Discover Norway and see its magnificent fjords and valleys surrounded by snow capped mountains – it’s a stunningly beautiful country! While trekking Norway, stay in warm rustic mountain huts at the end of each day, and just soak in the views. Visit Vettisfossen, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls at over 900′. Explore Bergen and take the Fløibanen Funicular Railway for an unmatched view.
On today’s show, our guest Fred, tells us about his nine day guided hiking tour of Norway with my affiliate IAG – International Adventure Guides. Trekking Norway makes for an affordable way to see this uniquely beautiful country.
Where is Norway
Norway is in the north western portion of the Scandanavian Peninsula. It shares about a thousand mile eastern border with Sweden, and has Russia and Finland on its northern border. On its southern border across the Skagerrak strait, you’ll find Denmark and the UK.
Why Hike Norway
Norway is famous for its Viking history as well as its stunning landscape created by prehistoric glaciers. Its varied topography includes over 1700 named fjords. Its villages are filled with colorful, cheerful painted homes that will bring a smile to your face.
On the IAG Norway Trekking Adventure, you spend time exploring the adorable city of Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. While there, take the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen to get a spectacular view of the city below. Plus you can check out the cool street art, open market, great restaurants and museums in your free time.
To get to the trail from Bergen, you drive along Veafjorden, the famous fjord that will make your jaw drop. You’ll be hiking in breathtaking Jotunheimen National Park [known as “Land of the Giants”, Norway’s greatest park]. Here you’ll stay in mountain huts, some offering more amenities than others, but all warm and cozy.
What is a Fjord?
As the glaciers melted, the ice pulled back, carving deep grooves in the mountains, forming dramatic steep cliffs with the water at their base. Norway has about 18,000 miles (29,000 km) of coastline, BUT, if you remove these interior fjords coastlines from the count, then there are only 1600 miles (2500 km). If you want to witness this magnificent landscape feature, obviously Norway is the place to go!
The Mountain Huts of Norway
Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) – the Norwegian Trekking Association – is a massive organization that, since 1868, seeks to build sustainable outdoor tourism in Norway.
DNT manages over 550 mountain huts of varying amenities across Norway: some offer warm showers, kitchens and food while others just offer a roof over your head. DNT believes, especially in what can be very harsh and unpredictable weather, that those exploring the outdoors should have access to shelter if necessary.
If you know you will need shelter on a specific night, it is best to make reservations. There is a fee. If you go on the IAG tour, of course, all the arrangements are made for you.
Best Time to Hike Norway
Because Norway is so far north, unless you are into winter sports, the best time to visit Norway is in the summer. Average highs are above 50 degrees from June through September, and drop down to the mid to upper forties at night (F) – over 11 – 16 degrees average high (C) with lows averaging 7-9 degrees C.
Be sure to pack your rain gear as the summer months are also the rainy season, and you can expect at least a shower on most days.
Here is a great summary of Bergen average monthly weather and of the National Park’s weather.
IAG : International Adventure Guides
IAG offers some incredibly cool, affordable adventure tours around the globe, including some destinations not offered by some of my other fine affiliates.
Use Promo Discount Code HTT61XS to save $100 OFF any IAG adventure tour!
IAG Norway Tour
A nine day fully guided tour that includes four days of hiking in J National Park, and time to explore Bergen and Balestrand. Check out a fjord via ferry to get an awesome view! At the end of your hike, you’ll also have some free time to explore on your own, or maybe rent a kayak or bike, or just chill out and enjoy the magnificent view.
Your gear is included with your tour, and since you’ll have reservations in the huts, there is no need to carry a tent, sleeping bag or pad, or even a stove! In Bergen, IAG will fit you out with your backpack. Be sure to pack either a sleeping bag liner or sheets to use in the mountain huts. You will get a complete packing guide at booking.
Your IAG Tour includes:
- Lodging (Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz / Hotel Kviknes)
- Ground Transportation
- All required rental gear (Backpack, Headlamp, Trekking Poles)
- Membership in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT)
- Hut Fees
- All on trail meals
- Ferry from Balestrand to Bergen
- Fløibanen Funicular Railway
- Bergen Pass (Free or discounted admission for local attractions)
Use Promo Discount Code HTT61XS to save $100 OFF any IAG adventure tour!
Nine Day Norway Hiking Adventure Itinerary
This fully guided IAG tour is rated ‘Moderate‘ and is limited to twelve hikers. Here is the full itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Bergen. You’ll have time to explore this cool city. Your tour includes a Bergen Pass for free or discounted admissions to city attractions. Ride the Fløibanen funicular (included).
Day 2: Drive along the stunning fjord Veafjorden. Have lunch in Foss en route to Jotunheimen National Park. Stay in Fondsbu.
Day 3: Hike Fondsbu to Olavsbu – Distance: 8.6 miles
Day 4: Hike to Skogadalsbøen – Distance: 11.5 miles (full service hut with cold beer!)
Day 5: Hike to Ingerbu – Distance 8 miles
Day 6: Hike to Jotunheimen Visitors Center – Distance: 10 miles. Includes a visit to
Vettisfossen, Norway’s highest waterfall at 900′. End in Balestrand.
Day 7: Free day to explore Balestrand
Day 8: Head back to Bergen, including a ferry/fjord tour
Day 9: Tour ends after breakfast
Bergen, Norway
On the first day of your Norway tour, you’ll have free time to explore Bergen and head down to Bryggen, the colorful UNESCO historic harbor district.
You’ll love wandering around the harbor, taking the Fløibanen funicular railway to take in the view from the top of Mt Fløyen, maybe even grabbing a burger in the charming McDonald’s, located in a historic 1710 wooden building!
Balestrand
You’ll finish your tour in the charming town of Balestrand. With your free time, you can chill out and enjoy your waterview on Sognefjord, visit the stave chapel made famous in Frozen, maybe even rent a kayak or bike to get a different perspective of this unique town.
St Olaf’s Chapel in Balestrand
Built in 1897 and thought to inspire the chapel made famous in Elsa’s coronation scene in the first Frozen movie.
You’ll have time to visit this historic stave chapel while in Balestrand.
IAG can recommend best flights and also assist in added excursions or trip add ons – just ask!
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