Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 16 Days

Highlights

• Ford rivers and skirt mountains on horseback in Hallingskarvet National Park
• Hike to a goat farm and taste local cheeses near the charming town of Flåm
• Sea kayak among Norway's most magnificent UNESCO-listed fjords
• Go mountain biking and whitewater rafting in the "adrenaline capital" of Voss
• Tackle the long trek to the iconic Trolltunga and grab a selfie at the top

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Explore the Norwegian Capital

Welcome to Norway! Enjoy the scenic train ride between Oslo Airport and the city center before checking into your hotel. Once you've settled in, explore Norway's rapidly growing capital, Oslo. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, this Scandinavian capital is known for its fjords and forests, all paired with modern architecture and well-preserved buildings. 

Discover the iconic sights beginning on Oslo's main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate, which leads to the home of the Norwegian monarchy at Palace Park. Continue your walking tour to explore the many shops along the waterfront and notable museums like the Nobel Peace Center. See the National Museum and the incredible Opera House, which was completed in 2008, the largest cultural building in Norway. 

For dinner, return to the buzzing core for a wide range of restaurants and charming cafés, most of which offer outdoor seating during the summer. Another option is to walk to Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord with beautiful, modern buildings where you can find dozens of restaurants and bars. 

Day 2: Train to Geilo, Explore Hardangervidda National Park

Today, you'll take the train from Oslo to Geilo, which takes roughly four hours. Geilo is a vibrant mountain resort town known for its adventure activities, from mountain biking in the summer to skiing in the winter, and is famous as the gateway to two spectacular national parks. 

After settling in, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Norway's largest national park, Hardangervidda. Hike the miles of marked trails through the park, such as the route that skirts the dramatic Nykkjesøyfossen Waterfall and leads past three smaller falls along the canyon. Climb to Norway's largest glacier, Hardangerjøkulen, and stop in one of the many lodges for a break and a snack.

Day 3: Mountain Horseback Riding at Brusletto Farm

Venture deeper into the surrounding landscapes today with a visit to the nearby Brusletto Farm and Hallingskarvet National Park. Join an expert guide at the family-run horse farm and set out on a horseback riding excursion across the rivers and mountains of Hallingskarvet. Ride past the beautiful Budalsvannet Lake, cross the river, and set course for Havsdalen Ski Center. From there, you'll follow the old Prestholtveien Trail back to the farm. Along the way, watch for the large, native reindeer herds and enjoy the vast views of the mountain plateaus and peaks.

Day 4: Train to Flåm, Norway's Prettiest Village

This morning, you'll have breakfast in Geilo and catch a train west to Flåm, one of the most picturesque villages in Norway. Switch trains at the mountain station in Mydral before boarding the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world, with spectacular views of the mountain peaks and fjords. Be sure to watch for the Kjosfossen Waterfall (which usually includes a photo stop). Once you arrive in Flåm, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this small village along the Sognefjord. See the wooden Flåm Church, constructed in 1667, and tour the Flåm Railway Museum.

You can also participate in several adventure activities, such as a self-guided cycling trip in the gorgeous surroundings. In the village center, you can hire a bike for the day, then cycle along the Aurlandsfjord and the streets around Flåm. If you're looking for more adrenaline, take a ride on the longest zipline in Scandinavia, with a span of 4,531 feet (1,381 m). The breathtaking flight starts near Flåm at Vatnahalsen, located at 2,690 feet (820 m) above sea level, and ends in Kårdalen, close to the Rallarrosa Cheese Farm, in the upper part of the Flåm Valley.

Day 5: Fjord Safari & Hike to a Goat Farm

Enjoy an active adventure from the fjords to the mountains today! Meet your guide and start the small group excursion with a boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Along the way, enjoy views of Sagfossen Waterfall, which dramatically drops straight into the fjord, before stopping at Skjerdal Pier. Here, you'll set out on a moderate hike toward Leim Dairy Farm.

The uphill route ascends the valley, opening up to panoramic vistas. Take breaks to admire the surrounding scenery of fjords, mountain slopes, and waterfalls. On arrival, you'll enjoy a farm tour as your host reveals the secrets behind making the area's famous and traditional goat cheese. Meet the adorable goats, relax on the farmhouse terrace, and sample the cheese while enjoying a lunch featuring local fare. Afterward, you'll hike back down to Skjerdal and return to Flåm by bus.

