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Norway Hiking

Norway Hiking

Experience Norway, a pristine wilderness of tumbling waterfalls, lush pine forests, ancient glaciers, deep valleys and soaring cliffs. Explore this natural oasis, ferrying through Norway’s deepest fjord, ice hiking on a spectacular glacier and challenging yourself on vigorous hikes through serene valleys carpeted with a rainbow of forget-me-nots, buttercups and daisies. Come evening, enjoy fresh fish and the company of friendly locals before settling into historic waterfront and mountaintop inns.

Day 1 Stalheim

Gather in Voss, Norway’s adventure capital  Ascend into the mountains by cable car  Walk along the flower-laden foothills of Hangur Mountain accompanied by the jingling of cow bells and vistas of idyllic countryside, lakes and peaks  Cap the day atop a canyon overlooking the spectacular Nærøyfjord, Europe’s narrowest fjord and a World Heritage site.

Days 2-3 Solvorn

Travel by ferry through Nærøyfjord  Trek up Molden, passing old mountain seter (farms) and enjoying uninterrupted views of fjordlands - this is quintessential Norway!  Ferry from Solvorn to the Urnes Stave Church, a World Heritage site built in the 12th century with Christian and Viking architecture Get ready for an unforgettable hike at Nigardsbreen Glacier with our private guide.

Day 4 Fjærland

Shuttle to the charming fjord-front community of Fjærland, one of the world’s official "Book Towns" Savor pastoral scenery as you tackle a steep trek to a fantastic panorama of fjordlands and glaciers  Soak in views of the Jostedalen Glacier while enjoying your packed lunch.

Days 5-7 Balestrand

Choose between a challenging hike to the foot of Flatbreen Glacier or  a trek through the peaceful Mundal Valley  Take a break beside a magnificent waterfall Visit the world-famous Norwegian Glacier Museum Ferry across Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, to picturesque Balestrand Enjoy a walking tour of this historic artist's village with a local guide In the afternoon, embark on an invigorating hike to Balestølen, a lookout point with panoramic views of Sognefjord’s sparkling blue waters and the surrounding snowcapped peaks Take a post-hike dip in the crisp waters of the glacier-fed fjord Feast on a delectable picnic at the home of local artists Complete your adventure with a morning ferry to Bergen.

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A ROOM WITH A VIEW: Casual Inns

Stalheim Hotel (1 night): With stunning views of the Næroyfjord Valley and Norway’s highest waterfall, this historic hotel has its own folk museum.

Walaker Hotel (2 nights): This small family-built inn dating back more than 300 years offers charming guest rooms and a lovely setting along the Sognefjord.

Hotel Mundal (1 night): This simple country hotel, steeped in history, provides a wonderful base from which to explore the glorious surroundings.

Kviknes (2 nights): Gaze at one of the world’s longest fjords from the rambling verandas of this Swiss-style inn, operating since 1752.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

We hike on mountain trails with uneven terrain and steep drop-offs. During wet weather these trails can be boggy and wet.


Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

The landscape of Norway is probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. This trip really captured the essence of the geography as well as Norway's culture. From the hikes to the ferry rides through the fjords, the beauty of Norway was always present. Both of our leaders were great. They were part Mother ("don't forget to hydrate"), part Doctor (bandaging blistered feet), great leaders, but most of all, our friends. I definitely would be more than happy to see them again on another Backroads trip.
David Smith - Swansea, IL

My specialty is customer and employee satisfaction, and I can tell you - the leaders were absolutely incredible. They are the main reason why I will return to Backroads for years to come . . . you can't teach people the incredible leadership and management skills that they have - that is something innate - and they exceeded my every expectation and dealt with every small detail with seamless leadership - WOW . . . it doesn't get better than that!
Teik Francis - Delaware, OH

Our leaders were fantastic at supporting us in our first hiking trip. Since we were always at the back, one of them was with us, and I found the going got easier as I listened to Norwegian lore or looked at wildflowers, etc. while puffing uphill. We became confident in our ability to climb so that by the last day, we walked the 1320 feet with greater ease. They gave instruction in both walking and breathing techniques, which made the trip a lot of fun.
Leila Engman - Alexandria, VA

This was my fifth Backroads trip and I had a wonderful time. I always feel so completely satisfied at the end of your trips. Satisfied that I have experienced a country by breathing in its air, stomping across its land, becoming for a moment part of it and bringing some of it back on the bottoms of my boots!
Martha Hally - New York, NY

This was the BEST vacation experience I've ever had! My expectations of this trip were exceeded by the end of the first day. The leaders commitment to customer service was amazing - they are truly two of the most committed, hard-working and generous individuals that I've ever met. This was my first Backroads trip and certainly not my last. I can't imagine having a better time on another trip!
Samantha Pedersen - Boston, MA

So first let me tell you I am totally IN LOVE with Backroads!!! This company is really AMAZING and I plan to do another trip with them next summer - and also having you help me again! I can't THANK YOU enough - EVERYTHING you did for me (hotels, trains) were 1000% on target - including the train times and what to do about getting a seat on the train, etc, etc. It went so smoothly!!! THANK YOU so much again!!! I am already starting to look at what trip I want to do with Backroads next summer. I LOVED the hard hikes during the day and the GOURMET food and plush hotels at night!!!  I was in GREAT hands! THANKS! THANKS ! THANKS!
Irit Gat - Lancaster, CA

This was truly a trip of a lifetime! I can't believe how much I accomplished under such enjoyable conditions. I am a HUGE fan of Backroads and have already been marketing you to my family and friends. THANK YOU for everything so many did to make this such a wonderful, wonderful experience!
Jennifer Smith – Washington, DC