Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking

Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Voss, Norway. A hub for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Voss can easily be reached by train from Bergen (approx. 1½-hours) and is conveniently located between two of Norway's larger fjords, the Hardangerfjord to the south and the Sognefjord to the north. Our initial group rendezvous will take place at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the lobby of our Voss hotel where our local trip leaders will be waiting and will conduct an orientation meeting that includes group introductions and an overview of the upcoming adventure. Those trip members arriving earlier in the day can opt to stroll around the town and enjoy the local scenery or just relax before our gathering this evening. Voss hotel included. All meals on your own today.

• Day 2

  We'll be met by our guides this morning and begin our scenic one-hour drive into the heart of the fjordlands to the tiny village of Gudvangen, situated on the lovely, deep blue Nærøyfjord. Our first day of paddling has us on the water by mid-morning, after loading our kayaks and listening to our guide's safety briefing. The Nærøyfjord is an idyllic spot for our paddle, with typically calm water and plunging waterfalls cascading from the fjord's 3,500-foot high walls. This is the Norway of our imagination and we'll marvel at the scenery as we gradually make our way towards the location of tonight's campsite. Talk about a tent with a view! We'll set up our comfortable camp on the shore of the Nærøyfjord and enjoy some wine before a delicious dinner prepared by our guides. A bonfire completes the scene and makes for a cheerful gathering place before we turn in for a tranquil night's sleep under the Norwegian sky. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: 8 miles. All camping gear provided.

• Day 3

  We'll break down our camp after breakfast and paddle across the fjord to the village of Dyrdal. Here, we'll leave our kayaks behind and put on our daypacks for an invigorating hike to the top of one of the fjord's towering peaks. From the summit, we'll take in the magnificent views of the water-filled channel far below cutting its way through the mountainous landscape that surrounds us… truly a geological marvel to behold. We'll eat a picnic lunch at the top before descending to Dyrdal where our guesthouse awaits. Dinner and overnight in Dyrdal. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: ½-mile. Hiking distance: Up to 15 miles with 3,500' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 4

  Back on the water this morning as our route takes us from the now familiar Nærøyfjord into the larger Aurlandsfjord. These cold, clean waters are good for seal spotting and with luck, we may even encounter some Niser, a local species of harbor porpoise, hunting for a snack of fresh sardines. By midday, we'll be ready for a snack of our own and by now have come to appreciate that there are few places better suited for an al fresco lunch then the shores of these fantastic waterways. After enjoying our picnic and stretching our legs, we'll continue paddling until mid-afternoon when we arrive at the path leading up to delightful Stigen Mountain Farm, owned by American Dee Cunningham and his Norwegian wife Hege. We'll hike up the trail to the farm and have some time to relax in the guesthouse before being treated by our hosts to a three-course dinner consisting of fresh local ingredients. After dinner, we can take a soak in the Norwegian-style hot tub, perched 1,000 feet above the Aurlandsfjord with unparalleled panoramic views. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: 9 miles. Hiking distance: 1 mile with 1,000' elevation gain.

• Day 5

  We spend our morning enjoying the tranquility of Stigen Farm. Early risers have the option to participate in a 3-hour hike to the viewpoint at Beitelen, overlooking the confluence of the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord from high above. In late morning, we begin our descent back to the water where our kayaks await. We spend the afternoon paddling north through the Aurlandsfjord towards the main channel of the Sognefjord, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. We follow the southern shores of the Sognefjord around a headland and paddle into the picturesque bay of Fresvik in late afternoon. Our guesthouse in Fresvik, also run by our new friends Dee and Hege, offers some of the best swimming opportunities of the trip and a terrific view across the Sognefjord towards the northern shores. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: 12 miles. Hiking distance: 1 mile with 1,000' elevation loss.

• Day 6

  After breakfast, we'll get back in our kayaks for one final day of classic paddling and head north across the wide and beautiful Sognefjord. Stretching for 125 miles across Western Norway and reaching depths of over 4,000', the majestic Sognefjord is considered the longest navigable fjord in the world. Depending on the pace of our group, we'll reach the northern shore of the fjord by early afternoon, climb out of our kayaks and celebrate our successful crossing. Our private shuttle bus will pick us up at the take out point and after lunch, we'll begin our relaxing drive to Jotunheimen National Park, one of Norway's most awe-inspiring hiking destinations, eventually reaching Jotunheimen and our nearby lodge, our home for the night before our summit attempt to the Rooftop of Norway. Note: If wind conditions make the Sognefjord crossing too challenging, we will be transported across the fjord by boat. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: 12-15 miles depending on weather conditions.

