Early summer in the mountains and fjords

Early Summer in the Mountains and Fjords

Experience the contrast of lush summer valleys by the fjord to the high mountains where the snow still covers the landscape.

At the end of the Sognefjord, surrounded by valleys and waterfalls lies the former industrial town Årdal. Årdal is the perfect hub for hiking and sea kayaking. This hike is a real adventure: You will visit Europes highest free falling waterfall, paddle a kayak to the trailhead for a hike to the mountains, and explore a restored mountain farm and learn about ancient times.

Highlights

Hikes with beautiful scenery
Kayaking
Waterfalls

Included

Two guided hikes
Local transfer
Bus transport from/to Oslo
Accommodation x 4
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner x 4
Tour description
Map

Season & Prices 2024

May-June

Departure any day of the week

Prices:
Adult: NOK 13.795*
12-17 y: NOK 12.495

Single room supplement:
NOK 1.700

*Minimum 2 pax
Max 10 pax

Day 1

Arrival
Express bus from Oslo or Bergen to Klingenberg hotel, Årdalstangen.

See Transport section below for schedules.

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

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meal: Dinner at Klingenberg hotel

Day 2

Activity: Guided hike Avdal Gård

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

Our experienced guides will take you on a hidden gem-adventure up the old, hidden trail to the mountain farm in Avdalen. This trail was in use through generations, but it is now un-marked to prevent people from following it without a guide. The trail takes you up the mountain alongside the waterfall Avdalsfossen, and at one point we must follow narrow mountain ledges to get across. Imagine that the kids in Avdalen had to follow this trail to get to school!

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meal: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 3

Activity: Hike to Vettisfossen

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

Today you will be venturing in the Norwegian nature on your own, as a true explorer, towards a hidden gem of its own; Vettisfossen.

Protected by royal edict since 1924 and named after the nearby Vetti farm, Vettisfossen is the highest free falling waterfall in Europe. The water cascades down 275 meters in a free fall. You will be picked up at Klingenberg hotel and transported to and from the trail head (included). We recommend you hike to the foot of the waterfall, there is even an option to hike to the top (demanding)

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meal: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 4

Activity: From Fjord to Mountain

Duration: 6-8 hours. 4 km in kayak, 8 km hike, Ascent: ↑520 m

This tour will take you off the beaten path to the hidden gem of Nundalen. We can almost guarantee that you won’t meet anyone during your hike up this secluded valley.

Join our experienced guides on a true adventure. 6-8 hour guided trip. We kayak from Øvre Årdal to the secluded valley of Nundalen. From the lakeside we hike up to Haugstad Farm at 520 masl. Amazing viewpoint. The guide will tell you about the history of the valley – before and after the industrialization. You will also hear some of the legends connected to this valley. This trip is off the beaten track, and absolutely one to remember.

Accommodation: Klingenberg hotel

Meal: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 5

Departure day

After the breakfast at Klingenberg hotel it is time to say goodbye to Årdal and embark on the bus bringing you to Oslo or Bergen.

See Transport section below for schedules

Transport

Express bus from Oslo arrival day departs from Oslo bus terminal 10:20 and arrives at Klingenberg hotel 15:43

On departure day the bus goes from Klingenberg hotel 09:02 and arrives in Oslo 14:45

Please contact us about bus schedules for Bergen.

All local transport for the hikes and the express bus is included.

Accommodation

Klingenberg hotel

Klingenberg Hotel in Årdal offers accommodation in charming surroundings by the fjord. Located between the Sognefjord, Norways longest fjord, and Jotunheimen, Norways most alpine national park, it is the perfect hub for hiking, mountaineering, biking and kayaking.

Meals

You will have your breakfast and dinner at Klingenberg hotel. At the breakfast you will make your own lunch packet from the extensive breakfast buffet.

Any dietary needs? Please let us know.

Difficulty

Medium

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

On day 4 we will use kayaks to and from the trailhead. No kayak experience is required, but you should feel comfrotable in a boat for this to be a nice experience. We think the kayaking add an extra dimension to this hiking adventure, contact us ([email protected]) for rates and itinerary without the kayaking.