Luxury Norway 7-night three-centre fly-drive touring holiday around the sensational Sognefjord
This is a leisurely in-depth exploration as a fly-drive touring holiday of the sensational Sognefjord, one of the most beautiful of Norwegian fjords. You stay in three different places, only about two hours’ drive apart, but offering a range of unique panoramas and local experiences. There are ample opportunities for hikes in the local mountains with abundant waterfalls and lakes. Kayaking is a popular water-based means of exploring the fjord from a different angle. Whilst in Balestrand there is the opportunity to take a boat to Flåm and try the scenic Mydral railway. In Fjaerland is the Norwegian Glacier Museum and from Solvorn you can take a ferry across the fjord to visit the Urnes historic wooden stave church.
Highlights
Balestrand • Sognefjord • Myrdal railway • Fjaerlandfjord • Fjaerland • Norwegian glacier museum •Solvorn • Lustrafjord • Urnes stave church
Day by day
Fly from London to Sogndal with a change of aircraft in Oslo. Collect your hire-car at Sogndal airport and drive to Balestrand, a journey time of about 90 minutes. Upon arrival check in to your hotel in Balestrand for three nights.
Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, and is an excellent base from which to explore some of the best scenery and activities the country has to offer. Close to Balestrand, hiking routes offer frequent viewpoints and picnic sites, allowing you to make a day of this enjoyable outing. For a panoramic view of Balestrand and the Sognefjord, the Orrabanken route climbs to 370 metres above sea level and is suitable for most fitness levels. The Fossetien walking route takes you past 7 mountain lakes and 14 waterfalls, including the incredible Likholefossen, where you will cross the churning waters as they plunge to the rocks below. Another popular activity here is kayaking on the calm waters, commonly up the short branch of the Esefjord on the north side of the Sognefjord. You may wish to spend one of your days here embarking on the Flam railway, Norway’s most famous scenic railway journey. Start by taking the early express boat across to Flam, the starting point of the railway line. This incredible journey ascends 2,833 feet through mountainous terrain, passing towering cliffs, chasms, and cascades. The valley will start to narrow as you pass close by the Rjoandefossen waterfall before you cross the Hoga River. Arrive at Berekvam station at 1,129 ft above sea level shortly before passing through the longest tunnel on the line. Trains often stop after this at the station of Kjosfossen, allowing you to take in the 738-ft-high waterfall there. The final stretch sees you travelling alongside a mountain ledge hundreds of feet above the valley floor. Upon arrival at Myrdal, there is enough time to stretch your legs before boarding the return service in time to catch the boat back to Balestrand. Other popular attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum and the Sognefjord aquarium, entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe.
Drive back along the shore of the Sognefjord today in an easterly direction and then head north-west to Fjaerland which sits on the western shore of a northerly branch of the Sognefjord. The journey time is about two hours.
There are lots of possible activities from your base in Fjaerland. The village itself is a ‘book town’ where second-hand books are stored around the village. A book festival takes place in the summer. The region around Fjaerland is one of outstanding natural beauty that combines fjords, mountains and the glacier. The best way to experience the fjord is by boat, and there are regular services taking passengers along the Fjaerlandfjord branch, passing picturesque villages, waterfalls and imposing mountains. One of the main attractions in Fjaerland is the Norwegian Glacier Museum. This fascinating exhibition gives an insight into the formation, research and future of the glaciers in the region, including a panoramic cinema showcasing the Jostedalsbreen Glacier from every possible angle. For those seeking a more exhilarating glacial experience, it is also possible to walk on the glacier itself. There are many other hiking routes in and around the national park, all of which are easily reached from Fjaerland’s central town of Mundal. The hotel can arrange activities such as kayaking, hiking and glacier walking.
Today, more glorious scenery as you drive from Fjaerland to Solvorn. There are viewing points along the way, a tunnel and more mountains, water, forests and pastures to enjoy as you journey. The journey time is only about an hour, so time to stop off en route as you want for photo stops.
You have the day to enjoy the charming and historic surroundings of your hotel in Solvorn, where the Sognefjord joints the Lustrafjord. There is a small historic heart of the village, a small sandy strip of beach on the fjord where people sit and bathe in warm weather, and the sloping sides of the hills behind the village are populated by farmsteads. There are many walking paths and tracks out of the village, and a car ferry runs between Solvorn and Ornes, home to the ancient stave Urnes stave church, just across the fjord.
It is a short drive of about 40 minutes today for the return journey from Solvorn to Sogndal airport. Return your hire-car and fly back to London via Oslo.
