The Ultimate Norwegian Fjords Adventure
Hike and kayak through astounding landscapes and glacial tongues, staying in cool places along the way
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
4 nights in boutique hotels, 2 nights wild camping, 1 night in a guesthouse and 1 night on a farmMeals
All breakfasts, all lunches and 7 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment & permits
Everything you need for kayaking, glacier hiking and camping is provided; plus all permits and entry fees are includedSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 15 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Summit Galdhøpiggen (2469m) – Scandinavia’s highest peak – and clip on crampons to clamber across icy glaciers
Paddle through the pristine Nærøyfjord, and follow remote trails to 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
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Norway!
Join the group transfer from Bergen Airport and get to know your fellow travellers, or make your own way to Voss. Check into your hotel, meeting for a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby at approximately 16:30. Spend the rest of your evening exploring, grabbing some dinner with your crew and getting a good night's sleep before the adventure begins in the morning.
Day 2
Time to hit the water
Kayaking
Check out of the hotel and head to your host's kayaking base in Gudvangen – situated in the innermost part of the Nærøyfjord. After a safety briefing and paddling instruction session, you'll pack your drybags 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 in the afternoon; 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 3
Bird's-eye view hiking
Hiking
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 4
Kayak into the Aurlandsfjord
Kayaking
Load up your kayak, get back on the water and continue to paddle through the Nærøyfjord. The cold, clean waters are a wildlife haven – keep your eyes peeled for seals and with luck, you may even encounter some niser, a local species of harbour porpoise. Next, you'll pass the towering headland of Beitelen, forming a natural divide 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 360m above sea level. Check into your room before tucking into a fresh, farm-to-table style dinner.
Day 5
Paddle to Fresvik
Kayaking
Hiking
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. Settle in at your guesthouse here, and perhaps take a jump in the fjord followed by a well-deserved soak in the wood-fired hot tubs set on the wharf. Tuck into a home-cooked dinner, made using ingredients grown and sourced from the village.
Day 6
To Bøverdalen Valley
Hiking
Driving
This morning, take a walk around the picturesque fjordside village of Fresvik or a hike up the overlooking hillsides (optional). In the afternoon, hop in the van for a breathtaking drive up to the Jotunheimen mountain range further north, complete with a ferry crossing over the main Sognefjord. Arrive in Elveseter in the Bøverdalen Valley in the late afternoon and get some rest before your summit attempt tomorrow.
Day 7
To the top!
Hiking
Setting off early, you’ll start the hike to the 2469m summit of the majestic Galdhøpiggen (a 7-hour round trip). Snow-covered year-round, the trail begins by crossing the Styggebreen Glacier – you'll be provided with crampons and ropes to tackle this section. You’ll then push on to the summit, soak up that ‘top of the world’ feeling and bask in the incredible views below.
Day 8
Glacier go-go
Hiking
Today you'll hike 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. After exploring this epic glacial landscape, you'll then be driven to Voss and spend a final evening celebrating your ultimate adventure with your crew.
Day 9
Transfer to Bergen for final farewells
Kick back with a group transfer from Voss to Bergen Airport (or Bergen town), where you can say your farewells.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Bergen Airport (BGO)
12:30 on Day 1
Ends
Bergen Airport (BGO)
10:30 on Day 9 (or 18:00 for those taking the later transfer)
Transfers
On Day 1, there is a fixed-time group transfer from Bergen airport to your accommodation in Voss. For the 2025 season, 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.
PLEASE NOTE
The airport arrival transfer will depart Bergen Airport at 12:30. Any flight which arrives by 12:00 will be fine.
On Day 9, there are two fixed-time group transfers to choose from depending on your flight departure time:
- The first drop-off at Bergen airport will be at approximately 10:30 - in time to catch any flight departing after 11:30. Please do not book a flight departing before 11:30 if you would like to join this transfer.
- A second drop-off at Bergen airport will be made at approximately 18:00 - to coincide with the direct Norwegian air flight (DY1318) to London Gatwick scheduled to depart at 19:00. Please do not book a flight departing before 19:00 if you would like to join this transfer. Please note that hotel checkout is usually at midday but you can store your luggage at the hotel until your transfer time.
(Transfer times will be updated for the 2026 season in October 2025, and may differ from the above.)
Travel options
There are regular flights to Bergen from major airports in the UK and Europe. If you cannot meet the transfer, it is very quick and easy to get the train from Bergen to Voss, or to get a train all the way from Oslo. Most departure dates will start and end at Fleischer’s Hotel which is within easy walking distance (50m) of Voss train station. See the FAQs section for more details.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
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 specialities as part of most meals – you can expect fish from the North Sea, foraged berries and mushrooms (seasonal) 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?
Voss
On your first and 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 Stalheim Hotel situated further north up towards the fjords. The historic-style Fleischer's Hotel has a wellness centre including a pool, jacuzzi and sauna. The historic Stalheim Hotel, founded as a remote country inn during the mid-18th century, is perched in the mountains in the awe-inspiring Nærøyfjord region. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default.
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.
Arnahus Wild Camping
On the second and third nights, you'll paddle to a beach and sleep in a tent under the stars. You'll camp 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 4 you'll stay at Stigen Farm, perched on a fertile mountain shelf some 360m above sea level, accessed by a steep climb with fantastic views over the Aurlandsfjord below. Only accessible via a combination of paddle power and your own two feet, 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.
