Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords in a Weekend
An epic weekend of unforgettable paddling, fjord-side camping and all-round good vibes
Duration
2 nights
Annual Leave
1 day off work
Group Size
Up to 10 people
Season
Apr—Sep
Location
Norway
Meeting Point
Bergen Airport Flesland, Norway
Classic Accommodation
Hostel · Wild camping
Customer Reviews
4.8
Difficulty
Moderate
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Kayak on the glassy waters of the stunning Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a very good reason
Access little-visited areas that are only accessible from the water – eyes peeled for seals, eagles and harbour porpoises
Spend a night wild camping by the fjord's edge under the stars, tucking into a hearty campfire dinner with drinks
Looking for a longer adventure? Take on our challenging Norwegian Fjords Expedition which adds some epic hiking into the mix
Day 1
Meet your crew
Head for Bergen – Gateway to the beautiful Fjords and a European city of culture, and transfer by road to your accommodation in Voss. Check into your guesthouse, explore, grab some dinner and then get a good night's sleep before hitting the water in the morning.
Day 2
On the water
Kayaking
Pack your gear into dry bags and set off on an unforgettable day paddling down the beautiful and tranquil Nærøyfjord. Arrive at your campsite in the late afternoon, kick back and enjoy the stunning scenery and then relax around the campfire while the barbeque is cooking. If you want, there’s the option for a short walk to get a view of the fjord from above.
Day 3
Kayak and fly home
Wake up in a Norwegian paradise and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out onto the water again. Kayak along the Nærøyfjord and into the Aurlandsfjord, exploring the magnificent cliff faces and paddling past rarely visited waterfalls – great for seal spotting. You'll put in at the remote village of Undredal, then it's time to head back to Bergen in time for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Local, English speaking guides
Accommodation
One night in a hostel in Voss or Bergen and 1 night wild camping
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and a fjord-side barbecue - beer and drinks included.
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Equipment
All your kayaking and camping equipment
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
What is the food like?
Dinner and breakfast will be prepared by your guide over the campfire. The menu will vary but expect things like rice and pasta with fresh vegetables, egg, bacon and sausages. There will also be bread and sandwich ingredients for lunch breaks, as well as water, tea, coffee, and wine for the evenings.
The portions are more than generous and all the food is fresh. Any dietary requirements can be met - just tell us your preferences when booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Voss
You'll stay in a local hostel in Voss. Rooms are typically 4-person dorms and may be mixed-sex depending on the group make-up. Your host will confirm the exact accommodation once you have made your travel arrangements. Occasionally alternative accommodation is provided in cabins at Gudvangen Camping (close to the kayaking base) or in a simple hotel in Brandseth.
Wild Camping
You’ll camp on the beach in same-sex, twin-share tents and eat a barbeque dinner around the campfire. There is a composting eco-toilet near the camp spot, but no showers – just a lovely fjord to swim in!
Upgrades
If you'd prefer your own room in Voss, your host offers an optional upgrade to a private room at Voss Hostel or alternatively at the 4-star Park Hotel Voss (subject to availability). Park Hotel is conveniently located about 150m from the train station and right on the lakefront. Please see Optional Extras for prices - we recommend that you request this at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Bergen Airport
Day 1: Saturday arrivals (and Fri 16 Aug): 12:15, Friday arrivals: 14:30* [*13:00 Fridays between 21 June - 02 August inclusive]
Ends
Bergen Airport
18:00 on Day 3
Transfers
On Day 1, there is a fixed-time group transfer from Bergen airport to your accommodation in Voss. The transfer time varies throughout the season as it is planned to coincide with the scheduled arrival time of the Norwegian Air direct flight from London Gatwick (Flight DY1317, DY1315, or DY1317).
Departures starting on Fridays:
- For departures starting on Fridays between 12 April - 07 June, and 30 Aug - 13 September 2024 inclusive, the transfer to Voss will depart Bergen Airport at 14:30. Any flight which arrives by 14:00 will be fine.
- For departures starting on Fridays between 21 June - 02 August 2024 inclusive:, the transfer to Voss will depart Bergen Airport at 13:00. Any flight which arrives by 12:30 will be fine.
Departures starting on Saturdays, and Friday 16 August:
- For departures starting on **Saturdays (and the departure starting on Friday 16 August) **, the transfer to Voss will depart Bergen Airport at 12:15. Any flight which arrives by 11:45 will be fine.
If you are unable to arrive in Bergen at this time you can still get to Voss via the train - see FAQs for details.
