The Best of South Norway

Degree of difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult adventure. Participants should be comfortable walking for at least six hours a day, for several consecutive days. 
• Hiking takes in ascent up to 1000m per day which can involve loose and rocky terrain. 

Norwegian nutrition

• Full board is provided throughout the trip, with the exception of time in Bergen and Stavanger.
• Hearty breakfast is provided with plenty of tea and coffee
• Picnic lunches are prepared using local produce where possible, and include sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes and dried fruit. 
• Evening meals are prepared as a group, and make use of regional specialties, such as grilled or smoked salmon, fresh shrimp and cod. 

Accommodation details

• In Stavanger and Bergen, accommodation is taken in hostels, with dorm style rooms and shared bathroom facilities.
• Accommodation during the trek is taken in mountain refuges, some of which will provide bedding, but a sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner will be required for some nights.
• All mountain refuges will offer heating, hot showers, toilets and communal dining areas.

Clothing to bring

• Your walking boots (high-rise, sturdy soles)
• Waterproof windproof jacket (breathable)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Warm jumper(s) and jacket
• Comfortable shoes for the evenings
• Waterproof trousers
• Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
• Warm socks
• Pyjamas, towel and toiletries

Equipment to bring

• Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner (0 deg C comfort rating)
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle / thermos
• Any personal medication
• Head torch with spare batteries
• Daypack 30L to 40L, duffle bag 80L to 100L for your main equipment bag. Not a suitcase.
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Walking poles
• Tupperware and cutlery for picnics
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Toilet paper and lighter to burn it
• Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Bergen Airport
Flyplassvegen 555
Bergen
5258
Norway

Route

• Fly to Bergen Airport in Norway, to meet the team, before taking a transfer to the city of Bergen.
• This is a point to point journey, return flights should be organised to leave from Stavanger Airport. 
• Both Bergen and Stavanger airports are well connected to the UK and Europe, with a number of direct and indirect flights to/from these destinations. 

south Norway Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Bergen

  Fly to Bergen. Take a transfer to the accommodation to meet with guides and the group. 

• Day 2 | Bergen

  Full day to explore the city of Bergen. Visit the fish market and try the regional delicacy shrimp sandwich. 

• Day 3 | Queen Sonja Trail

  Take the road towards Eidfjord to take the "Panorama of Her Majesty the Queen Sonja Path" Climb to an altitude of 1100m, to uncover fantastic views of the Hardanger fjord. 

• Day 4 | Trolltunga

  Leaving the Trolltunga guesthouse, a long day of hiking, with 900m ascent to reach the dramatic viewpoint at Trolltunga. Incredible views over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Return to Trolltunga guesthouse to overnight. 

• Day 5 | Folgefonna

  Taking the Ryfylke road north to  the Folgefonna National Park. Hike from the village of Bondhus into the glacial landscapes. Spectacular waterfalls and icefalls populate the route. Overnight in a mountain refuge on the edge of Lysefjord.

• Day 6 | Kjeragbolten

  Hike into the Kjerag massif, in search of the famed hanging rock Kjeragbolten. More technical ascent, utilising chains to scale a series of large granite slabs. Afternoon return to mountain refuge in Lysbotn.

• Day 7 | Preikestolen

  Take a morning ferry to the start point of the Pulpit Rock hike. Follow well maintained paths, ascending to the iconic viewpoint, looking out over Lysefjord. Plenty of time to enjoy the sublime views before descending to take a transfer to Stavanger.

• Day 8 | Departure

  After breakfast, take a transfer to the airport to continue the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers on arrival day
• An expert guide
• All transportation
• All accommodation
• Full board whilst trekking

Not Included

• Flights to Bergen Airport
• Flights from Stavanger Airport
• Visa (if required)
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Meals in Bergen and Stavanger
• Personal hiking equipment

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs