Luxury Escape to the Norwegian Fjords - 10 Days

Highlights

• See the highlights of Oslo and Bergen with private city tours
• Cruise through the "King of the Fjords" on your way to Aurland
• Hike to scenic viewpoints around Norway's famous fjords and glaciers
• Enjoy picnics, kayak tours, cable-car rides, and mountain biking excursions
• Savor luxury stays in some of the country's loveliest boutique hotels

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Guided City Tour

Welcome to Norway! This Scandinavian country is steeped in tradition and Viking history, yet it's also a modern and progressive European nation. Norway is safe, eco-friendly, and highly values social welfare, education, and equality. That's to say nothing of its scenic beauty. The country's long coastline, rugged mountain ranges, and dazzling fjord landscapes are so gorgeous that they've been recognized by UNESCO. You'll arrive in Oslo. Norway's capital is emblematic of the nation at large in that it's a modern cultural hub surrounded by unspoiled Scandinavian nature.

Your 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 local guide for a private city tour. During this three-hour excursion, you'll travel around Oslo's most famous landmarks and highlights. 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, you'll transfer south to the nearby Aurlandsfjord.

Here, at the fjord's eponymous main town, is 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 western fjords is complete without nature and mountain excursions. As such, your day begins early with a guided hike up to the Stegastein Viewpoint, which sits on the precipice of a fjord. The panoramic views you'll enjoy in this UNESCO-listed region are the very same you see emblazoned on postcards and in travel magazines about 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

Say goodbye to the friendly hotel owners because this morning, you'll 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 some famous Norwegian artists have permanently relocated here.

You'll stay at 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, you'll head into town to discover the fruits of Balestrand—literally. Norway's oldest fruit-growing region has been using traditional farming methods since the 12th century and is well-known for its delicious cider. Your first stop on this tasty tour is an organic orchard on the banks of the Sognefjord. There, your guide will take you through the basics of apple growing, showing you how trees are carefully selected and nurtured to produce the best cider. Then, visit the cider house, where an expert will lead you through a tasting of the best ciders produced on the property.

Day 5: Guided Orrabenken Hike & Picnic

Eat a hearty breakfast this morning; afterward, you'll lace up your boots for another nature hike. Meet your private guide at the tourist office, then 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. 

During the hike, you'll enjoy beautiful fjord vistas as you follow the trail through the Ja-steinen wilderness area until you reach Balabu, a small hut at 1,200 feet (370 m) with sweeping views across the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you relax and admire the scenery before returning to Balestrand, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish. 

Day 6: Transfer to Fjærland, Fjord Kayak Tour

It's another travel day as this morning you'll transfer 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 tour, you'll paddle alongside a private guide who will lead you alongside a coastline backed by soaring mountain peaks, majestic glaciers, forested hills, and lush valleys.

Day 7: Hike to Fjord & Glacier Viewpoints, Floating Sauna

Get ready for another scenic half-day hike, this time to Nesahaugen. This mountain near the Fjærlandsfjord is home to a viewpoint that's one of the best spots in the region to marvel at the nearby fjord and glacier. In the morning, you'll meet your private guide at the trailhead outside the town of Mundal.

Then, set off on a route that will take you through native forest on a steady ascent. Once you reach 1,558 feet (475 m), you'll pass an old summer farm, and about 30 minutes later, you'll reach the famous Nesahaugen Viewpoint, which offers grand vistas of the fjord and nearby Bøyabreen Glacier. Stop for a well-deserved break and a photo opportunity before making the journey back down to the trailhead. 

After transferring back to Fjærland, pamper yourself after your active morning with a visit to a "floating sauna." Only in Norway can you enjoy this unique experience, which involves spending an hour in a sauna perched on a raft floating on the fjord. If you like, once the relaxing session is complete, do like the locals and dive into the fjord to cool off and get the blood circulating.

Day 8: Fishing Boat Tour, Transfer to Bergen, Ride the Ulriken Cable Car

Spend your last day among the fjords on a scenic boat ride. It begins with your transfer to the waterfront in the morning, where you'll meet up with a local fisherman guide. The two of you will then board a small fishing boat for a 1.5-hour cruise along the glacial waters of the Færlandsfjorden. As you enjoy the fresh air and marvel at the surrounding mountains, your guide (who grew up in Balestrand) will keep you entertained with tales about the region and its culture.

Later, you'll transfer about 4.5 hours south to Bergen. This charming port city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, filled with colorful, historic buildings. You'll stay in the area, at 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.

The last item on the day's agenda is a real treat: an ascent up Mount Ulriken, one of Bergen's Seven Sisters (the seven prominent mountains around the city). Head over to the station, where you'll hop on a cable car for a ride 2,109 feet (643 m) up to the top of the mountain. From the viewing platform, you'll be treated to some of the finest vistas of the city and surrounding fjords and mountain peaks. Before traveling back down, you can opt for a brisk nature hike around the platform.

Day 9: Bryggen Wharf Tour & Mountain Biking

Begin the day with a private walking tour of the most famous neighborhood in Norway: 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.

Day 10: Depart Bergen

The grand adventure around Norway's spectacular fjords has reached its conclusion. Take the morning to enjoy one more leisurely breakfast at the hotel and a stroll around Bergen's colorful waterfront. Then, at the appropriate time, your driver will take you to the Bergen Airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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