Mountains and beaches. Both can be beautiful. Every continent has them. But fjords - now there's originality. And Norway is endowed with an enviable collection. Carved by glaciers, dramatic slopes, soaring cliffs. Be humbled by towering formations on either side as your ferry navigates the waters of Sognefjord, Norway's deepest fjord. It's the perfect reward after the vigorous hikes along the shores through the serene valleys, quiet villages and dense pine forests. Norway welcomes you with happy people, beautiful scenery and a gloriously unique perspective.
Day 1 Idyllic treks across fertile valleys dotted with wildflowers,
farms and waterfalls 
Ascend into the mountains by cable car from Voss, Norway's adventure capital The jingling of sheep bells accompanies your walk along the Hangur Mountain foothills.
Day 2 Amble and boat among Norway's incredible pristine fjords
Begin the day with a hearty hike above the valley floor, then share some local traditions - including songs, storytelling and dessert - at a local farm Ferry through spectacular Nærøyfjord, Europe's narrowest fjord and a World Heritage site - this is quintessential Norway!
Days 3-4 Guided excursion on sapphire-blue Nigardsbreen Glacier
- get ready to don ice-climbing gear Behold Urnes Stave Church, a World Heritage site built in the 12th century From the charming waterfront community of Fjærland, a steep hike leads to a fantastic vista of Jostedalen Glacier.
Days 5-6 Get to know historic Balestrand,
an inviting artist village with two burial mounds from the Viking age Which sounds better: a challenging and rewarding hike to the foot of Flatbreen Glacier or a ramble through peaceful Mundal Valley to a magnificent waterfall? The world-famous Norwegian Glacier Museum is a must-see If you're feeling brave, indulge in a post-hike dip in the crisp waters of glacier-fed Sognefjord A final dinner at a unique local eatery set in the middle of an orchard.
Trip Highlights
- Walk and boat among Norway's incredible pristine fjords
- Idyllic treks across fertile valleys dotted with wildflowers, farms and waterfalls
- Get to know historic Balestrand, an inviting artist village
- Guided excursion on sparkling Nigardsbreen Glacier
- Urnes Stave Church, built in the 12th century
Casual Inns
Stalheim Hotel (1 night): With stunning views of Norway's highest waterfall and the Nærøyfjord Valley, 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 Hotel (1 night): Admire panoramic views of one of the world's longest fjords from the rambling verandas of this Swiss-style inn, operating since 1752.
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.9 | 500 | ||||||||
| 2 | 7.5 | 700 | ||||||||
| 3 | Glacier ice hike (3 hours) | |||||||||
| 4 | 5.5* | 3100 | 6.9 | 1000 | ||||||
| Norwegian Glacier Museum visit (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 5.5 | 1300 | 6.2 | 1600 | ||||||
| 6 | Conclusion of the trip | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/28-8/2 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
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.- 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.- 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!- 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!- 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!- 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! Washington, DC