PRIVATE TOUR: Sketches of Norway , Gudvangen, Flåm, Stegastein

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 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. From September till May the factory outlet is closed on Sundays.

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 to this cascading 110 meters (360 ft) tall waterfall. In autumn and spring Tvindefossen is usually at its fullest flow, due to the autumn rainfalls and melting snow in spring. During winter months the waterfall can freeze.

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 is closed from the end of September until May, but we visit Stalheim Folk Museum – a private collection of old farm buildings dating back to 1500s. A short walk up a moderately steep path is required to get to the lookout, that offers 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.

The small village of Gudvangen, in the very end of the Nærøyfjord. This cozy 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 Town.

Optional: Njardarheimr is the name of the Viking Town 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 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 Viking Town and engage in their authentic arts and crafts. We recommend planning a stop and spending some time here!

Recommended option: 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. Alternatively, we can spend more time in Gudvangen and the Viking Town and visit other secluded places other people rarely go to.

After leaving Gudvangen - by either ferry, private RIB or car - you come to Aurland or Flåm, villages located at the very end of the Aurlandsfjord. We can discuss and you decide where you will get off the boat. We save time and escape crowds if you get off in Aurland.

The town of Aurlandsvangen is the local administration center. Before driving to Stegastein lookout, we stop here for lunch.

From Aurland we go to Stegastein lookout, located at the top of a hairpin turn road overlooking the Aurlandsfjord at 640 meters / 2099 feet above sea level. Wonderful thrilling ride and a stunning view!

After this stop it is time to return to Bergen.