Hiking from Hardangervidda to Sognefjorden

The journey begins with one of Norway's great classics: the train journey on the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Finse. During the approximately four and a half hours, the landscape changes from green valleys to the vast high mountain world of Hardangervidda. Finse lies completely without road connection and feels like a small outpost in the middle of the mountains. From the station you walk about 700 meters to the mountain lodge where your adventure begins.

The first hiking day takes you through magnificent high mountain nature towards Blåisen and the mighty glacier Hardangerjøkulen. Mountain lakes, bare plateaus and glittering ice masses dominate the landscape. After the hike there is time to visit the outdoor museum in Finse and learn more about life in the mountains before the journey continues towards the fjords in the coming days.

Today's stage goes from Finse towards Geiterygghytta via Sankt Pål. During the hike you have magnificent views over Hardangerjøkulen to the south and the mountain areas Skarvheimen and Jotunheimen to the north. The trail winds between mountain lakes and gentle ridges with many fine places for rest along the way.

A shorter but scenic hike leads further towards Steinbergdalshytta. You follow the valley through open mountain landscape and can choose a longer variant via Kongshelleren for extra mountain feeling and wilderness. Today's destination is a charming mountain lodge from the late 1800s with views over the surroundings of Aurlandsdalen.

Now you are approaching the famous Aurlandsdalen. The trail goes high above the valley floor and offers fine views over the mountain landscape. Despite the relatively short distance, the terrain is hilly with many smaller ups and downs. Arriving at Østerbø, the classic Aurlandsdalen Tourist Lodge awaits.

The highlight of the journey awaits. Aurlandsdalen is considered one of Norway's most spectacular hiking trails. Here you pass waterfalls, rushing rivers, old mountain farms and dramatic ravines. The steep mountain sides rise high above the valley while the trail mainly leads downward towards Vassbygdi. From there you take the bus to Flåm at Aurlandsfjorden for the journey's last overnight stay.

After breakfast the hiking journey ends. Bus back to Oslo is included. If you want to extend the adventure you can instead continue towards Bergen by bus or fjord cruise through some of Norway's most famous fjord landscapes.