Hiking

World famous Bergen pier – a historical gem.

Norway’s second largest and historic city has so much to offer. Most famous is Bryggen; the wooden buildings on Bergen’s iconic quay. Right next to it lies one of Norway’s best-preserved fortresses; Bergenhus. There you will find Håkonshallen from 1250 which was a royal residence in the Middle Ages.

If you want to extend your stay in Bergen, we recommend:

1. Fløyen Mountain – suits everyone!

Take the funicular up and walk back, or walk both up and down. We recommend a stop at Skansedammen, a perfect place for a picnic.

2. Mount Ulriken to Fløyen, demanding walk 15 km

Take the bus from the city center and the gondola up to Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. This walk is called “Vidden” and is the classic long hike in Bergen. From the top you can enjoy fantastic views of Bergen with the sea, the islands, the fjords and the mountains. There are many opportunities for a shorter loop walk from Ulriken summit.

The costal boat is a beautiful journey.

The coastal boat takes you to the western islands and into the natural paradise Sognefjorden. From the boat deck you can admire the fjord villages and the unique landscape along Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, 204 km long and 1308 m deep.

Arrival Balestrand with its unique cultural history, already in the 18th century the village was known as a popular tourist destination in Europe. Artists were captivated and inspired by the lights and the mighty fjord landscape.

Afternoon tour options:

1. Walk along the fjord and admire Scandinavia’s largest concentration of dragon-style houses. We recommend a visit to the Cider House with cider tasting on the way.
2. The pilgrimage route from Kallestad to Kvamsøy: You walk along the fjord, west of Balestrand, varied terrain and many nice places for pauses.

All our hikes offer fantastic views.

Walking from your hotel to Belehalli sports hall where the well-marked trail starts. You reach Orrabenken which is perfect for a break, from here you get a fantastic view of Balestrand and the Sognefjord. Further up you are over the fjord arm Esefjord with magnificent views on both sides. The trail, which was previously a dirt road, is facilitated by Sherpas and has cairns further up to the top, 972 meters above Balestrand.

There are many opportunities for shorter and easier hikes.

In small fjord villages life goes at a different pace – Solvorn

From the end of the fjord arm Barsnesfjorden you cross the mighty Årøy river and follow the same path that King Saint Olav took in 1023 with his men. From Hafslovatnet lake you continue on the old road down to Solvorn. Previously, the village was a hub for trade, travel and business. Today, Solvorn is an idyllic gem with apple trees, small white wooden houses and a pleasant atmosphere. Right by the dock where you take the ferry to Urnes you find the popular public beach.

Parts of the view from one of the most iconic tours – Molden

Molden is described as the finest viewpoint by the Sognefjord, with panoramic views of the fjord arms and the high mountains in Jotunheimen. From trail start at Mollandsmarki you follow the well-marked path, first through the forest to Svarthiller, already here you get spectacular views over the fjord towards Ornes on the other side. From the top of Molden, 1116 masl, you have the best view to the east, overlooking Lusterfjord with Nes and Høyheimsvik in the foreground. The stone cabin at the top is perfect for a rest and your packed lunch.

Experience glaciers up close – the Nigards glacier.

The journey up through the wild and narrow Jostedalen is an attraction in itself. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland and the walk up to the spectacular Nigardsbreen takes approximately 1 hour. The National Park Center for Breheimen and Jostedalsbreen with cafeteria, souvenir shop, information center and museum can be visited before or after your walk to the glacier front. A walk on the glacier itself with necessary glacier equipment must be booked in advance.Kayak and rafting is also available activities in Jostedalen.

Options:

• Boattrip and walk on the Tunsbergsdal glacier, more demanding hike on a less visited glacier arm.
• Take the ferry from Solvorn to Urnes and visit the stave church.
• Very nice marked walks from Solvorn along the fjord.

The express boat back to Bergen, bus and train to Bergen – or to Oslo.

The Flåm Railway can easily be included, the most popular tourist attraction in Sogn.