TAILOR-MADE TOUR Jotunheimen National Park and fjords fly-drive
11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS
This fly-drive holiday features two areas in Norway of stunning , natural scenery : the dramatic mountain landscapes in the Jotunheimen National Park which includes the Galdhøppigen mountain , the highest in Norway , and the majestic scenery of the Aurlandsjford , a southern branch of the majestic Sognefjord . Also included are two nights in Oslo and a night near Lillehammer .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Oslo Arrive in Oslo by air and stay for two nights .
Day 2 In Oslo The capital of Norway , Oslo , sits on the country ’ s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord . Explore the national museums located in the Bygdøy Peninsula : the Fram Museum , the Norwegian Folk Museum , the Norwegian Maritim Museum , the Viking Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum . The Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built which still holds the record for sailing farthest south and the farthest north . The Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air attraction showcasing the diverse wooden architecture and history of the country and its traditions . For a further insight into the history of Oslo in particular , visit Akershus Castle and Fortress . Completed during the 1300s , this mediaeval castle ’ s strategic location at the end of the headland enabled it to withstand every siege throughout the ages . At the castle is also the poignant Norwegian Resistance Museum . Oslo is also known for its green spaces , the most famous of which is Frogner Park , home to Vigeland Sculpture Park . This features more than 200 sculptures in bronze , granite and iron and is one of Norway ’ s top tourist attractions . Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own , the Royal Palace is the official seat of the Norwegian King and Queen .
Day 3 Oslo to Aurlandsfjord Today you collect your hire-car and drive north-west through the pretty rolling fields and pine trees north of Oslo passing through historic towns , many with charming churches such as Bromma . You pass through the town of Gol , with an open-air museum that contains a replica of the town ’ s 13th century stave church . Closer to Aurland , you reach Borgund , home of another famous stave church , dating from about 1200 . The last part of your route is through the Laerdal tunnel , or you can take the old route , the National Tourist Route Aurlandsfjellet , over the top of the mountains ( allow more time ). This road is open usually from 1 June until 15 October and is 1,306 metres above sea level at its highest point . The most direct route from Oslo to Aurland takes about 5 hours so you will need all day , allowing for stops to visit places of interest . You have four nights in Aurland .
Days 4 to 6 In Aurland The location of your hotel is perfect for exploring the southern part of the Sognefjord . Aurland is a fjord-side village surrounded by lush countryside . Boat trips on the fjord are possible and you can take a ferry to Flåm for a ride on the famous Flåmsbana . There is an annual jazz festival one weekend in May . Nearby you can also walk in the mountains of the Aurlandsdalen and fish in the fjord . You can visit the fjord by rib-boat too . At Gudvangen are the white caves , there is the Sogn Folk Museum in Kaupanger and the famous Stegastein viewpoint at 650 metres above the fjord on the road over the Aurlandsfjell mountain . The area is also rich in Viking heritage , and there are several burial mounds in the village . In the Viking village of Njardarheimr you experience life in the area one thousand years ago . There is also a shoemaker ’ s museum at Aurland .
Day 7 Aurland to Jotunheimen Today you leave the Aurlandsfjord to drive northwards to the Jotunheimen National Park . The journey can take as little as three hours if you use the Laerdal tunnel but for the scenic journey between June and October , you can take the old road over the mountains . From Laerdal the road hugs the side of the Sognefjord and then the Årdalsvatnet . You might want to stop for a coffee or fuel in Øvre Årdal before the road zig zags out of the valley above the Tindevegen waterfall . Much of this road is single track with passing points . This is the Tindevegen high mountain panorama road which is an automatic toll road ( NOK 90 ). The road is paved but narrow and steep ; it is open from May until November . As the road meanders through the mountains there are viewpoints and some places to stop . Views of the Hurrungane peaks and Store Skagastølstind mountain in the east and the Sognefjord and Skjolden in the west can be had . By the Mefjell parking and picnic place you cross from Vestland to Innlandet . To your east and north-east is the mountain range and peaks of Galdhøppigen and the Jotunheimen mountains . You have four nights in Jotunheimen .
Days 8 to 10 In Jotunheimen Situated in Eastern Norway between Oslo , Bergen and Trondheim , Jotunheimen National Park covers an area of roughly 3,500 sq kms and is home to some of the most famous hiking trails in the country . The area was originally known as the Home of the Giants in Norse mythology due to the fact that Norway ’ s 23 highest mountains are all located within its borders . The two highest of these are also the focal points of two of Norway ’ s top three most iconic hikes . A popular starting point for the Galdhøppigen hike is Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge , which lies 1,100 metres above sea level . From here the round trip is roughly 13 km long and usually takes 5-7 hours , reaching three peaks over 2,000 metres high . Start by crossing the bridge at Spiterstulen , following a clear path which was renovated by Sherpas in 2010 through the forest . Following the red ‘ T ’ s which mark the trail , you ascend first Svellnose , then Keilhaustopp , before eventually reaching Galdhøppigen at 2,469 metres above sea level . You may want to stop at the Spiterstulen Mountain Lodge again on your way back for an authentic evening meal before returning to your hotel for the night . Spiterstulen is also one of the main starting points for the hike up the second highest mountain in Norway ,
Glittertind . This mountain has a permanent snow-cap and involves crossing the Glitterbrean Glacier . It is important to check the weather conditions before embarking on this hike , as crampons may be required depending on the conditions on the final ascent . For those looking for a more challenging , yet perhaps even more scenic , hiking route , the Besseggen ridge hike is recommended for experienced hikers only and starts with a scenic 20-minute ferry ridge from Gjendesheim to Memurubu . Jotunheimen is home to over 50 marked trails and you will find roughly 70 more in the surrounding area , meaning there is something to suit all ages and ability levels . On the opposite end of the altitude scale , the Dumma Valley features a series of labyrinthine caves home to narrow passageways and underground waterfalls carved out by the River Dumma . Other popular activities here include climbing and rafting . The River Sjoa is considered the best river in Norway for rafting , and there are also options to go canyoning and river boarding on the crystal blue waters . The town of Lom is a picturesque settlement famous for its striking Stave Church , which is one of the biggest of its kind in Norway and dates back to 1158 . Other attractions here are the Lom open-air museum and the Norwegian Mountain Centre , which features an exhibition about Vikings , folklore and fairy-tales of the region . No visit to this town would be complete without a visit to the Lom Bakery to try one of its countryrenowned cinnamon buns .
Day 11 Jotunheimen to Lillehammer You leave the Home of the Giants today to drive south in the direction of Oslo but stopping for a night near Lillehammer . You pass through the picturesque Gudbrandsdalen and should stop to visit the famous stave church at Ringebu . This church is one of the most famous in Norway and dates from about 1220 . It was constructed traditionally without the use of a single nail but instead the wood is dovetailed , and tar was used to protect the timber . Nearby is the Ringebu Rectory , dating from 1743 , and an historic experience in its own right . The driving time is about three hours .
Day 12 Lillehammer to Oslo and London It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Lillehammer to Oslo airport today so time your departure for your flight . Return your hire-car to the airport .
Walking in the Jotunheimen
34 FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL 01392 441250 www . expressionsholidays . co . uk