Price starting from $8080 AUD Read more...
Journey beginning and ending at Oslo, Norway
Available: 2024-06-01 to 2024-09-30 starting from $8080 AUD
The jewel in the crown when it comes to scenery up north is unquestionably Norway – let us show you why! Explore Norwegian fjords, mountains, villages and cities at your own pace and with active inclusions. Get ready for gentle hikes, invigorating climbs, biking, fly-fishing and more. Enjoy boutique historic hotels, mountain lodges and riverside cabins with included 3 course evening meals.
Pick up your car and drive out to Dalen. Stay at the historic Hotel Dalen built in a Swiss style in the late 19th century. The hotel is a landmark for Norwegian cultural heritage. Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant and is inspired by Telemark as a region with high quality products and long culinary traditions.
Today hike Lårdalstigen, a challenging (14kms), but fantastic walk with spectacular views from the edge of the mountain ridge above the Telemark Canal.
Along the hike, you will pass through old cultural landscape and historic sites. You can stop and admire the rugged silhouettes of Risen and Gygri, and read about the legend associated with these rock formations. Perhaps you will also spot ospreys?
From mid-May to mid-September you can take a one-way voyage there or back to your hotel from the deck on one of the ferry boats M/S Victoria or M/S Henrik Ibsen on the Telemark Canal.
Overnight Dalen Hotel with half board.
A short drive today gets you to a wooden mountain lodge Haukeliseter by a lake. Allow plenty of time as we recommend you drive along the small, old, twisty routes that wind their way up the mountains. They were built long before the modern European roads and you will be able to enjoy fantastic, unspoilt mountain scenery, but please drive carefully – the roads are very narrow.
On arrival, you have plenty of leisure options – perhaps try your hand at fishing around Haukeliseter. Hardangervidda is described as one large fishing Eldorado. The different fishing areas are described in a fishing guide available in the reception. It is free to fish for anyone under the age of 16 and fishing licenses for adults are available in the reception.
The selection of hikes are large and there is something suitable for everyone – both by foot and on skis. Here are some examples:
Vesle Nup: The most popular day hike from Haukeliseter provides a fantastic view over Hardangervidda both summer and winter. The hike is suitable for most people and the trail is easy to find.
Nupsfonn: For those who seek a more challenging hike, the area around Nupsfonn is an exciting option. Nupsfonn is one of the most southern glaciers in Norway. The terrain is dramatic with peaks, cliffs and glaciers. The hiking options here are many both by foot and on skis.
Vassdalseggi: The highest top in Rogaland at 1658 meter above sea level is located south of Haukeliseter, and is a proper day hike for the more fit hikers. The hike can be done as a round trip both summer and winter.
The highest peaks around Haukeliseter are never completely free from snow and should you opt to trek up to 1600-1700 meters above sea level you have to be prepared for snowy conditions. There are, however, plenty of trekking options that does not involve any snow for those who prefer that.
Speak to reception and get details of what you might like to do today – options are from a 4 hour return to a 7 hour return hike. Pack lunches can be organised at breakfast.
A scenic 4 hour drive today to Bergen. Follow the road along the fjords and through the mountains to Bergen. Allow some time for stops as you pass by stunning waterfalls and beautiful views.
Bergen offers many attractions and sights – many within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).
The Fløibanen Funicular takes you directly to the summit of Mount Fløyen, which is an excellent vantage point for vistas of Bergen and its harbour and outlying archipelago. This is also the starting point for easy day walks in the mountains close to Bergen.
Ready for the fjords and tight turns! This drive is via the tourist route of Gudvangen and Flåm – take your time and enjoy the stops. Arrive at your Norwegian riverside hotel, 29|2 Aurland in time for lunch. Enjoy a bowl of hot soup, local organic bread and fresh apple juice in the converted Smokehouse. To top it up and to get you ready for the hiking adventure, indulge in a lovely home made dessert.
After dessert, go with a local guide to a lovely waterfall hike to Turlidfossen. Here enjoy a nice cup of warm coffee or tea and a cinnamon roll while you take in the view. After the hike, relax in the calm and quiet garden before dinner is served.
The day starts out with a breakfast of champions, giving you a taste of the magic that is local, organic ingredients. After breakfast it is time for a calming and mindful session at the lake, trying your skills in a traditional Norwegian rowboat. After testing your skills at rowing we leave the boats and go ashore for a small hike to one of Aurlands traditional pasture farms. The region has a long and proud tradition with cheese, and up on the summer farms, Norwegians have been spending their summers producing cheese and taking care of livestock for generations. The tradition continues through hard working farmers and their love for natural and organic produce. On the summer farm you have a rich lunch in rustic surroundings, whilst enjoying the fantastic view. After the farm visit, the wood red hot tub and sauna awaits you. Sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings with a glass of local drink before sitting down in the converted Smokehouse for dinner.
Situated at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sognefjorden, Lærdal features dramatic mountain tops, unique wooden houses in Lærdalsøyri, and Norway’s best preserved stave church. Borgund stave church dates back to 1180. The church is built of 2,000 pieces of logs and planks, and although it is no longer used regularly for church functions, it is open to the public as a museum and well worth a stop.
The old city centre in the picturesque village Lærdalsøyri is also a popular sight, with more than 150 well-preserved wooden houses that date back to the 16th and 17th century.
Arrive at Herangtunet, a boutique hotel within a historical open-air museum located on a wooded hill by the Heggefjord. This evening, sit down for exquisite local food at this boutique lodge.
The Besseggen ridge is one of the most popular day hikes in Norway and has reached a kind of cult status. “Everyone” wants to have done it once in their lives and therefore, it is busy during the summer months.
You need to be fit for this hike! With 6-7 hrs walking time (without rests, which quickly take about up to 2 hrs extra) and net 900 meters elevation gain/loss (both up and downhill), this is no walk in the park! The trail is mainly good, but very stony throughout. Wear hiking boots with solid soles that offer good friction. There are shorter versions and alternate routes for less trained walkers that still offer breathtaking views.
If you choose to do the Besseggen Ridge, there are quite a few logistics to negotiate with this walk and we can help you arrange your day. Other hiking options for today include Knutshø and Peak Bitihorn. We can arrange for these hikes to be guided but it is easy to follow the summer crowds.
After breakfast, perhaps you might like to drop via the Valdres Golf Club for 9 holes of golf before returning to Oslo.
Accommodation in Oslo, international flights, lunches and items of personal nature.
This tour is designed to be flexible with your hiking options. We can organise hiking guides or you can speak to the reception on arrival and work out what you wish to do the next day. Hikes of all descriptions are available in the locations we have picked. You also have the ability to choose other options such as fly-fishing, kayaking, biking and gentle walks depending on your interests and abilities.
To find out more or to book this incredible tour, contact Globetrotter Lifestyle today!