DURATION
8 nights
LOCATION
Norway
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
Jun—Aug
GROUP SIZE
Up to 15 people
MEETING POINT
Bergen Airport, Bergen
ACCOMMODATION
Comfort
Hotel · Wild camping · Cabin
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
No kayaking or hiking experience is needed but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be ok with long days of activity
Summit Scandinavia’s highest peak and clip on crampons to clamber across icy glaciers
Paddle through the pristine Nærøyfjord, and hike the towering peaks above for unforgettable vistas
Hike in pristine forest and on rugged plateaus to discover the wild and mighty waterfalls that spill into the fjords
Bed down in quirky boutique hotels, cosy historic inns, and wild camp directly under the stars by the fjord’s edge
Day 1
Welcome to Norway
Head for Nærøyvalley – Check into your hotel, explore, grab some dinner and then get a good night's sleep before hitting the trails in the morning.
Day 2
Do go chasing waterfalls
Hiking
4-6hrs · 15km · 300m up · 300m down
Up bright and early to head to Husedalen Valley, one of the wildest fjord regions and home to the rugged and immense Hardangervidda Plateau. Your hike begins in a pristine forest and continues uphill past spectacular waterfalls that spill over the cliffs of the plateau. Your goal is Sotesfossen, the fourth and final of the mighty Husedalen Waterfalls. You'll have time to soak it all in and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel in Nærøyvalley for the evening.
Day 3
Time to hit the water
Kayaking
4-5hrs · 13km
After a safety briefing and paddling instruction session, you'll pack your dry bags into the kayaks and set off, carrying everything you need for the next couple of days. The Nærøyfjord is an idyllic spot with typically calm waters and waterfalls cascading from the fjord's 1000m+ walls. You'll set up camp on the shore of the Nærøyfjord and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner prepared by the guide as the sun sets, helping to build the campfire if you fancy it.
Day 4
Bird's-eye view hiking
Hiking
7-10 hours · 20km · 1050m up · 1050m down
Leaving your campsite and kayaks behind, you'll strap on your daypack for a hike to the highlands above Nærøyfjord, all the way to the top of one of the fjord's towering peaks. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the water-filled channel cutting its way through the mountainous landscape. You'll return to your campsite for dinner and a second night of counting shooting stars.
Day 5
Kayak into the Aurlandsfjord
Kayaking
3-4hrs · 10km
Back on the water as you load up your kayak and continue to paddle through the Nærøyfjord. The cold, clean waters are a wildlife haven, eyes peeled for seals and with luck, you may even encounter Niser, a local species of harbour porpoise. Next, you'll pass the towering headland of Beitelen, the natural divider between the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Your take-out point is a couple of kilometres before Undredal. You'll have a steep forty-five-minute hike up to your accommodation at Stigen Farm which overlooks the Aurlandsfjord from its spectacular mountain shelf some 360 meters above sea level. Check into your room before tucking into a fresh farm-to-table style dinner.
Day 6
Paddle to Fresvik
Kayaking
3-4hrs · 18km
Hiking
1hr · 2km · 250m down
Driving
3hr
Start today paddling north towards the main channel of the Sognefjord, stopping for a picnic lunch before heading into the picturesque bay of Fresvik in the late afternoon. You'll hop in the van for a transfer to Jotunheimen in the north, an early night needed to prepare for tomorrow's summit stomp.
Day 7
To the top!
Hiking
7 hours · 12km · 650m up · 650m down
Setting off early you’ll start the 7hr round trip to the top of the majestic Galdhøpiggen (2469m). Snowcovered year around, the hike to the summit begins by crossing the Styggebreen glacier - crampons and ropes provided. You’ll then push on to the summit, soak up that ‘top of the world’ feeling and check out the incredible views below.
Day 8
Glacier go-go
Hiking
3hrs · 2km · 150m up · 150m down
You'll spend the morning hiking through the glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to some of Europe's largest ice caps. At the Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of the park's most dramatic glacial tongues, you'll transfer by small boat to the glacier's snout. After a briefing by the glacier guide, you'll strap on your crampons and set out on an unforgettable hike to see fantastically shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls. You'll then drive to Voss and spend a final evening celebrating your ultimate adventure with your crew.
Day 9
Transfer to Bergen for final farewells
The trip concludes with a group transfer from Voss to Bergen airport or Bergen town.
