $ 775 € 534 ₪ 2134 ¥ 79517 NZ$ 949 NOK 6200 kr 6197 $ 571
Extra Options
Twin/double Single Bergen: Hotel Havnekontoret $ 82 £ 43 $ 72 € 50 ₪ 199 ¥ 7413 NZ$ 88 NOK 578 kr 578 $ 53 On request Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel, historic building $ 52 £ 27 $ 46 € 32 ₪ 127 ¥ 4720 NZ$ 56 NOK 368 kr 368 $ 34 On request Hafslo: Bestebaken Hotel, superior room $ 65 £ 34 $ 58 € 40 ₪ 159 ¥ 5925 NZ$ 71 NOK 462 kr 462 $ 43 On request Double/twin Single Bergen: Comfort Hotel Holberg w/ breakfast $ 123 £ 64 $ 108 € 75 ₪ 298 ¥ 11107 NZ$ 133 NOK 866 kr 866 $ 80 On request Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel, modern building, w/ breakfast & dinner $ 186 £ 97 $ 164 € 113 ₪ 452 ¥ 16840 NZ$ 201 NOK 1313 kr 1312 $ 121 On request You may request extra nights in any overnight location within your itinerary. Just ask!
Fast boat tickets (must be booked in advance and subject to change)*:
One way (mandatory) Bergen to Balestrand: $ 134 £ 70 $ 118 € 81 ₪ 325 ¥ 12120 NZ$ 145 NOK 945 kr 944 $ 87 *
Roundtrip Bergen to Balestrand/Sogndal to Bergen: $ 268 £ 140 $ 236 € 163 ₪ 651 ¥ 24240 NZ$ 289 NOK 1890 kr 1889 $ 174 *
*Prices are valid as of November 2022. Subject to change.
Please note that a booking fee of $ 35 £ 19 $ 31 € 22 ₪ 86 ¥ 3206 NZ$ 38 NOK 250 kr 250 $ 23 NOK per booking (not per person) will be charged as well.
*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.: $ 164 £ 86 $ 144 € 100 ₪ 398 ¥ 14813 NZ$ 177 NOK 1155 kr 1154 $ 106 *
A booking fee of $ 35 £ 19 $ 31 € 22 ₪ 86 ¥ 3206 NZ$ 38 NOK 250 kr 250 $ 23 per booking (not per person) will be invoiced as well.Transfer to Jostedalen before June 20 and after August 15, per transfer (not per person): NOK 1000
Fast Ferry from Solvorn to Urnes: $ 7 £ 4 $ 6 € 4 ₪ 17 ¥ 641 NZ$ 8 NOK 50 kr 50 $ 5
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
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. Departures every 10 minutes in busy hours or otherwise every 20 min. Latest departure is at 11:50 pm. Price for a one way ticket is approx. NOK 105 if you purchase the ticket from the machines in the arrivals hall. If you purchase the ticket directly from the driver, there is an additional NOK 30.
Light Rail (approx. 45 min.)
This is the cheapest option to travel to the city center. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines located at the baggage claim area. One way ticket is approx. NOK 40Taxi: Several taxi companies operate from the airport. Estimated price is between 500 and 600 NOK to the city center.
Climate
Due to Bergen’s southwest position on the peninsula, you will find the warmest temperatures in the country. The oceanic climate here means mild winters and pleasant cool summers. Every Norwegian knows that the weather changes quickly and if you are lucky you can experience all four seasons during one hour in the fjord landscape. Do check local conditions before you travel and plan on layers. Don’t forget your raingear! See below for Average Monthly Weather.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and 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.
*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.
Options for enriching or extending your tour
- Guided tours can easily be booked in advance in Bergen including city tours or guided hiking to/on Ulriken or Fløyen. A very good website to visit to view all of your options in and around Bergen is Visit Bergen.
- Balestrand has several hiking options and guided can be booked. We recommend visiting the Ciderhouse in the orchard.
- On day 4 you can take a bus or transfer from Balestrand to Solvorn and hike to Nyre or to Legene along the fjord. From 4 - 8 km.
- Spend an extra day in Solvorn. Take the ferry from Solvorn to Urnes (50 NOK, not included) and hike from the stave church to Kroken or Nystølen. If you would like to visit the Urnes stave church, the fee is 100 NOK and will be paid on the spot. Ask us for pricing for an extra night.
On Day 6, if you do not wish to walk to the Jostedalsbreen 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 and tickets can be bought on the spot.
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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