Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords in a Weekend

Now my children are older. I wanted to be a little selfish and do something for myself. I was very nervous after not doing anything exciting like this for many years and doing it alone. I wanted the safety net of being with other people. So as a birthday present to myself I booked this trip. I wished I hadn't been so worried about it. I had a fantastic time and everybody was lovely.

From the moment I stepped off the plane finding everyone was very easy. I was greeted by a very smiley Cameron, who has a larger-than-life personality and a great sense of humour! Just moments after that. I met some fellow solo travellers which put my nerves at ease (that I wasn't the only here alone.)

We were dropped off at a hostel for the first night to chill. The hostel is nice and it's in a beautiful location. After chatting to more people, our group ended up growing and we all went out for beers and pizza together.

The next morning we were divided up into smaller groups of 10 and met Emma our instructor. Who, (just like all the other instructors) was amazing. Very friendly with a brilliant personality.

Then our adventure began and every minute of it was absolutely amazing. And I can honestly say I think I have fallen in love with Norway.

I hope this review can help a fellow (nervous) solo traveller. My advice to you is stop worrying. This trip was fantastic! Just go for it, you won't regret it.

A massive, thank you to the whole team.

I've just come back from the Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords trip and it's safe to say it's a trip I'll never forget. The group was fantastic and our guide David took care of us right from the start, keeping us safe and making sure we had a fantastic time. The food was fantastic, and the scenery unlike anything I've ever seen before. The kayaking and hiking were a little tough at points but manageable for most people with a little fitness and the views were certainly worth it. I sould definitely recommend this trip to anyone who will listen

My partner and I booked the trip as a mini-moon after our wedding and it really delivered. We were extremely lucky with weather, but the guiding, camping and hiking we're equally superb. Highly recommended for a unique way to see Norway's amazing landscape.

These 3 days were absolutely amazing: blessed with the weather (only one rainy morning), great team, carrying and very supportive guide Evan and amazing views - all these made our trip top of the top. Kayaking is fun part , especially if it is sunny and warm and hike was also great: quite a long distance but through super beautiful scenery. I liked the camp side, swims in the fiord, food prepared by our guide and having wine for dinner is also well thought add-on. Loved every moment of these unforgettable 3 days in one of the most beautiful country of the world!

Great trip. Really enjoyed it. The walk is challenging but doable.... I would recommend getting some training in before the trip and taking one or two extra layers. Food was great, location was spectacular, our guide was brilliant. The group were great, you know you'll meet like minded people - you work as a team and never leave anyone behind. All round great experience.

Perfect way to explore and experience this spectacular part of the world in a short amount of time. Our guide Jess was an absolute hero 💪

You could not ask for more from a short trip, They really maximize the time. Kayak, hike, kayak with lots of views and lots of fun. Top thee highlights would be abundance of waterfalls, abundance of wild swimming and the abundance of alpine donkeys (one is a lie)

Big shout out to Jess our guide who made this trip what it was. It is people like Jess that make the experience unforgettable. She was the melk protector and always had a smile on her face, always. All the interactions I had with the other guides gave me same vibes.

Just book this trip and see a side of Norway that you would never before with organization 2nd to none.

#deadlemmings best band ever

Had a great trip. The fjords are incredible and experiencing them through both kayaking and hiking is an amazing way to spend your weekend. Our guide, Evan, was also fantastic.

I was lucky enough recently, to enjoy a wonderful few days in the Norwegian fjords. It was a superb trip, fantastically organised and just thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Incredible experience and brilliantly organised. Our guide, Benji was extremely helpful, informative and reliable

Wow! I had really high hopes for this trip but it surpassed every single one. This was absolutely incredible. Kayaking down the fjords to climbing a mountain with the best views to vibing with the group around the camp fire it just felt like something from a dream and Benji our guide was absolutely awesome and really made this trip so special. Can’t wait to book my next adventure. - Sam

Had a fabulous few days with Kieran kayaking and hiking - it was challenging and the weather wasn't always kind but I enjoyed all of it!!!

Well organised. Great bunch of people I was thrown together with. Amy was our team leader, she was just fantastic, impressive knowledge, always had a smile on her face and worked tremendously hard. Beautiful setting, spectacular views throughout the 3 days. Would highly recommended to anyone considering joining this trip, it’s the perfect tonic to everyday life!!!

