Fjord and Mountain Classics: unveiling Norway's Wonders and Cultural Heritage - summer
Embark on a spectacular summer journey from Oslo to Bergen, traversing Norway's majestic fjords and mountains. Delight in hiking adventures amidst breathtaking landscapes, sail through the enchanting beauty of Jotunheimen by boat, discover the cultural heritage of Stave churches, marvel at the scenic wonders aboard the Flåm Railway, and unwind on a serene fjord cruise. Experience the very essence of Norway's natural wonders and cultural treasures in this unforgettable journey.
Description
Discover the hidden gems of Norway on this 5-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 Beitostølen, hike on the local mountains Bitihorn, wander around the historic King's Road, all whilst discovering more about the traditional salmon farming industry which have transformed in a profitable and successful adventure. Admire hidden postcards panoramas from historic train or electric ferries gliding on the water; you will create core memories from unforgettable experiences…
Day 1
Bus ride from Oslo to Jotunheimen
Today you
will start your Norwegian summer adventure with a scenic bus ride of 4 hours
which will take you from the vibrant, modern capital of Oslo towards more
laid-back sceneries, in the frame of Beitostølen, a little village in the
mountainous region of Jotunheim, once farm area turned into ski-mecca for both
alpine and cross-country enthusiasts, and with many other activities.
If you arrive with the early bus, you can as start your journey of exploration
with a hike, depending on your level of training and the length you desire.
Accommodation: Radisson BLU Mountain Resort
Meals: - , -, -
Not included, but there are several restaurants around the resort for your convenience.
Day 2
Hike Bitihorn
Start with a bus ride (15 minutes) to Jotunheim, from where you will start your hike to Bitihorn, a beautiful summit of 1607 m.a.s.l. with great views. It's a mildly demanding tour which rewards the hikers with extensive views to Jotunheimen, Bygdin and Torfinnstindene in the north-west, and the gentle, wooded hills to the east in Valdres. Not least, you have a fantastic view over the elongated Vinstervannet. The road is marked clearly, and it doesn't have difficulties in particular, but it requires at least 4 hours for the roundtrip.
Accommodation: Radisson BLU Mountain Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, packed lunch, -
Dinner not included. There are several restaurants around for your convenience.
Day 3
Boat cruise Jotunheimen, Borgund Stave Church and hiking King's Road
Today's
hike require a first bus connection to Bygdin, from where you will take the
boat M/B Bitihorn over the lake Bygdin lake to Eidsbugarden and from there you
will be free to wander around this enchanting secluded retreat.
You will be served a gourmet lunch at Fondsbu, part of the Norwegian Trekking
Association (DNT) accommodations; originally named "The happy wanderer" and
intended for guests who didn't want to wear formal clothes at the nearby hotel
for dinner, today Fondsbu is more simply a beautiful accommodation for hikers
and skiers alike all year round.
Your heritage discovery will follow on with the visit to Borgund Stave Church,
a small yet renowned church still in use, with the typical architecture of
mixed Christian and Pagan elements. 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 of Lærdal, where you will be welcomed at
your next accommodationAccommodation: Lindstrøm Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4
Visit old Lærdal, visit Wild Salmon Center, bus ride over Snow road "Aurlandsfjell" and Viewpoint Prest
Lærdal
represent an important point of cultural, historic and industrial activity in
Norway, with human presence dating back for at least 6000 years. The area has
always been interesting for wooden industry and it's a coveted destination for
salmon fishing; here you will you will have time to wander through the
picturesque streets of Lærdal, admiring the wooden buildings from other times,
as well as to visit the Salom Villakssenteret (Wild Salmon Center) where you
can learn much about one of the most important product for the economy of the
country.
In the afternoon, the bus ride will take you over the Aurlands Mountain (also
known as "The Snow Road"), with a stop at the famous Stegastein viewpoint, in
direction of the village of Gudvangen.
Accommodation: Gudvangen
Meal: Breakfast,
- , -
Dinner: there are several options to eat dinner in Gudvangen
Day 5
Flåm Railway and 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 Flåm Railway,
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 train wagons. You will have to change train at Myrdal, to catch the train
back to Flåm, but do not fear, there's little chances to get lost.
After this enriching experience, you will be taking the cruise to the second
city of the kingdom, Bergen! After 5-hour, 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!
Meals: Breakfast, - , -
Included
All
bus tickets as described in the program between Oslo and Bergen
- 4x accommodation
Meals:
- 4 x Breakfast
- 2 x Packed lunch
- 1 x Dinner
- Boat cruise Jotunheimen
- Visit Borgund Stave Church
- Guidet tour old village Lærdal
- Visit Wild Salmon Center
- Bus tour over snow road "Aurlandsfjell"
- Visit Stegastein
- Flåm Railway
- Fjord Cruise Flåm - Bergen