Included
Guides
Expert, friendly, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
4 nights in boutique hotels, 2 nights wild camping, 1 night in a guesthouse and 1 night in a mountain farm
Meals
All breakfasts, all lunches and 7 dinners
Transfers
You'll be transferred from and to Bergen Airport
Equipment
Everything you need for kayaking, glacier hiking and camping is provided
Permits
All your permits and entry fees are covered and sorted
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Some meals as described
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips for your guides
Visas where required
Day 1
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Wild camping · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Cabin · Multi share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 8
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
To say you will eat well on this adventure is beyond an understatement. Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw ingredients readily from the mountains, wilderness and coast. Dinner and breakfast are served at your overnight spots, many of which embrace the farm-to-table movement so you'll enjoy seasonal specialties as part of every meal - you can expect fish from the North sea, foraged berries and mushrooms and tasty cheese produced locally. Example dishes include freshwater trout served with soft flatbread, sour cream and a raw beetroot salad or lamb cured in sea salt and served with seasonal herbs and vegetables. One alcoholic drink per person with dinner will be included but any extra will be at your own expense.
While camping the food is plentiful and fresh; dinner and breakfast are prepared by your guide over a campfire, the menu will vary but you can expect things like rice and pasta with fresh vegetables, egg, bacon and sausages. There are picnic stops for lunch breaks and water, tea and coffee are also readily available as well as some beer and wine for the evenings.
Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for as well as most other dietary requirements. Just let your host know when booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Nærøyvalley
You'll spend your first two nights at the historic Stalheim Hotel. Founded as a remote country inn during the mid-18th century, The Stalheim is perched in the awe-inspiring Nærøyfjord. This spectacular historic gem draws numerous visitors from across the globe, including droves of artists who have been inspired by the area’s remarkable landscape. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default here, most come with a panoramic view overlooking the Nærøyvalley.
Arnahus Wild Camping
On the third and fourth night, you'll paddle to a beach and sleep in a tent under the stars. You'll sleep on the water's edge and feast on a supper prepared by your guide over the campfire. You will stay in twin-share tents by default and although the camping is about as wild as it gets there are also hot showers and flushing toilets for you to use. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
Stigen Gard
On day 5 you'll stay at Stigen Farm, perched on a fertile mountain shelf some 360 meters above sea level, a steep climb above and with fantastic views over the Aurlandsfjord below. Only accessible via a combination of paddle power and on foot, accommodation is extremely limited in this remote spot. The group will be spread between the main house and different farm cabins a short walk from the main house. Rooms are rustic in style and typically accommodate two to four people (occasionally up to six people). One of the cabins has a dreamy hot tub on the edge of the cliff.
Jotunheimen
On day 6 you'll stay in the Elveseter Hotel in Jotunheimen. The Elveseter is an old farm owned by a family of craftsmen of Norwegian folk art, much of which is on show in the hotel. Run by Inger and Rungne Elveseter, the hotel is a lovely gem nestled in the mountains of Jotunheimen National Park. Rooms are twin-share by default and there is an open fire to while away with the evening with a glass of wine after dinner.
Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park
On day 7, you'll stay at the Jostedal Hotel, right in the middle of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default, most have a view of the mountains and the Jostedølen River that runs alongside the hotel. There is a superb terrace for you to enjoy dinner and a celebratory glass of wine after a long day.
Voss
On your last night, you will stay in a comfortable four-star hotel located in central Voss within walking distance of restaurants and the train station. The hotel may vary depending on your departure date and availability but is generally either Fleischer's Hotel Voss or Park Hotel Voss. The historic-style Fleischer's Hotel has a wellness centre including a pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Park Hotel has fantastic views over the fjord.
If you would like to extend your stay, please check with your host which hotel your group will be staying at, before booking your extra nights directly with the hotel - there are limited rooms so we advise you to do this as early as possible to secure a booking.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. This is applicable to all nights (except for Day 5 at Stigen Farm) but there is limited space so please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Bergen Airport (BGO)
Day 1: 12:15
Ends
Bergen Airport (BGO)
11:00 on Day 9
Transfers
On Day 1, there is a fixed-time group transfer from Bergen airport to your accommodation in Voss. The transfer time is planned to coincide with the scheduled arrival time of the Norwegian Air direct flight from London Gatwick (Flight DY1315). If you arrive earlier or later, please contact your host to make alternative arrangements.
For those arriving earlier or later, by prior arrangement only, the group transfer may be able to collect you from Bergen city centre before heading to the airport to meet the group, or can collect you from Voss after doing the group airport pickup. It's easy to make your own way from Bergen to Voss by train and your host can arrange a private transfer from Voss to your hotel if needed.
PLEASE NOTE The airport arrival transfer will depart Bergen Airport at 12:15. Any flight which arrives by 11:45 will be fine.
