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Norwegian Fjord Odyssey

from £2499 excluding flights

  • 12 nights
  • May-Sep
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Norway Norwegian Fjord Odyssey

Highlights

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Wind your way up the dramatic Trollstigen route

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Discover the art nouveau town of Alesund

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Ride on the incredibly scenic Flamsbana railway

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Explore spectacular fjord scenery including Geirangerfjord

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Take the Loen Skylift from fjord to mountain top

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Explore the beautiful city of Bergen

Why this trip...

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Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

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Well-researched route

We've put our years of experience into creating this well-paced itinerary that includes the places we know you'll enjoy

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Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Overview

It isn’t difficult to fall in love with Norwegian fjords. The scenery is packed full of picture-postcard sights on this 12-night self drive itinerary. Uncover scenery that is both imposing and breathtaking with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surrounds although we suspect you’ll be very busy with your camera!

This holiday starts and ends in Bergen. Enjoy the bustling market for its fresh fish, produce and handicrafts; stroll around the historical wharf buildings at Bryggen, and ride the funicular railway to the top of Mount Floyen, just a few of the many things you can do here.

The charming art nouveau town of Alesund, with its brightly painted buildings, offers many water-based activities, or perhaps just relax in one of the harbour-side cafes and watch the sailing boats.

The spectacular Highway 63 or ‘Golden Route’, literally winds its way between Andalsnes and Gerainger, and includes the famous Trollstigen (Troll’s ladder) and Eagle’s Road. The views are incredible and there’s no doubt you’ll make plenty of photo stops at the lookout points along the way. Geirangerfjord is one of the region’s smallest fjords and arguably the prettiest.

Countless waterfalls, fjord-side hamlets, the famous Flamsbana ‘corkscrew’ railway, ‘Top Gear’ roads and the chance to touch the arm of glacier, make this a truly special itinerary. The hotels featured are of a very high quality, often wonderfully located with the most amazing views. You can often rent bicycles, head off on boat trips or go hiking, as well as enjoy the peaceful settings of many of these properties which lend themselves perfectly to kicking back.

Itinerary

Arrive to Bergen and transfer by regular airport coach service to the city centre (payable locally) and then a short walk or taxi to your accommodation at Clarion Hotel Admiral or similar for two nights on breakfast basis.

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A day at leisure to explore this wonderful city. One of the most popular things to do here in Norway’s second largest city is admire the panoramic views from the top of Mount Floyen, the most visited of the seven mountains that surround Bergen. The funicular railway transports passengers from the city centre to a height of 320m in just eight minutes.

Alternatively, Torget, the excellent waterfront fish market, which actually sells all kinds of produce and handicrafts, is also well worth a visit. The historical wooden wharf buildings at Bryggen, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, now house a collection of studios for artists and crafts people and make for a fascinating afternoon’s stroll. The city also presents some great photo opportunities – in fact there is so much to see and do here that is it highly likely you’ll want to extend your stay!

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Make your way to the car rental office and collect your vehicle. Drive north through the lush fjord scenery, crossing Norway’s deepest, Sognefjord at Yttre Oppedal (ferry, payable locally). Stay overnight in at Sandane in the heart of Fjord Norway.

(approx 4.5 hours / 256 km)

Continue to Alesund via two ferry journeys (payable locally). Check into Hotel Brosundet for your two nights accommodation. Spend time exploring Alesund and enjoy the traditional waterfront buildings which are quaint, colourful and highly photogenic.

(approx 3.5 hours / 131 km)

Spend time at leisure enjoying this wonderful art nouveau town, Norway’s largest fishing town. Much of the town was rebuilt in 1907 following a huge fire that destroyed the old centre. For the best views of this lovely waterfront town, climb 418 steps to the top of Aksla hill – it’s worth the effort! Perhaps take a guided city tour, visit a museum or two or for the more adventurous try one of the wildlife sea safaris on a rib boat. There is plenty here to do and with a good choice of restaurants and cafes you may need longer.