On Day 3, a group transfer to Bergen airport is planned to coincide with the scheduled departure time of the Norwegian Air direct evening flight to London Gatwick (Flight DY1318). Please do not book a flight departing before 18:55.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Bergen from major airports in the UK and Europe - either direct or via Oslo. It is possible to get the train from Bergen to 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 (foam)
(if you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag or mat please let the host know in advance)
What do I need to bring?
Clothes
- Rain jacket with hood
- Warm clothes for evenings camping - warm jacket, long pants, fleece, extra socks, gloves, a set of base layers (trousers and top)
- Small travel towel
- Cap and a beanie
- Swimwear and/or rash vest (something to wear under the wetsuit)
- Flip flops/sandals or light trainers for camp
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag liner
Other
- Sunglasses (with retainer strap)
- Sun lotion
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal snacks
- Thin sports gloves (protect from blisters)
- Toiletry items, personal medication
- Camera. Waterproof boxes provided!
- Antihistamines/bite relief if you are allergic to insect bites
- Torch or headtorch
When you arrive you’ll put your stuff into a combination of dry bags (22l) and plastic bags for the trip, leaving your suitcases/bags with anything you don’t need behind in secure storage at the base. Your guides are experts in packing kayaks and will help you pack yours efficiently and use up as much space available as possible.
Private twin room at Voss Hostel
Payable Before Departure
Private twin room at Voss Hostel
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Private single room at Voss Hostel
Payable Before Departure
Private single room at Voss Hostel
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Private triple room in Voss hostel
Payable Before Departure
Private triple room in Voss hostel
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Upgrade to Park Hotel Voss (Private Single Room)
Payable Before Departure
Upgrade to Park Hotel Voss (Private Single Room)
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Upgrade to Park Hotel Voss (Private Twin/Double Room)
Payable Before Departure
Upgrade to Park Hotel Voss (Private Twin/Double Room)
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Optional Solo Tent Upgrade (where available)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Solo Tent Upgrade (where available)
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Had the most incredible experience
Had the most incredible experience on the 2 day trip. David our guide was hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. He made me feel comfortable with my lack of kayaking experience and he delivered information in a funny and easy to understand way. Would 1000% do this trip again, perhaps longer next. But w days was perfect for a beginner to get a feel.
Incredible experience all around. Nothing to worry about with clear directions and great hosts/guides. The fjords did not disappoint. Spectacular views and paddle. Delightfully surprised by a wonderful group dynamic too.
This trip was outstanding, a real once in a life time experience! Our guide Dave really looked after us and provided everything we needed, including cooking ample food and making sure we had everything we need
A must-do experience for anyone - whether you are an experienced traveller or a beginner.
An amazing adventure that I would recommend to everyone. Easy for beginners and an adventure still for those with more experience. We had an amazing group with a great dynamic, the views were beyond spectacular!!! The food and accommodation were great and just had the best time. Met some lovely people along the way and will 100% look to book another adventure soon.
Thank you Juliette for an amazing trip! Fun fact: my first trip to Norway will not be my last! Such an amazing experience. Highly recommended!
Amazing trip - highly recommended!!
Easy booking experience. Good customer service when we had questions. Clear instructions. Great local host (Benji). Food far better than expected on such an excursion. Amazing scenery. Lovely group. Loved the whole experience. Would recommend!
September 2023. Fantastic experience. The group I was placed in was a perfect combination of people and we’ve created a group Whatsapp to share our photos and keep in touch. Our guide Callum was amazing, very informative, entertaining and knowledgeable and looked after us all incredibly well. What an absolute superstar and credit to the hosts and Much Better Adventures!! Norway, you were stunning and even arranged for the sun to appear on our second day on the water. Such a beautiful and incredible experience that has made a cherished place in my heart. I will be back. 😁 ~ Lou (South Staffs)
Photos of this area do not do it justice. These fjords are a truly glorious environment and viewed when kayaking just ices the cake. Be prepared as this activity is quite physically engaging at times but well worth the effort.
A great experience for new and already paddlers. The views and scenery are magnificent, this is what makes the trip.
Everything was great! My favorite part was the spot where we stopped for lunch. It was absolutely breathtaking and most definitely the highlight of the trip. My host Ollie was incredible. Kind, patient, and easy to get along with. He definitely added to the experience and brought our group together. Thank you Ollie!
This trip is absolutely incredible!! I would 1000% recommend booking. Everything was really well organised and ran smoothly, our local guide Ollie was brilliant - cooked us a lovely meal on the Saturday evening and was well prepared with snacks and some wine which was welcome after a day of paddling.