Day 6: Speedboat Fjord Safari 

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This morning, you'll hop aboard a speedy RIB boat in the village of Flåm and cruise through the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. As you access the open water of Sognefjord, your guide will turn down the arm of the Nærøyfjord, where the old Viking village of Gudvangen lies. Listen as your guide shares fascinating insights and stories about life and nature in the fjords. On the return cruise, you can admire the small villages and waterfalls that dot the fjord's shores and if you're lucky, spot local wild animals such as seals, porpoises, and eagles. 

You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy Flåm at your leisure—cycling, biking, ziplining, or just finding one of the many cozy cafés and putting your feet up.

Day 7: Transfer to Aurland, Visit Stegastein Viewpoint, Viking Dinner 

Take an easy and quick 10-minute shuttle between the village of Flåm and Aurland, another picturesque fjord-side hamlet. From Aurland, you'll join a guide for a visit to the spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint, one of the most popular attractions in the entire country. The viewing platform stands 2,132 feet (650 m) above the Aurlandsfjord, jutting out 98 feet (30 m) from the cliffs. The views are unbeatable and feature wide panoramas of the fjords below. If you'd like to explore further, you can opt to stick around after the tour and hike one of the surrounding trails on your own.

After you've worked up an appetite, pop back to Flåm for a Viking dinner at Ægir BryggeriPub. Sample smoked reindeer, shellfish soup, pork shank, and dark chocolate ganache cake. Each course is served with an accompanying beer made in the on-site brewery. Enjoy the fjord views and get acquainted with Norway's food culture in a cozy setting, then return to Aurland to have a relaxing evening in your hotel. 

Day 8: Bus to Voss, Whitewater Rafting Excursion

Hop on a bus this morning for the 1.5-hour journey to the town of Voss. Nestled between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, this small village is known as Norway's "adrenaline capital" for it's countless outdoor activities and excursions—particularly whitewater rafting.

After settling in, you'll hit the rapids yourself with a guided trip, choosing between Grade 2 (ideal for families and inexperienced rafters) or Grade 4 (suitable for those looking for a more exhilarating experience). Both grades include a safety lesson, a three-hour trip along the Raundal River, and plenty of world-class rapids on the scenic waters around Voss. 

Day 9: River Canoe, Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Excursion (Day 1)

Today, you'll embark on an epic two-day adventure combining three activities—canoeing, mountain biking, and kayaking—through the iconic landscapes around Voss. Each activity includes an experienced private guide and a quick lesson to help you get the most out of the experience. On the first morning, gear up and shuttle to the magnificent Raundal River, where you'll be given safety instructions on operating an inflatable canoe. Practice in a mellow river pool, then take a 90-minute trip down the river. At the end of the excursion, you'll shuttle back to the outdoor base.

In the afternoon, take a short mountain biking lesson, followed by a warm-up, before hitting the trail. Ride the extensive trail network, which traverses mountain plateaus, deep forests, and picturesque valleys. At the end of the ride, you'll return to the base and help hose down the bikes before getting some well-deserved rest. 

Day 10: River Canoe, Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Excursion (Day 2)

More adventure awaits today as you gear up for a sea kayaking excursion. You'll be transferred to the scenic Nærøyfjord, where you'll put in and take a few practice turns in your kayak. Then, it's time to follow your guide into the dramatic fjord landscape. Paddle through the waters and spot tumbling waterfalls and the occasional wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful lunch break on a spot of dry land, and then paddle the 90-minute route back to the fjord's starting point. End at the base, then transfer back to Voss for a relaxed afternoon. 

Day 11: Train to Bergen, Ride the Cable Cars

Say your goodbyes to Norway's adventure hub and catch a scenic 1.5-hour train to Bergen. One of the oldest ports in Europe, Bergen offers a spectacular setting surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords. Once you arrive in the "City with the Seven Mountains," check into your hotel, then explore the town. The most famous attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, where historic wooden buildings line Vågen, the harbor's northern edge. Try fresh seafood at the Market House, and see the 12th-century stone fortress of Bergenhus. 