• Day 7

  Jotunheimen (translated as "Home of the Giants") National Park attracts hiking enthusiasts from all over the world with its soaring peaks, glittering glacial lakes and abundance of scenic trail options. The park contains over 150 summits that rise above 6,000 feet including Northern Europe's two highest; Galdhøpiggen (8,098') and Glittertind (8,085'). Our challenging but non-technical hike today points us toward Galdhøpiggen's snow-speckled summit with our eventual reward coming by way of a bird's-eye panorama of Jotunheimen's larger-than-life landscape and the satisfaction of having reached the roof of Norway! We complete our descent by mid to late afternoon and commence our drive back down to sea level where we will check in to our hotel at Jostedalen near the Nigardsbreen Glacier for dinner and rest tonight. Note: With group safety always our primary concern, should the weather be inclement, we will substitute the Galdhøpiggen hike with a lower elevation hike in the national park. All meals included.
  
  Hiking distance: 9 miles (6-7 hours) with 2,000' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 8

  Our last full day but certainly not our least thrilling, we spend the morning exploring Jostedalsbreen National Park and its namesake icecap (mainland Europe's largest). We'll drive to the Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of the park's most dramatic glacial tongues, and transfer by small boat to the glacier's snout. It's here that, after a briefing by our guides, we'll strap on crampons and set out on an unforgettable hike in this icy wonderland filled with fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls. After completing the hike and returning to our vehicle, we'll continue our drive back to Voss where we spend a final evening celebrating our memorable adventure in the company of our newfound friends. Overnight in Voss tonight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
  
  Hiking distance: 5 miles (3-4 hours) with 1,000' elevation gain/loss. Glacier hiking gear included.

• Day 9

  Trip members may depart Voss at any time this morning, catching the convenient 1½-hour rail connection to colorful Bergen (or on to Oslo if you so choose). For those who have booked early morning flights from Bergen today, special private transfer arrangements can be made (at an additional cost) to transport you to the airport in time for your flight departure. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures and single rooms cannot be guaranteed on the nights of our three farm guesthouse stays (nights 3, 4 and 5).

Hotel accommodations (4 nights), farm guesthouses (3 nights) and camping accommodations (1 night); meals as noted in the daily itinerary; guides; private vehicle transportation within Norway; all group camping gear including tents and sleeping bags; kayaking gear (including wetsuits and PFDS) and kayaks; entrance to Jotunheimen National Park; glacier hike and related glacier hiking gear on Day 8.

Air transportation to from Norway and transfers to/from Voss; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except as noted on itinerary); 1 dinner; guide gratuities; travel insurance; laundry expenses and items of a personal nature.

This adventure is rated as Moderate plus [3 4]. It is not necessary to be an expert hiker or kayaker to participate, but you should enjoy both activities, feel comfortable spending 4-7 hours on-trail and/or on the water during most days and arrive at the beginning of the trip in as good a shape as possible. Two of our hiking days involve substantial elevation gain/loss (2,500'- 3,500') and some steep terrain (although trip members will have the option to not participate in these hikes). Some hikes will also involve short stretches of exposed, narrow trail. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, paddling, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills if possible!

Southwestern Norway’s summer temperatures generally range from the mid to high 60s during the day, dropping into the low 50s at night. While clear weather is not unusual during June, July and August, at least some rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year in this region. Participants must be prepared for weather conditions that can vary greatly and should arrive equipped with appropriate gear and clothing (see the trip Gear List for specific recommendations).

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Southwestern Norway’s summer temperatures generally range from the mid to high 60s during the day, dropping into the low 50s at night. While clear weather is not unusual during June, July and August, at least some rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year in this region. Participants must be prepared for weather conditions that can vary greatly and should arrive equipped with appropriate gear and clothing based on the recommendations below.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Luggage is transferred from point to point during most of the trip via van. During the sea kayaking portion (4 days), trip participants will be asked to divide their gear carrying only what is necessary for these days in their boats. The remainder of the gear will be stored in a safe location and will rejoin the group as we make our way to Jotunheimen to hike. As we hike up to our lodging on the nights of our farmstays, we will leave some gear behind in our kayaks and carry only what we need for the night in our daypacks. Pack lightly, keeping the essential items in mind.
• Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant you can be robbed of body heat very quickly. Good wind/raingear is essential. 
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax. 
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin or blister remedies for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.