In the land of Fjords...

This adventure combines the wonders of Southern Norway with the freedom of having your own transport. In the heart of awesome Norwegian landscapes, each day brings something new. Discover staggeringly deep fjords like Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord and visit the iconic cities of Bergen and Alesund. Explore lakes, valleys and forests; go hiking on mountainous plateaus like Jotunheimen. This unforgettable week promises dramatic changes of scenery and the full Norwegian experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Ålesund

Welcome to Norway! Collect your rental car at the airport and discover the charming town of Ålesund, surrounded by water.

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Ålesund / Geiranger

Ålesund is renowned for its art nouveau architecture. It is built on several islands, connected by bridges and tunnels under the sea. Travel towardsn Hellesylt then cross Geiranger fjord by boat. The entrance to this dramatic fjord is truly majestic. The steep walls are dotted with waterfalls which have intreguing names like the 3 sisters and bridal veil...

Transport: 110 km (69 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Geiranger / Bøverdalen

Today you descend towards Lom where we recommend stopping to visit the standing church. Then, you take the road to Norway's most famous national park, Jotunheimen. You spend the night here immersed in the high mountain atmosphere.

Transport: 110 km (69 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Boverdalen / Sogndal

You head towards the stunning Lustrafjorden Fjord which takes you to the city of Sogndal. You pass at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe, Nigardsbreem. Going up the valley of Jostedalen through the city of Bruheim you can enjoy a wonderful hike in one of the largest wilderness areas of southern Norway, Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Transport: 30 km (20 miles)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 5 Jostedalsbreen National Park

Today is dedicated to hiking near the iconic Nigardsbreen glacier. It is also possible to go kayaking on the glacial lake.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 6 Sogndal / Bergen

From Sogndal, a short trip (~10 km/6 miles) takes you to Kaupanger and an interesting Norwegian stavkirker stave church. Then you board a ferry from Manheller to Fodnes. From here, you have the option to make a short detour (~20 km/12 miles) to the beautiful city of Flam where you can enjoy a magnificent train journey to the high mountain station of Myrdal. This line, one of the steepest in the world, takes you to the foot of spectacular waterfalls, beyond the snow-covered mountains to the wild nature of the Flåm Valley from where you can admire the majestic Aurlandfjord. This afternoon, you continue on to Stalheim canyon and Tvinde waterfalls, then Voss and Bergen.

Transport: 260 km (160 miles)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 Bergen

Visit Bergen city. The Bergen-Pass (25 €) enables you to visit most of the museums and attractions free of charge and to use the public transport. Not to be missed, are the memorable fish market and shrimp sandwiches, the hanseatic district, a selection of Bergens many museums and the views from Ulriken mountain ... a busy day awaits!

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Bergen

Return your vehicle at the airport and board your flights home.

The details in this programme are regularly updated but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Price

From € 895 per person for 2 travellers

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

A rental vehicle type A VW type Up! or similar for 7 days, CDW insurance and unlimited km
7 nights accommodation in hotels, hostels or guesthouses (double room)
Breakfasts (except in Bergen if it's in a guesthouse)
A detailed roadbook to guide you through your adventure

Not included

International flights
Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)

Additonal costs to pay in-country

City toll fees : 40 NOK per day is charged to drive through cities
Vehicle hire one way fee 3000 NOK excluding VAT

Notes

Difficulty: This trip enables you to apart your days to your level and your desires. Many options are included with several hikes designed to aid you in discovering the most beautiful wild places in Norway. You are responsible for how challenging or relaxing each day it. It should be noted that the sometimes changeable Norwegian weather can increase the difficulty of your hikes.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altai Norway implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, we require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.

Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.

Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Norway in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Norway may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Practical info

Food

Breakfasts are included and served at your accommodations. These are normally scandinavian buffet style breakfasts.

Accommodation

In Ålesund and Bergen: Guesthouse accommodation, double room.

In the mountains and fjords: Hotel or guesthouse (2 person rooms) accommodation. Please note the wilder regions of Norway, accommodation is scarce and often small. Moreover, the beautiful summer season is short (about two months) making it difficult to find places to stay during the summer. Despite a permanent effort in the choice of accommodation, the level of comfort and equipment provided remains variable.