On Day 9, the default transfer will drop you at Bergen airport in time to catch any flight departing at or after 12:00 noon. However, if you have booked an evening flight it is also possible to join a later shared group transfer from Voss, arriving at Bergen airport in time for flights departing at or after 19:00.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Bergen from major airports in the UK and Europe. It is possible to get the train from Bergen to Voss (and arrange a pickup from Voss), or fly in to Oslo. See the FAQs section for more details.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
All kayaking equipment:
- Sea kayak, paddle and spray deck
- Paddle jacket with hood and reflective strips
- Life jacket
- Sleeveless longjohn neoprene wetsuit and neoprene booties
- Waterproof case for your camera/phone (various sizes available)
- 22-litre drybag plus plastic bags for extra items if needed
All camping equipment:
- Tent, cooking gear and crockery
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat (3" inflatable)
(if you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag or mat please let the host know in advance)
What do I need to bring?
Clothing & Footwear
- Waterproof jacket with hood for hiking
- Waterproof trousers for hiking
- Warm jacket
- Long trousers
- Fleece
- Base layers
- Worn-in waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking socks x 3-4 pairs (wool/merino are best, plus some extra socks)
- Swimwear and/or rash vest (something to wear under the wetsuit)
- Flip flops/sandals or light trainers for camp
- Thin gloves
- Beanie
- Sunhat
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag liner
Other
- Rucksack for hiking (25-30 litres, without a frame so it can be packed in a kayak)
- Walking poles (optional, lightweight and collapsible)
- Sunglasses (ideally with retainer strap)
- Sunscreen
- Gaiters (if you have them)
- Small travel towel (should you wish to swim in the fjord)
- Thin sports gloves (protect from blisters while kayaking)
- Refillable water bottle
- Toiletries and personal medication (if needed)
- Antihistamines/bite relief if you are allergic
- Camera. Waterproof boxes provided!
- Head torch
- Personal snacks
- Travel documents, travel insurance and passport
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
This trip is absolutely incredible! Every day was something different and Norway is a beautiful country. Our guides Callum and Tachelle were amazing and made the trip really memorable. The group were great and met some wonderful new friends. Would 100% recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the best bits of Norway!
An Unforgettable Norwegian Adventure!
My husband and I recently embarked on a trip to Norway, and if you're even remotely considering booking this journey, let me save you the suspense – just do it! We have just returned, and I can't stop raving about the incredible experience we had. Norway is undeniably enchanting, and this particular trip felt like a curated exploration of the country's absolute best.
The standout highlight of our adventure was undoubtedly the kayaking expedition. It's hard to put into words the feeling of paddling through pristine waters, discovering remote campsites nestled in the heart of nature. One of the most memorable parts was our stay at a farm that was only reachable after a thrilling 45-minute, vertical hike. Talk about a true off-the-grid escape! And the reward? Soaking in a well-placed hot tub, surrounded by breathtaking views that felt like something out of a dream.
The hosts at the farm were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. What's even more impressive is that the food we indulged in was beyond belief. Every meal was a feast of flavors, and the best part was that the ingredients were sourced right from their own land. The farm-to-table experience took on a whole new level of meaning here.
Our adventure wouldn't have been the same without our exceptional guides, Callum and Tachelle. Their in-depth local knowledge added an enriching layer to the journey. They expertly organised our days, ensuring that we had the privilege of being the first group to set foot on the mountains. Their passion for the region was contagious, making every step of the journey that much more meaningful.
In summary, this adventure was nothing short of spectacular. From kayaking in serene waters to hiking to hidden farm havens and luxuriating in a hot tub with panoramic views, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. Without a doubt, I'm already planning to book another adventure soon. If you're seeking an unforgettable journey that showcases Norway's finest, this is the trip for you. Don't hesitate – dive in and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Jordan and Tarschelle were amazing - set a great atmosphere, created safety and gave encouragement even in challenging situations. Fab variety of experiences. great group. The hilltop farm experience was superb
Amazing adventure with lots of challenges. Be aware that the hikes are very challenging! Jordan and Tachelle, our guides, were excellent.
An unforgettable trip, the guides made this experience hugely enjoyable bringing a really positive attitude with a very well balanced mixture of activities, landscapes and great meals. I would strongly recommend you book this now!
A great trip with fantastic scenery both in the fyords and the mountains. An action packed way to see some Norway highlights. Well organised and great leaders.
Amazing trip! Norway is such a beautiful country and this trip is full of a variety of hikes and fantastic views including those of the glacier which was even more mesmerising than anticipated. We loved the kayaking and even with the rain it was so peaceful being out on the fjord. Jordan and Quill are brilliant guides and so interesting to talk to, they go above and beyond to include everyone on the trip and to make it memorable. We would highly recommend this trip.
Best group adventure trip to date! Couldn't have asked for a better group dynamic! Although, rain is to be expected in Norway, the weather worked in our favor almost every day. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and very motivated to share their piece of paradise with us! I will be taking another MBA tour soon!
