PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Highlights of Norway – Trip to the Sognefjord – SUMMER

Our tour starts in the city of Bergen - the Gateway to the Fjords. The city was founded in 1070 and contains many historical and cultural landmarks. We will pass some of them on our way from the city and also on our return to Bergen.

We move on to Dale, where the famous sweater factory is located – “Dale of Norway”. We can visit the factory outlet and maybe pick up some woolen souvenirs there.

We pass through the town of Voss on our way to Gudvangen. The main historical attractions are Vangskyrkja - church from 1277, and the St.Olaf's cross from 1023. We can stop in Voss on our way to the Sognefjord or, alternatively, on our way back to Bergen.

We make a stop at Tvindefossen waterfall, located 12 km (7.5 miles) to the north of Voss town center. We can come close this cascading 110 meters (360 ft) tall waterfall.

Our next stop is at Stalheim Hotel, an establishment which history is closely related to postal service in Norway and goes back all the way to 1647. The hotel's terrace, at an elevation of 373 meters / 1224 feet ASL, offer a magnificent view of the Nærøydalen valley - a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The heritage site consists of 2 fjords - the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord - adjacent valleys and surrounding mountains.

From the hotel's terrace we can see Stalheimskleiva - one the steepest roads on the North with hairpin turns which provide thrilling views of 2 beautiful waterfalls on each side of the road.

Stalheimsfossen waterfall is one of the 2 waterfalls beneath the hotel. Stalheimsfossen is 126 meter / 413 feet tall.

Sivlefossen waterfall is one of the 2 waterfalls beneath the hotel. Sivlefossen is 142 meter / 466 feet tall.

The small village of Gudvangen, in the very end of the Nærøyfjord. This cosy little village, snuggly located under the tallest waterfall in Norway, Kjelfossen (840 meters / 2755 feet), has attracted tourists ever since the 19th century. We recommend taking a 2-hour fjord cruise from Gundangen to Flåm. As this tour is an open schedule tour, the fjord cruise is not included. We will be happy to make suggestions and help you with the booking. Alternatively, we can spend more time in Gudvangen, have lunch and visit the Viking Village.

Njardarheimr is the name of the Viking Village in Gudvangen. If you decide to spend more time in Gudvangen, we can visit the village with a guided group tour (a private Viking guide can also be arranged for an additional fee), learn about the Viking history, culture and society, and take part in activities like archery and axe throwing. There are also some interesting people to meet: real modern day Vikings who come to live in the Village and engage in their authentic arts and crafts. We recommend planning a stop and spending some time here!

The Nærøyfjord is one of the most gorgeous fjords in Norway (and the world!). Its unique and pristine beauty was the reason for including it on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 2005. We recommend seeing it on a 2-hour fjord cruise aboard a passenger ferry or a private RIB. As this tour is an open schedule tour, the fjord cruise is not included. We can offer several alternatives which are available, help you with purchasing tickets or making a booking. The fjord cruise should be arranged in advance to guarantee the best experience. Alternatively, we can spend more time in Gudvangen and the Viking Village and visit other secluded places other people rarely go to.

After leaving Gudvangen - by either ferry, private RIB or car - you come to Flåm, a village located at the very end of the Aurlandsfjord. This busy cruise ship destination clearly stands out from the tranquil Norwegian scenery with its souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés (where we recommend having lunch after the fjord cruise) and a museum dedicated to the famous Flåmsbana railway.

For the best experience on this tour we recommend taking the Flåmsbana train from Flåm to Myrdal station in the mountains. Starting from Flåm at the sea level the train takes you up to elevation of 867 meters / 2844 feet ASL through some of the stunning scenery in Norway. As you travel, the lush Flåm valley gradually turns into a canyon and then into a gorge with almost vertical mountain walls. With the help of the engineers' savvy the railroad was constructed to overcome the steep ascend.

In Myrdal we suggest you change trains and travel to Voss, where you car with the driver-guide will pick you up. Unfortunately, the car cannot come to Myrdal, as there are no car road there. Alternatively, you can take the Flåmsbana train back to Flåm and continue by car from there. We will be happy to suggest the alternative that fits you the best.

As this tour is an open schedule tour, the train tickets are not included. We can either help you make a booking or book the tickets ourselves. Flåmsbana is a very popular ride. We recommend securing tickets in advance.

Train tickets are subject to availability.

An alternative to Flåmsbana train ride is Stegastein lookout, located at the top of a hairpin turn road overlooking the Aurlandsfjord at 640 meters / 2099 feet above sea level. Wonderful ride and a stunning view!