Norway : Norwegian Fjord Highlights

Norwegian fjords have an undisputed ‘wow’ factor. Whilst many people decide to explore them from the water, we give you the opportunity to explore them on a self-drive holiday, with pre-booked and exceptionally comfortable accommodation. Exploring at your own pace has many benefits as does the lack of traffic on Norwegian roads and on this new 7-night itinerary, you’ll be ‘wowed’ at every corner as the scenery just keeps getting better and better.

Fly to Bergen on the west coast and overnight in this wonderful historic city. Characterful Hotel Augustin is Bergen’s oldest family-run hotel – it has a stylish Brasserie, wine cellar and just over 100 well-appointed rooms. The next day, set off on your fjord adventure to Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest. Enjoy a leisurely drive admiring the views along the fjord before taking one of two routes across Sorfjorden to the beautifully situated town of Lofthus, where you’ll stay for two nights. This area is often referred to as the ‘orchard’ of Hardanger because of its wealth of fruit trees – during May the cherry, plum and apple blossoms provide a spectacular sight - during August, make the most of the plentiful fruit crop. Hotel Ullensvang, a superbly appointed, family run hotel, sits on the eastern shores of narrow Sorfjorden and is a mix of the old and new. It has 172 rooms including 20 deluxe and several suites, particularly suited to families. The hotel has an excellent restaurant set out on several levels so that each table has a view of the fjord – there is also a wine cellar, an à la carte restaurant and stylish lobby bar for light meals and coffee.

Hotel Ullensvang looks out across the water to Folgefonna glacier, which boasts the country's longest glacier lifts at 110m - its gentle slopes ideal for a spot of summer skiing. The view behind the hotel, of towering mountains, is equally impressive – the first of many such impressive views on this itinerary. Be sure to make the most of the facilities at the hotel and explore Lofthus - the older part of town being the most interesting with its narrow lanes, more traditional timber buildings and the old stone church which dates from 1250. Depart Lofthus and make your way to Flam, perhaps stopping en route at the Hardangervidda Naturesentre in Eidfjord where you can learn about the area’s nature and geology. Flam is the next destination for an overnight stay.

Flanked by orchards and meadows, Flam sits on the edge of Aurlandfjord, a narrow offshoot of Sognefjord, and is a terminus for the Flamsbana – the famous ‘corkscrew railway’ said to be one of the steepest and most scenic rail journeys in the world - alas a trip from start to finish takes just an hour. A return trip on the railway is an optional excursion and one that we highly recommend, either on the day you arrive in Flam or the next morning. The 29km branch line, dating from the 1920’s, climbs 900m through twists, turns and tunnels including a couple of 180 degree bends, hugging sheer mountainsides, travelling over breathtaking drops, past elegant waterfalls and other incredible features to the junction at Myrdal. You could also consider a single ticket then hike home or even rent bicycles to get you back to Flam – the 20km or so journey is pretty much downhill all the way! 

Stay overnight the Flamsbrygga Hotel, just 100m from the train station. All the rooms at this striking red-timbered property have a balcony and fjord view. Built to a modern design using Norwegian pine, driftwood, natural stone and glass, facilities include a delightful café, restaurant and micro-brewery.

From Flam continue to Balestrand - this is a delightful area that has been attracting visitors for over a century. Check in for a two-night stay at Hotel Kviknes on the shores of Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway and the second largest in the world. Hotel Kviknes is a 190-room property set on the water’s edge and it oozes old world charm – parts of the main wooden structure date from the 18th century, to which other buildings have been tastefully added. Accommodation is shared between the historical and more modern buildings and most rooms have balconies with stunning views. Graced with an extensive artwork collection displayed throughout the hotel, previous guests have included royalty, presidents, prime ministers and movie stars.

Take a leisurely drive back to Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, where you’ll stay for the final night of this itinerary. One of the most popular things to do here is admire the views over the city from the top of Mount Floyen, the most visited of the seven mountains that surround the Bergen - the funicular railway transports passengers from the city centre to a height of 320m in just eight minutes. Alternatively, the excellent waterfront fish market, which actually sells all kinds of produce and handicrafts, is also well worth a visit and the historical wooden buildings here present great photo opportunities. In fact there is so much to see and do here that is it highly likely you’ll want to extend your stay – if so, contact our reservations team to discuss your plans.

On this itinerary expect the scenery to be fantastic and you won’t be disappointed!