Fresvik
On Day 5 you'll stay at a family-owned guesthouse in a typical Norwegian fjordside village with magnificent views over the Sognefjord. Fresvik is a small farming community with an incredible backdrop of valleys and glaciers. Steaming wood-fired hot tubs line the deck with views over the fjord – perfect for soaking weary muscles. You'll also find a fire pit and picnic tables. There will be two to four people per room here, depending on the group size and gender mix.
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, and you'll find much of their Norwegian folk art 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 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 rooms 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 on, after a long day.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room upgrade can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Private rooms are limited – so please request this at the time of booking (subject to availability). This is not applicable to Day 4 at Stigen Farm nor Day 5 at Fresvik Guesthouse, as solo rooms are not available here. If you travel solo, you will be provided with a private tent for the two camping nights at no extra charge.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
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.
What will I need to carry?
You only need to carry a day rucksack during the hikes as your main luggage will be transported or stored for you.
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.
An incredible week - just go for it!
Hiking and kayaking the Norwegian fjords had been on my bucketlist for quite some time, but I didn't expect it to be just as extraordinary as it was. The flora, fauna and scenery were abundant and spectacular, well worth some early starts and the effort of reaching them. Often it felt like we had all this beauty to ourselves. Shoutout to our guides Joe, David and Callum, who couldn't have done a better job of keeping us fully informed, motivated and safe throughout the week, even when the weather wasn't quite what we'd have liked it to be (don't skimp on solid waterproof gear, and thermals/layers). For someone who is reasonably active this felt like the level of challenge/activity I was after, probably at the upper end of "moderate", but I was glad of the rest day and long evenings to chill before the next challenge. Most of our group were travelling solo and we were lucky to find a great camaraderie with like-minded people, which no doubt enhanced the whole experience and has left me with many great memories. Absolutely worth every penny
A Much Better Adventure
Leave your expectations of a "moderate activity" trip at the door. If you can tolerate this high activity trip, you will be rewarded with fantastic views, wonderful food, appropriate levels of soreness, exceptional guides, and travel friends for life. You've been warned.
Great organisation, 1st class trip
Thoroughly impressed by both the activities and MBA staff. Really got to experience the fjords and lands surrounding them from many angles - kayak, hike, hot tub, waterfall climb, camping. Our guides Joe, David and Callum were excellent, all real outdoor enthusiasts and giving both clear briefings and a sense of fun and energy to everything we did. I will absolutely go on further MBA trips! 2 things to consider if booking: 1) it can get pretty wet in Norway, which didn't spoil our time but be sure you're OK with that and 2) I think it's borderline between Moderate and Challenging. 2 big hikes (along with quite a few smaller ones) and some intense kayaking. If you're not pretty active this could be a struggle.
An unforgettable trip!
It’s hard to describe how much fun this week was. Impeccably organised and curated with such a brilliant balance of activities. We had a super group of people and our guides were exceptional. It was such a hard trip to leave! Don’t hesitate to book!
Norway really does live up to its name as being "The Land of Waterfalls".
There is something special about throwing together a group of like minded individuals and going on an adventure and an adventure it certainly was!
Western Norway should be up there with the wonders of the world, the Fjords are something to be admired and the waterfalls are there to be awed at.
Norway really does live up to its name as being "The Land of Waterfalls".
The early hike of Breiskrednosi was stunning and the warm up to the "slog" was a great socialiser with my fellow campmates after a night of getting to know each other.
What I loved most was understanding everyones reason for taking on the challenge and why they love the great outdoors.
The peak was something I've never experienced and was certainly worth the long hike. The rich history of the land is maintained and preserved through it's locals.
One being Dee, who immigrated from America at 17 years old and never looked back. A huge thanks to him and his wife for hosting us across two days and engineering hot tubs at the top of his place in Steigen.
You haven't lived until you've been been in hot tub overlooking the Fjords on a mountain top.
A real highlight of the trip was the final day of the kayaking where we paddled into Fresvik. Before setting off, our guides warned the team that this journey has a history of being tough due to the length, days of activity and winds but the elements were on our side and managed to reach Fresvik in good time and turning the corner to the sun beaming across the mountains.
After abit of R and R, we were back on the mountains with the ambition of summiting Galdhøpiggen. Unfortunately the elements were not on our side and we decided to call it a day after walking across the glacier after being battered by the wind and rain.
This didn't dampened our spirits and was a good reminder not to underestimate mother nature. It can be brutal but under the supervision of our guides - Callum and Amy, we felt secure and at no point at risk.
"You can be cold and miserable or be cold" Amy would remind us in her unwavering positive demeanour.
With the frustration of not reaching the summit of Galdhøpiggen, we as a group realised how lucky we were to be kayaking in sunshine and a favourable wind plus the beaming day of good weather on day 3 - you can't always get what you want as The Rolling Stones would say but looking back it was the perfect and wouldn't trade it.
As we dried our boots and crossed our fingers for better weather, we shared a home cooked meal as a group - trading stories and banter about the trip so far and with moral high again we tackled another Glacier lead by off an season Napolese Everest Sherpa.
Their experience and guidance was admirable and comforting. What I really took away from the glacier trekking was how dangerous they can be without supervision and the shocking revelation that the rate they have been shrinking at globally will make them endangered in the next few years.
Even more reason to experience them !
Overall, I could go on but I really must say, this trip was sensational. Callum and Amy were incredible. Their attitudes and energy were what made to the trip for me personally. They ensure the group settled in, maintained a strong duty of care and truly smashed it out the park as guides.
If you're looking to switch off, challenge yourself and meet brilliant people... this is the trip for you !