Day 1: Bergen
Individual arrival in Bergen. Take the opportunity to explore this famous port on the west coast of Norway, one of the oldest in Europe, and a trading center since the beginning of the 12th century. A vibrant historic city, Bergen is the second largest in the country. The city's most iconic location is undoubtedly the Bryggen wharf, whose colorful wooden houses lined along the wharf provide a postcard view, as well as mind back to when the city played a crucial role within the Hanseatic League. Santa Maria Church, dating back to 1180, is the tallest and oldest building in the neighborhood, while the Hanseatic Museum offers an interesting retrospective on the daily life and work of the German merchants who lived here.
Next to the museum stands Bergenhus Fortress, one of the best-preserved in Norway, within which you can find Haakon's Hall, dating back to 1250 and used as a banqueting hall during the Middle Ages. Steps away from the Bryggen Wharf is another must-see spot in the city: the lively Fish Market, where you can also find vegetables, fresh fruit, and local crafts, as well as a variety of restaurants serving a wide selection of Norwegian specialties. Among the things absolutely to do in Bergen include the excursion to Mount Fløyen, which can either be reached on foot or with the panoramic funicular, from where you will enjoy a bird's view of the city. Alternatively, you can visit the Bergen Aquarium located near Nordnes Park and the city center, where sea lions, crocodiles, and intriguing snakes live. Overnight stay in the city center. We recommend booking an extra night at the start or end of the tour to have more time available to visit this magnificent city.
Day 2: Bergen by bike (14 km) | Bergen – Vik by boat (3h30′)
After breakfast, you can pick up your rented bicycles in Bryggen. During the bike tour, you will be able to visit many of the attractions described on the first day, of which you will find a brief description in the material you will receive. At the end of the tour, the bikes will need to be returned to the place of pick-up. The port is very close to both the bike rental shop and your hotel, so after returning the bikes, you can pick up your luggage and walk towards the boarding. Departure time of your boat: 4.30 pm, with arrival in Vik expected at 8.10 pm. Once on board, you will sail towards the western islands before entering the Sognefjord, in whose waters you will see majestic snow-covered mountains reflected. From the boat, you can also enjoy small villages nestled on the shores of the fjord and waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. Alternatively to the boat route, which is recommended, you can take a bike tour of the city of Bergen. Your Vik hotel is a few hundred meters from the disembarkation point.
Day 3: Vik – Arnafjord – Vik (52 km)
After breakfast, you will begin pedaling along small and quiet secondary roads, surrounded by mountains and spectacular waterfalls, until reaching the small village of Arnafjord. You will then cross Eitrestrondi Natural Park, a protected area due to its peculiar vegetation. The small grocery store of Framfjorden has tables available for a relaxing break, alternatively, you can stop for a moment of relaxation or a swim in the public area with an adjacent beach on your route. After the break, you can leave the main road for a few kilometers and go see the impressive Botnafossen waterfalls. You can finally have lunch on the fjord at Arnafjord before cycling back to Vik.
Day 4: Vik – Vangsnes – Balestrand (24 km)
In the morning, you will travel the famous Sylvringen trail, an idyllic cultural route that will take you to some surprising historical sites and where you can taste the Gamalost, a famous cheese that is produced exclusively in Vik. Continuing towards Vangsnes, you will then come across the statue of Fritjof before crossing the fjord by ferry and reaching Dragsvik. From here another ten kilometers will take you to Balestrand, a popular holiday resort since the 18th century, frequented by illustrious figures and famous artists from all over Norway and beyond, attracted by its stunning fjord location and wonderful landscapes. You will be staying at the Kvikne's Hotel (1877) magnificently positioned in front of the fjord and a marvelous example of the so-called Swiss style or Dragon style. Once in Balestrand, we recommend a bike ride along the fjord; on King Bele’s Road, you will find the highest concentration of Swiss-style buildings in Norway. These were summer residences built here by numerous artists, many of which are still in excellent condition and form a unique architectural landscape.
Day 5: Balestrand – Dragsvik – Sværefjord – Vetlefjord – Menes – Balestrand (59 km)
Today you will discover the panoramic arms of the fjord. At Esefjorden you can admire the famous mountains that have inspired so many artists, while just before Dragsvik you can visit the Arboretum which extends from the road towards the fjord and houses about 150 varieties of trees and shrubs from all over the world. Within it, you will also find a recreational area on the fjord, perfect for a refreshing break or a swim on the way back. Continuing along the fjord on quiet roads, surrounded by mountains and the picturesque villages you will meet along the way. The typical geographical formation of the arms of the fjord will give you different landscapes at every turn. You will finally travel the last five kilometers on a secondary road and arrive at Menes, where you can enjoy the silence and an outdoor lunch before returning to Balestrand along the same route as the outbound journey.
Alternatively, you can decide to take the boat, taking your bicycles with you, from Balestrand to Menes (not included, to be booked in advance) and cycle back from Menes to Balestrand (30 km).
Day 6: Balestrand – Leikanger – Sogndal – Hafslo (44 km/64 km)
Today you will venture into the innermost part of the Sognefjord; at 11.50 am you will take a boat that will take you from Balestrand to Leikanger. Alternatively, for those who want to pedal, it is possible to cycle to Dragsvik along the Esefjord and then take the ferry to Hella; from here there are 12 km to Leikanger. The Sogn area has historically been devoted to fruit cultivation, if you visit the area in spring you will find flowering trees, while from August they will be colored by red apples and violet plums. In Sogndal, the center of the region, you will take a bike path that runs along the fjord. The shops and cafes in the center also make it the ideal place for a break. The journey continues to the end of the Barsnesfjord and reaches Hafslo, beautifully lying on the homonymous lake. The last 2 km are on a cycle path and your hotel is located on a hill in the center from where you can enjoy a beautiful view.
Day 7: Hafslo – Solvorn – Skjolden (38 km)
After breakfast, you will take the same cycle path as the previous day before heading down towards Solvorn, an idyllic village of white houses built when the fjord was still the main route of communication. Here the fjord is deep enough to allow even large boats to dock. In Solovorn there is a small café and the hotel has a nice art gallery, we suggest you spend some time there before boarding the small ferry that leaves every hour starting at 10.00 am. The crossing lasts about 20 minutes. Once you land at Urnes, a climb of about 700 meters will take you to the oldest stavkirke (typical wooden churches) of Norway, a Unesco heritage. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the fjord. Leave Urnes pedaling along the Lusterfjord, the innermost arm of the Sognefjord and naturally the most beautiful. The Romantic Road will then take you to the spectacular Feigum waterfall, 218 meters high, where you can take a 100% natural shower or swim. Remember, however, that to walk to the waterfall (about 30 minutes, depending on how high you want to go) you need to wear shoes with a good sole, the ground is very wet and slippery. Alternatively, you can admire the waterfall from the road and take a dip in the fjord.
When you get to Skjolden, at the edge of the fjord, you can choose to sip a drink on the hotel terrace or at the café, or relax on the beach, we will come to pick you up at the agreed time to take you back to the hotel.
Day 8: Hafslo
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Sogndal or Leikanger and embarkation to return to Bergen or Flåm (supplement or extension).
Norvegia
190km
8 days