In June of this year, my partner and I were lucky enough to do a FAM trip in Norway before the season started to make sure everything ran smoothly as possible for our clients in the 2018 season Firstly, I can confirm what you probably already know…. Norway is Beautiful.

Myrdal to Flam Hike – Rivers, Waterfalls & Mountains

Hiking in Norway is a truly unique experience, it is home to so many iconic bucket list hikes such as the Trolltunga, Preikestolen Rock, Kjerag Rock amongst having 8 UNESCO world heritage sites! With such a diverse landscape you are guaranteed to see many spectacular waterfalls, stunning crystal-clear fjords and majestic snow-capped mountains/glaciers; No matter what Macs Adventure Norway tour you choose I really don’t think you will be disappointed with what Norway has to offer in terms of just raw natural beauty. Here are my top 5 insider tips (In no particular order) to get the most out of your time in Norway!

Use the Spa & Wellness Centre

If you are lucky enough to be staying at the wonderful Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus make sure you take advantage of its amazing Spa and Wellness centre - it’s the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day’s hiking! It includes an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and Folgefonna glacier. Access to the Spa is included in the price of your trip! https://www.hotel-ullensvang.no/en/facilities/ullensvang-bath/

Hotel Ullensvang’s 88-metre outdoor infinity pool in all it’s glory

Upgrade to Fjord view rooms

It’s worth it! Dependent on availability and the accommodation you are staying in you may need to pay a supplement to be guaranteed a room with a fjord view – if you are unsure just ask your destination and adventure specialist when booking.

Sunrise from our fjord view room at the Strandfjord hotel in Ulvik

Try the Local Produce

Norway is an expensive country - no matter what you buy it’s going to cost you a fair chunk of change – Unfortunately, there is no way around this! I therefore recommend when parting with your hard-earned cash you spend it on as much of the amazing local produce as you can – here are a couple of my highlights:

• When in Flam, try the locally brewed craft beers in the quirky Viking themed Aegir-Brew Pub.

Viking themed Aegir-Brewpub entrance. Freshly brewed Craft Beer on tap inside!

• In Lofthus, be sure to check out the Alvavoll Fruit & Cider farm - they are located not too far from Hotel Ullensvang and sell delicious apples, pears, plums & honey. I would thoroughly recommend their apple juice and cider! For more info visit: alvavoll.no

The fruit orchards in Lofthus – Source of the local produce found in Alvavoll Farm

Be more adventurous and do a once in a lifetime tour or guided hike!

I had planned myself to do the guided Trolltunga hike while in Norway and disappointingly on the day I was due to walk we had severe weather warnings and had to cancel. If you fancy giving it a go to get that picture perfect photo of you standing atop the Trolltunga then let us know! (It’s possible from our Drive & Hike and Walking the Hardangerfjord tours.) We have other exciting opportunities such as hiking on the Hardangerjøkulen glacier in the magical Finse, Hiking the Folgefonna glacier in the Hardangerfjord or for those looking for a more relaxing experience – how about a cruise down the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord?

Cruise Boat heading down Aurlandsfjorden to the Nærøyfjord   

Travelling with a view – Relax & Enjoy you’re rest days.

Due to Norway’s vast and varied landscape getting from location to location to do your next hike isn’t always the easiest (you’ll probably find a fjord or mountain in the way) It means that you essentially have rest days in between your hikes where you will be making your way across the Norwegian wilderness by car, train or ferry (depending on which tour you decided to do!) It may seem a bit daunting having so many transport links - but not to worry, Macs have you covered – We book all your tickets well in advance and send them to you before you set off on your trip! Literally all need to do is show up on time, find your seat, relax and enjoy the views. P.S on the Oslo to Gelio train they have freshly baked cakes & cookies in the NSB kafé carriage: https://www.nsb.no/en/on-board/nsb-kafe

The imposing Kjofossen waterfall that you will see on the world famous Flamsbana train