The Magical Fjords
Come visit the land of fjords! Known for their stunning natural beauty, Norway’s exquisite and tranquil fjords are reason alone to experience this country as the breathtaking views on each day of the trip are truly unforgettable. The Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord, the respective King and Queen of the fjords, are remarkable photogenic experiences. And the Geirangerfjord — a stunning location best accessed by boat — makes for an impressive visit with sites like the hairpin Trollstigen Road and the dazzling Seven Sisters Waterfall.
Our most popular trips begin in Oslo and end in Bergen, with stops through the Sognefjord, Norway’s largest and deepest fjord, the Geirangerfjord, which houses two of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, and, finally, the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord that stretches 179 kilometers (111 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountainous interior of Norway. Throughout the trip, accommodations are in the country’s best hotels, including on the breathtaking banks of fjordside towns Balestrand (population 2,000) and Geiranger (population 250).
In Oslo, the Viking capital of Norway, we like to stay in a five-star hotel and provide the opportunity to take in the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet at the Oslo Opera House, and experience a private culinary tour of the city (from delicately cooked salmon and other fresh fish right from the harbor to reindeer hot dogs in one of the many food stalls). Explore a bustling capital city, visit the Royal Palace and see Bygdoy Island (home to the famous and memorable Vigeland Sculpture Park, an exhibition of more than 200 unusual nude sculptures along its walkways). A private guide will lead you through the city.
High speed train is the best option to get outside the city to the pivotal mountain rail station of Myrdal. From there a switch to the famed Flåm Railway begins a ride that will introduce the raw beauty of Norway, descending nearly 885 meters (2,900 feet) in an hour and taking in the majestic mountainscapes. Upon arrival in Flåm (population 350), there is the opportunity for you to explore the charming little fjordside town and take a guide along for a hike to capture the best views!
Next stop, Geiranger, is one of the true gems of this trip. Driving north through various beautiful fjord regions like Fjærland and Skei includes a detour to visit the world-famous Briksdal Glacier. Here, you can in open troll cars to the foot of the glacier. Stay at Hotel Union, a four-star hotel with a stunning view of the Geirangerfjord (where you will feel tiny in its presence), and learn about the charming fjordside village. We can arrange for you to hike up the Dalsnibba Mountain Plateau for an incredible (truly not an overstatement) overlook or take a drive via Eagle’s Road to the Trollstigen, Norway’s engineering masterpiece that navigates steep inclines via a single road with eleven hairpin turns that are often carved right into the mountainside, and, ultimately, provide Geiranger year-round road access to the rest of Norway.
You can enjoy a five-hour cruise that we arrange through the waters of Sognefjord with Caribbean-blue waves, magnificent rushing waterfalls and tranquil villages sliding by as the boat passes through the core of the world’s longest open fjord to reach Bergen — the ‘gateway to the fjords.’ In Bergen we have several great hotels to choose from. A private guided tour of Bergen helps explore the city’s fascinating history and modern amusements — embracing local museums, colorful fish markets and an architectural smorgasbord, including Bryggen Harbor, with its 14th-century structures still intact and in use! A funicular (a small cable pulled train for climbing steep inclines) ride or hike to the top of Mount Fløien, introduces you to both the beloved Fløien Folkerestaurant (traditional local food) and a spectacular view of Bergen’s horizon. And, finally, not to be missed is a ride to see the majestic Hardangerfjord.
The scenery is truly spectacular, and the opportunity to experience Norway’s brilliant personality upfront via train, hike or a boat ride makes it a special experience. Come join us!