It’s not difficult to see why so many people love this trip. If you’re new to MBA then this is a superb introduction. Of course, the Norwegian fjords are stunning, so throw in a tranquil campsite, excellent food prepared by one of the wonderful guides, and a great food of strangers-turned-friends and you really have a winning combination. Each day is a bit tiring, with the hiking being Type 2 fun (in the rain at least) but very enjoyable. And you certainly won’t get bored of the views, even from the water. We had Amy as our guide, who as well as being an excellent cook and provider of copious bottles of wine and hot drinks, was fantastic at keeping our morale up on the hiking day (when it unfortunately rained, leading to some rather soggy hikers and soaking wet gear) and giving us plenty of interesting information about the area. If you’re lucky (and there earlier in the season) then you may even see some orca! I finished this trip with a new-found love of sea kayaking, a huge sadness at the thought of leaving, and a determination to get back to Norway soon!

Hi , wow what an adventure to remember , amazing scenery , so much to take in , the peace and tranquility of the fjords and mountains contrast with a kayak adventure , hiking , wild camping , Our guide Kieren was very knowledgable and experienced guide , ver friendly and supportive throughout ! Highly recommend and I would love to come back to see more .

5 star experience for the actual kayaking/camping/hiking part. Emma was an incredible guide and did an amazing job feeding me with my complicated dietary issues (no gluten and no dairy). I've never eaten so well on a camping trip! The kayaking was not difficult and very enjoyable. I loved the hike but it was definitely hard (long and a lot of elevation gain). I found trekking poles helpful. Also, they feed you so well you don't need to bring food -- use your dry bag space to bring spare clothes since if anything gets wet it won't dry (ESPECIALLY SOCKS). I'm taking off one star for the logistics before getting to the kayaking center - if you will already be in Norway (ie not taking the flight from the UK and/or making your way to Voss), then triple check all of the logistics of when you need to be where for pickup -- I had some issues with that part.

If you want to experience the Norwegian Fjords and be astounded by the views then this trip is definitely worth considering. The Fjords are beautiful. The hike is lovely. Really, wow!

Our guide was also so hardworking. She was always making sure we were enjoying ourselves and always smiling.

Also our group was great. Everyone was really friendly. Although I guess this is up to chance.

On the negative side of things, the equipment was worn and old. The tents were ancient and basic, and pray it doesn’t rain or the insides will be at best wet, and at worst entirely flooded (see video). Both mine and my partner’s sleeping bags had missing zips. The kayaks, paddles and lifejackets work but have clearly had a lot of use.

The campsite could also use a proper picnic area and better fireside seating. There were some 2x4 planks over a tiny area big enough to only seat half the group.

There were also ticks and mosquitoes everywhere so if you are worried about that sort of thing then don’t go.

The toilets were the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve backpacked around South America and Asia and never seen anything as foul as the camp toilets. Someone needs to clean them out. Definitely not “long drop” as claimed.

This was wild camping to the extreme. If you like hot showers, dry sleeping, and hearty food to recover after long days of exercise then this trip is not for you.

More on the informational side:

The kayaking was a nice comfortable pace. There were several stops along the way to give you a chance to stretch your legs, warm up with a hot drink, and eat some food.

The hike is roughly 25km long. Most of it is pretty easy if you have basic fitness (e.g. go running three times a week for 30 minutes). There is a 1km section just before you reach the top affectionately known as “the slog” that takes about an hour. The incline on this section is about 20 to 25 degrees so pretty steep. If it is raining then the walk down this section is treacherous. I saw at least 5 people take hard falls whilst making their way down.

Leave dry clothes, a towel and a spare pair of shoes at the kayak center. When you get back you will have the opportunity to have a cold shower and freshen up before heading off to the airport.

Overall, the views and the guide were amazing. The food was ok. The equipment was terrible.

5* for the views, scenery and our guide Amy; the equipment (particularly tents, mats) look quite dated and tired, the camp site could do with some more amenities, like a covered picnic table or similar, outhouses as toilets were disgusting; rains a lot and everything got wet. Food was good but would have liked to try some more local

We had an amazing time with our guide Kieran on the three day tour. Kayaking was spectacular and fun. The hike was challenging and we would recommend doing some UK peaks to get your kit right and make sure you’re fit as you’ll enjoy it more. Camp life included long drops of course but was comfortable enough with plenty of food and snacks. I was glad of my sleeping bag liner. We didn’t use our hiking snacks and emergency food at all. An eye mask for night time is a game changer- strong recommend. Do get in the lake- refreshing and lovely. A hiking/travel towel is a worthwhile investment. Overall an excellent well run and fun trip. Some fitness preparation and thoughtful kit choices (don’t bring loads) will make your time more focussed on adventures and fun!

Had such a brilliant experience, everything in the trip was well managed and got to see some amazing views.

