@Marius Dalseg Sætre

Hiking from Blue Ice to Green Valleys

6 Days | Self-guided | Summer | Hiking | Skarvheimen

On this self-guided hike, you’ll journey from the stunning Hardangervidda plateau down to the scenic Sognefjord, passing through the breathtaking Aurland Valley. With daily distances up to 23 km, this medium-difficulty “Inspired by DNT” tour offers limited luggage transport. This hiking holiday in Norway is perfect to combine with a trip to Bergen or a fjord cruise at the Sognefjord.

Highlights

  • From Hardangervidda to Sognefjord
  • Spectacular Aurlandsdalen

Included

  • Train from Oslo
  • 5x Accommodation incl. breakfast
  • 4x Packed lunch
  • 4x Dinner
  • Luggage transport (Finse – Flåm)
  • Map
  • Detailed tour description

Season and Price 2025

June – September
– daily departures
 

First arrival day: 27 June 2025
Last arrival day: 10 September 2025

Price:
Adult (double room): NOK  13.500
Children (12 – 17 yrs): NOK 10.450
Single room suppl.: NOK 3.200

Map

Description

On this 6-day self-guided hike, you’ll experience one of the most diverse landscapes Norway has to offer. Starting at the expansive Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest mountain plateau, you’ll descend into the lush Aurlandsdalen Valley, eventually reaching the majestic Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord. This hiking holiday in Norway takes you through a journey of contrasts—from barren, treeless plateaus to the dramatic and steep Aurlandsdalen, where the wild river cuts through the landscape, creating breathtaking views towards the fjord below.

With daily distances ranging from 10 to 23 km, this route is designed for experienced hikers who enjoy long hikes, but without many steep ascents. It’s also suitable for adventurous families with long haul hiking experience.

Accommodations are in fully serviced lodges, where breakfast and dinner are provided. However, as this is an “Inspired by DNT” tour, there is no luggage transport along the hiking route. You’ll retrieve your luggage at the Sognefjord upon reaching your final destination.

This hiking holiday in Norway also includes the scenic train journey from Oslo to Finse, a highlight in itself. After reaching the Sognefjord, you can return via the famous Flåmsbana or continue your adventure to Bergen by bus or fjord cruise.

Day to day

Day 1

Arrival Finse

Take the prebooked train from Oslo towards Hardangervidda. On this 4,5 hour train ride you can enjoy the views from the green valleys up to Norway’s mountain plateau. Finse doesn’t have any car access and arriving there is like stepping out into another world.
After a 700-meter walk (so bring luggage that is good to carry), you arrive to Finse lodge, where you will stay for two nights.

Accommodation: DNT Finsehytta

Check in and make yourself comfortable with the beautiful surroundings at Finse. Pick up your welcome package and prepare for the upcoming hike.

Meals: – / – / Dinner

Day 2

Activity: Hike to Blåisen
Duration: 3-4 hours, Distance: 10 kilometers, ↑ 250 meters

Start your Norwegian hiking adventure with a scenic 5 km hike (one way) to Blåisen from Finsehytta. Enjoy the stunning surroundings as you approach the mighty Hardangerjøkulen glacier—just be sure not to step onto the glacier without proper equipment!
In the afternoon, visit the open-air museum in Finse and prepare for your journey down to the fjords.

Accommodation: DNT Finsehytta

 Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Activity: Hike to Geiterygghytta
Duration: 7 hours, Distance: 16 kilometers, ↑ 500 meters

Today, you’ll begin your hike towards Aurlandsdalen, crossing from Finse to Geiterygghytta via Sankt Pål. Enjoy stunning views of Hardangerjøkulen to the south and Skarvheimen and Jotunheimen to the north. The trail offers gentle ascents and descents, passing beautiful mountain lakes. A lunch stop at Omnsvatnet is highly recommended.

Accommodation: Geiterygghytta

Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

 

Day 4

Activity: Hike to Aurlandsdalen
Duration: 7-8 hours, Distance: 23 kilometers, ↑ 424 meters

Today’s hike descends from Geiterygghytta to Aurlandsdalen Turisthytte, marking the original start of the Aurlandsdalen route. You’ll trek from mountain plateaus down into lush valleys, following a peaceful path far from the road. A stop at the scenic Steinbergdalshytta for a traditional treat like rømmegrøt is highly recommended.

Accommodation: Aurlandsdalen Turisthytte

Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner

Day 5

 Activity: Hike to Vassbygdi
Duration: 7 -8 hours, Distance: 19 kilometers, ↑ 0 meters (mainly descent)

You’ve reached the crown jewel: Aurlandsdalen! This is one of the most breathtaking and spectacular routes in Western Norway. Steep mountains plunge into deep river gorges, with panoramic views from the tops. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, abandoned farms, rare flora, and rich history. Aurlandsdalen offers an unforgettable journey through both nature and culture.

