Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking
The Adventurer’s Playground
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- Activity Level: 3-4
- Days: 9
- Group Size: 5-16
- Member price: from $4,599
- Non-member price: from $5,099
Overview
Carved by the sea over the ages, these narrow, deep inlets set between high cliffs have become a destination spot for hikers and mountaineers the world over. Tap into the Norwegian passion for active adventure with world-class hiking and sea kayaking. Our trip takes us into close proximity with rolling hills, stunning glaciers and wickedly high peaks.
Rendezvous in Voss, gateway to the fjordlands, and travel west to the tiny village of Gudvangen. A paddle trip on the deep blue waters of the Naeroyfjord allows us to appreciate the scale and majesty of these waterways. Trade between boots and paddles on a mountain trail hike with breathtaking viewpoints and a scenic kayak ride past small villages and cascading waterfalls. A night of fjord-side camping reminds us what "peace and quiet" truly means, while three nights in charming guesthouses reveal the warm hospitality of local hosts. Head to spectacular Jotunheimen National Park for a hike to the summit of Norway's highest peak. Spend a memorable final day exploring the fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls of the Nigardsbreen glacier.
Trip highlights
- Kayak the clear waters of beautiful fjords in southwest Norway
- Hike mountain trails for magnificent views of a unique, unforgettable landscape
- Spend a night camping fjord-side and three nights at quaint farm guesthouses
- Paddle along calm currents between towering 3,500 foot walls
- Summit Norway's highest peak and take an exciting glacier walk with crampons
Activities
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
Accommodations
Hotels, 4 nights; Farm guesthouses, 3 nights (dormitory-style rooming); Fjord-side camping, 1 night.
Itinerary
Our trip begins at 7:30pm in Voss, Norway, located about 1.5 hours from Bergen by train. We gather at our hotel for an orientation meeting that includes group introductions and a thorough overview of the upcoming adventure. Trip members arriving earlier in the day may wish to stroll around Voss and enjoy the local scenery, visit the Voss Folk Museum, or discover the feeling of skydiving in Scandinavia’s first wind tunnel. No meals included.
A scenic drive brings us to the tiny village of Gudvangen, situated on the deep blue Nærøyfjord. After a safety briefing, paddling instructions, and loading our dry bags into the kayaks, we begin paddling. The Nærøyfjord is an idyllic spot with typically calm waters and waterfalls cascading from the fjord's 3,500’ walls. We set up camp on the shore of the Nærøyfjord and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner prepared by the guide. A bonfire completes the scene and makes for a cheerful gathering place before we turn in for the night. All camping gear included. All meals included.
Transfers: 1 hour; Kayaking: 8 miles.
We break down camp, load up the kayaks and paddle across the fjord to the village of Dyrdal. Leaving the kayaks behind, we take up our daypacks and hike to tonight’s guesthouse, where we leave our overnight gear. We continue hiking to the top of one of the fjord's towering peaks and from the summit we take in the magnificent views of the water-filled channel cutting its way through the mountainous landscape that surrounds us. All meals included.
Kayaking: 0.5-miles; Hiking to farmhouse: 2.5 miles, 1,500' elevation gain; Hiking to scenic overlook: Up to 12 miles (7-9 hours), 2,400' elevation gain/loss.
We hike back to our kayaks, load up and begin paddling into the Aurlandsfjord. The cold, clean waters are good for seal spotting and with luck, we may even encounter Niser, a local species of harbor porpoise. At midday, we enjoy an al fresco lunch on the shores of the fjord and then continue paddling to the small village of Undredal. Accessible only by boat until 1988, Undredal is famous for the brown goat cheese (geitost) that is still produced using traditional cheese-making techniques. We explore the village, taking time to admire its country store and the smallest Stave Church in Norway, which dates back to the 12th century. All meals included.
Hiking: 2.5 miles, 1,500’ elevation loss; Kayaking: 11 miles.
We paddle north towards the main channel of the Sognefjord, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Following the southern shores of the Sognefjord around a headland, we head into the picturesque bay of Fresvik in the late afternoon. Our guesthouse in Fresvik is owned by a delightful couple who have hosted REI Adventures groups for many years, Dee Cunningham and his Norwegian wife Hege. We have time before and after dinner to take a relaxing soak in one of the guesthouse's fjord-side hot tubs. A dinner of homegrown ingredients from Dee and Hege's garden rounds out our day. All meals included.
Kayaking: 14 miles.
This is our final day of paddling. We kayak north across the Sognefjord, which is considered the longest navigable fjord in the world at 125 miles, with depths reaching over 4,000'. Depending on the pace of our group and weather conditions, we reach the northern shore of the fjord by early afternoon. After unpacking the kayaks and changing clothes we set out for our lodgings at Jotunheimen National Park, one of Norway's most awe-inspiring hiking destinations. Note: If wind conditions make the Sognefjord crossing too challenging, we are transported across the fjord by boat. All meals included.
Transfers: 2 hours; Kayaking: 8-15 miles.
