A summer trek through the mountains to the fjords of Norway passing impressive waterfalls and deeply cut lush river valleys.
- Temperature 12-18°C
- Long summer days
- Short winter nights
- Rugged coastline
- Coastal fjords
- Mountain glaciers
- ‘Hygge’ lifestyle
- Believe in elves
- Sami native people
Norway is a country of great contrasts – in late summer, the mountains are just as dramatic as in winter, and the weather can change from warm clear days to sharp frosts and snow on the higher peaks, with temperatures varying from +15C to around 0C. Where east meets west – this trip to the watershed mountains of Skarvheimen area has it all!
We hike with lightweight backpacks from ‘fjell to fjord’ over the wilderness high ground to the north of Finse – a settlement only accesasible by rail. Then along the Aurlandsdalen valley – one of Norway’s famous hiking trails with magnificent views over the deeply cut lush river valkley with impressive waterfalls, before dropping down to the Sognefjord on the west coast.
The trip also explores some of western Norway’s highlights: the Stegastein overlook above Sognefjord, and the ‘classic’ fjord and mountain views. The trip concludes by driving through the 24.5km longest road tunnel in the world to Lærdal en route back to Oslo. Alternatively, you can choose to return by express boat to Bergen on the west coast or the famous Flåmsbanen train – the steepest standard gauge railway in the world, linking with the train to either Oslo or Bergen.
Tuesday 25th August – Sunday 30th August 2020
£1,995pp
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport and take the onward train journey to Kongsberg, where you will meet your Expedition Leader. Stay at Helen’s hytte at the ski slope area above Kongsberg.
Day 2 – After breakfast, we walk back to the centre of Kongsberg to take the late morning train to Finse – at a height of 1222m, the fully staffed DNT cabin creates a great base to ‘acclimatise’.
Day 3 – Our route today heads north from Finse over the highest ground at Sankt Pål (1600m) before heading across varied and mountainous terrain, often covered in snow patched to DNT Geitergghytte. Look out for mountain fox and reindeer often spotted in this area (15.5km, 400m).
Day 4 – DNT Aurlandsdalen hytte is our destination for tonight – it’s a longer day as we wind our way along high narrow mountain tracks above the impressive Aurlandsdalen below us (22km, 270m).
Day 5 – Today the wild and beautiful Aurlands valley descends to Vassbygdi over some rocky sections of track. When we arrive in Vassbygdi, we have completed our 57km hike from fjell to fjord. We take the bus for the final short road section of the route to Aurland village, to our beautiful apartment overlooking the Sognefjord (19km). Time to celebrate our achievement!
Day 6 – Before we leave the area this morning, we take a short bus trip to the side of the mountain behind the accommodation to the Stegastein overlook point over the Sognefjord and get a great sense of the steep and deeply incised fjords on the west coast of Norway. At lunchtime, we start our long journey back on the bus to Oslo, arriving back at the airport early evening. (If you wish, we can organise for you to take the express boat, which means that you arrive in Bergen at approx. 2045, so it will most likely be the next day before your flight back to the UK. Bergen has so much to offer for a days exploring. We can also organise for you to take the Flåm railway option but be aware that this is the third most visited area in Norway, so be prepared for many people and big groups. At the top at Myrdal station, change to the mainline train for onward travel to Bergen or Oslo – these travel options would be at an additional cost)
Recommendations
Experience Required: Hillwalking – back to back days of walking.
Physical Fitness Required: Basic/average. Can carry a 10kg day sack for up to 6 hours per day.
Book Now!
Alternatively, call Hannah on 01773 837393 or email: terranovaexpeditions@terra-nova.co.uk