We covered around 25km over the two days, pace was chilled but it is still pretty tiring so make sure you are well rested before going. The views in the fjords are truly breathtaking and pictures can't really do the beauty justice. We also got super lucky with the weather and a swim in the fjord was a welcome relief from the heat!
The trip was an excellent experience, it was well organised and we had everything we required to enjoy our trip, our guide Rebecca was excellent with local knowledge of the area and kept us well informed of things we should be aware of when on the water. all in all it was a great trip, I would recommend this trip be added to anyones bucket list, thanks for a much better adventure, Regards Derek
As someone who acknowledges he's overweight and out of shape (and date I say possibly the wrong side of 50) I was wondering if I'd be able to do this. Despite the single seat kayak not being up to the job of carrying me and being stable at the same time our guide, Rebecca took it all in her stride and took one for the team by partnering up withe in a double. Was it easy? Hell no! But seeing that the younger, fitter members of my group were in the same situation and we kept together over ther trip I think I can feel proud of myself without expecting a fall to sneak up and bite me because of it. Definitely considering one of your other trips.
Just got back from doing the 2 night kayaking and camping trip with our guide Jordan who was great! The trip was really well organised with pick up from the airport, and the hostel we stayed at was really clean and had a great view on the first night. Once we started kayaking, the views were very impressive and Jordan was really informative about the Fjords too. Camping was good and our guide was really proactive with prepping meals and equipment etc. Our lunches/dinners were great (bbq, sandwiches and soup) with lots of fab extras like wine and smores! Jordan worked really hard going to bed last after checking all the tents were secure and getting up at 5.30 to prep breakfast! It did rain a fair bit but it was still very scenic, and it was sunny at the end! There were about 13 in the group but everyone was really nice and there were several other solo travellers too which was good. Thanks so much for a wonderful trip Jordan, would definitely do it again 😊
The kayaking tour of Norwegian fjords was unbelievable! Jordan - our tour guide - was wonderful. Even in the pouring rain and harsh wind, I still had an amazing time, which speaks volumes. Recommend bringing warm clothes, but don’t be put off if the weather forecast looks grim - the views were still spectacular and there were bursts of sunshine throughout. The kayaking is pretty gentle too, especially when the weather is calm, and there are lots of breaks! Thank you so much, MBA and the host team - already looking to book the next one.
A great experience - fun, sociable and beautiful scenery. Jordan was a fab guide - friendly, super organised, really helpful. Looking forward to my next adventure with this company!
Excellent weekend trip, a truly unforgettable experience which was impeccably organised by the MBA team.
Highly recommend this trip. The team were really efficient and the trip was the right balance between quite tough kayaking and enjoying the views. The food was brilliant - and good vegetarian options. We had a small group of just four of us which meant we got to know each other on a great level. Sunshine helped! Our guide Cheryl was brilliant and had the whole set-up running perfectly. Would highly recommend the 2 day kayak!
With cheryl at the helm, out group of 6 set off on our 2days of kayaking. The weather changed frequently but we were fully prepared and well fuelled for the tasks ahead. Beautiful scenery and great company.
A great trip. Weather wasn’t great but we had warm kit so were fine. Gloves a must. Cheryl our guide was brilliant, she did so much for us I felt a bit guilty. Norway is expensive, no getting around that, but the fjords are worth it.
Such an incredible trip that we are already looking in to our next MBA! Cheryl was an amazing guide and went above and beyond for our group. Would highly recommend anyone looking to book this trip, it ran smoothly from start to finish! Thankyou all at MBA
Kayak Kulture! Jan and the team were true pros. As a solo travel I was placed in a mixed group with other solos who fast became new friends. Together we created a short & sweet but incredibly memorable weekend away!
Covering 24km by sea kayak is no easy feat, especially for those who don't do it often. But banded together with our kind guide taking charge, both days on the water felt like a journey rather than a task. We were welcomed with drizzle but by the end of the second day I caught a Norwegian sun tan floating down the Fjord.
My personal highlight was staying up to the early hours with a roaring fire at our camp site despite the rain and soggy conditions. We laughed well into the night. Lunch stops were practical and delicious but nothing beat the cup of soup we had while on the water bobbing under the snow capped mountains.
I don't often put my trust is catered group holidays but just from this first experience I can tell you that MuchBetterAdventures have gained a repeat guest. I can't wait for the next one!
