Hiking and kayaking in Sognefjorden

The journey begins with a beautiful bus ride from Oslo to Årdalstangen at the innermost part of Sognefjorden. Already during the journey you pass valleys, rapids and mountain landscapes that give a foretaste of the coming days. After check-in, a walk along Årdalsvatnet is recommended to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and enjoy the view over the fjord and the high mountains that surround the place.

Today's guided hike goes from Øvre Årdal up towards the historic farm Avdal, beautifully located in a secluded valley. The path has been used by generations of local people but is today unmarked and only accessible with a guide. On the way you pass the mighty waterfall Avdalsfossen and follow narrow ledges along the mountainside. The guide tells about life on the farm and the fascinating story about the children who once used the same path on their way to school.

Today awaits one of the trip's absolute highlights. On your own you explore Utladalen, one of Norway's most spectacular valleys. Early summer offers an abundance of greenery, blooming meadows and rushing streams. If you go in autumn, it's instead the autumn colors and the fresh air that provide the spectacle. The destination is Vettisfossen, the Nordic region's highest free-falling waterfall, where the water plunges 275 meters straight down from the mountain plateau. You can choose to enjoy the view from the foot of the waterfall or continue up towards the top if you have experience of steeper mountain terrain.

From fjord to mountain – today's combination of paddling and hiking provides a unique experience of the landscape. After an introduction to kayak paddling you set out on the fjord's calm waters towards Nundalen, a secluded valley that few visitors find their way to. Here you leave the kayaks and continue on foot up towards Haugstad farm. During the hike the guide tells about the area's history, local legends and the people who lived in these isolated valleys. The views over the fjord and mountains are magnificent.

After breakfast it's time to leave Årdal and travel back towards Oslo. For those who want to extend the experience there's an opportunity to continue to Bergen via one of Norway's most beautiful fjord cruises from Flåm. Regardless, a journey home filled with memories from some of Norway's most magnificent natural environments awaits, and we can arrange extra nights both in Bergen and in Oslo for you.