Fjord Active Adventure: Bergen to Trondheim - 15 Days

Highlights

• Hike and paddle through Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen National Parks
• Take one of the world's most beautiful train journeys to Flåm
• Conquer the peaks of three mountains in hilly Bergen
• Go white-water rafting on the Driva River

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bergen

Welcome to Bergen! Situated on Norway's west coast, this small wharf city (one of the oldest port cities in Europe) is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords—including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest. Norway's second-biggest city is compact and walkable, so lace up your sneakers or boots and explore lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to a young student population.

Day 2: Explore Bergen with a Local

On your first full day in the city, meet with a born-and-bred Bergen local for a customized private tour. Based on your interests, you and your guide might walk through history as you explore the city center's narrow cobbled streets or the traditional Bryggen houses while hearing stories from Bergen's past. Or maybe you'll choose to explore Bergen's nature, from the botanic garden to the green spaces of Nygårdsparken and waterfront Nordnes park. The truly adventurous could take on Mount Sandviken, one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen.

The rest of the day is yours to explore solo. Consider picking up a 24-hour Bergen Card, which offers free bus travel and free admittance to most museums (as well as other attractions).

Day 3: Hike Bergen's Mountains

Lace-up those hiking boots! Today you'll be climbing to the peak of three of Bergen's seven mountains—Mt Ulriken, Mt Rundemannen, and Mt Fløyen. Start by taking the Ulriken Cable Car (or take the bus to Montana and hike from the bottom), and then follow the Vidden Trail. As you trek, you'll enjoy beautiful views—on a clear day, you can see the Folgefonna glacier! Continue to Mt Rundemannen, where you'll start seeing city views, before reaching Mt Fløyen with its Bergen views. The hike is around 9.3 miles (15 km).

Day 4: Explore Flåm, Drive to Solvorn

Jump on the train to Myrdal, a small settlement connected to the rest of Norway only by train. From the village, board a train to Flåm that will descend twisted tracks, in and out of the mountain, down one of the world's steepest train lines. In Flåm, collect a rental car and spend the afternoon exploring the Flam Railway Museum, tour a local goat cheese farm or set off on a hiking trail before driving along the fjord to Solvorn.

Solvorn is a charming little village on the western shore of the Lustrafjorden, the innermost part of the Sognefjorden. You can take a ferry across the water to Ornes and visit the famous 12th-century Urnes Stave Church. Tonight, choose to stay at the Walaker Hotel—the oldest family-run hotel in Norway, with over 370 years of history—where they host a four-course feast each night.

Day 5: Hike in Molden

Today you'll hike to Molden, the highest peak overlooking the Lustrafjorden. You'll enjoy great views from the top straight down to Lustrafjord, over toward Ornes on the other side, and Nes and Høyheimsvik to the east. Look for the towering mountains of Jotunheimen National Park in the distance. The moderate 5-mile (8 km) round trip gains about 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation, reaching 3,600 feet (2,000 m) above sea level. Bring a Norwegian picnic and have lunch at the top of the trail.

When your hike is complete, drive the 30 minutes back to Solvorn, stopping in Marjifjøra for coffee and a snack. This tiny village offers more fjord views, especially toward the spectacular waterfall of Feigumfossen. If you're up for more walking, drive to Skjolden and follow the "romantic road" along the southern shores of the fjord. Stop and park where the Feigeelva River meets the fjord. From here, you can walk up to the waterfall.

Day 6: Explore Jostedalsbreen National Park

Enjoy breakfast in Solvorn, then head outdoors. Today you'll explore Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in Norway (and mainland Europe) that covers half the surface of the entire park. Within the park, you'll find everything from valleys with lush vegetation to mountains and glacial landscapes, all within a close distance. Choose to embark on a glacier hike or rent kayaks and paddle across a glacial lake.

After exploring nature, visit Fjærland, a bucolic village on the shores of the Fjærlandsfjord. You can head to the village center, called Mundal, and visit the famous Hotel Mundal, an elegant wooden hotel dating back to 1891. While here, drop by Norwegian Booktown, which consists of several secondhand bookshops, cafés, art galleries, and souvenir stores. On the return drive to Solvorn, visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum, an award-winning architectural marvel and interactive museum that shares scientific knowledge regarding glaciers and climate change. 

Day 7: Hike in Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park is Norway's most popular and includes the country's two highest mountains—Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind—as well as rivers, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and more than 60 glaciers. It has the largest concentration of peaks higher than 6,000 feet (1,829 m) in Northern Europe (more than 275 summits) and offers some of the most scenic hiking on the continent with short strolls and challenging treks. Depending on your fitness level, the weather, and snow conditions, you'll stop en route with a private guide to enjoy a day hike.

