Bergen – Sognefjorden “King of the fjords”

We meet in Bergen, this famous harbour on the west coast of Norway is one of North Europe’s oldest port cities, established as a centre for trade before the 12th century and once the capital. Our hotel is nextdoor to Bryggen, the wooden buildings on Bergen’s iconic wharf and Unesco listed. Guided walk in the city.

From the top of mount Fløyen you get a bird’s eye view of the city. Back in the city centre, enjoy the lively fish market beside Bryggen, here you find fresh fish and seafood. Recommended to add extra nights in Bergen.

Departure with the costal boat from Bergen in the morning. The boat takes us to Norway’s western islands before entering Sognefjorden, whose glacier waters mirror snow covered majestic mountains. You can admire small communities along the fjord and the waterfalls in all sizes cascading into it. We stay two nights in Vik.

Vik and Arnafjord, some of the highlights of the tour

Breakfast before we cycle on small, peaceful back roads to the hamlet of Arnafjord. High mountains and spectacular waterfalls surround you. Crossing the Eitrestrondi natural park and stopping at the local grocery store in Framfjorden to admire the views. Maybe the day for the first fjord swim? Arriving at the end of the road in Arnafjord, we enjoy our packet lunch by the fjord before turning and cycling back to Vik.

Beautiful cycling around Esefjord in springtime

Continuing to Vangsnes we visit the statue of “Fritjof” before crossing the fjord with the ferry to Dragsvik. The unique geography around the small fjord arms reveals a new landscape around every curve. Arriving in Menes we enjoy a local visit before heading back towards Balestrand.

As early as the 18th century Balestrand was known as a popular tourist destination in Europe. People and artists came to the shores of Balestrand, attracted to the special fjord landscape you find here. We stay at Kvikne’s Hotel (1877) with its imposing façade facing the fjord; an excellent example of the so-called Swiss style.

Fjærland, the hamlet in the end of Fjærlandsfjord, a must visit!

We take the boat from Balestrand to Fjærland. Fjærlandsfjord is a scenic and majestic fjord with glacier-capped mountain peaks. The fjord has a bright green/turquoise colour because of the melted ice from the glaciers. A fantastic boat trip from unique Balestrand through the beautiful fjord arm towards one of the arms of Jostedalsbreen Glacier.

The Glacier Museum in Fjærland gives you in depth knowledge of glaciers and how man has learned to coexist with one of nature’s everchanging wonders. The museum has an excellent film presentation offering a 180-degree viewing screen that takes you on a virtual glacier experience.

We cycle the valley up towards the Supphelle glacier before we head back to Fjærland and our hotel. Extra km can easily be added, or maybe you prefer to book the fjord sauna?

Sogndalsdalen valley, quiet roads and spectacular nature

Breakfast before short transfer through the tunnels after Fjærland. We cycle the old road in the valley of Sogndalsdalen down to Sogndal, our regional center. Stop for lunch in Sogndal. Cycling along Barsnesfjord to Hafslo and down to Solvorn. This evening we will enjoy the best hotel in the region.

We take the small ferry from Solvorn and well arrived in Urnes we visit Urnes stave church, protected by UNESCO. The stave churches are Norway’s most important contribution to European cultural heritage.

Leaving Urnes on the small roads along Lusterfjorden which is the innermost arm of Sognefjord, and the finest, naturally! «The romantic road» takes us the spectacular Feigum waterfall, falling 218 m from the mountain. Arriving in Skjolden – the far end of the Sognefjord you have several choices on how to spend your afternoon.

View from Lusterfjord and Skjolden to Molden

Breakfast in the hotel before transfer to Sogndal or Leikanger for departure.

Recommended to add Flåm Railway and go back to Bergen or Oslo by train.