This was my first trip with MBA and it didn’t disappoint. Our guide, Amy, was wonderful. The fjords are truly beautiful, and the trip itself was well-structured and organized.

Be forewarned- this trip is not for the faint hearted. The hike is really difficult, and most of the elevation gain happens off-trail. The guides let us know that rain is common all year round, and some trips experience rain while kayaking, camping, and hiking.

Bring dry clothes!!

Great organization, cheerfull guides, clear briefing, the tents were not optimal, very thin sleeping mat, the hiking was fantastic, gigantic views, lucky with the weather. The kayaking was fantastic, too bad we didn’t have a kayak per person, but the views were beautiful, enormous waterfalls. There was plenty of food and snacks, sometimes with some sand between the plates ;-). We had a fantastic time ! Highly recommanded.

Great trip, fantastic group, amazing scenery & the best guide (Evan from Nordic Ventures). However, the walk is very long, & some of the kit is very old & falling apart! Roll mats were also very thin & uncomfortable

Hugely exceeded my expectations, mainly thanks to our amazing guide, Jess - heart of gold, made sure we were all safe, involved and well-fed. Utterly breathtaking scenery and a perfect mix of activity and down-time. Absolutely loved it and already looking at options for our next adventure! If you're hovering over the 'book' icon, just do it.....you won't regret it.

Perfect.

The trip was incredibly well organised, and Jan and his team were so friendly and helpful. There was plenty of food and snacks available and the kit was all in really good condition. If you're thinking of visiting Norway, this is the only way to do it!!!!!

Wow a truly amazing experience, I would highly recommend. The trip was very well organised from the point of pick up to drop of at the airport.

Amy our guild was amazing, such a lovely hardworking lady with the biggest smile and heart. Nothing was to much trouble for her, she always when that extra mile to make the trip a fabulous experience.

The food was deliciously prepared and cooked by Amy. The portions were very generous. The snacks and wine was an extra welcomed bonus after a long hard day hiking 🥾 🍫 🍷 . I was blown away with all the supplies carefully packed away in the kayaks.

The views and scenery were spectacular during both the kayaking and hike, we were lucky enough to see a seal, sheep and goats … and the fattest slug ever 🤣

The hike was a long challenging day, Amy was positive and encouraging, allowed people to find their own pace.

This was a truly magic experience, thank you 🥾❤️

Had an amazing experience. Got no complaints. Food exceeded expectations by a long shot. All the equipment supplied was in good condition (maybe recommend a sleeping pad if you're a tad precious). And David our guide was great, was very informative on the local area and the history and never had the group waiting on him. A very well lead trip.

Absolutely brilliant. Our guide Katie was amazing. So friendly and knowledgeable. Everything was really organised. We all had such a laugh.. would definitely recommend this adventure... definitely one for your bucket list ..

Just returned from a fabulous long weekend in Norway. From start to finish this trip was amazing and so well organised. David, our guide for the weekend was super efficient, very knowledgeable and just made sure everything ran calmly and smoothly with a cracking sense of humour as well. Onto the activities. I'm in my 50s and am active on a day to day basis. I had trained for the hike upto about 6 weeks before the hike but from there life got in the way and was only doing dog walks twice a day so was concerned how hard I may find it. The first days kayak was great. Calm waters, good weather and a reasonably easy row with a couple of beautiful stops to get to the campsite. Tents were easily erected, an enjoyable dip in the Fjord and dinner with plenty of wine finished the first day off well. Day 2 we were well breakfasted and out of camp by 8:15 for the hike. The weather was varied but the walk was stunning. Because it was wet David suggested that our stops were reasonably short. He had hot tea to make sure we did not suffer with the cold and also made sure that we all kept eating, so that we were well fuelled up to enable us to reach the top. The hike is a challenge but never at any point did I feel that I had to dig deep to complete it. For me the worst bit was at the end where we had to do a narrow stony path along the side of the fjord to get from the bottom of the hike along to our campsite, however another dip in the fjord and a great much needed dinner and all was well. Day 3 the final kayak for us was wet and a little more challenging with a head wind and tide to contend with. Head down and just get on with it was the attitude, and we were distracted by the stunning scenery, great waterfalls and hot soup and sandwiches. Our return to the activity centre gave us enough time to shower if needed, sort out bags, have a hot drink and final briefing before being driven back to the airport. To summarise, I met some great like minded people, was well catered for ( I'm dairy and gluten intolerant which was no problem), and overall just had the very best time even if the weather tried to test us a bit! My only complaint was the sleeping mats, if you can fit a thicker mat or blow up mattress in your kit do it.