Walking the Fjords of Southern Norway

Our journey starts in Stavanger on the southwest coast of Norway, gateway to the country's famous fjords. A charming Norwegian city blending historic charm with modern energy, known for its picturesque old town (Gamle Stavanger) with white wooden houses, vibrant street art (Fargegaten) and oil industry heritage. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Stavanger International Airport (SVG), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Afterwards, for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for a group dinner. If you arrive earlier in the day, it's easy to explore downtown Stavanger on foot, why not head out and see the charming Old Town?

This morning, we leave Stavanger and drive the short distance to the scenic Jaeren region. The landscape here is a patchwork of rolling hills, farmland and rugged coastline - the perfect, easy introduction to Norway's natural beauty. We'll set off on a gentle loop walk, taking in sweeping views across the region - you can expect to see open farmland, grazing sheep and wildflowers in season, as well as occasional birdlife including seabirds along the coast and songbirds in the hedgerows. The terrain underfoot is generally firm and well-trodden, with gravel paths, grassy tracks and occasional rocky sections. There's a moderate climb uphill but the descent is gradual. After the hike, we'll relax on a fjord cruise along the Lysefjord. The cruise takes around two-and-a-half hours, and from the boat, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the dramatic cliffs and serene waters, a perfect reward after the morning walk. Today's 4.5 kilometre/2.8 mile walk is graded as leisurely with a total ascent of 200 metres/660 feet. We expect it to take around two hours.

After breakfast, we'll leave the hotel for a scenic 50-minute drive to Preikestolvegen, the trailhead of one of Norway's most iconic hikes. From here, we'll set off on an out-and-back route with a loop to the summit, soaking up breathtaking views of the Lysefjord along the way. At the summit, you'll reach Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, a spectacular plateau measuring about 25 metres (82 feet) in both length and width, perched dramatically above the fjord below. The terrain underfoot varies between well-trodden gravel paths, rocky sections, and occasional grassy patches. This iconic viewpoint is extremely popular and can be very busy, especially in peak season, but the atmosphere at the top and the sheer scale of the scenery make it truly special and absolutely worth the hike. Returning to Stavanger, our tour leader will accompany us on a city tour to explore the charming old town. We wander along streets lined with white wooden houses adorned with flowers and visit Øvre Holmegate, Stavanger's vibrant, colourful street famous for its bright facades. As Norway's oil capital, Stavanger is also home to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, a fascinating stop for those interested in the region's modern history. We'll then return to the hotel after taking in some of Norway's most impressive scenery. Today's 8.4 kilometre/5.22 mile walk is graded as moderate with a total ascent and descent of 590 metres/1,940 feet. We expect it to take around four hours.

First, we visit Klostergarden, an eco-farm located in a protected landscape. We will be shown around the farm and learn about eco-friendly agriculture and have a chance to visit the farm shop and possibly purchase some picnic supplies. Next, we stop at Utstein Monastery, Norway's best-preserved medieval monastery, founded in the 13th century. Once home to Augustinian monks, the site also has roots as a Viking-age royal estate, possibly linked to King Harald Fairhair. Tickets can be purchased locally to visit the interior for €20, although this is not an option in September when the monastery is closed. We continue on out journey to Odda and drive through the Ryfast Tunnel (a marvel of modern engineering) on our way to Hjelmeland. From there, we take a short car ferry to Nesvik - Norway has an innovative approach to sustainable travel and one of the ferry options is a hydrogen-powered vessel. From Nesvik, we'll continue by road to Odda, stopping in the small fishing village of Sand. The drive skirts the edge of Hardangervidda National Park along the arm of the Hardangerfjord, taking the scenic Route 13, renowned for its dramatic fjord views and charming Norwegian villages. Along the way, we'll pause to admire two spectacular waterfalls: Langfoss, cascading over multiple tiers down the mountainside, and Latefossen, famous for its twin streams plunging side by side into the valley below. We finish up at Odda, the perfect location to explore the stunning fjord landscapes of this region.

We start today with a short drive to Buer, the trailhead for the Buerdalen Valley hike. From here, we set off along a scenic trail that meanders up through the lush Buardalen Valley, surrounded by steep mountains and verdant forests. Along the way, we'll enjoy impressive views of the valley and surrounding peaks before reaching the Buarbreen Glacier. For those interested in getting closer, there is the option to explore the glacier with a qualified guide. Lunch will be a picnic, enjoyed amid the dramatic natural surroundings. After the hike, we 'll drive back to our hotel for our final night in Odda. Before returning to Odda, we make a stop at a local apple farm. In the Hardanger region, fruit cultivation and cider production are long-standing parts of the local culture. The fjord's unique microclimate makes it ideal for growing apples, and many farms have been producing apple juice and cider for generations. Today, a growing community of artisan cider makers continues this tradition. During our visit, we will explore the farm and enjoy a tasting of locally produced craft ciders. Today's 6 kilometre/3.73-mile walk is graded as leisurely with a total ascent and descent of 420 metres/1,380 feet. We expect it to take around three hours

This morning, we drive to Øystese, a charming village nestled along the Hardangerfjord. From here, we set off on a hike with a local guide to the Fyksesund Fjord, following a scenic trail that winds through lush terrain and forested slopes. The route climbs steadily at an easy pace, making it an enjoyable and accessible hike. At the summit, we'll enjoy a wide-reaching viewpoint overlooking the outer reaches of the Fyksesund and the wider Hardangerfjord an ideal spot for photos and a quiet moment to take in the landscape. After the hike, we visit a wool factory and museum, where the region's rich textile heritage comes to life. Here, traditional wool processing meets industrial history. The museum showcases historic tools, old machinery, and examples of Norwegian knitting and textile traditions, highlighting how wool has shaped local culture for centuries. There will be time to explore the factory shop, offering locally made yarns, textiles, and handcrafted wool products. Finally, we'll drive to Bergen, Norway's second largest city, where we'll spend the final two nights of our trip. Bergen is situated between seven mountains and the intricate waterways of the fjords. Known for its historic harbour district, Bryggen (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city features colourful wooden houses that reflect its Hanseatic trading past. The city is also a vibrant cultural hub, with lively fish markets, cozy cafés, art galleries and museums, including the Bergenhus Fortress and the KODE art museums. Today's 5 kilometre/3.11 mile walk is graded as leisurely with a total ascent and descent of 450 metres/1,480 feet. We expect it to take around three and a half hours.

This morning our tour leader will take us on an orientation walk, exploring Bergen's highlights, including the lively fish market and the historic Bryggen waterfront. Next, we'll ride the Fløibanen Funicular to enjoy sweeping views over the city and surrounding fjords, with the option to return on foot for those who'd like a more active descent. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Glesvær to hike the Golta Trail, located west of Bergen in the dramatic coastal landscape where Norway's fjords meet the Atlantic Ocean. Formed when the ice retreated 10,000 years ago, this area is home to thousands of islands like pearls strung across the sea. This hike, in contrast to our others, opens up a panorama of waves crashing onto the coast and the heathland landscape of Golta Island on Sotra. It's at its most beautiful during the twilight hours, so we aim to hike then - the sun sets around 10pm and we'll head back before. After the hike, there's the option to enjoy dinner here before we drive back to Bergen for the night. Today's 2 kilometre/1.24 mile walk is graded as leisurely. The terrain is mainly flat, and we expect it to take around 90 minutes.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Bergen. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Bergen International Airport (BGO) which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel, depending on traffic. If you have extra time and would like to extend your holiday, you might want to visit the Flam Railway, one of Norway's most famous train journeys.