Set off on a drive which hugs the edge of Romsdalfjord to the little town of Andalsnes, known as the ‘village between fell and fjord’. Surrounded on three sides by lofty peaks, from here it’s onto the ‘Golden Route’ which winds its way south to Gerainger. This amazing trans-mountain road, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Top Gear report, negotiates the landscape through 11 hairpin bends and steep inclines. You’ll see Trollveggen (Troll’s Wall), the highest vertical cliff in Europe – at 1100m, not surprisingly a favourite with experienced mountaineers. Continue your ascent on the famous Trollstigen (Trolls ladder) past Stigfossen waterfall, which drops 200m close enough to the road to cover vehicles in spray. As the land levels out stop at Utsikten for another great panoramic view.

Continue on Highway 63 to Valldall, descending to Norddalsfjord, perhaps stopping at a roadside stall to buy strawberries. Take the ferry across to Eidsdal (payable locally) and climb to the fjord-side town of Geiranger. This section is known as Ornesvingen or ‘Eagle’s road’ – the highest point is 620m above sea level and overlooks the Seven Sisters waterfalls. Check into Hotel Union Geiranger for a two night stay.

(approx 2.5 hours / 112 km)

Enjoy exploring the hotel and its scenic surrounds. To see Geirangerfjord at its best perhaps drive to one of the many viewpoints offering stupendous vistas. Flydalsjuvet is a mere 320m above sea level whereas Dalsnibba comes in at 1500m and offers an iconic view over the fjord. Perhaps walk up to Skagefla, a perfectly preserved, abandoned farm or visit the striking octagonal church, Geiranger Kirke, built in 1842.

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There is a choice of route for your journey to Balestrand. One option is to take the car ferry to Hellesylt (must be booked in advance) and drive on road 60 heading south to Stryn. Alternatively, drive south from Geiranger to road 15 and continue to Stryn this way. At nearby Briksdal, take an easy 45-minute walk to the Briksdalsbreen glacier arm, part of Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Beyond Stryn is the village of Loen where you can take the Skylift from Hotel Alexander for a scenic 5-minute journey to the top of the mountain to to explore some hiking trails. Continue your drive to Skei and onwards along Sogndalsfjord making a detour to the famous Urnes Stave Church, the oldest in Norway. Continue to Balestrand where you’ll check in at Hotel Kviknes for a two night stay on half board basis.

(approx 5.5 hours / 285 km)

A day at leisure to explore Balestrand on foot or by bicycle, make use of the facilities at your hotel, go hiking in the mountains, take a boat trip or perhaps rent fishing equipment or a rowing boat and head down to the water.

Check out of the hotel and take the car ferry from nearby Dragsvik to Vangsnes (payable locally). Continue to Flam for an overnight stay at the Flamsbrygga Hotel.

Take a trip on the Flamsbana corkscrew railway, one of the world’s steepest railways. A return trip takes only a couple of hours and is definitely recommended. The 29km branch line, dating from the 1920’s, climbs 900m through twists, turns and tunnels including a couple of 180 degree bends, hugging mountains and passing elegant waterfalls. Perhaps opt for a single ticket then hike or bike the 20km back to Flam, which is mostly downhill.

(approximate driving time 2.5 hours / distance 125 km).

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Take the road from Flam to Voss, then continue and cross the Hardangerfjord bridge (toll payable) and a short drive south along the shores of Sorfjorden. At Lofthus, check into Hotel Ullensvang for a two night stay.

(approx 2.5 hours / 125 km)

A day at leisure to enjoy the fantastic variety of facilities at Hotel Ullensvang. Try the indoor swimming pool or brave a dip in the fjord; play tennis; spend time in the fitness suite; go kayaking; hiking or rent a bicycle and explore.

Return to Bergen in a choice of routes – take the scenic option via Odda or the quicker route back to Brimnes. Drop off your car at the airport before your flight home.

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday as referenced in the itinerary. However, with a wide choice of accommodation in the Norwegian fjords, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference.

  • fjords kviknes hotel suite view
  • fjords kviknes hotel stunning location
  • hotel geiranger balcony
  • hotel flamsbrygga double ro
  • bergen gloppen hotel historic bedroom 4

Prices and Departures

Price from £2499 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • All breakfasts
  • Car rental for 11 days with unlimited mileage
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £2,499 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

Choice of Vehicles

We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.

  • We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.