It was an excellent holiday - due to excellent planning on your side. Super efficient, very professional.Mrs F, Holiday to Norway, Oct 2023
Holiday price guide From £2,760 per person
Holiday Code SCFD08
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury Norway 7-night three-centre fly-drive touring holiday around the sensational Sognefjord
Fly from London to Sogndal with a change of aircraft in Oslo. Collect your hire-car at Sogndal airport and drive to Balestrand, a journey time of about 90 minutes. Upon arrival check in to your hotel in Balestrand for three nights.
Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, and is an excellent base from which to explore some of the best scenery and activities the country has to offer. Close to Balestrand, hiking routes offer frequent viewpoints and picnic sites, allowing you to make a day of this enjoyable outing. For a panoramic view of Balestrand and the Sognefjord, the Orrabanken route climbs to 370 metres above sea level and is suitable for most fitness levels. The Fossetien walking route takes you past 7 mountain lakes and 14 waterfalls, including the incredible Likholefossen, where you will cross the churning waters as they plunge to the rocks below. Another popular activity here is kayaking on the calm waters, commonly up the short branch of the Esefjord on the north side of the Sognefjord. You may wish to spend one of your days here embarking on the Flam railway, Norway’s most famous scenic railway journey. Start by taking the early express boat across to Flam, the starting point of the railway line. This incredible journey ascends 2,833 feet through mountainous terrain, passing towering cliffs, chasms, and cascades. The valley will start to narrow as you pass close by the Rjoandefossen waterfall before you cross the Hoga River. Arrive at Berekvam station at 1,129 ft above sea level shortly before passing through the longest tunnel on the line. Trains often stop after this at the station of Kjosfossen, allowing you to take in the 738-ft-high waterfall there. The final stretch sees you travelling alongside a mountain ledge hundreds of feet above the valley floor. Upon arrival at Myrdal, there is enough time to stretch your legs before boarding the return service in time to catch the boat back to Balestrand. Other popular attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum and the Sognefjord aquarium, entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe.
Drive back along the shore of the Sognefjord today in an easterly direction and then head north-west to Fjaerland which sits on the western shore of a northerly branch of the Sognefjord. The journey time is about two hours.
There are lots of possible activities from your base in Fjaerland. The village itself is a ‘book town’ where second-hand books are stored around the village. A book festival takes place in the summer. The region around Fjaerland is one of outstanding natural beauty that combines fjords, mountains and the glacier. The best way to experience the fjord is by boat, and there are regular services taking passengers along the Fjaerlandfjord branch, passing picturesque villages, waterfalls and imposing mountains. One of the main attractions in Fjaerland is the Norwegian Glacier Museum. This fascinating exhibition gives an insight into the formation, research and future of the glaciers in the region, including a panoramic cinema showcasing the Jostedalsbreen Glacier from every possible angle. For those seeking a more exhilarating glacial experience, it is also possible to walk on the glacier itself. There are many other hiking routes in and around the national park, all of which are easily reached from Fjaerland’s central town of Mundal. The hotel can arrange activities such as kayaking, hiking and glacier walking.
Today, more glorious scenery as you drive from Fjaerland to Solvorn. There are viewing points along the way, a tunnel and more mountains, water, forests and pastures to enjoy as you journey. The journey time is only about an hour, so time to stop off en route as you want for photo stops.
You have the day to enjoy the charming and historic surroundings of your hotel in Solvorn, where the Sognefjord joints the Lustrafjord. There is a small historic heart of the village, a small sandy strip of beach on the fjord where people sit and bathe in warm weather, and the sloping sides of the hills behind the village are populated by farmsteads. There are many walking paths and tracks out of the village, and a car ferry runs between Solvorn and Ornes, home to the ancient stave Urnes stave church, just across the fjord.
It is a short drive of about 40 minutes today for the return journey from Solvorn to Sogndal airport. Return your hire-car and fly back to London via Oslo.
It was an excellent holiday - due to excellent planning on your side. Super efficient, very professional.Mrs F, Holiday to Norway, Oct 2023
Holiday price guide From £2,760 per person
Holiday Code SCFD08
Our prices include
● Return flights with British Airways from London to Sogndal via Oslo
● Hire of a group C car for the duration of the holiday from Sogndal airport and back to Sogndal airport
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Fjaerland Fjordstove hotel
● 2 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in a Superior room at the Walaker Hotel, Solvorn
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Possible local tourist tax, usually the equivalent of £1 to £3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
Additional information This holiday can be arranged throughout the year, subject to the opening dates of the hotels. Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week of travel.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury Norway 7-night three-centre fly-drive touring holiday around the sensational Sognefjord
A striking hotel on the side of the Sognefjord dating from 1752 with an historic and a modern part. Great emphasis on local food.