What an amazing trip! Fort organised adventure holiday I have done and it exceeded my expectations. Norway is a stunning country and kayaking through the fjords is the best way to see it. The glacier walk on the last day was unreal and the guides Jordan and Benji were magnificent, very knowledgeable and great at keeping us going and getting us where we needed to be. They genuinely seemed interested in getting to know the group.
Superb adventure with fantastic guides. I did the 7 day Ultimate Norwegian Fjords Adventure and it was a memorable, magnificent adventure! Spectacular scenery, a great group of people, fabulous hosts (Stiger farm: Bredda, Dee, and family), and well-organized, fun hiking and kayaking. I found some parts of hiking and kayaking to be challenging but not difficult. I am in my 50’s and in pretty good shape. Our guides, Jordan and Quiller, were outstanding! They were friendly, upbeat, helpful, and well-organized. Their dynamic energy, hilarious repartee, and excellent story-telling enhanced the trip!
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 163kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
You really do not need any kayaking experience. Your guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. You’ll just need reasonable levels of fitness to handle the days out on the water.
The hiking is not for total beginners and the long hike on Day 4 can be challenging, particularly if it is or has been wet. The summit walk is also a big day, and we would only recommend this hike if you are an active person with hiking experience. No experience with crampons is needed. Both hikes take approx 7 to 9 hours return, with awesome views making them all worthwhile.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
The weather in summer is very comfortable for kayaking and camping, with temperatures at 15-20 degrees Celsius, sometimes more. It can get chilly at night so a warm jumper and some thermals are vital. This time of year daylight in Norway is constant with only 2–3 hours of darkness in the evenings.
We recommend joining this trip in July and August for the warmest temperatures, but it’s great all summer.
One of the most beautiful places in the world. A fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated part of the sea, that stretches inland for miles, winding around mountains, valleys and steep cliffs. The fjords were formed by the giant glacier tongues and shaped over several ice ages.
There are a plenty of kayaks available for you to use with a mix of single and doubles available depending on your preference and experience.
You're free to bring any luggage or suitcase you wish with you but if you can pack light it'll make life easier with the various luggage transfers. During the tour, your main luggage will be transported between accommodations by bus so you'll have overnight access to it throughout, except for the kayaking section (Days 3, 4 and 5).
At the kayaking base in Gudvangen on Day 3, you'll be provided with a 22-litre dry bag to pack everything that you will need with you for the next three nights (you will also be given a hard, waterproof case for your camera/phone). You'll need to pack light as your dry bag has to fit into the hatched compartments (bulkheads) of the kayak, along with the group's food and equipment which will be shared among the kayaks. The remainder of your luggage can be left behind and securely stored at the kayaking base in Gudvangen, and will be transferred to your accommodation in Fresvik and reunited with you on Day 6.
Don't stress, your host will explain all during the briefing.
We can recommend the following from budget to high price. There are many other hotels however these are selected for their convenience and / or from experience:
Accommodation in Voss
- Voss Hostel - great prices for individuals, couples or large groups.
- Voss Camping Cabins - ideal for small groups of 3 to 4.
- Park Hotel Voss - modern hotel overlooking the fjord.
- Fleischer's Hotel - historic hotel close to the train station with a wellness centre.
Accommodation in Bergen
- Montana Hostel - great prices for individuals, couples or large groups.
- Grand Terminus Hotel - Older style but right next to the train station.
- Thon Bristol Hotel - great central city location for sightseeing and nightlife.
- First Marin Hotel - great central city location for sightseeing and nightlife.
Here’s what your local guide has to say on Drones:
We do not really encourage bringing drones on this trip for several reasons:
- There are limited times where there would be possibilities for flying the drone.
- We need to keep the campsites free of drone traffic in agreement with the landowners.
- There is often livestock animals in some areas that may get affected and we need to keep a good relationship with the farmers.
- We have seen some people being frustrated by drone traffic and can understand this.
Having said this we do not prohibit drone use as it is out of our legislation - as long as it does not interfere with the issues mentioned above and you can fit the drone in the kayak it will be okay to bring it along. Just please do discuss the use with other group members sometime after meeting up with them the first morning to settle this.
The best way to meet your host is to take the train from Oslo centre to Voss. The train journey takes about 6.5 hours and goes through some amazing scenery. By prior arrangement with your host, it may be possible for the group transfer to collect you from Voss on their way from the airport but if the timings don't align they can help you to arrange a private transfer from Voss to the hotel instead.
If you have booked a flight departing Bergen airport before 12:00 noon on Day 9, you can either book a private transfer or make your own way by public transport. Trains run regularly from central Voss to Bergen city centre and connect with trams to Bergen airport. You should normally allow around three hours for the combined journey. For further information please visit www.vy.no.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