Afterward, continue over the Sognefjell mountain pass and down to the village of Lom. Wander down to the village's beautiful rushing river and famous 12th-century Stave church. This Norman-style design sits in the center of town near the water and is one of Norway's finest. There's also a museum with a collection of 19th-century farm buildings and an old hut where St. Olav is said to have stayed. For a dinner treat, consider dining at Brimiland—one of Norway's best restaurants in a beautiful mountain setting near Lom.

Day 8: Explore Geiranger, Drive to Åndalsnes

Fuel up at the famous Lom Bakeri ahead of another big day outdoors. Travel to the scenic fjord-side town of Geiranger, passing along the Geirangerfjord—a deep blue UNESCO-protected fjord surrounded by dramatic snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. If the weather is on your side, go for a paddle in the fjord or explore the town's cafés, shops, and galleries on foot. The Geiranger Brewery is a gem located in a boathouse that gives its menu a local twist and has striking views.

This afternoon embark on the 2.5-hour drive down the famous Trollstien road (Trolls Ladder). This adrenaline-inducing zigzag road, with 11 hairpin turns, is carved into the mountain. Make sure you stop at the two viewpoints, designed by architects using steel, glass, rock, and stone. Arrive in Åndalsnes, the mountaineering base and scenic town located in the Romsdalen glacial valley.

Day 9: Hike the Romsdalseggen Ridge

Don't skip breakfast—you'll need the energy to tackle today's daylong hike to the famous Romsdalseggen Ridge. Located right in the middle of the most stunning mountainous area in the country, this hike is renowned as the most beautiful in Norway. The views from the top of the surrounding mountain peaks and the fertile green valley below are incredible. The trailhead for this 6-mile (10 km) hike is located a short bus ride from Åndalsnes in the Vengedalen Valley. It's a windy trail that ascends 3,182 feet (970 m).

Day 10: Drive to Øksendal

Set the GPS for Aurstaupet and enjoy a magnificent drive along the Aursjøveien road, the lesser-known cousin to Trollstigen, with more demanding terrain and waterfalls along the way. If it's between late June and August, stop and walk the 1.6-mile (2 km) trail to Mardalsfossen, one of Europe's highest waterfalls at 2,150 feet (655 m). Continue to Aurstaupet, a popular place for BASE jumping—if you dare go near the edge, you will see why. Finally, drive down Litjdalen, with towering mountains on both sides, before reaching the village of Øksendal.

Day 11: Hike to the Renndølsetra Summer Farm

You will spend the next two days hiking Norway's most beautiful mountain valley, Innerdalen. The valley resembles a cathedral, dominated by the 4,573 feet (1,394 m) high Dalatårnet, which towers over the valley like a natural spire. A crystal clear lake sparkles on the valley floor, and streams and small rivers cascade down from the glaciers above. A network of marked paths takes you out of the valley and into the mountains and the Renndølsetra summer farm.

It takes about an hour to hike to Renndølsetra, but you'll be greeted with traditional fare, farm animals, and the smell of firewood heating the pots on the stove. Sleep in the old timber-walled farmhouse and plan tomorrow's hike to Innerdalstårnet. Don't forget to check out the starry night sky!

Day 12: Hike to Innerdalstårnet, Drive to Oppdal

Conquer Innerdalen's majestic mountain—Innerdalstårnet or Dalatårnet—today with a private guide. At 4,763 feet (1,451 m) above sea level, the steep full-day hike to the peak will reward you with stunning views over Trollheimen. Starting at the farm, the trek passes two valleys and lakes before the steep and challenging climb to the summit. The summit is difficult to climb with loose rocks, but climbing experience is unnecessary. After the hike, return to the car and drive to Oppdal for a relaxing dinner.

Day 13: River Rafting in Oppdal, Drive to Trondheim

Give your legs a rest and pick up a paddle instead. Today you can take a guided white river rafting trip along the Driva River, well-known by Norwegian water enthusiasts. Spend half a day traversing the river, with an easier rapids journey for novice rafters and a challenging route for experienced. Alternatively, join a musk ox safari and get up close with these hairy beasts. When you're ready, make the drive to Trondheim for the night.

Day 14: Free Day in Trondheim

Use today to explore Trondheim, Norway's third-largest city, as you wish. Paddle along the Nidelven river, shop Trondheim's cobbled streets, drop by the Nidaros Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace, explore the Trondheim Art Museum, or visit Rockheim, Norway's national museum for popular music.

With 40,000 students in town, there's always something fun happening. There's a popular place called Antikvariatet, located among the wooden houses of the Bakklandet that offers craft beers on tap and beautiful waterfront views. During the summer months, you'll often find live bands drawing in students and a cool crowd. Dokkhuset, situated in a former pumping station, also offers live acts, ranging from chamber music to experimental jazz. There is a restaurant, a bar, and a roof terrace for sipping drinks and enjoying the views. 

Day 15: Depart Trondheim

It's time to say goodbye to Norway. Enjoy one last morning in the Arctic before transferring to Trondheim airport in time to catch your flight.

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