Norway Hiking & Kayaking Adventure - 7 Days

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.

The cobblestoned streets are compact and walkable, so get out and explore Bergen's lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to a young student population. 

Stay overnight in Bergen.

Day 2: Fjordcruise to Rosendal

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the harbor for a cruise to Rosendal. 

This trip will sail through the fjords of Bergen to the Hardangerfjord, known as the "queen of the fjords", for spectacular views of steep mountains and cascading waterfalls. 

Arrive in Rosendal for a 3 1/2 hour visit, which includes a guided tour of a manor dating back to 1665. For lunch, relax with a two-course meal prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables grown onsite, along with coffee, tea, and pastries. After lunch, continue your tour in the rose garden before ending your day. 

You will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight in Odda, where you'll have a chance to explore this neat little town — a base for many outdoor adventures — before heading to bed.

Day 3: Hike Trolltunga

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up in the small village of Skjeggedal for an epic 8-10 hour hike to Trolltunga, which is located 17 km (10 miles) outside of the town of Odda. Situated above Ringedalsvatnet Lake, Trolltunga's popular vantage point offers fantastic views of the area. This is a more challenging day hike as it takes 8–10 hours total with a height gain of 2,952 feet (900 meters). 

You'll work your way through various sections of the trail culminating with the "ferrata himelstigen" or ladder to heaven. Here, you will reach the famous Trolltunga, or "troll's tongue"—a smooth rock formation jutting out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The views are spectacular and are among the most photographed in all of Norway. Guided tours are recommended as this is a challenging hike that requires wind-and-waterproof clothing and enough food and water for the day. 

At the end of the day, you'll return to Odda, where you can reward yourself with dinner and drinks in the town's restaurants and pubs.

Day 4: Bus to Gudvangen -> Fjordcruise on Næroyfjord

After breakfast at your hotel, you will take the local bus from Odda to Voss and then from Voss to Gudvangen, where you will board a ship for your cruise on the fjord.

The Nærøyfjord is surrounded by steep mountains, cascading waterfalls and snow-covered peaks reaching up to 5905 feet (1800 meters) high. You will also sail by tiny fishing villages filled with traditional Norwegian wooden houses. The Nærøyfjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. The passageways are so narrow, you can practically reach out and touch the mountainside.

When you return to dry land, stay overnight in Aurland and enjoy free time to explore the town on your own. For example, have dinner at a restaurant with a view and sample fresh Norwegian fare.

Day 5: Kayaking & Hiking near Aurland -> Train to Oslo

After breakfast in Aurland, explore a section of the Sognefjord by kayak and foot with a local guide.

First, you will gear up and paddle to Fronneset, a historical place with grave mounds from the Viking era. Follow a winding path along a wild river, which passes dramatic waterfalls and bubbling lagoons. (No kayaking experience necessary.)

There will be a break on land, followed by a short hike and a chance to go swimming in the lagoon, so bring a swimsuit and a towel. 

In the afternoon, you'll catch a train back to Oslo and stay overnight. This journey will take you through some of the highest train elevations in the world. From small villages to remote countryside, the views are nothing short of spectacular. At its highest point, the tracks will take you 4009 feet (1222 meters) above sea level! 

Arrive in Oslo and stay overnight. You'll have time to explore the lively streets, like Karl Johans Gate, and check out the city's restaurant and nightlife scene.

Day 6: Explore Oslo's hidden gems with a local expert

After breakfast, you'll embark on an excursion to discover the real Oslo in the most authentic way possible: with a local expert guide. And there's quite a bit to see in a relatively small space (it takes a mere 30 minutes to travel from one end of Oslo to the other by metro). The city is known for its rich history and museums, some of which celebrate the macabre works of the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch. Others recount fascinating maritime history in the form of stunning ships of the Viking Era, while others celebrate music and even ski history. 

The guide will tailor the experience to your preferences and interests, or you can defer to their expertise as they lead you around the city on an impromptu adventure. This includes visiting the sites mentioned above as well as strolling the cobbled streets of Damstredet, in central Oslo. This historic road is lined with well-preserved wooden houses dating back to the late 1700s/early 1800s. A walk along the Akerselva River should not be missed either, as it is an iconic landmark in the city. 

Then, should you choose, you can visit Grünerløkka, a bohemian enclave that abounds with street art, funky cafes (which offer some of the best coffee in the world), dance clubs, and independent fashion boutiques. This is also the location of the Mathallen Food Hall, where you can savor the flavors of Norway and abroad at its more than 30 eateries. Here you'll find everything from paella and Southeast Asian street food to Norwegian cheeses and cured meats. 

In the evening you'll return to your hotel.

Meet up: 9 am at your hotel
Duration: 3 hours

Day 7: Depart Oslo

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last few hours walking around Oslo's neighborhoods, relaxing in a café, or visiting local boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

This trip made it to Europe's best itineraries. See the complete list here