Luxury Escape to the Norwegian Fjords - 7 Days

Highlights

• Hit the highlights of colorful cities like Oslo and Bergen
• Explore Norway's fjords, mountains, and valleys by car, foot, and boat
• Relax in luxurious saunas after spending days hiking around fjords

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Guided City Tour

Welcome to Oslo! Norway's capital is a perfect starting place for a greater exploration of this Scandinavian wonderland. Railway journeys and quick flights from the city will take you to some of the country's major highlights, from its glistening fjords to the UNESCO-listed waterfront in historic Bergen.

Your private driver will meet you at the airport for the ride into the city and The Thief. Not a criminal—rather, this luxury waterfront hotel is where you'll be staying. It features spacious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and rainshower baths. There's also a spa on site where you can take the edge off the flight with a massage, facial, hammam, or other treatment. And regarding stars, The Thief is second to none—British newspaper The Independent has rated it as Norway's first 6-star hotel.

Newly refreshed, you'll then meet a guide for a private city tour. During this three-hour excursion, you'll travel around the city's famous landmarks. These include the 19th-century Royal Palace, the Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Kistefos Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Nobel Peace Center, inspired by the lives and works of Nobel Peace Laureates. You'll also visit Holmenkollen, a northern suburb and mountain featuring a 1,640-foot (500 m) ski jump that's a regular venue for international skiing competitions.

Day 2: Scenic Flåm Railway Trip & Sognefjord Cruise, Transfer to Aurland

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll leave the city for the UNESCO-recognized beauty of the Norwegian countryside. Transfer to the terminal after breakfast and embark on a full-day ride on the famous Flåm Railway to the impressive Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. The beauty of this scenic train ride is that you have the freedom to hop off along the way to explore the colorful fjord villages of Balestrand or Flåm.

Once at the fjord, you'll transfer to a ferry for a scenic cruise. Known as the "King of the Fjords," as you ride along this narrow waterway, you'll enjoy views of towering cliffs, snowcapped peaks, forested hillsides, and colorful villages. After the boat ride, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you south to the nearby Aurlandsfjord.

Here, in the fjord's eponymous main town, you'll find your lodging for the night: 29|2 Aurland. Nestled in the green meadows of the Aurlandsdalen Valley, this historic country property began life as a fishing lodge for a British lord. Today, it's a family-run boutique hotel with a friendly staff that includes a private chef and artist-in-residence. The owners will happily arrange outdoor activities during your stay, and each night, a gourmet dinner of organic ingredients is served in the smokehouse.

Day 3: Fjord Hike, Rowboat Adventure & Hot Tub

No trip to Norway's gorgeous Fjordland is complete without nature and mountain excursions. As such, your day begins early with a hike up to the Stegastein Lookout, which sits on the precipice of a fjord. The panoramic views you'll enjoy of this UNESCO-listed region are the same as those you see on postcards and in travel magazines featuring Norway.

After snapping plenty of photos, your driver will transfer you to the waterfront village of Bakka. Here, you'll hop in a traditional wooden rowboat for a leisurely ride across the glassy waters of the fjord. It's a cherished tradition in these coastal communities, and as you row, your private guide will be there to impart fascinating tidbits about Norway's rich maritime heritage.

Later, you'll return to Aurland and cap the day with a nice long soak in a Scandinavian bath. These traditional outdoor hot tubs are not only made of wood but also heated by a wood-burning stove. So kick back, relax, and let the hot tub work its magic as you enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and pine forests.

Day 4: Transfer to Balestrand, Cider Tasting & Orrabenken Hike

Say goodbye to the friendly owners of 29|2 Aurland this morning as you board a ferry for an express ride across the fjord. After about an hour, you'll arrive in Balestrand. Travelers have been flocking to this idyllic village on the Sognefjord since at least the 19th century. It's so dazzling that even some famous Norwegian artists have permanently relocated here.

