Norway
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
Reserve through the month of November 2020 for $1!
My favorite travel partner has just announced this incredible sale on small group travel for 2021! Through November 2020, you can reserve your spot on a dream trip for only US$1; one dollar gives you something to look forward to in 2021. I’m highlighting sample itineraries in this blog, but won’t be able to cover the HUNDREDS of options. If you have a travel wish, contact me for details!
Join a small group of like-minded travelers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
They have always created their tours by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places they visit.
They have measures in place to help keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you (reluctantly) head home, earning a badge from the World Travel and Tourism Council. WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols
No matter the Travel Style, their tours balance well-planned itineraries with the flexibility to do your own thing and make the experience your own.
They don’t have tour guides — they have Chief Experience Officers. And they are all locally based, meaning they know the area you’re exploring like the back of their well-travelled hand.
When you travel with them, you experience first-hand their commitment to making travel a force for good is in everything they do.
There are multiple itineraries for Norway, but I’m highlighting one of the few entirely on-land adventures; most Norway tours include marine voyages through the majestic fjords, to the seaside towns and villages. So please contact me if you’d like to hear more after you read through here. All Norway itineraries include the following:
Local guide and a trip representative throughout your adventure
Transportation during trip
Vetted locally-owned accommodations, who follow strict guidelines to mitigate the spread of Covid-19
Myriad activities and excursions, including unique off-the-beaten-path experiences
All breakfasts; many other meals; locally sourced food, when possible
Flexible itinerary with time to do your own thing, with suggested options
STARTING AT $1997
DAY 1: BERGEN
Arrive at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting before heading out for an orientation walk of Bergen. Your opportunity to meet your trip leader and fellow travelers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Enjoy a brief walk with your trip leader. S/he will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
DAY 2:BERGEN/ODDA
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful city of Bergen. Transfer by ferry and private vehicle along the Hardangerfjord to Odda, the base in the heart of the fjords. Enjoy an introductory hike. Free time to explore the streets of the city at leisure.
Accommodation: Trolltunga Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3: ODDA
Known as the Valley of the Waterfalls, Oddadalen is a spectacular wooded ravine adorned with numerous beautiful waterfalls. Stretch your legs on a 10km (6.2 mi) hike along the Buerdalen valley. Consider today’s hike a warm-up to prepare for our full day Trolltunga excursion on Day 6.
Get your blood pumping on a 10-12km (6-8mi) hike along the valley, reaching high elevations and continuing through steep slopes. Pass valleys and forests reaching breathtaking viewpoints of Buer Valley and Buer Glacier. Total ascent: approx. 850m (0.6mi)
Accommodations: Trolltunga Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4: ODDA/FOLGEFONNA GLACIER/ODDA
Join an expert local guide for a hike across the frozen landscape of the Folgefonna Glacier. Strap on crampons, head out on the ice and take in spectacular views of the glacier.
Folgefonna’s Juklavass Glacier has it all: large areas with calm, flat ice, and challenging crevasses fit for experienced hikers. As snow gives way to blue ice through the season, and conditions change every day, your guide will lead the group through the best routes and provide opportunities for both types of experiences. Stop for lunch with a view of the North Sea and the Rosendal Alps. Later, hike back with the Arctic fjords and mountains framed by early evening light. Total ascent: approx. 300m (0.2mi).
Accommodation: Trolltunga Hotel (or similar)
DAY 5: ODDA
Enjoy free time today to relax in the beauty of the surrounding fjords, or opt to partake in any of the many activities this area has to offer.
Set in the breathtaking location of the Atlantic fjordlands, Odda is an ideal place to take a day off from hiking. For those looking to recharge today, opt to wander the quaint town that lines the coast with its multi-coloured residences or take a rib boat ride on the fjords. For those who are itching to get back out into the wild, take in the views from a bike or kayak, or consider preparing for your Trolltunga Hike by booking the Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Extension for an enchanting night in the Sunrise Dome perched high above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
Optional activities:
Rib Boat Fjordcruise, 930NOK/person: Hop in a rib boat and take in the amazing sights of the towering mountain fjords, passing by natural wonders like the Edna waterfall, Agatunet, and Velure. Sit back, relax, and learn about the history and wildlife of this area.
Sandvinsvatnet Lake hike, 3-5 hrs
Bike Rental, 250-3–NOK/person: Set out on a mountain bike and hit one of the many scenic trails in the area.
Trolltunga Via Ferrata Sunset/Sunrise Combo Upgrade: Can’t get enough of Trolltunga? Opt to upgrade your Trolltunga hike and stay overnight in the Sunset/Sunrise Dome the night before your hike. Cozy up in the dome (picture a comfy, see-through igloo) situated off the beaten path. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment as you take in incredible panoramic sunset views. As day turns into night, take in the constellations through the dome’s transparent ceiling. Wake up refreshed for a breathtaking sunrise flooding the surrounding mountains and Lake Ringedalsvatnet below with sunlight. Before departing, eat a delicious breakfast to energize you on your way.
Accommodation: Trolltunga Hotel (or similar)
DAY 6: ODDA/TROLLTUNGA/ODDA
Gear up for the highlight of the week – a challenging full-day journey up to the most famous rock formation in Norway. Trolltunga (the “Troll’s Tongue”) grants breathtaking views from 700m (2,296 ft) above the Ringedalsvatnet lake.
Trolltunga is one of this area’s most popular and challenging hiking destinations. It requires preparation from hikers. Prepare for 10-12 hours of hiking, biking, and rock climbing on a route almost completely on a gradient. Should you decide to opt out of the via ferrata route, you are welcome to do the hike only. Compared with our full-day hike early in the week, Trolltunga will physically demand more – with the reward of unrivaled views.
Set out on a challenging full-day journey to the most famous rock formation in Norway. Trolltunga (“the Troll’s Tongue”) grants breathtaking views from 700m (2,296 ft) above the Ringedalsvatnet lake. Hike, bike and rock climb past waterfalls, steep mountain ridges, and lush greenery to reach the spectacular viewpoint. Ascend more than 1,000 m (3,280 ft) along the way to views out over the Folgefonna Glacier and Ringedalsvatnet lake.
Accommodation: Trolltunga Hotel (or similar)
DAY 7: ODDA/BERGEN
Leaving Odda behind, take a bus to Bergen. Trip ends on arrival in Bergen. We suggest booking any onward travel for no earlier than 4:30pm. If you wish to extend your stay in Bergen, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us.
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