An adventure across Norway

norway

An adventure across Norway

The home of Vikings, polar explorers like Børge Ousland, and natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, Norway is the land of legends. Taking you through fjords, forests, and fishing villages, we’ll show you its heart.

On this wild adventure, you’ll traverse land and sea – from the hillsides of Ålesund to the chic city streets of Oslo; exploring the glacier-carved fjords of Bergen and the remote islands of Lofoten and Steigen. Along the way, you’ll be led by some of Norway’s most adventurous guides. Let’s dive in.

When

June to August

Price

From £16,800pp excl. flights

(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

10 nights

Ideal length

Days 1-2

Ålesund

At the entrance to the 35-kilometre-long (and UNESCO-listed) Geiranger Fjord, the port town of Ålesund is at the heart of west Norway’s wilderness. Flanked by the rugged Sunnmøre Alps and famed for its Art Nouveau buildings, this town offers a slice of Scandinavian paradise.

Days 1-2

Day 1

Of fresh fish and Art Nouveau

Touching down in Ålesund, you’ll hit the ground running (or walking, that is). With one of our expert local guides, you’ll discover the town’s iconic sites on foot; exploring the Art Nouveau museum of Jugendstilsenteret where you’ll learn about the town’s signature style, the top of Aksla (one of the town’s own mountains), and Brosundet harbour where fishing boats sell fresh crab and prawns to passersby. Deep in the Glomset hillsides, you’ll head beyond the town to Storfjord Hotel – your tranquil hideaway for the next two nights.

Geiranger waterfall near alesund in norway

Day 2

From fjords to forests

Today, you’ll set off on a private boat trip through the towering mountain walls of Geiranger Fjord. After gliding between plunging waterfalls, you’ll moor up to explore one of the many mountain farms perched on the cliffsides: Skageflå, where you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views of the “seven sisters” waterfalls. Returning to your hotel, you’ll spend the afternoon relaxing at the spa as you breathe in the peaceful woodland surrounds. For dinner, you’ll head deeper into the forest to the hotel’s lavvo (traditional Sami tent). Here, between pine trees and an open fire, you’ll cozy up as chefs prepare rustic dishes over the flames.

flowers by the river in alesund town in norway

Skageflå abandoned farm near alesund in norway

Day 3

Bergen

Encircled by seven mountains and the plunging fjords of Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, Bergen – literally meaning “hill” – is a striking urban hub and an adventurer’s dream. Once a trading hub of the Hanseatic League, now Norway’s second-largest city, welcome to the “gateway to the fjord kingdom”.

Day 3

Day 3

Trading one city for another

Saying farewell to Ålesund, you’ll hop on a quick 50-minute flight to the coastal city of Bergen. Then, your private driver will take you to the Boutique Hôtel Charmante – a glamourous hotel inspired by 1920s Paris. After settling in, you’ll head out into the city with your local guide; learning the secrets of Bergen’s historic stockfish industry and the medieval Hanseatic League of merchants that dominated the city’s trade.

Days 4-6

Lofoten

Anchored above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands bask beneath the Midnight Sun in summer and play host to the ethereal Northern Lights in winter. A rare wilderness outpost, this is a world of jutting snow-dusted mountains, rust-red fishing cabins, and uninhabited islands home only to puffins.

Days 4-6

FANGST restaurant at hattvika lodge in norway

fisherman cabin at hattvika lodge in norway

northern lights at hattvika lodge in norway

Day 4

Your island retreat

Leaving Bergen behind, you’ll fly north to the Lofoten Islands. After landing in Leknes airport, you’ll head to the fishing village of Ballstad – and Hattvika Lodge, your home for the next three nights. You’ll spend the day settling in; relaxing in your own renovated fishermen cabin, dining on sea-to-table dishes at Fangst restaurant, and gazing out at snow-coated mountains from the lodge’s sauna.

viking ship in lofoten islands in norway

fishing boat in lofoten islands in norway

Day 5

Of Vikings and vegans

Today, you’ll spend your time embracing (Nordic) island life; free diving in arctic waters, deep sea fishing, or surfing at Unstad Bay. On land, you can visit the Viking Museum, grab a slice of plant-based Neapolitan pizza at a local organic farm , or ride on horseback beneath the midnight sun (or the Northern Lights). However you wish to spend the day, we’ll make it happen.