You'll experience its majesty firsthand when you check into the Kviknes Hotel. This 4-star "Jewel of the Sognefjord" sits on the waterfront and is one of the largest hotels in the region, featuring 190 rooms. The demi suites are the stars, as they're individually decorated and feature fjord views. Dating to the 19th century, an entire wing of the hotel is dedicated to preserving its history and features an impressive first floor decorated with original art and antiques. All guests have access to a scenic dining room with a well-stocked wine list—or opt for room service (a rarity in the fjords).

After dropping off your bags, head into town and discover Norway's oldest fruit-growing region on a private visit to an organic orchard. There, you'll tour the cider house, where an expert guide will lead you on a tasting of the best ciders produced on the property. Later, hit the trail on a half-day jaunt around Orranbenken. This 3-mile (4.8 km) loop trail outside Balestrand follows relatively easy mountain paths with gentle slopes. At the end of the day, you'll return to the hotel, where a relaxing session in the waterfront sauna awaits.

Day 5: Transfer to Fjærland, Fjord Kayak Tour

Your driver will be waiting this morning to take you to Fjærland, a small village on the Fjærlandsfjord (one of the branches of Sognefjord). This beautiful town is also a hub for hikers who want to tackle the nearby Bøyabreen Glacier.

Upon arrival, you'll check into another historic accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel. This white clapboard property from 1937 enjoys a privileged location along a narrow branch of Norway's longest fjord. Rustic-chic rooms are tastefully decorated to preserve the property's historical ambience, while the place to be is at the spacious restaurant and lounge. After a long day of hiking and kayaking, there's no better place to relax than the overwater terrace, which offers the finest fjord views around.

Speaking of which, after checking in, you'll transfer to the adjacent town of Mundal (famous for its secondhand book shops). There, you'll grab a paddle and set off on a two-hour kayak ride along the Fjærlandsfjord. During this scenic private tour, you'll paddle alongside a local guide who will lead you alongside a coastline backed by soaring mountain peaks, majestic glaciers, forested hills, and lush valleys.

Day 6: Transfer to Bergen, Mountain Cable Car Ride

After a leisurely morning enjoying the last of Fjærland's peace and quiet, your driver will take you 4.5 hours south to Bergen. This charming port city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, filled with colorful, historic buildings, and it's where you'll find the Bergen Børs Hotel.

Located in the former stock exchange building across from the harbor, this 4-star hotel is one of the few luxury options in town, featuring modern rooms with high ceilings, arched windows, and herringbone floors. The impressive dining options include a "seafood cathedral" adorned with restored frescoes and a Michelin-starred Nordic restaurant that serves a seasonal menu.

After checking in, venture out for an optional activity, like ascending one of the Seven Sisters—seven prominent mountains located on the northeastern side of Bergen. For some of the best city views, ride the Fløibanen funicular (or hike the trail) to the top of Mount Fløyen (1,050 ft/ 320 m). Fortify yourself with a svele (pancake) at the café before heading back down.

Day 7: Bryggen Wharf Tour & Mountain Biking, Depart Bergen

Kick off your last day in Norway with a private walking tour of the most famous neighborhood in the country: the Bryggen waterfront. As you stroll the cobbled streets along the wharf, you'll pass historic wooden buildings with gabled facades and overhanging eaves. These date to the 18th century and reflect Bergen's medieval origins when it was a prominent trading hub in the Hanseatic League. To learn more about this history, visit one of the area's museums. One fine option is the Schøtstuene, which features exhibits detailing how Hanseatic merchants lived and traded in Bergen for 400 years.

Later, you'll pick up a mountain bike at a rental shop and hit the road on two wheels. This 2-3-hour guided ride will take you from the city roads to off-road tracks leading through native forests and alongside fjords. Like all the thrilling activities on this itinerary, you can enjoy today's ride whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. Expect plenty of stops along the way to take nature photographs. After returning to Bergen and dropping off your bike, you'll transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Until next time!

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