Walking the Sognefjord
- Walking around Sognefjord, the "king of fjords".
- Scenic journeys by boat and rail into and around the fjord.
- The wild Aurlandsdalen Valley, Norway's Grand Canyon.
- Walk the "Navvies Road" from Myrdal to Flam.
- An optional fjord cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage site Naeroyfjord.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive BergenThe World Heritage City of Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords” is a beautiful city filled with history. Wander through the Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, take the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mt Floyen for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy a delicious evening meal at one of the city’s fantastic seafood restaurants.
A bright, friendly hotel located on the popular Torgalmenningen square in central Bergen. The building dates back to 1926, and has been lovingly converted into a funky, modern hotel with many of the original features still preserved.
Beautifully located by the quayside next to the historic Bryggen. Coffee, tea, fruit and waffles are all included.
The hotel is located in central Bergen and it enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, the mountains and the fish market. The 270 degree sea view provides a true maritime ambiance. All rooms have a minibar, iron and ironing board, chair and desk. Free Wi-Fi available.
A train journey on the scenic Bergen railway takes you to the village of Myrdal this morning. Disembark and enjoy a walk down the “Navvies Road” to the charming village of Flam on the innermost reaches of the Sognefjord. This winding downhill path passes by a mountain farm and provides wonderful views of the surrounding valley. If you get tired, you can always jump on the famous Flam Railway, which almost shadows the route.
Ascent/Descent: 179m/1011m
Dinner & Overnight: Flam
A traditional family-run chalet-style hotel located by the Aurlandsfjord. Enjoy views of the surrounding spectacular scenery through large windows and glass balcony doors.
Set in a 19th century white clapboard building next to Aurlandsfjord and a 2 minute walk from Flam train station. Rooms feature mountain views and some have terraces. Other facilities include a beautiful waterside restaurant, fireside bar and pretty garden café.
Heimly is a guesthouse of a simple standard with amazing fjord views. It has 22 rooms, a peaceful garden, lounge and panoramic dining room. The rooms are simply furnished and include their own bathroom with shower. Around half of the rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Heimly lies right on the Aurlandsfjord, only 500 metres from the famous Flåm Railway and the centre of Flåm town.
A short bus ride (30min) will take you to the Stegastein Viewpoint first thing this morning, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the fjord landscape below you. A steep path takes you from here past the Turlifossen waterfall and mountain farm Turli to the Prest summit, where you have panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord 1363m below and the surrounding mountains.
Ascent/Descent: 740m/740m
A traditional family-run chalet-style hotel located by the Aurlandsfjord. Enjoy views of the surrounding spectacular scenery through large windows and glass balcony doors.
Heimly is a guesthouse of a simple standard with amazing fjord views. It has 22 rooms, a peaceful garden, lounge and panoramic dining room. The rooms are simply furnished and include their own bathroom with shower. Around half of the rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Heimly lies right on the Aurlandsfjord, only 500 metres from the famous Flåm Railway and the centre of Flåm town.
Set in a 19th century white clapboard building next to Aurlandsfjord and a 2 minute walk from Flam train station. Rooms feature mountain views and some have terraces. Other facilities include a beautiful waterside restaurant, fireside bar and pretty garden café.
The wild Aurlandsdalen Valley is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Norway” due to its jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes of untouched nature, fjords, roaring rivers and paths cut into the steep mountainside. Your walk today is one of the classic hikes of fjord Norway from Østerbø to Vassbygdi.
Take a bus from Flam to Østerbø (1h). Then follow the trail cut into the cliff face along the Nesbø-vatnet lake, with an optional detour to the Vetlahelvete cave. Expect amazing views every step of the way! Arriving at Vassbygdi, take the bus back to Flam (25min).
If you prefer to take it easy you may like to take a cruise on the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a particularly beautiful arm of the Sognefjord.
Ascent/Descent: 269m/1008m
A traditional family-run chalet-style hotel located by the Aurlandsfjord. Enjoy views of the surrounding spectacular scenery through large windows and glass balcony doors.
Heimly is a guesthouse of a simple standard with amazing fjord views. It has 22 rooms, a peaceful garden, lounge and panoramic dining room. The rooms are simply furnished and include their own bathroom with shower. Around half of the rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Heimly lies right on the Aurlandsfjord, only 500 metres from the famous Flåm Railway and the centre of Flåm town.
Set in a 19th century white clapboard building next to Aurlandsfjord and a 2 minute walk from Flam train station. Rooms feature mountain views and some have terraces. Other facilities include a beautiful waterside restaurant, fireside bar and pretty garden café.
Take your pick of a number of short walks around Flam this morning. We suggest two routes— one to a pretty waterfall not far from Flam or another to a nearby farmstead dating back to the 17th century. There are also a number of other short walks you can take around Flam itself.
In the late afternoon hop on board the ferry for a beautiful journey by water to the pretty village of Balestrand.
Choice of Walks: 5.5 km or 9 km Ascent/Descent: 301m/301m or 104m/104m
Dinner & Overnight: Balestrand
A beautiful old hotel run by the Kvikne family since 1877. It has been tastefully refurbished into a modern hotel whilst retaining its olde-world charm and atmosphere. From your room you can enjoy wonderful views of the Sognefjord.
This family-run hotel has a large garden, a private beach and panoramic fjord views. Each quiet guest room includes a private bathroom and views of the Fjord or mountains.
