King of the Fjords

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 extension

Day 1: Bergen
The historic city of Bergen, Norway's second-largest city and home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen Wharf, is known for its colorful wooden buildings and maritime history. Wander through the old wharf, visit St. Mary's Church – the oldest and tallest building in Bryggen – and explore the Hanseatic Museum and Bergenhus Fortress for a glimpse into the city's Hanseatic past. Within the fortress grounds, Håkon's Hall, dating from 1250, served as a royal residence during the Middle Ages. Complete your visit at the lively fish market beside Bryggen, where you can sample fresh local seafood and other regional specialties at its many restaurants.

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:

1. 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.

2. Hike from Mount Ulriken to Mount Fløyen, 9 mi. (15 km) | Elevation: 20 - 662 meters (5 hours)
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. 

3. Perhaps you prefer some time in the saddle. Please visit Bike rentaland 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.

Sample accommodation: Comfort Hotel Holberg or upgrade to the 4-star Hotel Havnekontoret (supplement applies)

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. Several artists built their summer residences here, many preserved today, in the dragon style, a popular architectural style from the same period. 

Afternoon Tour Options in Balestrand:

1. Fjord Walk and Dragon-Style Houses
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walk along the Balestrand fjord and marvel at Scandinavia’s largest collection of dragon-style houses, a hallmark of traditional Norwegian architecture. Along the way, make a stop at the Cider House for a memorable cider tasting experience with panoramic fjord views.

2. Pilgrimage Route from Kallestad to Kvamsøy
Discover the scenic pilgrimage trail from Kallestad to Kvamsøy, located west of Balestrand. This peaceful route follows the fjord through varied terrain, offering plenty of beautiful spots to rest and enjoy nature. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ideal for an inspiring afternoon walk.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Sample accommodation: Kviknes Hotel. You can upgrade here to a demi suite in the historic building.

Day 3: Hiking to Raudmelen, 5 mi. (8 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 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 once again at the Kviknes Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Sample accommodation: Kviknes Hotel. You can upgrade here to a demi suite in the historic building.

Day 4: Hiking Årøy - Solvorn, 5 mi. (8 km) | Elevation: 240 m
Travel from Balestrand to Sogndal by public bus. The bus departs from outside your hotel, where you will travel to Sogndal and be met at the bus station for a transfer to the trailhead in Årøy. Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. 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, 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. 

Meals:
Villa Solvorn: Breakfast & packed lunch
Walaker Hotel: Breakfast, packed lunch, & dinner

Sample accommodations: Villa Solvorn or Historic Walaker Hotel 

Day 5: Hiking Moden, 6 mi. (10 km) | 1116 m
An included transfer will be provided to Molden (ca. 6 km) to reach the trailhead. The first few kilometers find 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.

Meals: 
Villa Solvorn: Breakfast and packed lunch
Walaker Hotel: Breakfast, packed lunch, & dinner

Sample accommodations: Villa Solvorn or Historic Walaker Hotel 

Day 6: Hiking the Jostedalsbreen glacier, 3.1 mi. (5 km)
Following your morning meal, you have the option to catch a bus headed towards Jostedalen National Park. The bus departs from the main road at 8:51 am and arrives at Breheimsenter National Park Center at 9:55 am.  The Breheimsenter is the authorized National Park Center for Jostedalsbreen National Park. 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.

After your visit, you will take the bus to Sogndal (52 km) for your overnight at Hofslund Hotel. 

The glacier bus service operates during the peak season, typically running from around June 20 to August 20. If your reservation falls outside this timeframe, you can request a private transfer. Please ask. Supplement will apply

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Sample accommodation: Hofslund Hotel

Day 7: Departure from Sogndal
After breakfast, your tour concludes in Sogndal. If you are returning to Bergen, you can travel by Coastal Express boat, direct bus, or via the scenic Flåm Railway. If you are returning to Oslo, you can travel by direct bus or via the Flåm Railway. Details for each option are provided below.

Meals: Breakfast

Continue to Bergen

• Coastal Express Boat: Ferries depart from Sogndal at 7:05 am Monday through Saturday. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. The port is within walking distance of your hotel.
• Direct Bus: Operated by VY with later departures and direct service. Travel time is approximately 4 hours.
• Via the Flåm Railway: Transfer to Leikanger (bus for self-guided cyclists; private transfer for guided cyclists), fast ferry to Flåm, scenic Flåm Railway to Myrdal, then train to Bergen. Travel time is approximately 4½ hours.

Continue to Oslo

• Direct Bus: Direct service from Sogndal. Travel time is just under 7 hours.
• Via the Flåm Railway: Transfer to Leikanger, fast ferry to Flåm, scenic Flåm Railway to Myrdal, then train to Oslo. Travel time is approximately 7½ hours.

Extend/enhance your stay

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.

You will stay in charming 3 and 4-star establishments and there are two options provided in Solvorn, either the Villa Solvorn with shared or Hotel Walaker. See pricing. There is also the option to upgrade your accommodations to the Hotel Havnekontoret (seaview) in Bergen or to a demi-suite in the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand with spectacular views of the Sognefjord.