Standard double room
The Fjaerland Fjordstove Hotell is a quaint, boutique hotel located on the shore of the Sognefjord. 14 unique rooms, restaurant, sauna and large selection of outdoor activities on offer.
Standard double
The Walaker Hotel is a charming, historic boutique hotel in a glorious location by fjord and fields.
Superior room
It was an excellent holiday - due to excellent planning on your side. Super efficient, very professional.Mrs F, Holiday to Norway, Oct 2023
Holiday price guide From £2,760 per person
Holiday Code SCFD08
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury Norway 7-night three-centre fly-drive touring holiday around the sensational Sognefjord
About Norway
Norway is a fascinating destination for a luxury, tailor-made holiday. The land and the culture of Norway lend themselves to a diverse and rich array of holiday experiences and a choice of mode of transport. At first glance, Norway offers magnificent, dramatic, severe and wild natural surroundings in its glaciers, Arctic snow and ice, majestic fjords, crashing waterfalls and mystical natural phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis and Fata Morgana. However, Norway also offers cultural ties, a shared history dating from the days of the Vikings, a cosiness in its orchards and pastures, brightly-painted wooden houses, folk tales and mythology, world-class art, literature and music in the works of Munch, Ibsen and Grieg, to name but three, and international philanthropy as exemplified by the Nobel prize. Many towns have superb museums, ancient wooden stave churches are well-preserved, the heritage of the Vikings is visible not just in major centres such as Oslo but all around, and seemingly small places are rich with music and drama festivals. Whilst the length of Norway with is 2518 km poses a challenge to the visitor, this also means that it makes sense to use a variety of transport modes to travel around; scenic trains, sleeper trains, boat rides, coastal cruises and car-hire can all be incorporated. The landscape lends itself well to hiking and cycling and there are many national parks that offer a variety of conditions depending on your ability. Norway’s cities are vibrant and manage to blend modernity with tradition. The iconic Oslo Opera House sits a short distance from the Akershus fortress, the Old Town Hall dating from 1641 is a stroll away from the Akrobaten pedestrian bridge, a near-futuristic construction of steel and glass.
Highlights of Norway
The numerous fjords: Eidfjord – branch of the Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord – precipitous, one of Norway’s signature images, Hardangerfjord – rolling hills and pretty villages, Jossingfjord – vertiginous fjord in the flatlands of the south, Lysefjord – plunging cliffs, cruises and look out points, Naeroyfjord – narrow and very pretty, Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and one of the most beautiful, Trollfjord – very steep fjord on Lofoten, Vestfjord – sheltered bays and pretty villages separating Lofoten from the mainland. The Hurtigruten ferry that covers over 2500 km from Bergen to Kirkenes with over 30 stops. The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights. Stave churches, beautifully preserved in wood, dating from Viking times, for example at Borgund, Lom, Ringebu and Urnes. Viking ships and artefacts, burial mounds and trinkets in museums throughout the country. The red, wooden houses perched stilts over the sea on the Lofoten Islands. The modern architecture of Oslo. Picking wild blueberries, sampling aquavit made from potatoes and caraway, and tasting reindeer steak with cranberries. The charm of Oslofjorden with its pretty, arty village and towns, harbours with sailing boats, islands offshore and beaches. Hike over the Jotunheimen and relish the natural landscape of this stunning National Park.
Cultural highlights of Norway
The architecture of stave churches dating from the Viking era and Viking treasure in museums around the country. The literature of Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun. Folk tales and mythology. The music of Edvard Grieg and the art of Edvard Munch. Contemporary jazz and folk music.
Gastronomy of Norway
Norway’s gastronomy is a clear reflection of its land and sea. From the land come reindeer, venison, lamb, cured meats and potatoes of all types: boiled, roasted and fried. From the freshwater lakes and streams come salmon served grilled and smoked, and freshwater fish. Sea fish is a vast array of cod, haddock, shrimps, mackerel, fish soup, fish balls, salt cod. From the orchards particularly around the Hardangerfjord come apples, cherries and plums as well as berries of all sorts including blueberries, cranberries, bilberries and, a great delicacy, cloudberries. Cheeses include Jarlsberg and brown cheese. Coffee is almost certainly the national drink, followed by beer, of which there are all sorts of craft beers brewed locally, and Aquavit is the national spirit made from potatoes and caraway.
Facts in brief
Capital OsloAirport Oslo Gardermoen
Size 323,878 sq km
Population 4.4 million