Jotunheimen ("Home of the Giants") National Park attracts hiking enthusiasts from all over the world with its soaring peaks, glacial lakes and abundance of scenic trail options. The park contains over 150 summits that rise above 6,000’, including Northern Europe's two highest: Galdhøpiggen (8,098') and Glittertind (8,085'). The challenging but non-technical hike 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 drive to our hotel at Jostedalen near the Nigardsbreen Glacier. Note: Should the weather be inclement, we will substitute the Galdhøpiggen hike with a lower elevation hike in the national park. All meals included.
Transfers: 3.5 hours; Hiking: 9 miles (6-7 hours), 2,000' elevation gain/loss.
We spend the morning exploring Jostedalsbreen National Park and its namesake icecap, which is mainland Europe's largest. At the Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of the park's most dramatic glacial tongues, we transfer by small boat to the glacier's snout. After a briefing by the glacier guide, we strap on the provided crampons and set out on an unforgettable hike to see fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls. We then drive to Voss and spend a final evening celebrating a memorable adventure in the company of newfound friends. All meals included.
Transfers: 3.5 hours; Hiking: 3-4 miles (2-4 hours), 1,000' elevation gain/loss.
The trip concludes with a group transfer from Voss to the Bergen airport, and then to a central downtown Bergen location. We depart Voss at 7:30am and arrive at the airport about 9am. Please do not book a flight from Bergen prior to 11am. Breakfast included.
Transfers: 1.5 - 2 hours
Note on Itinerary
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.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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; one group transfer from Voss to Bergen airport on Day 9.
Not Included
Air transportation to from Norway and transfer to Voss; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except as noted on itinerary); 1 dinner; optional guide gratuities; travel insurance of any kind; laundry expenses and items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
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 (see the trip Gear List for specific recommendations).
Single Travelers
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the single supplement fee. There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations and we will assign you a roommate of the same gender if possible. Single occupancy rooms are not available during farm/guesthouse stays; rooms are ‘dormitory style’ with 3-4 guests sharing a room. Guesthouses have shared bathrooms.
- Single supplement 2019 - $899
General Information
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. Additional trip information will be provided 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.
Meet your guides
Einar Raa N.
Einar has been working in the outdoors for 30+ years, and started guiding for REI Adventures in 2008. He enjoys kite surfing, kayaking Norway's challenging whitewater rivers, and skiing off-piste near the town of Voss. He is fluent in Norwegian and English.
Meet your guides
Jan W.
Originally from Holland, Jan moved to Voss for its perfect active-lifestyle setting. He has guided tours in Norway since 2001 and REI's Norway trips since 2014. He is fluent in English, Norwegian and Dutch, and enjoys skiing, paragliding and kite surfing.
Adventure Expert
Janel
Kayaking to our camping spot on the shores of a fjord and sleeping under the midnight sun is my favorite day. Add in sipping a glass of wine while basking in a fjord-side hot tub…magical.
Departure dates
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Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2019
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Gear list
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.
Provided by REI
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Crampons
- Group First Aid Kit
- Hooded Paddle Jacket
- Kayak and All Paddling Gear
- Sleeping Bag and Pad
- Tent(s)
- Waterproof Camera Case
- Wetsuits, Booties and PFDs
Required
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Luggage (1 Piece)
- Pack Rain Cover
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Water Bottle (One 1-Quart) or Hydration System
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
Recommended
- Bandana
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
- Camp Towel
- Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Cycling and/or Paddling Gloves
- Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Liner Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Passport/Money Belt or Pouch
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Personal Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Gel
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Toiletries
- Trekking Poles
- Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Dry Bag (5L-10L)
- Ear Plugs
- Motion Sickness Remedies
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Swimwear
- Travel Pillow
Travel Documents
- Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary)
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
- Valid Passport
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice, which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Collapse all days
Our trip begins at 7:30pm in Voss, Norway, located about 1.5 hours from Bergen by train. We gather at our hotel for an orientation meeting that includes group introductions and a thorough overview of the upcoming adventure. Trip members arriving earlier in the day may wish to stroll around Voss and enjoy the local scenery, visit the Voss Folk Museum, or discover the feeling of skydiving in Scandinavia’s first wind tunnel. No meals included.
A scenic drive brings us to the tiny village of Gudvangen, situated on the deep blue Nærøyfjord. After a safety briefing, paddling instructions, and loading our dry bags into the kayaks, we begin paddling. The Nærøyfjord is an idyllic spot with typically calm waters and waterfalls cascading from the fjord's 3,500’ walls. We set up camp on the shore of the Nærøyfjord and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner prepared by the guide. A bonfire completes the scene and makes for a cheerful gathering place before we turn in for the night. All camping gear included. All meals included.
Transfers: 1 hour; Kayaking: 8 miles.
We break down camp, load up the kayaks and paddle across the fjord to the village of Dyrdal. Leaving the kayaks behind, we take up our daypacks and hike to tonight’s guesthouse, where we leave our overnight gear. We continue hiking to the top of one of the fjord's towering peaks and from the summit we take in the magnificent views of the water-filled channel cutting its way through the mountainous landscape that surrounds us. All meals included.
