Walking the Fjords

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Guided group walking

8 nights,
twin centre

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

SUMMARY

Operated by our sister company, Exodus
Hike through Norway’s stunning fjords, the most immersive way to experience the natural wonders Ride the Flåm railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world Enjoy a ferry ride through the dramatic sheer cliffs of Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord) Visit the award-winning Norwegian Glacier Museum to unlock the secrets of the landscape Stay at Nes Gard, a family farm with a stunning spot on the edge of Lustrafjord

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

All breakfasts, seven packed lunches and six dinners included
All accommodation

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Norwegian fjords are rightly ranked as one of the natural wonders of the world. No visitor leaves underwhelmed by the contrast of snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides and powerful waterfalls plunging into calm, clear fjordic waters. Most tourists come by coach and crowd into a few busy hotspots, whereas we discover these classic landscapes on foot, providing unique access to areas of tranquil beauty and high panoramic viewpoints. In the fjords, we stay in two locations. Our first base is Nes Farm: a cosy family-run guesthouse looking towards the Feigumfoss waterfall across Lustrafjord. Our second is Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel: also family run, this time on the waterfront in the town of Fjærland. Both neighbour Sognefjord (known as the King of the Fjords), Jotunheimen (the highest mountains in Norway), and the massive ice cap of Jostedalsbreen.

Day 1: Start Bergen

The adventure begins in Bergen. We’ll have a welcome briefing at the hotel helmed by our leader, then head out for a guided tour of Norway’s second city. Accommodation: Thon Orion Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Ferry to Sogndal; visit of Urnes Stave Church and transfer to Nes Gard

In the morning, we have a short transfer to Bergen pier where we board the ferry to Sogndal. Although this is not a cruise, it is a very scenic journey into the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the country. On the way from Leikanger to Nes Gard we will stop in Solvorn and take a short ferry trip across the fjord to visit the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO-listed landmark with traditional wooden architecture and a heavenly fjordic backdrop, where we will have a guided tour. Back in Solvorn, we have a 20-minute (approximate) transfer to Nes Gard, our hideaway in the fjords for the next three nights. Accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 3: Warm-up walk to Molden peak, an excellent viewpoint for Sognefjord

After a short transfer, we start the week with a lovely warm-up walk to the top of Molden Peak (3,360ft/1,116m), where we can marvel at the profound chasm that is Sognefjord. Molden is often called the finest viewpoint in Sogn, with an amazing fjord view. With 1,970ft (600m) of elevation gain over 2.6mi (4.2km), the path is neither too steep nor strenuous. The trail to Molden's summit is very well marked with signs. Halfway, we stop at Svarthiller, where we get the first scenic views of the fjord. Accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 4: Transfer to Jostedal valley; walk and boat trip on glacial lake; optional glacier walk

After breakfast, we have an approximately 40-minute transfer to Jostedal National Park, the home of Jostedal glacier, a mammoth ice cap covering vast swathes of the park itself. It has nearly 30 glacial arms and today we visit two, starting at Bergset glacier, a mighty ice wall covering the upper part of Krundalen valley. We then walk to Nigards glacier, getting so close it'll feel like you can almost touch it. If you'd like to get even closer, you can join an optional guided walk on the glacier, using crampons and an ice axe to help you navigate. Accommodation: Nes Gard (or similar)

Day 5: Hike into Mørkrisdalen Valley

Today we hike into Mørkrisdalen, one of the most scenic valleys in Norway. The walk starts in a narrow canyon dominated by a waterfall. As we continue, the canyon opens into a wide valley of moorland with wildflowers and traditional Norwegian summer cottages. Afterwards, we say goodbye to Nes Gard and transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to our second hotel in the fjords, the Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel in Fjærland. This hotel has an incredible waterfront location with panoramic views of the glacier. Accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel (or similar)

Day 6: Walk to Anestølen and Lake Tverrdalsvotni

After a short morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes), we begin our walk by following a mostly flat gravel road which offers panoramic views of the Barnakona peak. We will arrive in Anestølen, which is a summer farm for goats and enjoy our lunch while our tour leader tells us stories about how farming life has evolved here over the years. There can be up to 600 goats each summer. Afterwards (and a chance to take selfies with the goats), we will continue on the same path until we get to Lake Tverrdalsvotni. The second part of the walk after Anestølen is a bit steeper and rocky in some sections. We return back down along the same path and continue our walk until we meet our transfer vehicle to take us back to the hotel. Accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel (or similar)

