Norwegian fjords have an undisputed ‘wow’ factor and must surely top the must-see list of most summer visitors. These winding, deep blue stretches of water with precipitous flanks are magnificent, and this week long, gently paced self drive holiday explores two of the most spectacular, and a lot more besides.
Exceptionally comfortable accommodation and the general lack of traffic, makes this fly drive holiday a dream; taking in two of the most spectacular and dramatic fjords, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.
Hardanger is known as the ‘orchard’ because of its abundance of cherry, plum and apple orchards – visit in May for the beautiful blossoms or August for the delicious fruit – cherries from a roadside vendor never tasted so good!
In Flam, a ride on the impossibly scenic Flamsbana ‘corkscrew’ railway is not to be missed. Choose a return journey by rail, or come back on foot or by bike as the 20km journey is pretty much all downhill!
Bergen is delightful, especially its old quarter, Bryggen, with its colourful wooden buildings. Admire the views over the city from the top of Mount Floyen.
Itinerary
Fly to Bergen and collect your rental vehicle from the airport and set off to the first destination Lofthus, where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Spend today exploring Lofthus – the interesting older part has narrow lanes, traditional timber buildings and the old stone church which dates from 1250. Lofthus is often called the “Orchard of Hardanger,” and is charmingly nestled along the scenic Sørfjorden, a branch of the Hardangerfjord. It’s an ideal destination for exploring Norwegian cider production, you can try the renowned Hardanger Cider or enjoy a local hike and take in the stunning scenery.
Depart Lofthus and trace the coastline north. Continue through Brimnes to Eidfjord and perhaps visit the Nature Centre where you can learn about the area’s nature and geology. Turn back and take the Hardangerbridge across the fjord, then travelling north to Voss with its attractive lakeside setting. The striking church is well worth a visit with the interior as unusual as its exterior. From Lake Vangsvatnet continue to Flam. Flanked by orchards and meadows, Flam sits on the edge of Aurlandfjord, a narrow offshoot of Sognefjord.
Flam is the terminus for the Flamsbana – the famous ‘corkscrew railway’ said to be one of the steepest and most scenic rail journeys in the world – alas a trip from start to finish takes just an hour, but it is highly recommended! The 29km branch line, dating from the 1920’s, climbs 900m through twists, turns and tunnels including a couple of 180° bends, hugging sheer mountains, travelling over breathtaking drops, past elegant waterfalls and other incredible features to the junction at Myrdal.
(approx 2 hours / 122km)
If not experiencing the railway today, set off from the Flamsbrygga and drive through beautiful countryside to Vangsnes, where a 12m hilltop statue of a legendary Viking chief looks down over the jetty. From here take the ferry across to Dragsvik (payable locally), drive to Balestrand on the shores of Sognefjord, a delightful area that has been attracting visitors for over a century and enjoy the next 2 nights here.
(approx 2.5 hours / 118km)
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.
Drive west along the fjord to Lavik and take the ferry across to Oppedal (payable locally), ready for the leisurely drive south back to Bergen. Return the rental car to the city office before spending the last two nights in Bergen.
(approx 4 hours / 215 km)
The day to explore this wonderful city – take the Floibanen up to Mount Floyen for amazing views over the city – the funicular railway transports passengers from the city centre to a height of 320m in just eight minutes; visit the waterfront fish market, which actually sells all kinds of produce and handicrafts; wander around the old wooden houses on the famous Bryggen or perhaps relax in a cafe after some shopping time.
If travelling home later today, you’ll still have time for a little shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport and your flight home, depending on your chosen route. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to pass the time in Bergen so why not consider extending your stay for another night or two?
Make your own way back to the airport and depart for your flight home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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All breakfasts
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Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1381 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Darren
45
Countries Visited
3
Successful northern lights hunts
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