Kayaking: 0.5-miles; Hiking to farmhouse: 2.5 miles, 1,500' elevation gain; Hiking to scenic overlook: Up to 12 miles (7-9 hours), 2,400' elevation gain/loss.
We hike back to our kayaks, load up and begin paddling into the Aurlandsfjord. The cold, clean waters are good for seal spotting and with luck, we may even encounter Niser, a local species of harbor porpoise. At midday, we enjoy an al fresco lunch on the shores of the fjord and then continue paddling to the small village of Undredal. Accessible only by boat until 1988, Undredal is famous for the brown goat cheese (geitost) that is still produced using traditional cheese-making techniques. We explore the village, taking time to admire its country store and the smallest Stave Church in Norway, which dates back to the 12th century. All meals included.
Hiking: 2.5 miles, 1,500’ elevation loss; Kayaking: 11 miles.
We paddle north towards the main channel of the Sognefjord, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Following the southern shores of the Sognefjord around a headland, we head into the picturesque bay of Fresvik in the late afternoon. Our guesthouse in Fresvik is owned by a delightful couple who have hosted REI Adventures groups for many years, Dee Cunningham and his Norwegian wife Hege. We have time before and after dinner to take a relaxing soak in one of the guesthouse's fjord-side hot tubs. A dinner of homegrown ingredients from Dee and Hege's garden rounds out our day. All meals included.
Kayaking: 14 miles.
This is our final day of paddling. We kayak north across the Sognefjord, which is considered the longest navigable fjord in the world at 125 miles, with depths reaching over 4,000'. Depending on the pace of our group and weather conditions, we reach the northern shore of the fjord by early afternoon. After unpacking the kayaks and changing clothes we set out for our lodgings at Jotunheimen National Park, one of Norway's most awe-inspiring hiking destinations. Note: If wind conditions make the Sognefjord crossing too challenging, we are transported across the fjord by boat. All meals included.
Transfers: 2 hours; Kayaking: 8-15 miles.
Jotunheimen ("Home of the Giants") National Park attracts hiking enthusiasts from all over the world with its soaring peaks, glacial lakes and abundance of scenic trail options. The park contains over 150 summits that rise above 6,000’, including Northern Europe's two highest: Galdhøpiggen (8,098') and Glittertind (8,085'). The challenging but non-technical hike 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 drive to our hotel at Jostedalen near the Nigardsbreen Glacier. Note: Should the weather be inclement, we will substitute the Galdhøpiggen hike with a lower elevation hike in the national park. All meals included.
Transfers: 3.5 hours; Hiking: 9 miles (6-7 hours), 2,000' elevation gain/loss.
We spend the morning exploring Jostedalsbreen National Park and its namesake icecap, which is mainland Europe's largest. At the Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of the park's most dramatic glacial tongues, we transfer by small boat to the glacier's snout. After a briefing by the glacier guide, we strap on the provided crampons and set out on an unforgettable hike to see fantastically-shaped pinnacles, tunnels and frozen waterfalls. We then drive to Voss and spend a final evening celebrating a memorable adventure in the company of newfound friends. All meals included.
Transfers: 3.5 hours; Hiking: 3-4 miles (2-4 hours), 1,000' elevation gain/loss.
The trip concludes with a group transfer from Voss to the Bergen airport, and then to a central downtown Bergen location. We depart Voss at 7:30am and arrive at the airport about 9am. Please do not book a flight from Bergen prior to 11am. Breakfast included.
Transfers: 1.5 - 2 hours
Note on Itinerary
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.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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; one group transfer from Voss to Bergen airport on Day 9.
Not Included
Air transportation to from Norway and transfer to Voss; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (except as noted on itinerary); 1 dinner; optional guide gratuities; travel insurance of any kind; laundry expenses and items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
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 (see the trip Gear List for specific recommendations).
Single Travelers
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the single supplement fee. There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations and we will assign you a roommate of the same gender if possible. Single occupancy rooms are not available during farm/guesthouse stays; rooms are ‘dormitory style’ with 3-4 guests sharing a room. Guesthouses have shared bathrooms.
- Single supplement 2019 - $899
General Information
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. Additional trip information will be provided 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.
Meet your guides
Einar Raa N.
Einar has been working in the outdoors for 30+ years, and started guiding for REI Adventures in 2008. He enjoys kite surfing, kayaking Norway's challenging whitewater rivers, and skiing off-piste near the town of Voss. He is fluent in Norwegian and English.
Meet your guides
Jan W.
Originally from Holland, Jan moved to Voss for its perfect active-lifestyle setting. He has guided tours in Norway since 2001 and REI's Norway trips since 2014. He is fluent in English, Norwegian and Dutch, and enjoys skiing, paragliding and kite surfing.
Adventure Expert
Janel
Kayaking to our camping spot on the shores of a fjord and sleeping under the midnight sun is my favorite day. Add in sipping a glass of wine while basking in a fjord-side hot tub…magical.