Hurtigruten
Norway - Extensions - Oslo
Fjord Resorts
Balestrand
From Bergen or Oslo
4 days, 3 nights
Lying a short distance from Bergen, on the northern shores of the beautiful Sognefjord, the exquisite village of Balestrand presents a perfect starting point to explore some of the spectacular country that surrounds Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. A three night extension to this delightful resort can be incorporated into your journey, enhancing even further the voyage of a lifetime.
Set in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, where icy glaciers and towering peaks come together in a dazzling display of natural splendour, it is easy to see why these landscapes have so inspired poets and artists alike. A network of nature trails crisscross this landscape, offering some fabulous hiking opportunities, whilst the village itself can be explored on the Balestrand Cultural Walk. The Sognefjord Aquarium is home to over 100 different species of local marine life and it is possible to hire canoes and boats to explore further some of the most pristine panoramas on Earth. For music lovers the Sognefjord provides a spectacular backdrop for an annual jazz festival in May.
Balestrand can be reached by disembarking the southbound coastal voyage in Florø, where your journey continues by scheduled bus service. There is also a frequent direct scheduled express boat service operating from Bergen.
For more information for things to do and see here, download our Balestrand Information sheet.
Excursions
Fjærland Village & Glacier
Reached by a breathtaking ferry ride through the magnificent Fjærlandsfjorden and a short bus journey to the village itself, this enchanting little settlement is well known for its distinctive architecture and sumptuous mountain and glacial views. Here the two arms of the Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier, extend down the length of the valley, presenting a quite breathtaking setting. The award winning glacier museum affords a ‘hands-on’ look at the glaciers and their significance in our ever-changing world.
Price: 50 NOK (payable locally)
Operating: May to SeptemberKaupanger Folk Museum
A living exhibit, the remarkable open-air museum at Kaupanger presents a unique collection of over 30 traditional buildings, located within a spectacular natural setting that show life in these regions from the middle ages to present day. With fascinating exhibits on craft and agriculture, festivities and fishing, it is an incredible insight into life along the Sognesfjord over the past 300 years. Close by you will also find the largest stave church in the area, dating back to 1200 AD.
Price: Approx 60 NOK
(payable locally)
Operating: May to September
Prices
From Florø coastal port
Twin £315 per person
Single supplement £75 per personFrom Oslo
Twin £385 per person
Single supplement £75 per person
Prices are in £s per person based on two people traveling together sharing a twin room.
Price includes: From Florø travel to Balestrand by scheduled bus, 3 nights in Kviknes Hotel including breakfast, express boat from Balestrand to Bergen. From Oslo travel to Flåm by 2nd class rail including seat reservation, express boat to Balestrand, 3 nights Kviknes Hotel including breakfast, express boat Balestrand to Bergen.
Solstrand
From Bergen or Oslo
4 days, 3 nights
Nestling amidst a tranquil landscape of beautiful gardens on the edge of the clear blue waters of the Bjørnefjord, Solstrand is an idyllic alternative to Bergen for a relaxing retreat. Just 45 minutes by road from Bergen’s bustling waterfront we offer an elegant haven that has been run by the same family for four generations and is today a member of the exclusive ‘Historical Hotel’s of the World’ – the Solstrand Hotel.
Amongst the peace and quiet of this stunning setting there are a number of spa facilities available at the Solstrand Wellness Centre, whilst the surrounding landscapes offer a breathtaking choice of hiking and cycling options. It is also possible to hire sailboats (with or without skippers), join guided sea-kayaking tours, or enjoy a round of golf at the Bjørnefjorden Golf Club, just a short walk from the hotel.
Many of the hotel’s distinctive rooms offer spectacular views across the fjord and as the day draws to a close you can enjoy the unique flavours of western Norwegian cuisine in the elegant surroundings of a restaurant that offers matchless views of the glittering fjord and the distant mountains.
For more information for things to do and see here, download our Solstrand Information sheet.
Excursions
Rosendal Manor House
Built by Ludvig Rosenkranz in 1665, this impressive building is Norway’s only Baronial Manor. Accessed by a daily express boat service from the village quay, its museum and art gallery recounts the rich history of the house and its owners. Surrounded by a glorious rose garden that is an attraction in itself, the house is also just a short walk from one of the oldest Medieval churches in the country at Kvinherad.
Price: Approx 100 NOK
(payable locally)
Operating: Mid May to September
(except 17 May)Lysøen museum
Built in 1872 this grandiose edifice was once the summer home of the renowned violinist Ole Bull. Located on an island, on land once owned by the Bernhardine monks of Lysekloster, this idyllic setting entertained musicians, artists and writers in its past but today it is a remarkable museum that plays host to annual musical recitals amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Price: 30 NOK (payable locally)
Operating: Mid May to August
Kayaking and Hiking
Other active trips such as hiking and kayaking are available locally.