Transport: From Vassbygdi, you will take the pre-booked bus to Flåm (pick up your luggage!) and further to Gudvangen, where you will stay for the night. Gudvangen offers a good choice of different restaurants, and you are free to choose your favourite.

Accommodation: Gudvangen

Meals: Breakfast / Packed lunch / –

Day 6

Departure

You can choose from several alternatives to travel further (not included, add-on price):

  • Alternative 1: Take the Flåm Railway and Bergens Railway to Oslo
  • Alternative 2: Take the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway to Bergen
  • Alternative 3: Take the bus in the afternoon to Bergen
  • Alternative 4: Take the Fjord Cruise in the afternoon to Bergen (5 hours)

Read more about the different alternatives under FAQ

Meals: Breakfast / – / –

Inspired by DNT

Our Inspired by DNT hikes offer a different experience compared to our standard hiking packages. Please take note of the following details for these tours:

  • Luggage Transport: We provide luggage transport only from the starting point to the final destination of your hike. There is no daily luggage transport available.
  • Bedlinen and Towels: Bedlinen and towels are not included. You must bring a sleeping bag liner. However, bed linen and towels can be added at the full-service lodges if desired.

Learn more about our Inspired by DNT concept here.

If you’re uncertain whether this hike is suitable for you, feel free to contact us. Alternatively, explore our standard hiking packages, which include daily luggage transport and full-service cabins for your comfort throughout the hike.

Practical information

Add-on

Accommodation Oslo/Bergen
We can arrange accommodation for you in Oslo and Bergen. Please get in touch with us for prices.

Travel options from Gudvangen:

Train to Oslo or Bergen: 
In the morning, take the famous Flåmsbana to Myrdal, where you can transfer to a train bound for Oslo or Bergen.

Bus to Bergen: An easy and convenient option for those looking to explore the Sognefjord and enjoy short hikes along the way.

Fjord Cruise to Bergen (5 hours):
This iconic cruise lets you experience the full length of the stunning Sognefjord, arriving in Bergen at 20:45.

Equipment list

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, sturdy mountain hiking boots that provide ankle support, and sunscreen and sunglasses. It is not recommended to wear trail runners, everyday shoes, or sneakers. We also recommend bringing hiking poles in this type of terrain.

Luggage transport

Please deliver your your luggage on the 3th day to the train at Finse before you start your hike to Geiterygghytta.
You need to pick up your luggage at Flåm.

Accommodation

You will stay in the following lodges and hotels along your hike:

Finsehytta
DNT Finsehytta, located at 1,233 meters, lies between Hardangervidda and Skarvheimen, just a short walk from the Bergensbanen railway. With stunning views of the vast mountain plateau and the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a warm drink by the panoramic windows and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Geiterygghytta
Geiterygghytta, located at 1,224 meters, is where the majestic landscapes of Western Norway meet the high mountains of the east. It’s the heart of Skarvheimen, serving as a gateway to Hallingskarvet National Park and the wild, beautiful Aurlandsdalen. Perfect for exploring both rugged and serene terrain.

Aurlandsdalen Turisthytte
Aurlandsdalen Turisthytte, nestled in the heart of Aurlandsdalen, has been welcoming guests since 1894. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, it serves as the perfect base for exploring the dramatic landscapes of the valley. From here, hikers can embark on unforgettable journeys through Norway’s most iconic and breathtaking scenery.

Gudvangen
Gudvangen Fjordtell is a charming hotel in Gudvangen. Set in a historic Viking village, Gudvangen offers access to the stunning UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests, surrounded by breathtaking fjord landscapes.

Meals

Full-service lodge
The restaurant serves meals made with local ingredients. Breakfast is a buffet where you can also prepare a packed lunch for the day. Thermos refills are available, so check with the accommodation. Dinner is served in the afternoon or evening.

The Trails

The trails on this hike are typical Norwegian single tracks, often rocky and requiring you to cross small streams. There are muddy sections that require careful attention. Further down in Aurlandsdalen, some trails are exposed, with chains provided for safety, though alternative routes are available to avoid these areas. Be prepared for demanding terrain and significant descents, which can be harder on your knees and muscles than ascents. Hiking poles and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.

Transport

Travel sustainably with us as we arrange your journey from Oslo to Finse. With several connection options available from Oslo, feel free to contact us, and we’ll assist in planning a smooth trip. Since there are many return options, we haven’t included them in your schedule. Please review the choices and let us know how you’d prefer to travel onward from Gudvangen.

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