Helvetestinden mountain in vindstad in norway

window overlooking the mountains in reine in norway

Day 6

Reach new heights

Taking to the waters, this morning you’ll embark on an epic kayaking adventure across the majestic Reine fjord. Stepping ashore at Vindstad, an old fishing settlement, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before hiking up one of the village’s two mountains: Helvetestinden. Descending back to sea level, you’ll take a refreshing dip at Bunessanden beach before dining on freshly foraged ingredients at the aptly named seafront restaurant, Kitchen On The Edge.

hattvika lodge cabins beneath the stars in norway

Days 7-8

Steigen

With just over 2,000 people (and waves of untouched wilderness), the Steigen Archipelago is the perfect place to go off-grid. Loved by famous polar explorers like Randi Skaug and Børge Ousland (both of whom have bought their own islands here), this is the home of remote fishing communities – and some of Norway’s most striking (and distinctive) hideaways.

Days 7-8

pizza in Henningsvær in steigen in norway

glass blowing in Henningsvær in steigen in norway

Day 7

From one island to another

After breakfast, your private driver will take you to Henningsvær – a charming fishing village dotted across several small islands. There, you’ll learn the art of glass blowing; crafting your own glass by hand. For lunch, you’ll enjoy wood-fired pizza in an old-woodmill-turned-hip-restaurant before heading to the village’s jetty. With a warm welcome from Børre, your seasoned captain, you’ll embark on a private boat charter to the iconic sea cabins of Manshausen – a private island (and hotel) owned by polar explorer Børge Ousland.

Day 8

A living legend

After tearing yourself away from your cabin’s breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views (we know, it’s difficult), today you’ll hop on a quick boat ride to the nearby island of Naustholmen to meet Randi Skaug. A legendary Norwegian adventurer (and the island’s owner), Randi will share her adventures with you as you wander through the wild natural landscape and dine on the freshest local fare at the island’s pub. Returning to Manshausen, you’ll spend the evening relaxing at the hotel’s sauna – and fresh seawater pond.

houses and boats in Henningsvær in norway

Days 9-11

Oslo

Norway’s vibrant capital, Oslo is known for its world-class museums (with exhibitions ranging from Viking ships to polar expeditions) and modern architecture. But there’s other sides to see. Innovative floating saunas, speakeasy pubs, and art galleries crafted entirely from ice.

Days 9-11

Day 9

The heart of the city

After a morning kayak and a spot of lunch, you’ll say goodbye to Manhausen as you catch the boat to Bodø. Back on land, you’ll head straight to the town’s airport and hop on a quick flight to Oslo. After touching down in Norway’s capital, you’ll be met by your private driver. They’ll ferry you to Sommerro for the ultimate Art Deco-inspired stay. With daily live jazz, a 100-seat gilded theatre, a tea salon, and rooftop sauna, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a world of Great Gatsby-esque glamour.

Day 10

Of ziplines and polar expeditions

Accompanied by your expert local guide, today you’ll set off to explore Oslo by foot, car, and zipline. After marvelling at Gustav Vigeland’s 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures in Frogner Park, you’ll learn about death-defying polar expeditions at the Fram Museum before savouring Kafé Seterstua’s traditional (and legendary) hot chocolate and apple pie. On your final evening, you’ll shop, dine, and sauna. Or all three.

Day 11

Until your next adventure

Homeward bound, you’ll board the plane at Oslo. But, looking back over your shoulder one last time, we know you’ll be thinking what we always do: “We’ll be back.”