Prices
From Bergen
Twin £245 per person
Single supplement £125 per personFrom Oslo
Twin 385 per person
Single supplement 210 per person
Prices are in £s per person based on two people traveling together sharing a twin room.
Price includes: From Bergen by express boat, 3 nights Solstrand Hotel including breakfast, return taxi transfer to Bergen. Transport from Oslo: 2nd class rail including seat reservation, transfer from train station to hotel and hotel to Bergen by taxi.
Voss
From Bergen or Oslo
4 days, 3 nights
Surrounded by a majestic ring of mountains, between Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, the lakeside town of Voss is blessed with a magnificent natural backdrop of snow-capped peaks and traditional Norwegian charm. Only an hour by train from Bergen it offers an excellent base from which to explore some of Norway’s most renowned landscapes.
Voss can cater for all tastes, whether you are looking for relaxation or excitement, there are a number of locally organised excursions and activities that allow you to make the most of this magnificent fjord setting, all within easy reach of the town. Joining escorted tours or taking public transport allow you to be as flexible as you wish and during the summer months a cable car to the top of Mount Hangar opens up a network of superb trails that afford spectacular views of the town and its 13th century stone church and offers access to the dramatic terrain of the Bordal Gorge. There are also opportunities to try rafting, paragliding, horse riding, kayak and cycling tours for those looking for a little more adventure.
Excursions
Norway in a Nutshell
This excursion, as described under Bergen is an unmissable excursion for anyone visiting Voss.
Price: £50
Duration: Full Day
Operating: Daily
Pre-bookableFjord Cruise on the Hardangerfjord
This wonderful trip, as described under Bergen is also possible from Voss.
Price: approx NOK 315
Duration: 6 ½ hours
Operating: Daily,
May – September
Bookable locally
Prices
From Bergen
Twin £170 per person
Single supplement £70 per personFrom Oslo
Twin £245 per person
Single supplement £70 per person
Prices are in £s per person based on two people traveling together sharing a twin room.
Price includes: From Bergen or Oslo travel by 2nd class rail to Voss with seat reservation, 3 nights fleischers Hotel Voss including breakfast, Voss to Bergen by 2nd class rail with seat reservation.
For more information for things to do and see here, download our Voss Information sheet.
Flåm
From Bergen or Oslo
4 days, 3 nights
Situated on the shores of the innermost arm of the Aurlandsfjord, part of the breathtaking Sognefjord, Flåm is a natural haven of steep mountains, plunging waterfalls and fertile valleys, reached via the peerless wonder of the Flåm Mountain Railway, one of the most beautiful and spectacular train journeys in Europe.
Beginning in Myrdal, this unique journey is one of Norway’s most spectacular attractions. Descending over 860 metres this masterpiece of engineering takes in no fewer than twenty one hand carved tunnels, a 1:18 gradient and breathtaking views of the Flåm Valley, as it winds its way along its 20km course. One of the world’s steepest railways it took some twenty years to complete and the hour-long journey provides an unforgettable and captivating experience amongst some of Norway’s most majestic and dramatic landscapes.
Excursions
Fjord cruise to Gudvangen
Travel by boat to Nærøyfjord, the world’s smallest and arguably most beautiful fjord. Traversing a landscape of small isolated farms and hamlets, traditional stave churches and dramatic mountain scenery you journey from Flåm to the picturesque village of Gudvangen, with a brief opportunity to disembark in Gudvangen before the return journey back to Flåm.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Approx 600 NOK
Operating: Daily mid June - September.
Bookable locallyOtternes farm museum
Occupying a hillside on the outskirts of Flåm this traditional Norwegian farm dates back to the 17th century and a guided tour of this unique living museum affords a fascinating insight into the lives of rural Norwegian farmers, with displays of handicraft and cooking techniques that date back some 400 years. The 27 buildings that make up this remarkable museum function as cookhouses and barns, storehouses and living quarters and the views across towards the Sognefjord are simply spectacular.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: Approx 255 NOK including guided walks & a light meal.
Operating: Mid June - August.
Bookable locally
Prices
From Bergen or Oslo
Twin £315 per person
Single supplement £100 per person
Prices are in £s per person based on two people traveling together sharing a twin room.
Price includes: Bergen travel to Flåm by express boat, 3 nights fretheim hotel including breakfast, 2nd class rail from Flåm via Myrdal to Bergen including seat reservation, 3 nights Fretheim Hotel with breakfast, return to Bergen via Myrdal by 2nd class rail.
For more information for things to do and see here, download our Flåm Information sheet.
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