All chalets have the following elements: heating, hot showers, toilets, communal dining room and equipped kitchen.

For sleeping, cottages and gites are equipped with blankets: you must bring a sleeping bag liner or a lightweight sleeping bag.

Transportation

To hire a vehicle you will need a valid drivers liscence, issued for a minimum of 12 months. Minimum age: 19 (or 25 for vehicle categories E, I, K & L).

Budget & exchange

The currency is the Norwegian Krone (kr)

Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates.

You can withdraw the local currency from in-country ATMs and payment by card is widely accepted. Please budget for meals and transport as necessary, drinks, tips, museum entry fees and other personal expenses.

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Vital equipment

A sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner
Sunglasses (high quality protection)
A wind and waterproof jacket (breathable, sealed seams)
Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
Hiking boots (high-rise, strudy soles)
Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
Sun cream
A headtorch and spare batteries
Warm thick socks
Gloves
A warm hat
Any personal medication
Towel & toiletries
A thermos/suitable water bottle(s)

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Our advice for keeping warm

Winter in Norway can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend:

No cotton
Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
Wear multiple layers including:
1. A warm breathable base layer
2. A second thermal layer
3. Wind and waterproof protective out layer (we provide an additional quality jacket and over trousers.

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing

A pair of comfortable shoes for evenings in towns
Waterproof trousers
Your swim stuff
Walking poles
Tupperware and cutlery for picnics
Extra layers
Wetwipes
Blister plasters
A suitable camera
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Tissues
Toilet paper & a lighter

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a rucksack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical to transport. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

We recommend that you bring your medications:

Personal medication
Anti pain medication Paracetamol
Diarrhoea drugs
Intestinal dressing
Sun screen with strong protection for the lips and the skin
Eye drops for the eyes
Moisturizing cream for the treatment of superficial burns (blisters and sunburns)
An adhesive elastic banda box of adhesive plasters and disinfectant compresses
Double skin for blisters

Passport

Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required. You can check your requierements on the website provided by the Norwegian government: www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/persons-who-do-not-need-a-visa-to-visit-norway-/#link-709

Visa

Most travellers of EU states do not need a VISA to visit Norway, as Norway is part of the Schengen agreement. This does not apply to travellers of other nations. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements. You can check the following web site of the Norwegian government: www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/persons-who-do-not-need-a-visa-to-visit-norway-/#link-709

Mandatory vaccines

There are no specific health risks.

Weather

In winter, the weather in Northern Norway is subject to frequent changes. This part of Norway, the Arctic Zone, benefits from a surprisingly pleasant micro climate. At a latitude of 68° North and 300km North of the Arctc Circle, summer here is relatively mild with average temperatures of around 14°C (57°F). However, it is humid and does rain regularly. Good quality (breathable with sealed seams) rain clothing, jacket and trousers are paramount.

Keep in mind this Norwegian proverb when packing: 'There is no bad weather, only bad clothing'

Electricity

In Norway, the standard Europlug (Type C & F) with two round prongs is used and most of Scandinavia uses 220 volts.

Local time

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1. Daylight Savings Time (DST) is observed.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

Be prepared
Stick to trails and camp overnight right
Stash your trash and pick up waste
Leave it as you find it
Be careful with fire
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

If you have any questions regarding how to be a responsable traveller or concerning any other subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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My local agent
Alix

After a turn around the world of few years and a residency in Finland, i am now at your service to develop the trip of your dreams to visit Norway's beutiful wilderness.
Adaptable, flexible and at your service, my knowledge of sports, adventure and scandinavian culture is at your service if you have any questions/

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Region: South Norway
Activity: Hiking Summer
Duration: 8 days
Code: ENORL8VA
Price: From €895

Strengths

Discover the freedom which comes with having your own rental vehicle
Go hiking in the Jotunheimen National Park
Visit Bergen and Ålesund
Explore the fjords and mountains of southern Norway

Required level

This is your active adventure. You can choose how strenuous or relaxing each day is.

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In the land of Fjords...