TAILOR-MADE TOUR Norway fjord and coast explorer fly-drive
11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS
This touring holiday encompasses some of Norway ’ s most beautiful west coast fjord scenery by land and sea . From the city of Bergen drive north to spend time on the fjords at Balestrand on the Sognefjord , Loen on the Nordfjord and Åndalsnes on the Romdalsfjord . Then drive along the stunning Atlantic Ocean Road to spend two nights on the tiny fishing island of Haholmen . Continue along the coast to the ancient town of Kristiansund before boarding the Hurtigruten ferry which cruises overnight south to Bergen .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Bergen Your holiday starts with your arrival in Bergen by a direct flight from London Gatwick .
Day 2 In Bergen Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country ’ s most influential periods . Visit the iconic Bryggen wharf , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its colourful buildings today house a small museum , shops and restaurants . Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains , the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen , which can be reached by funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area . Bergen is the busiest seaport in Norway and the market offers an abundance of fish , shellfish , fruits and vegetables – visiting the fish market is a must . Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen , the former home of Edvard Grieg and today hosts a museum about his life and works .
Day 3 Bergen to Balestrand Today you collect your hire-car and drive along the Sognefjord to the town of Balestrand . Head out of Bergen , across the bridges which take you over the sparkling waters dotted with green islands . As you drive further north the scenery remains lusciously green and you will be rewarded with frequent views of Norway ’ s beauty , an excellent introduction to the country ’ s splendour . At Oppedal join the fast car ferry service to Lavik , then continue to follow the winding roads as they twist around the fjords . The remainder of the journey takes along the width of the Sognefjord , past the towns of Nordeide and Hoyanger , and eventually to Balestrand , your base for the next two nights .
Day 4 In Balestrand Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord . We highly recommend using your time here to explore the stunning scenery , and the best way to do this is by boat . Balestrand offers an abundance varied and well-marked hiking trails around the town and the surrounding mountains . In the summer you can go kayaking on the fjord and for a couple of months each year river fishing is a popular activity . Other attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum , which follows the tracks of the first explorers and how their discoveries led to the development of the Norwegian tourism we see today , and the Sognefjord aquarium , entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe .
Day 5 Balestrand to Loen Today you drive to Loen in the inner reaches of the Nordfjord . Leave Balestrand and take the short car ferry service across the Sognefjord . The next section of your drive will have almost constant views of the fjord and the mountains , before you head away from the waters and into the more forested area leading up to Fjaerland . After skirting along the edge of the Fjaerlandsfjord , you will travel through the mountains themselves , emerging alongside the clear blue waters of Lake Jolstravatnet . This land becomes more agricultural as you pass through the small town of Byrkjelo , before you eventually reach the edge of the Nordfjord . Follow the winding road along the inlet until finally reach Loen at its head , where you check into your hotel for the next two nights .
Day 6 In Loen on the Nordfjord Despite its small size , Loen is an excellent adventure paradise and has been attracting visitors for many decades . For the best views of the area a visit to one of the main attractions is essential : Mt Hoven is 1,011 metres high and is reachable via the Leon Skylift cable car . There are many clearly marked hiking trails for all fitness levels from here . Back on the ground Lake Lovatnet will give you a very different but no less picturesque perspective of the scenery . Boat cruises are common on the lake , and there are opportunities for kayaking and fishing as well . About 30 kilometres outside Loen is the Briksdalsbreen Glacier , a famous part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier in the Jostedal National Park .
Day 7 Loen to Åndalsnes Start your drive to Åndalsnes by following the small branch of the Nordfjord , enjoying dramatic fjord and mountain scenery on one side and the luscious , sloped forest on the other . Head briefly away from the water until you reach Hornidalsvetnet , Europe ’ s deepest lake . Cross the lake by a bridge at one of its narrowest points before skirting alongside it for the next section of the journey . The scenery will become more rugged again from here , as the roads wind and twist to follow the mountain valleys . One of the most interesting parts of the journey is the hairpin bends as you descend the serpentine mountain road of Trollstigen . The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful , with tumbling waterfalls and jagged mountains pressing in on all sides . The final stretch of your journey takes you alongside the Rauma River as you arrive at Åndalsnes , on the Romdalsfjord , your base for the next two nights .
Day 8 In Åndalsnes Åndalsnes has access to some of the best hiking opportunities in the world . Romsdalseggen ridge is one of the world ’ s most scenic hikes , taking you up to an altitude of 970m for views of the majestic Trollveggen and the surrounding mountains . This is a relatively challenging hike but well worth the trip for those seeking an adventurous activity . The region ’ s other most famous location for an excellent view is the Rampestreken viewpoint , reachable via a steep path from Åndalsnes town centre . Åndalsnes is one of the starting stations for the world-famous Rauma Railway , which follows the course of the emerald-green River Rauma , passing through mountains and fjords . The trains usually stop for photo opportunities at Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen , Europe ’ s highest perpendicular mountain wall . Within the town itself you will find the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre . This includes a museum featuring interactive exhibitions about the history and development of mountaineering .
Day 9 Åndalsnes to Haholmen Today you drive to the small fishing island of Haholmen , one of the most scenic locations so far . Haholmen is located close to the famous Atlantic Ocean Road and is an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful area via its impressive road network . Leaving Åndalsnes , drive alongside the sparkling blue waters of the fjord until you reach Afarnes , where a car ferry will take you across this narrow stretch of the fjord . From here the journey becomes increasingly spectacular as you cross bridges stretching large gaps between islands , with unbroken water on either side of you . You skirt the edge of the Fraenfjorden as you pass through the village of Malme , and you may want to stop at Trollkirka shortly after this . The final stretch takes you along the famous Atlantic Ocean Road , crossing a series of tiny islands connected by ingenious bridges . The views are truly breath-taking and you will want to stop to take pictures of this famous road and the fjord scenery . Arrive in Geitøya where you leave your car to take either an express boat or a Viking Ship across to the hotel , a journey of roughly 10 minutes .
Day 10 Haholmen Specific highlights at Haholmen include the Kjeksa , a wonderful viewpoint near the fishing village of Bud , and Geitøya , where you can take a short walk both to the hilltops and down to the water . Eldhusøya is an elevated hiking path which was designed to protect the natural environment whilst providing everyone the opportunity to explore this area by foot . It will award you spectacular views of the twisting road which arcs between the islands .
Day 11 Kristiansund and Hurtigruten ferry Today you continue along the Atlantic Ocean Road to the ancient town of Kristiansund , where you can try the town ’ s specialty of bacalao , dried salted cod . In the evening from Kristiansund you board the Hurtigruten service with your hire-car for an overnight sea journey back to Bergen .
Day 12 Bergen to London by air You approach Bergen passing the picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier . The boat crosses the majestic Sognefjord before arriving in Bergen at about 14.45 hrs . You disembark with time to return your hirecar to the airport before taking an evening flight direct to London Gatwick .
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