Day 7: Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum; Besshovden hike

We start the day with a five-minute transfer to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, an angular slice of modern architecture backdropped by the ancient mountain peaks. Here we enjoy a fascinating insight into the local landscape, the glaciers and how the climate crisis is impacting them. After, we have a 10-minute transfer to our start point for today’s hike. The walk is one of the most popular in the area and when we reach the top of Besshovden mountain, we see why. From the summit, we enjoy majestic views of the Fjærlandsfjorden fjord and the Jostedalsbreen glacier. During summer, you may even see people securing hammocks to spend the night under the stars. Accommodation: Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel (or similar)

Day 8: Ferry through the Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord); Flåm railway to Bergen

After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Gudvangen and take a ferry through the Unesco-listed Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord) – a real highlight of the trip. The excitement continues immediately, as we jump on the Flåm railway to Bergen, regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. On arrival in Bergen, we take a 10-minute transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Thon Orion Hotel (or similar)

Day 9: End Bergen

The adventure ends in Bergen after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like a bit more time to explore the city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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£3699

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £540.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

Transportation

Transport via private bus, train and ferry to and from Lustrafjord.

Joining Instructions

nKey information Start hotel: Thon Orion Hotel, Bradbenken 3, 5003 Bergen Phone: +47 55 30 87 00 Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 3pm and the welcome briefing will be at 4pm, followed by the orientation walk of Bergen Airport: Bergen Airport (BGO) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or alternatively you can make your own way to the start hotel by using local public transport or by catching a taxi. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, you can also make your own way to the airport by using local public transport or by catching a taxi. n

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

Flights from London or any available regional airport*

Airport parking and airport hotels

Priority at Security and Fast Track

Airport lounge access

Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats

Business/club/first class fares

Transfer upgrade

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

As a first time hiker I was worried about what to expect from this trip but I shouldn't have been. Spent a truly amazing week hiking varied and incredibly beautiful landscapes, interspersed with some breathtaking ferry trips. The pace was manageable (although I did start with a good base fitness) and there were often options to shorten or lengthen walks depending on capability but this was always optional. Nes Gard itself is a truly special place and perfect for an escape from real life. Waking up to the view of fjord everyday was such a contrast to living in the UK. The staff at Nes Gard are lovely and evenings were spent eating fab local food and then drinking and catching up in the bar with new found friends. This is the perfect holiday if you want a break from reality, a chance to unwind and to see some truly beautiful scenery as well as the chance to make some amazing friends.

Nes Gard Farm, what “a little gem” of a place to stay for the week. The team, food and wine pairing option was truly amazing at this special place which was also surrounded by incredible scenery. The evening hike briefings for the following day took place either in the charming wine cellar or wonderfully converted old cattle shed with a drink or two to start the evening off before our delicious three course meal was served up each evening including locally sourced ingredients where possible and the option for wine pairing with each course. Being September we were particularly lucky with the sunny warm blue skied weather with no rainfall all week. Each day we set off on a very different hike led by our fantastic guide Anders. No one day was the same and the scenery truly breathtaking. We got an wonderful appreciation for all Norway has to offer in terms of views and what an incredible first visit to this beautiful country we had and we we would love to come back to the country in the future.

The scenery exceeded our expectations and walking among it seemed a real privilege.

A stunningly beautiful adventure exploring Norway. Such a great variety of treks and landscapes led by an excellent, v natural guide who is v passionate about his country. If you love trekking and the outdoors, then Norway should be on your bucket list!

A great week of hiking in a beautiful location with good accommodation and lovely food - and with great guides. This is a full program with little 'down time'.

The accommodation and the guides could not have been better.

Nes Gard Farm is a fantastic place. The meals were fresh, healthy, and delicious. Each day we traveled to a new location for hiking. The people in my tour group were great - 8 women and 3 couples. Everyone was game for adventure and being active. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and very personable.

I had a lovely time in Norway. During the day we were kept busy with hikes in the mountains surrounding the Norwegian fjords - good exercise and beautiful views. Our guest house was charming - was surprised by how nice it was - and the staff was super friendly. We even saw quite a few UNESCO world heritage sites. Overall I was positively surprised with Norway and glad i chose this trip. Great company too!

An action packed week of walking in an area of stunning scenery. Walks full of interest and every day was different terrain so all walks very different all superbly guided.

Even the journey from Bergen to our accommodation was beautiful both ways including ferry crossings of stunning fjords

Nes Gard was a wonderful place to stay. So friendly, lovely accommodation & superb food.

