Fjord and Mountain Classics: Unveiling Norway's Wonders and Cultural Heritage - winter
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure in Norway's stunning fjords and mountains. Feel the thrill of dogsledding, journey through Jotunheimen by snowcoach, marvel at the iconic Stegastein viewpoint, explore the historic Borgund stave church and soak in the breathtaking scenery aboard the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise. Immerse yourself in local culture, indulge in outdoor activities, and discover the wonders of Norway's winter landscape.
Description
Discover the hidden gems of Norway on this 6-day trip along the Fjord Mountain Route, following ancient paths, antique and traditional ways of life in a scenic journey from Oslo to Bergen.
From the secluded Fagernes, join dog sledding, try snow coach or wander around historic paths, all whilst visiting enchanting Viking villages and discovering hidden postcards panoramas from historic train, electric ferries gliding on the water, or simply form viewpoint stretching out in the sky. You will create core memories from unforgettable experiences…
Day 1
Bus ride from Oslo to winter Jotunheimen
Today you
will start your Norwegian winter adventure with a scenic bus ride which will
take you from the vibrant, modern capital of Oslo towards more laid-back
sceneries, in the frame of Fagernes, a little village located in the
mountainous region of Jotunheim. After 3 hours through jaw-dropping views from
the bus, you will be able to step into Norwegian everyday life.
You can pay a visit to the local museum, and venture around Fagernes to
discover what it has to offer; shops, restaurant or simply an easy walk in the
local nature to reconnect with yourself, before a well-deserved rest at your
accommodation!
Accommodation: Scandic Valdres
Meals: -
Dinner: Not included. There are several restaurants around Valdres
Day 2
Dog sledding
To start
the day with a good serotonin dose, nothing beats dog sledding! Huskies are
renowned for their energy, speed and eagerness to run in snow, which gives you
frenzy vibes during this activity in the beautiful snow-capped Beitostølen! You
will first get a bus connection to Beitostølen, where you will get to know the
dogs who will be running with you, as well as the practical aspects of dog
sledding. Then you will pass from theory to practice, by sitting and being a
spectator to this wonderful activity! In a second moment, you will try
first-hand the thrill of leading a sledge, testing your knowledge and
leadership skills!
This 3-hour activity will include a wilderness meal as well, to immerse you
even more in the wild atmosphere which features the mountainous regions of this
country.
Accommodation: Radisson BLU Mountain Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch
Dinner: You will find restaurants in Beitostølen
Day 3
Snowcoach ride and snowshoeing, lunch at Eidsbugarden
Tyin has been a natural playground for locals since 1900s, being the western door to Jotunheimen and today this playground will be revealed to you!
Start the
day with a 2-hour ride towards the Tyin region, and from there you will board
on the historical bombardier snowcoaches which will bring you to the village of
Eidsbugarden.
Here a guide will explain you how to use snowshoes and will make sure to
indicate you the best trails to follow to discover the best views from this
side of the mountains! Although not as high speed as dogsledding, snowshoeing
can require an equal amount of energies, whilst gifting incredible views and
more detailed observation of the surrounding areas!
After such challenging activity, you will be served a delicious meal to restore
your energies before taking the snowcoach and the bus down to Tyin, to your
next accommodation.
Accommodation: Tyin Filefjell
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Borgund Stave Church, King's Road hike, transfer to Flåm
A good part
of Norwegian daily life revolves around physical activity in nature, very often
on ancient trails passing by historic monuments; today we will show you
churches and royal roads! From Filefjell take the bus towards the Borgund Stave
Church, a small yet renowned church still in use, with the typical architecture
of mixed Christian and Pagan elements; it will not be possible to enter inside,
but the outer view it's still fascinating! Behind the church, follow a hidden
path leading you to the King's Road. The name derives by virtue of royal edicts
which called for the construction – and maintenance – of a road able to connect
Oslo to Bergen. The trail was first constructed between 1790s with further
upgrading in the 1800s and it is still possible to see the difference between
the older trail (steeper and narrower) before you follow hairpins turns down to
the main road.
After this activity in a breath-taking environment, you will take the bus in
direction Sognefjord, reaching the well-known village of Flåm, where you will
be welcomed at your next accommodation.
Accommodation: Fretheim Hotel
Meal: Breakfast,
packed lunch
Dinner: Not included. There are several options to eat dinner in Flåm
Day 5
Flåm Railway, Fjord Cruise
Flåm is
famous for its views and stunning contrast between tall mountains and deep
fjords, but as well for its train; today you will experience the Flåmsbana, a
train trail whose construction required 20 years, despite being relatively
short (20 km), due to geographical features. It has fame to be is the steepest
standard-gauge railway in Europe, and you will be able to see it with your
eyes; mountains dramatically cutting down to valleys, rich and powerful
waterfalls, whilst you can enjoy the views from a cushy, cozy and comfy seat in
the warmth of the train.
After the mountain side, we will bring you on the waters with a Fjord Cruise,
en route to Gudvangen. From the silence of the electric ferry, you will be able
to immerse in the quiet and peace of the Nærøyfjord, Unesco Heritage since
2005, reaching the historic village of Gudvangen.
Accommodation: Fretheim Hotel
Meal:
Breakfast, packed lunch, -
Dinner: not included. There are several options to eat dinner in Flåm
Day 6
Stegastein Viewpoint, bus to Bergen
On the last
day, before leaving behind the mountains, we will take you to new heights, by
paying a visit to the Stegastein Viewpoint. Completed in 2006 and designed by
architects designed by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen, the viewpoint is a
30-metre creation of wood and steel overlooking Aurlandsvegen and the fjord
under and is part of the National Tourist Road connecting Aurland to Lærdal (popularly
known as "The snow road").
After one last look to the beautiful viewpoint, you'll catch the bus in
direction Bergen, second city of the kingdom.
After a 3-hour ride, you will reach the coastal town which has served as
capital city during Medieval times, first center of commerce until 1850 and
cultural center of the country; here you will be able to observe a
multi-cultural and international environment which gives a vibrant atmosphere
wherever you go, perfect closing for this wonderful adventure!
Meal: Breakfast, - , -
Included
- All
bus tickets as described in the program between Oslo and Bergen
- 5x accommodation
Meals:
- 5x breakfast
- 2x lunch
- 2x packed lunch
- 1x dinner
- 1x dog sledding
- Snowcoach and snowshoeing
- Snowshoe hike Kingsroad and visit Borgund Stave Church
- Visit Viewpoint Stegastein
- Flåm Railway
- Fjord Cruise Flåm- Gudvangen return