From the centre of Balestrand, the Raudmelen route follows a pretty nature trail before heading uphill for views to Balestrand on one side and over the rocky mountains to Esedalen on the other. At the top you are rewarded with fine views over the Sognefjord.
Ascent/Descent: 930m/930m
A beautiful old hotel run by the Kvikne family since 1877. It has been tastefully refurbished into a modern hotel whilst retaining its olde-world charm and atmosphere. From your room you can enjoy wonderful views of the Sognefjord.
This family-run hotel has a large garden, a private beach and panoramic fjord views. Each quiet guest room includes a private bathroom and views of the Fjord or mountains.
Choose from a variety of walks from Balestrand today. From short trails to more challenging hikes, the area offers plenty of opportunities.
We recommend choosing a walk that will give you enough time for lunch in Balestrand, before hopping on the ferry back to Bergen for one final overnight stay.
Walk 1: Balestrand Heritage Trail - a gentle walk along the fjord to explore the town of Balestrand.
Walk 2: Kreklingen Nature Trail - relaxed loop walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. This trail offers different options, so you can choose to walk for longer. Expect to spend between 1 and 3hrs approximately, depending which route you follow.
Walk 3: Saurdal to Balestrand - Saurdalen is an easily accessible area in the mountains, and after a short taxi transfer (to be arranged locally), you walk back to Balestrand via mountain valleys, plateaus, rivers and lakes. This is a beautiful walk on a fairly wild trail. Start early and allow plenty of time to complete it. Ascent/Descent: 460m/1066m
A bright, friendly hotel located on the popular Torgalmenningen square in central Bergen. The building dates back to 1926, and has been lovingly converted into a funky, modern hotel with many of the original features still preserved.
The hotel is located in central Bergen and it enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, the mountains and the fish market. The 270 degree sea view provides a true maritime ambiance. All rooms have a minibar, iron and ironing board, chair and desk. Free Wi-Fi available.
Beautifully located by the quayside next to the historic Bryggen. Coffee, tea, fruit and waffles are all included.
Check out after breakfast and make your way back to the airport, or speak to one of our Destination & Adventure Specialists about arranging extra nights in Norway. We particularly recommend additional nights in either Balestrand or Bergen.
Other Information
Is it for me?The Sognefjord is the world's deepest and longest fjord, and for this reason offers just slightly more dramatic scenery than the Hardangerfjord. Suitable for keen walkers looking for exhilarating and more rugged walks, with daily walks of between 3 and 6 hours and ascents of up to 900m. Overnight stays are in modern city hotels in Bergen and historic hotels in fjord-side locations, and travel is by boat and train.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 3 and 6 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is about 900m. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking in hillier terrain.
7 nights hand-picked accommodation is included in your trip. 2 nights are in a good quality, 3-star standard modern city centre hotel in Bergen. 5 nights are in traditional hotels in idyllic fjord-side locations of a 3-star standard. They offer modern rooms with fantastic views, great service, good restaurants and terraces on which you can sit out and relax and look over the beautiful Sognefjord. The accommodation we normally use is detailed below, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, there is the option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is not available to solo walkers. Single rooms are also available and again a supplement is applicable.
Meals
7 breakfasts and 2 evening meals (Days 2 and 5) are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.
Norway has an excellent system for trail-marking and all of the paths you will be following will be well way-marked.
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account. As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip.
Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town (such as a church, bus stop, etc.). Access routes to your accommodation are not included in our km daily figures. However, the Macs app will guide you to your accommodation.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Aurland by Nordeca (map)
- Balestrand by Nordeca (map)
- 7 Nights in 3-star hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Ferry and train journeys as per itinerary
- Return bus tickets between Flam and the Stegastein Viewpoint on Day 3
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24-7 Emergency telephone support
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to and from Bergen
- Luggage transfers on Day 2 from Myrdal to Flam (approx £5, arranged locally)
- Local buses on Day 4
- Lunches
- Dinners (other than those mentioned)
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the trip
You can start this tour anytime between the beginning of June and end of August. This is the most pleasant time of the year to walk in the Sognefjord area with lots of hours of daylight and warm daytime temperatures. Please note that depending on weather and the previous winter, there can still be some snow on the higher trails at the end of June.
By Air - You can fly direct to Bergen from a number of central destinations in Europe like Amsterdam (1h 30m), Copenhagen (1h 30m) London (2h), and Paris (2h). You can also fly via Oslo (55m), with up to 20 flights per day between Oslo and Bergen. By Rail - The Bergen Railway stretches between Oslo and Bergen and is a lovely way to travel into Bergen. There are up to 4 departures daily from Oslo to Bergen. The journey passes through some beautiful landscapes and takes approx 7 hours in total. By Road - It is approx a 7 hour drive from Oslo to Bergen via the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. This route is partly on the National Tourist Route. There are several other routes to Bergen from Oslo by car, via either Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord or Hemsedal. All take between 7-8 hours. By Ferry - There are a couple of different ways to travel to Bergen by ferry or boat. The famous Hurtigruten cruise line stops there. You can also arrive by one of the high-speed ferries which travel up and down the Norwegian coast with Norled. Or you can catch the ferry from Stavanger with Fjord Line.
From Bergen, use any of the ways detailed above for your onward travel.
You will travel with your bags between destinations. On Day 2 when you walk between Myrdal and Flam, your bags will be transferred by train from Myrdal to Flam.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is extremely popular and the accommodations do get booked up quickly. However, we will always try our very best to accommodate your plans.
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 3 and 6 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is about 900m. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking in hillier terrain.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproof clothes and a day pack.
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.