Highlights of the Norwegian Fjords - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Arrive in Oslo at your preferred time. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is via the Airport Express Train, which runs every ten minutes. You'll have time to explore Oslo in the afternoon. Norway's capital boasts many great attractions, such as the Opera House, Akershus Castle, Karl Johans Gate, Grunerløkka, and Holmenkollen. You can experience Oslo as the locals do by strolling along the Akerselva River on a short hike through different areas of the city.

Day 2: Train to Finse for a Short Afternoon Hike

In the morning, hop on the train going from Oslo to Finse, one of the most famous stops on the Oslo-Bergen Railway. Finse is 4,009 feet (1,222 m) above sea level on the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation, then take a short afternoon hike to either Jomfrunut or Finsenut. In the evening, enjoy an opportunity to explore Finse.

Day 3: Bike the Navvies' Road

Today you're in for an adventure! In the morning, you'll pick up your rental bikes and cycle to Flåm via one of Norway's most famous bike rides, the Navvies' Road. This road follows the railway, and it will take you all the way from 4,009 feet (1,222 m) above sea level in Finse to 0 meters above sea level in Flåm. Today's ride will be a truly spectacular trip and a close encounter with the dramatic Norwegian landscape.

Day 4: Overnight Kayak Trip to Aurlandsfjorden and Nærøyfjorden

In the morning, you'll meet up with our outfitter for an overnight kayak trip through Aurlandsfjorden and Nærøyfjorden. You'll get a short introduction at the beach in the morning, then head out into the water around lunchtime. You'll marvel at the spectacular scenery that you pass as the day goes by. In the afternoon, you'll make camp at a suitable location and enjoy dinner before retiring to your tent.

Day 5: Kayak Trip and Transfer to Flåm

Wake up in the middle of Norwegian nature for another day of kayaking. You'll head toward Gudvangen, at the inner part of the Nærøyfjorden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll spend the entire day kayaking, ending up in Gudvangen in the afternoon. Your outfitter will transfer you back to Flåm, where you'll return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 6: Train to Bergen

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You'll travel by train from Flåm to Bergen. The first part of the train ride will be with the Flåm Railway, which is listed as one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. At Myrdal on the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, you'll board the Bergen-bound train. After checking in to your accommodation for the evening, you can relax or explore Bergen at your own pace.

Day 7: Bergen and Self-Drive to Odda

After breakfast, you'll spend a couple of hours enjoying Bergen, one of Norway's most famous cities. Stroll around the city or take the tram to Fløien for spectacular views over the city. In the afternoon, you'll pick up your rental car and make the 2.5-hour drive to Odda, a small town tucked away at the tip of an arm of the Hardangerfjord. This town is the main headquarters for hikes to Trolltunga, so people from all over the world come here during the summer months. 

Day 8: Hike To Trolltunga

Today it's your turn to hike to Trolltunga, "Troll's Tongue" in English. Trolltunga is a spectacular mountain formation situated 3,609 feet (1,100 m) above sea level and 2,297 feet (700 m) above Ringedal Lake. You'll need to get an early start, as it takes 10 to 12 hours to hike to Trolltunga and back.

You'll also need to drive from Odda to Skjeggedal (30 minutes) to get to the starting point of the hike. There is a shuttle that can take you up the first 1,640 feet (500 m) of the hike if you prefer, but you'll need to book your seat on the shuttle in advance. Even though the hike is tough, it is both doable and worth the effort! You'll have time to relax at the top, enjoy the spectacular view, and take memorable photos on the plateau before making your way back to Odda. 

Day 9: Drive from Odda to Preikestolen Lodge

After yesterday's long hike, you'll have time to enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel. After checking out, you'll drive to Preikestolen Lodge near Jørpeland. Part of your drive today will be on one of our National Scenic Routes, Ryfylkeveien, which will take you past lakes, rural villages, and fjords. Upon arrival at Preikestolen Lodge, you'll enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening.

Day 10: Hike Preikestolen

Another spectacular hike awaits! It won't be as long as the hike to Trolltunga, but the payoff will be just as good. You'll begin hiking in the morning and approximately two hours later you'll be standing on Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock). The views from this rock formation are simply stunning. You'll see mountains in the distance and the Lysefjorden 2,297 feet (700 m) below you. You'll want to take time to enjoy the view before hiking back to Preikestolen Lodge. After finishing the hike, you'll drive to Stavanger for your last night in Norway.

Day 11: Depart Stavanger

Today your Norwegian adventure will come to an end. You'll return your rental car at the airport before boarding your outbound flight. We hope that your adventures in the Norwegian fjords will leave you with wonderful memories and dreams of future visits!