Norwegian Fjord Hiking

You are free to arrive in Bergen at any time. Please note that check in time is approximately 2pm, but the hotel will be happy to store luggage if you arrive early. There are no planned activities today, until the evening when you will meet your Tour Leader and fellow group members for a welcome meeting. Check the notice board for a message from your Tour Leader or ask at reception for the exact time and location of this group meeting. Afterwards, why not take the option of heading out for a meal in a local restaurant nearby with your travel companions. If you arrive late, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

Today is a good day to walk around Bergen, as this is a city easy to explore on foot, and well worth a wander.

Overnight in Bergen.

Today we have a morning to explore the beautiful city of Bergen with a leader led orientation walk, followed by an included lunch at the famous fish markets. The second largest city in Norway, and one of the oldest settlements in the country, this city, surrounded by mountains, is the ideal introduction to the culture of Norway.

In the afternoon, we take the ferry through the stunning Hardangerfjord to Rosendal The crossing itself is spectacular, across the fjord that cuts through the landscape.

Overnight in Rosendal.

Today we have a full day hike on one of Norway's most recognizable sights, the Hardangarfjord. The views along the route vary between rolling fields, sheer mountain cliffs and the brilliant, clear beauty of the fjord. There are several waterfalls that we pass on the hike, and the fantastic green landscapes of the country are the very essence of Norway.

Overnight in Rosendal.

Follow the old post road to Rullestadjuvet Gorge today, a dramatic walk along the riverside in the Akrafjord area. Walking here takes a trail through dramatic landscapes between a waterfall and a cliff, steep mountains rising high above. As the walk continues, the terrain gets gentler and we continue through farmland to the clear lake below. The views are quite spectacular along the route, making it easier to forget tired legs.

Later on today, we hike in Foglefonna National Park. Established in 2005, Foglefonna National Park is a dramatic landscape of peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Our hike today takes us into the National Park, and the six hundred metre high Langfoss waterfall. Translated from Norwegian, this means 'Long Falls' and is often claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Our hike continues through the municiailty of Etne, with sights including the Akrafjord, cutting through the mountains formed from an eroded glacier.

Overnight in Rosendal.

A change of scenery for our walking today, as we get out onto the blue ice of the Foglefonna Glacier. This is a very different experience to the hiking we have done already, but all the more exciting for it. Glacier hiking means that we need to strap on ice axes and crampons across the white expanse of the ice. Views from the top of the glacier are incredible and will be etched in the memory, but remember we are hiking at an altitude of over 1000 metres, so the hiking may get tough in places.

Please note that whilst the glacier hike is possible all year round, some departures may utilise snowshoes instead of ice axes and crampons depending on current snow conditions.

Overnight in Rosendal.

Our biggest challenge so far today, as we attempt the summit of Melderskin today (1426 metres). The route is easily marked along the way. We follow paths through green fields and forest before appearing above the tree line. Then, following ridges we have views across the valley below before reaching for the summit. Views down across to the Foglefonna glacier will make you feel like you are on top of the world.

Please note that the conditions on Melderskin are unpredictable due to the chances of early or late snowfall. In some cases, particular during May and June departures, it may not be possible to summit Melderskin - an alternative will be offered.

Approx time hiking - 6-7 hours


Overnight in Rosendal.

After the exertions of the week, we have left today free to relax. If you want more exhilerating activities, there are many available to you around Rosendal. Alternatively, you may want to soak up the quiet beauty of the Norwegian fjordlands.


Overnight in Rosendal.

We return to Bergen in the morning, you are free to depart after 3pm today. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.