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 Hangur Mountain by cable car and enjoy a leisurely warm-up hike, soaking up lovely vistas of lakes and peaks Relax at our mountaintop hotel in Stalheim, taking in impressive views of sheer granite cliffs and the valley below.
Days 2-3 Solvorn
Relish an impressive hike that overlooks Naeroy Valley, surrounded by domed granite peaks Sample Norwegian specialties while ferrying through Nærøyfjord, Europe’s narrowest fjord and a World Heritage site - this is quintessential Norway! Experience the Nigardsbreen Glacier firsthand with a guided ice hike, or walk a wildflower-strewn path to feast your eyes on the neighboring valley’s Bergsetbreen Glacier Ferry to the Urnes stave church, a World Heritage site built in the 12th century with a unique combination of Christian and Viking architecture.
Days 4-5 Fjærland
Savor pastoral scenery as you tackle a steep trek to a fantastic panorama of fjordlands and glaciers On your descent, take a break beside a magnificent waterfall 
Ferry to the charming fjord-front community of Fjærland, one of the world's eight official "booktowns" Search for hidden gems in the town’s extensive collection of used books in numerous languages Get to know the peaceful Mundal Valley or make the challenging 3,000-foot climb to Flatbrehytta Visit the world-famous Norwegian Glacier Museum.
Days 6-7 Balestrand
Ferry across Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, to picturesque Balestrand Enjoy a walking tour of this historic artist's village with a local guide Embark on the Balestølen loop for magnificent fjord views 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 boat ride to Bergen.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW: Casual Inns
Stalheim Hotel (1 night): With stunning views of the Næroyfjord Valley, this historic hotel features an excellent museum of folk art.
Walaker Hotel (2 nights): This small family-built inn dates back over 300 years and offers charming guest rooms and a lovely setting along the tranquil Lusterfjord.
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 out over 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
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 4.3 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.1, 7.5 miles
- 500 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Guided Glacier Hike 2 hours
- Hiking 4.3, 5 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.7, 5 miles
- 1800 - 2800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.4, 7.1 miles
- 1000 - 3100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 1.6, 6.6, 7.3 miles
- 1200 - 1600 feet elevation gain
We hike on mountain trails with uneven terrain and steep drop-offs. During wet weather these trails can be boggy and wet.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/26-8/1Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $470 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/3-9Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $470 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. 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