PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Norway's Highlights–Viking Special, 11 h

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 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 make a stop at Tvindefossen waterfall, locaded 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.

We continue our journey down 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 which accompany us on our descent down the hairpin turns to the Nærøydalen. Stalheimsfossen is 126 meter / 413 feet tall.

Sivlefossen waterfall is one of the 2 waterfalls which accompany us on our descent down the hairpin turns to the Nærøydalen. Sivlefossen is 142 meter / 466 feet tall.

Our main destination on this tour is a 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. When we arrive here, it will be time for lunch, which we can have at the local hotel's restaurant/cafe or inside the Viking Village.

Njardarheimr is the name of the Viking Village in Gudvangen. We visit the village with a guided tour and 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.

You have 2 options when visiting the Viking Village:
1) Regular: Entrance tickets to the Village are included. You can participate in a scheduled tour around the Village with a local guide.
2) Private Viking: Entrance tickets to the Village are included. Your tour around the Village is with a private Viking guide, who is with your party for a whole hour.

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. You have 2 options here:
1) Travel from Gudvangen to Flåm aboard a passenger ferry, or
2) Take a private fjord cruise on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat).

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 for you. The fjord cruise should be arranged in advance to guarantee the best experience.

Other alternatives to the fjord cruise:
We can arrange kayak rental in Gunvangen and our guide could take you on a short kayak tour on the Nærøyfjord. We can also visit other places other like Aurland and the Stegasein lookout.

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.

An alternative to the fjord cruise is a trip to 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!

On our way back to Bergen we pass the town of Voss again. This time we can make a stop here to take Voss Gondol cable car to the top of Mount Hangur (2690 ft / 820 m above sea level). Additional payment for extra time and cable car tickets is required.

Alternatively, we can stop in 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 (good deals and discount here all year round).

Our tour ends in Bergen. Scheduled time for return is 7:30pm.