Norway
Norway in Summer
This sample itinerary takes in some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery with an action-packed programme that will appeal to the whole family. Starting in Bergen, you will work your way deep into the fjordlands, stopping en route for mountain hikes, white water rafting, e-bike tours and much more. Some activities are more suitable for older children, with a reasonable level of fitness. However, as always, the itinerary can be tailored to your own family and we can suggest suitable activities for younger children.
Highlights
Take the Flam Railway
Boat trip on UNESCO fjord
Glacier guided hike
White water rafting
Waterfalls hike
Stay in remote cabin
12 days from £3,245 pp
Plus international flights starting at £200
A 12-day summer trip to Norway for a family of four usually costs from £12,980 plus flights, based on good mid-range accommodation. Upgrade to more luxurious accommodation from £15,500.
Norway in Summer day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bergen
When you arrive in Bergen, you will make your own way to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to explore.
Day 2: Bergen – Flam Railway and fjord cruise
After breakfast, take the fantastically scenic Bergensbanen train ride over the Hardanger mountains before boarding the famous Flam Railway.
This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic train rides in the world, through horseshoe-shaped tunnels and past gushing waterfalls. The last section is particularly beautiful, as you descend from 867m to sea level within the hour.
This afternoon, you take a scenic RIB cruise passing through UNESCO World Heritage-listed scenery in Naeroyfjord. Spend the evening in the picturesque fjord settlement of Flam.
Day 3: Flam zip-lining and biking – Fjaerland
An exciting day today, as you take the Flam Railway back up to Vatnahalsen before taking a zip-line down the valley to Kardal. The zip-line is the longest in the north at 1,381 metres and will be a thrilling ride (although you can also descend on foot if you prefer).
Continue from here by bike, descending down the Flam Valley on the last part of the famous Rallar Road cycle route.
Afterwards, take the express ferry to Leikanger, where you will pick up your hire car and drive to the gorgeously remote fjord community of Fjaerland. Your hotel here is a historic building, located right on the fjord and offers exquisite views and delicious gourmet dinners (included).
Day 4: Fjaerland hiking, SUP and floating sauna
Today is a wonderful mix of self-guided hiking into the beautiful Mundal Valley and some fun paddleboarding out on the fjord. You’ll then enjoy that most traditional of Norwegian pastimes, a dip in the icy waters followed by a floating sauna!
Day 5: Fjaerland kayaking – Remote cabin
Start the day with a guided kayaking session on an emerald fjord, flanked by steep mountains and rugged landscapes.
You will then head back to Sognefjord and up into the hills to your ‘cabin on the edge’. This is a small and simple off-grid wooden cabin perched in the most extraordinary location overlooking a fjord. The facilities are outside, but although rustic, the views are out of this world – especially from the on-site hot tub!
Day 6: Remote cabin
You have a full day to enjoy the beautiful scenery around your cabin. We can recommend a lovely walk (approx. 3 hours) directly from the cabin, looping through some nearby forest and sheep farms on the edge of the fjord.
Or you could choose to tackle the signature mountain of the fjords, Molden (808m). Alternatively, there are electric bikes available for hire so that you can go off exploring.
Read More Day 7: Jostedal white-water rafting This comes from the Jostedal Glacier plateau and twists and turns through the mountains with some great rapids. Different raft trips vary from grades 2-3, so they will be suitable for most ages. Day 8: RIB and glacier hike Once you arrive at the glacier, you will strap on crampons and walk across a section of the ice, admiring the extraordinary landscape of a myriad of crevasses all around you. The walk on the glacier lasts 1.5-2hrs and you will then return by RIB to the start point. This is a really special experience and one you will never forget. For older families, there is a more challenging kayak and glacier hike option. Afterwards, drive to the tiny settlement of Skjolden, at the head of the peaceful Lusterfjord. Day 9: Vettisfossen hike – Sogndal You’ll pass by four separate waterfalls before reaching the base of Vettisfossen. As an out-and-back route, there are plenty of opportunities for younger families to enjoy the scenery too, with lots of turnaround points. Afterwards, you drive to Sogndal, the capital of the fjords. Day 10: Veitastrond Lake RIB and bike Day 11: Fjord cruise – Bergen Spend the afternoon exploring the wonderfully picturesque small city of Bergen. At its heart, in the old quarter of Bryggen, is a series of steep cobbled streets that descend down to the famous wharf, lined with colourful old wooden buildings – the perfect place for some souvenir shopping. You could take the famous Floyen Funicular up to a viewpoint overlooking the city, or for a dose of culture, visit the KODE Art Museum with its works by Munch, Picasso and Klee. The bustling fish market is also well worth a visit, and a final gourmet dinner in one of the many fish restaurants on the waterfront is a fitting end to your fjord experience. Day 12: Bergen
Drive deeper into the heart of the mountains, up through the narrow valley into the heart of the Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can then challenge yourself to an exciting white-water rafting trip along the Jostedal River.
A fabulous day today as you take a short RIB ride across Styggevatn Lake to the Austdalsbreen Glacier. The views across the turquoise waters of the lake, littered with icebergs, are absolutely incredible, and you may witness the calving of the glacier.
A stunning drive into the Hurrungane mountains to the start of your self-guided hike today. Vettisfossen is the highest free-falling waterfall in Northern Europe. The route is extremely scenic, passing through the Utladalen Valley, Norway’s deepest valley, renowned for its dramatic landscapes.
A fantastic last day in the fjords. From nearby Hafslo, you will take a RIB tour up Veitastrond Lake, which changes colour during the year, from clear blue in springtime to emerald green during the summer as the glacier melts into the lake. You will then ride e-bikes back along the lakeshore to Hafslo before returning to Sogndal.
This morning, take the early express ferry (4hours) back to Bergen. The views along the way are stunning (allegedly the inspiration for ‘Frozen’), and the ferry follows the route that the Vikings navigated hundreds of years ago.
Make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Norway in pictures
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