TAILOR-MADE TOUR Sognefjord fly-drive holiday
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
This seven-night fly-drive touring holiday furnishes an insight into the incredible Sognefjord , Norway ’ s longest and deepest fjord , using Balestrand as the holiday base and a hire-car to get around . You fly to and from Oslo and stop in the towns of Gol and Geilo en route . Plenty of opportunities for visiting historic Stave churches , crossing the fjords by ferry , and taking mountain hikes .
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Oslo and drive to Gol Fly to Oslo , collect your hire car from the airport and then embark on the 3-hour drive north-west to Gol . Leaving Oslo , this will take you first through a heavily forested area before you pass several small towns , eventually skirting alongside the beautiful Lake Krøderen . Arrive at your hotel which is situated about 20 minutes ’ drive outside the town of Gol and check in for one night . You may wish to explore some of the nearby attractions including the Gol Stave Church , a copy of the original which was built in the 1200s . This beautiful church features detailed carvings and bright woodwork , making it a popular site for weddings . This area is also home to many excellent mountain trails , making it perfect for both hiking and mountain biking . Forested valleys combine with high mountains to give beautiful views of Jotunheimen , Hemsedal and Hallingskarvet .
Day 2 Gol to Balestrand Today you continue through the stunning Norwegian scenery to Balestrand . Your surroundings become more mountainous as you drive through the county of Vestland , and you will find yourself in mountain passes pressed in on all sides by majestic peaks . Cross the Sognefjord by car ferry and then by bridge before skirting along the edge , following the water as it widens out . One more car ferry ride will take you across to the opposite side of the Esefjord to your destination , and the final stretch of your journey consists of skirting this narrow inlet around its peak and into the small fjordside town of Balestrand . You spend five nights here .
Days 3 to 6 In Balestrand Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord , the longest and deepest fjord in Norway , and is an excellent base from which to explore some of the best scenery and activities the country has to offer . The best way to experience the fjord is by boat , and there are regular services taking passengers up to Fjaerland along the Fjaerlandfjord branch , passing tiny , picturesque villages , waterfalls and imposing mountains . There are many hiking routes in and around the national park , all of which are easily reached from Fjaerland ’ s central town of Mundal . These routes will allow you to take in the beautiful scenery of the fjord , mountains , and glacier . Closer to your hotel in Balestrand , hiking routes offer frequent viewpoints and picnic sites , allowing you to make a day of this enjoyable outing . For a panoramic view of Balestrand and the Sognefjord , the Orrabanken route climbs to
370 metres above sea level and is suitable for most fitness levels . The Fossetien walking route takes you past 7 mountain lakes and 14 waterfalls , including the incredible Likholefossen , where you will cross the churning waters as they plunge to the rocks below . Another popular activity here is kayaking on the calm waters , commonly up the short branch of the Esefjord on the north side of the Sognefjord . You may wish to spend one of your days here embarking on the Flam railway , Norway ’ s most famous scenic railway journey . Start by taking the early express boat across to Flam , the starting point of the railway line . This incredible journey ascends 2,833 feet through mountainous terrain , passing towering cliffs , chasms , and cascades . The valley will start to narrow as you pass close by the Rjoandefossen waterfall before you cross the Hoga River . Arrive at Berekvam station at 1,129 ft above sea level shortly before passing through the longest tunnel on the line . Trains often stop after this at the station of Kjosfossen , allowing you to take in the 738-ft-high waterfall there . The final stretch sees you travelling alongside a mountain ledge hundreds of feet above the valley floor . Upon arrival at Myrdal , there is enough time to stretch your legs before boarding the return service in time to catch the boat back to Balestrand . Other popular attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum and the Sognefjord aquarium , entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe .
Day 7 Balestrand to Geilo Today you leave Balestrand and travel to Geilo en route back to Oslo . Start by retracing your tracks around the Esefjord and across the Sognefjord . You then travel through a more mountainous region , passing close by Lake Vassbygdevatnet , before traversing the winding roads intersected by tunnels which take you up a narrow mountain pass , offering stunning views of the landscape each time you turn a corner . Continue through the mountain valleys , passing luscious green hillsides and clear blue lakes , before arriving into Geilo , your base for the next night . Geilo is mostly known for being an excellent skiing destination , but there are also numerous activities available during the warmer months . Its proximity to the two national parks of Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda make it an easy base from which to follow hiking routes , including the Prestholtseter trail which rises almost 500 metres to the top of the Hallingskarvet mountain range , giving you wonderful views of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and the Hallingdalen valley . Other popular activities here include mountain biking and rafting on the Numedalslagen River , considered one of Europe ’ s best rafting rivers .
Day 8 Geilo to Oslo and flight to the UK On your final day in Norway drive from Geilo to Gol and retrace your steps back to Oslo airport . Return your hirecar and board your flight back to London .
PRICE GUIDE
Prices from £ 2,070 per person
Holiday code SCFD01
OUR PRICE INCLUDES
• Return flights with British Airways from London to Oslo
• Hire of a group B car for 8 days
• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Storefjell Resort Hotel , Gol
• 5 nights ’ half board in a Historic room with fjord view at Kviknes Hotel , Balestrand
• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Double room at Vestlia Resort , Geilo
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels ( although we can arrange this on request at additional cost )
• Any other services not mentioned above , such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
• Personal holiday insurance . This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday .
• Possible local tourist tax , usually the equivalent of £ 1 to £ 3 per person per night , and payable locally to the hotel
This holiday can be arranged throughout the year , subject to the opening dates of the hotels . Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week of travel . You may want to add a night or two in Oslo at the beginning or end of this holiday .
Fjaerland , credit Vegard Aasen
Feigumfossen , credit Sverre Hjoernevik
18 FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL 01392 441250 www . expressionsholidays . co . uk