We were picked up from the airport with no problem and taken to a very nice hotel (Thon Orion) in Bergen. The hotel puts on a free evening buffet type dinner which was perfectly adequate for us. The rooms were good, clean and comfy. Asbjorn owns the farm in Nes where we stayed, and he drove us there, quite a long journey but with plenty of stops. He was happy to tell us all about his country and Nes Gard. The accommodation was lovely, just across the road from the Fjord. My bed was amazingly comfortable, everywhere was spotless. Food was delicious. The walks were varied, not difficult if you're used to hiking. Some might find some of the walks a little challenging, as the terrain was often rocky, and steep in places. Some of the walks were there and back the same way which probably couldn't be helped, but it made me feel a little cheated.

The only problem I have with waking in Norway was the tracks .

They are in a state of great repair . Ground in places need to be leveled out . Some rocks need to be removed .

New soil needs to be placed down in most places.

As below

our host at Nes Farm was excellent ,changing the order of our walks to suit the weather pattern ,giving us great information about Norway's history and sharing his passion for the outdoors and his country. Food and hospitality made this trip special.

Jillian

An excellent holiday! The walking was wonderful, the scenery stunning, food fantastic, and the guide generous, (I like alliteration!). We stayed at Ned Guard where our room was very comfortable and the staff brilliant. Our guide, Asbjorn Manum, was a wonderful host who shared his love of hiking with the group. A gentleman of, let's say, more mature years, but still walked up the steepest slopes like a youngster.

A brilliant holiday

The superb walking with plenty of spectacular and varied landscapes along the way would by itself make for great trip, but what makes it special is staying at the guest house at Nes Farm. The accommodation is comfortable, the location is wonderful and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Asbjorn & Mari, are the perfect hosts and together with their staff, work hard to keep their guests happy. They also have a good chef, so the standard of the breakfasts and dinners is excellent.

As a cautionary note, the 'wow' factor on this trip may depend on the weather. I'm not sure if we were particularly lucky, as we did have rain on some days, but generally it was only for a short duration and nothing that detracted from the enjoyment of any of the walks. There again, they had just experienced two months without much rain before we arrived, so you never can tell.

This is a trip with some cultural content for walkers who are capable of hiking up hills and walking for between 4-6 hours a day. The scenery is stunning.

The landscape was just out of this world - my jaw was almost permanantly dropped! I've seen a million pictures of the fjords so I thought I knew what to expect but actually, once you're there it's like stepping through a gateway to another world, simply awe-inspiring. No National Geographic image can quite prepare you for how small you feel. One lady on the trip was an artist and she took a sketch pad with her, which I thought was a wonderful idea. The guest house was another surprise - it's so quaint! And the dinners - well, it's lucky we were walking all day! Three course meals every evening, truly superb. Even the breakfast was seriously impressive - they bake their own bread so you have fresh rolls, and pick their own fruit from the orchard. The chef is a truly talented individual!

This was a wonderful trip that I can highly recommend. Beautiful country to visit, great walks, lovely accommodation with superb food, brilliant leader.

A great escape! The trip was appropriately graded: the hikes were just challenging enough to make it feel like we'd earned our suppers! The food, service and accommodation at Nes Gard were first class - well above expectations. Asbjorn, Mari and their staff were wonderful. Eric was a fantastic guide too. We enjoyed ourselves very much!

Superb trip. Fantastic walking, each day very different scenery. Great accomodation, with excellent food. Very friendly hosts, felt like you were staying in a private house, rather than a hotel.

I have been on numerous Exodus trips over the past ten years and the Walking the Fjords has been the best. Why! Quite simply the accommodation and food was first class and plenty of it. The Hosts and staff at Nes Gard worked tirelessly to make our week memorable. As for the treks each was unique in scenery and condition under foot, ending with a course on using crampons which included a climb over the glacier. It also helps being blest with excellent weather. Making this a trip to remember.

The booking process was protracted whilst I was waiting for confirmation that the booking could be fulfilled and took much longer than expected or than is reasonable. Having raised my concerns Stephanie who is the Customer Co-ordinator from Headwater was extremely prompt in responding to my feedback and in chasing down the details to complete the booking. She took the time to listen to my feedback and to address my concerns. Once she took over the management of my booking I was very happy with the speed and quality of response. Now I have a lovely trip to look forward to in September!

12 Aug 2024

A consistently prompt and personalised level of service, nothing is ever too much trouble. Great communication, easy to contact, and regular updates. Feels reliable and trusted at every stage of the process. And all done with a smile. Thank you Andrew!

3 Jul 2024

Luke was very helpful

22 Jun 2024

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Norway