After you explore the city center, ride on the Fløibanen funicular (or hike the trail) to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks. You can enjoy city views from the top and discover hidden troll sculptures. Head back down, then ride the Ulriken643 Cable Car to the top of Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven peaks. The gondola cruises up to the viewpoint from sea level up to 2,100 feet (643 m), offering magnificent views of the surrounding sea, skerries, fjords, and mountains. 

When you return to the city, enjoy the nightlife and take your pick of the many restaurants. Try Norwegian tapas at Bare Vestland, visit the traditional mountain lodge restaurant of Bryggeloftet & Stuene, or savor European cuisine on the Bryggen wharf at Zupperia.

Day 12: Fjord Cruise & Bus to Odda, Explore Folgefonna National Park

Today, you'll board a ship from Bergen's ferry terminal and cruise for two hours through dramatic fjords to reach the small village of Rosendal. From there, you'll catch a local bus to Odda, located an hour away. This charming historic and charming industrial city sits by the Hardangerfjord and is surrounded by high mountains and mighty fjord landscapes. Outdoor activities abound, including at the nearby Folgefonna National Park. Situated on the southern shore of the beautiful fjord, the park features one of Norway's largest glaciers.   

The afternoon is free for you to explore the area, taking a relaxed walk along the fjord or striking out in the surrounding pine forests on one of many scenic hikes. Once you come back to town, settle in for the evening with a traditional Norwegian dinner and rest up for tomorrow's adventure.

Day 13: Self-Guided Hiking Adventure to Trolltunga

Odda is the ideal base to experience one of Norway's most iconic hikes and viewpoints, Trolltunga (also known as Troll's Tongue). This 10-hour trek (on average) offers some of the most Instragram-worthy scenery in Norway and tops many travelers' bucket lists. The long rock juts out from a cliffside at nearly 2,300 feet (700 m) above the gorgeous blue waters of Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

The strenuous hike follows a rocky trail through hills and mountain valleys before leveling along the cliffs. Once you reach this uniquely shaped rock, muster up your bravery and walk out onto the "tongue" yourself. Take a few photos, then make the trek back down for another relaxing night in Odda. 

Day 14: Fjord Cruise to Bergen via Rosendal

After breakfast at your hotel in Odda, head to the harbor for the return cruise to Rosendal. This trip will sail through the fjords of Bergen to the Hardangerfjord, the "Queen of the Fjords," so keep your camera close to capture spectacular views of steep mountains and cascading waterfalls along the route. Once you arrive in Rosendal, you'll have three hours to explore the charming town.

At the Folgefonna Center, you can learn about climate change, natural diversity, and sustainable use of natural resources in Norway. Wander along Skålagato Street to explore the cute shops and cafés, and venture outside of town to Baroniet Rosendal, Scandinavia's smallest castle. Famous for its extensive park with the rose garden with concerts, theater, lectures, and art exhibitions, the manor also has a quaint café next to the herb garden. Later on, you'll reboard your cruise and continue two hours further to Bergen, where you'll spend the night.

Day 15: Full-Day Scenic Boat, Bus & Train Journey to Oslo

Get ready for more breathtaking scenery as you make your way back toward Oslo on a full-day journey by bus, boat, and train via Gudvangen and Flåm. You'll start with a train ride toward Voss, stopping en route at Smalahovetunet to experience a lunch of traditional Norwegian fare in an ancient farmhouse. In Voss, you'll switch to a bus that takes you back to the waterfall-lined valley around Gudvangen before hopping aboard a fjord cruise back to Flåm.

Then it's time to hop back on the famous Flåm Railway, switching trains at the alpine station of Myrdal, for the five-hour trip back to Oslo. Check into your hotel in the city center, and if there's any daylight left, visit some attractions you may have missed at the beginning of the trip. Encounter the city's artistic side at the Munch Museum, dedicated to Edvard Munch of "The Scream" fame, and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Choose a spot along the harbor to celebrate your final night in Norway with a celebratory dinner and fjordside views.

Day 16: Depart Oslo

Spend your last morning exploring more of Oslo. Grab a coffee in the hip district of Grünerløkka, home to independent shops and cafés. Get a pastry to go and picnic in one of Oslo's green parks, such as Slottsparken, which surrounds the Royal Palace, or popular Sofienbergparken, which was once a cemetery. All too soon, it'll be time to head to Oslo's airport. Take the short, scenic train ride out of the city in plenty of time to catch your departing flight. Safe travels! 

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