Photo: Bulder og Brak

Early Summer in the Mountains and Fjords

Feel the power of water in Utladalen while the snow is melting in the mountains. Either by foot or paddling a kayak, you explore lush valleys by the fjord with views on high top mountains still covered by snow. This is the ultimate adventure mix to enjoy early summer in the area.

Highlights

  • Fjord kayaking
  • Vettisfossen, Norway’s highest protected waterfall
  • From lush valleys to snowy mountains
  • Restored farm visit

Included

  • 4x Accommodation incl. breakfast
  • 4x Dinner
  • 4x Packed lunch
  • Bus from/to Oslo
  • Local transportation to the activities
  • 1x guided hike
  • 1x guided kayak & hike trip (incl. kayak rental)
  • Tour description
  • Map

Season & Prices 2025

May-June

Departure any day of the week

Prices:
Adult: NOK 15.300*
Children (12-17 yrs): NOK 13.900

Single room supplement:
NOK 1.900

Description

Embark on this 5-days adventure from the little town of Årdal, by the end of the Sognefjord. Surrounded by an
amazing nature, the former industrial town is a perfect starting point to explore the area. Either by foot or by
kayak, you get to experience the mountains and the fjords during springtime. Imagine
green fjords, lush valleys, old mountain farms and waterfalls powered by melting snow in
the high mountains. This is the kind of landscape that will accompany you on this trip. You
spend two days with a local guide showing you around Sognefjord and one day hiking by
yourself in Utladalen, where you get to experience Vettisfossen – a 275 metres high waterfall, the
highest free falling one in Northern Europe.

Day to Day

Day 1

Arrival by bus from Oslo to Årdalstangen.

After check-in, we recommend a small walk from the hotel to the shore of Årdalsvatnet to get familiar with the area and the views that awaits you the next days.

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meal: Dinner at the hotel

Day 2

Activity: Guided hike to Avdal Gård 

Duration: 3-4 hours, Distance: 6 km, ↑ 320 m 

Your guide will take you on a hidden gem adventure up to an old mountain farm in Avdalen. This hidden trail was in use through generations, is now unmarked to prevent people from following it without a guide. The trail takes you up the mountain. You pass the impressive waterfall of Avdalsfossen before having to get across some narrow mountain ledges. A trail that kids in Avdalen had to follow to go to school!

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 3

Activity: Hike to Vettisfossen

Duration: 6-8 hours, Distance: 12 km, ↑ 371 m

Today you get to explore on your own and discover the beautiful valley of Utladalen. At this time of the year, the contrasts are magical. Hike through a colourful valley full of lush vegetation and flowers until you reach Vettisfossen, the highest free-falling waterfall in Northern Europe. The water cascades down 275 meters in a free fall.  We recommend you hiking to the foot of the waterfall, or even to the top if you are an experienced hiker. The trail to the top is steep and demanding.

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 4

Activity: Paddle and hike

Duration: 6-8 hours, 4 km with kayak and 8 km hike, ↑ 520 m

Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track, from the fjord to the mountain. Discover the hidden gem of Nundalen, a secluded valley where you seldom meet anyone else. Your guide will provide you some instructions on how to use your kayak and together you’ll paddle from Øvre Årdal to the trailhead at Nundalen, before hiking up to Haugstad Farm. Enjoy the amazing view while listening to your guide telling you more about the history of the valley and some legends connected to the place

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 5

Departure day

Bus from Årdalstangen to Oslo.

Today it is time to say goodbye to the fjords and the mountains. You can either travel back to Oslo or end your stay in Bergen by adding a fjord cruise (see add-ons for more information).

See Transport section below for schedules.

Practical Information

 

Add-on

Go to Bergen instead of Oslo
You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo for the same price, if you chose to travel by bus.

Fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (5 hours)
NOK 990

If you wish to end your trip in Bergen, you can chose to travel the last bit by boat from Flåm to Bergen. This is a perfect way to say goodbye to the fjords and extend your stay in western Norway.

Extra night in Oslo
Price on request

If you are interested in exploring more of the capital of Norway you can add one extra night in Oslo, including breakfast.

Extra night in Bergen
Price on request

Norway’s second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and fjords. Well worth seeing.

    Important Details

    To fully enjoy your hiking adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, hiking boots that provide ankle support, sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail running, everyday shoes or sneakers when hiking.

    Accommodation

    Klingenberg Hotel, Årdalstangen

    Opened in 1861 for hikers and climbers passing by in the region for outdoor adventures. At the very end of the Sognefjord, at the border with Jotunheimen National Parc – home of the highest mountain chain of Norway – the hotel offers accommodation right by the fjord. Some of the 49 rooms even have a fjord view.

    Meals

    The hotel restaurant offers food based on local ingredients. For breakfast there will be a buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring to lunch for the day. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.

    Any dietary needs? Please let us know. 

    Route

    Gravel/trail

    You will be given a tour description, as well as gpx coordinates you can use on your mobile. The lodging staff will keep you informed about the designated hiking routes when hiking on your own and provide details on where and when the pick-up will be arranged.

    Difficulty

    Medium

    Some hiking experience is required. The hikes are not very long but the hiking routes vary from gravel road to steep and rocky single-track paths which can be challenging.

    On day 4, we will use kayaks to and from the trailhead. No kayak experience is required, but you should feel comfortable in a boat for this to be a nice experience. We think the kayaking add an extra dimension to this hiking adventure, contact us for eventual alternatives without the kayaking.

    Equipment list

    When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.

    Transport

    Travel green. Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Valdres and Jotunheimen! The express buses take you straight from the capital to the heart of Norway. On the way you will pass mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful farms. The buses have free WiFi, power outlets with USB chargers and toilets. Experience the convenience of choosing from various departure times and travel destinations along our express bus routes. Share your travel plans with us, and we’ll take care of the arrangements, ensuring a stress-free experience for you. 

    Arrival / Departure

    Departure time from Oslo Bus Terminal to Årdalstangen
    10.20 am – 3.43 pm

    Departure time from Årdalstangen to Oslo Bus Terminal
    09.02 am – 2.45 pm

    See More of our Summer Adventures