I have just returned from the three day kayaking and wild camping tour in the Norwegian fjords. Would highly recommend booking this tour. The fjords themselves are incredible with breathtaking views and tranquility and it was a perfect escape for a long weekend with exercise and adventure thrown in. The booking process was mega easy and adding details at a later date was simple. I was emailed a kit list and itinerary a week or two before the trip which was really helpful. Everything was explained clearly and I knew exactly what to take. I felt the tour was good value for money. The food we ate whilst camping and kayaking was delicious and there was so much of it. The transfers were well timed and easy and everything flowed really smoothly and was explained well so we always knew what we were doing etc. Our tour guide, Jan, had great local knowledge and was really informative. I feel this tour would be great as a solo traveller as there is so much opportunity to meet new, like minded people. I went as a couple and we both loved it. The size of the group was 8 people and a mix of solo and couples and was an ideal size for the kayaking and camping.
Such an amazing trip, well organised. Everything ran seamlessly. I was put with a great bunch of like-minded people. The highlight was definitely kayaking in the sunshine in the fjord and waking up to the most incredible view. Our guide Tash was brilliant, very knowledgeable and she definitely made the trip! If you go in April make sure you have some warm clothes for the evening but MBA provided us with two sleeping bags so it was nice and toasty.
100% recommend this trip! If you’re thinking about it, just do it!
Great trip, incredible environment. Friendly staff and well organised. Good value for money.
If you want a neat and tidy experience, where you're collected from the airport and taken around by a fantastic guide, looking at insane scenery, whisked back to the airport on Sunday after excellent company and a beautiful camping experience - this is the best value experience I have ever undertaken, you will simply not regret going on an adventure with these guys.
This was the trip of a lifetime! The views were incredible and photos don’t do it justice. As my first solo travel experience I would highly recommend
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 39kg 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 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. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
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.
No kayaking experience is needed, however, you should have a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to handle approx 25km of relaxed paddling over two days.
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 thermals are vital. This time of year daylight in Norway is constant, with only 2–3 hours of darkness in the evenings.
Of course. When you arrive at the base you'll be asked to transfer anything you need into dry-bags and can leave anything you don't behind where it will be safely secured in a locker until the end of the trip.
For current advice about travelling in Norway, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our group adventures are adult only, however if you would like to bring children along this can be arranged by requesting a private trip with the host. This trip is suitable for children from age 10 only.
In short - one of the most beautiful places on earth.
A fjord is a deep, narrow and elongated part of the sea that stretches inland for miles, winding around mountains, valleys, and steep cliffs, formed by giant glacier tongues and shaped over several ice ages.
There are plenty of kayaks available, with a mix of single and doubles, depending on your preference.
Absolutely. It's 45 minutes faster than the included transfer and is one of the most spectacular journeys you can take by rail. Here's how:
From Bergen airport, get the Flybussen airport shuttle to Bergen bus station, or the Bybanen (city light rail - cheaper but slower). Buses to/from the airport run every 10-15 minutes, and cost roughly 900NOK (£9) each way. The Bybanen (https://www.skyss.no/en/timetable-and-maps/bergen-light-rail/ ) is approx 40NOK (£4).
From the bus station, it's a few minutes walk to the train station. A taxi from the airport to the train station can be booked for between 350-550NOK (£35-£55), depending on traffic.
Trains run regularly throughout the day and don't need to be booked in advance, with a single ticket to Voss costing roughly 200NOK (£20). Trains to Oslo stop at Voss. You can buy tickets at the ticket office up until 5.30 pm, or from the ticket machines. If you want to check the timetable or book online head to www.nsb.no.
Voss Hostel is a 12-minute walk from the station. Head out of the main station and turn right on the road. Follow the road until just before the roundabout (about 750m) then take the left turning, following the road for 200m more - straight to the hostel.
For the return, make your life easy by jumping on the already included transfers to Bergen Airport.
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. • Store Ringheim Hotel - Perfect for cosy traditional rooms and great food.
Accommodation in Bergen • Montana Hostel, Bergen - great prices for individuals, couples or large groups. • Grand Terminus Hotel - Older style but right next to the train station. • Thon Bristol Hotel, Bergen - great central city location for sight-seeing and night-life. • First Marin Hotel, central city - great central city location for sight-seeing and night-life.
We do not really encourage bringing drones on this trip for several reasons:
• There are limited times where there would be possibilities for flying them.
• We need to keep the campsites free of drone traffic in agreement with the landowners.
• There are often livestock that may get affected and we like to keep a good relationship with the local 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 long as it does not interfere with the issues mentioned above and you can fit the drone in the kayak it will be OK to bring it along, but please do discuss it's use with the other group members before deploying it.
The best way is to take the train from Oslo centre to Voss (not Bergen), and then head to Voss Hostel. See the FAQ on how to get to Voss hostel from the airport and just follow the directions from Voss station to the hostel. The train journey takes about 6.5 hours and goes through some amazing scenery.
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 always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.