Valleys and Fjords

Day 1 Oslo Arrival

Arrival in Oslo and make your own way to your hotel. The capital of Norway, sits on the country's southern coast at the head of Oslofjord and is known for its green spaces and wonderful museums, vibrant social scene and proximity to the other fjords and mountains of the south and west. Two nights at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar.

Day 2 Oslo Sightseeing

Your panoramic sightseeing tour this morning, explores the must see attractions. Feel the cosy atmosphere in the city centre, admire stunning views from Holmenkollen Ski Jump and stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park. On Bygdoy Peninsula visit the Fram and Kon-Tiki Museums (entrance fee included). Remainder of the day at leisure. 2nd overnight at Clarion Hotel The Hub or similar. 

Day 3 Oslo – Eggedal: SUP Excursion

Private transfer this morning from your hotel to Eggedal Borgerstue, centrally located in Buskerud county, approx. 2hrs drive from Oslo. Pass the scenic surroundings in Kunstner dalen. Check in for two nights at Eggedal Borgerstue, a small, family-run hotel with an intimate atmosphere. This property was originally an old shooting station with a long and exciting history. Afternoon guided SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) excursion. It is suitable for most people, as relatively wide boards are used, although a few end up in the water involuntarily; all participants must be able to swim. Paddle down the river Eggedola until reaching the wetland area and Solevatn nature reserve. End in Soletjern and take a minibus back to the starting point. Time on the water approx. 1.5hrs. Tour incl.: boards, oars, dry suits, life jackets, instructor and return transport. Remainder of the day at leisure. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Hike to Statue of the Madonna

Morning guided hike to the Statue of the Madonna. Sherpas from Nepal have made the 3km hike an easy trip. The history of the statue dates back to 1989 when Anne Margrethe Bugge gave an area of land to Sigdal municipality. Bugge wanted the area to be used for forestry and cabins as well as hunting and fishing by the general public. In addition, she asked that a statue of Madonna and Child be put up. In 2003, sculptor Turid Angell Eng began working on the statue in Vietnam and once it was completed, the light granite sculpture travelled to Oslo by boat, to Eggedal by car, and to Bjønneskortenatten by helicopter. In 2009, Madonna with child was unveiled and the statue has been a popular hiking destination ever since. The statue is located near the border of the Trillemarka-Rollagsfjell nature reserve at an elevation of 1020m. The round trip hike is a total of 6km. Dinner at the hotel tonight is a Madonna burger, the signature dish for Eggedal Borgerstue.

Day 5 Eggedal – Nesbyen – Myrdal – Flåm

Morning private transfer from hotel to Nesbyen station where you continue by train to Myrdal, then Flåmsbana train to Flåm. The Flåm Railway has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. It runs from the high mountains at Myrdal station and downhill to the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord. The journey displays the very best aspects of Western Norway's stunning scenery. Short walk from Flåm station to the Flåmsbrygga Hotel or similar, Flåm for two nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. Or perhaps take an optional fjord sauna (this must be pre-booked) located at the quay and a refreshing dip in the Aurlandsfjord. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 RIB Fjord Safari & Viking Dinner

Enjoy a Heritage fjord safari by RIB boat and experience the spectacular nature and fjord landscape of a World Heritage site. Head out through Aurlandsfjord and further into the stunning Naeroyfjord. The turning point is in Gudvangen, the end of the Naeroyfjord. Return on the other side of the fjord surrounded by a different view. Stops along the way and and keep an eye out for seals, porpoises and eagles. The guide will tell you about the fjord, local history and wildlife. 

Tonight enjoy a Viking Plank Dinner at Ægir BrewPub, located at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel. Ægir BrewPub is steeped in Viking history, using local ingredients that would have been familiar in Viking times, with flavours to suit the modern palate. Ægir Vikingplanke signature dinner: this unique five-course beer and food menu pairs five-course local food with five different varieties of Ægir beer. Shellfish, smoked reindeer, shellfish soup, pork belly and chocolate ganache cake or similar. Also available without alcohol or as a vegetarian option.

Day 7 Flåm – Gudvangen – Voss – Bergen: Cruise the Sognefjord (Queen of the Fjords)

Today take the short walk from your hotel to the ferry wharf, for a spectacular two hour cruise on the Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen. At Gudvangen board the bus which waits for you at the pier, and take the exciting ride up the Stalheim Canyon past waterfalls and sheer cliffs, to the lakeside town of Voss. The bus drops you off at the Voss railway station, where your train to Bergen is waiting. On arrival in Bergen, make your own way to your hotel. This old Hanseatic trading city is full of history and tradition, an international city that has retained its small-town charm and atmosphere, and offers an exciting blend of nature and culture. Visit the Fish and Flower markets, take the funicular up Mount Floyen for amazing views, and explore the shops, cafes and centuries old wooden houses of the old wharf area. Check in for two nights in Bergen at Hotel Bergen Bors or similar.

Day 8 Bergen Guided Food and Culture Walk

This morning experience the city of Bergen with all your senses. This shared guided tour takes you through the history of Bergen and tastes of local food and it’s story. Learn about Bergen and the local food traditions and history from a local guide. Bergen is on UNESCO’s creative city list for gourmet city. Local commodities and homemade products are in focus in our food tour. Your local guide will take you through the old part of the city and you will have 5 stops with tastes on your experience. We will visit Bryggen, which is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. Another tasting in a small restaurant, which used to be a public bath. The last stop being at the oldest existing cellar in Norway with a special story accompanied by a beer. The food served during will be equivalent to a big lunch. Afternoon at leisure. 2nd overnight at Hotel Bergen Bors or similar. 

Day 9 Bergen Departure

Arrangements end this morning after breakfast.

2024 departures: daily April - November

Notes:

It is possible to extend with extra nights in Oslo, Eggedal, Flåm and Bergen, please enquire.