Sognefjord bike and hike tour

This famous port city is one of northern Europe's oldest port cities, established around the 12th century. Norway's second largest city has a lot to offer. Most famous is Bryggen, with the wooden houses on the iconic quay telling its story. St Mary's Church is the tallest and oldest building on the pier, dating back to 1180. The well-preserved Bergenhus fortress should be visited, also Fløyen with its stunning views from the top of the mountain.

After breakfast, discover Bergen with its colourful houses. Many sights can be visited, so enjoy your first day in this fantastic city. In the afternoon, collect your luggage and head to the boat. The boat departs at 16:30 and reaches Vik in the evening. The boat takes you to the western islands before entering the Sognefjord whose glacial waters reflect the snow-capped majestic mountains. Admire the small villages along the fjord and the waterfalls of all sizes that plunge down.

Today's hike starts from the hotel. You walk to the Belehalli sports hall where the trail starts, follow the well marked red route to Raudmelen. After walking the relatively steep path up through the forest, it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370 moh). From here you get a wonderful view of Balestrand and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken you follow the path upwards to Buråsi at 575 moh from where you get a great view of the Sognefjord and Esefjella. Enjoy the view of the green slopes to Balestrand and onto the other dramatic rocky mountain towards Esedalen. You continue along the ridge towards the highest peak, Raudmelen with wonderful views on both sides. There are plenty of options to take shorter routes in case of bad weather or otherwise.

You take the fast boat from Balestrand to Leikanger at 11.50. (ticket not included). Then you cycle from the quay to Sogndal and on to Hafslo.

Transfer to Molden, about 6 km by car to reach the beginning of the trail. The first few kilometres follow paths through the forest. From here the path then becomes steep and after a small climb you reach Svarthiller, with its spectacular view of the fjord towards Ornes on the other side. As you leave Svarthiller, the path changes direction a little and winds past steep cliffs before levelling out. You reach the summit of Molden, 1116 m above sea level. The best view is to the east, over the innermost parts of Lusterfjorden with Nes and Høyheimsvik in the foreground. Molden is described as Sognefjord's finest vantage point, with panoramic views of the fjords and the high mountains of Jotunheimen. Return to Solvorn to relax and have dinner.

After breakfast, take the same route back as yesterday and head down to Solvorn, an idyllic village of white wooden houses. Visit the small gallery at the hotel before taking the small ferry to Urnes. You can cycle the 700m up to the UNESCO-protected stave church. The stave churches are Norway's most important contribution to Europe's cultural heritage. Enjoy the magical view of Solvorn from the small church. You cycle along the beautiful Lustrafjorden, at the far end of the Sognefjorden. The route takes you to the Feigum waterfall, which falls 218 m from the mountain. Take a dip or just enjoy the surroundings. The final stretch to Skjolden includes two tunnels, so get your lights on! You reach Skjolden, right at the end of the Sognefjord. Have a drink or a swim on the beach. We'll pick you up at the agreed time, if you don't want to cycle back (+ approx. 40 km and two tunnels).

From Solvorn you take the bus to Jostedalen. The hike starts at the parking lot where the bus to the glacier stops, about 45 minutes before you reach the glacier. Breheimsenter (see below) can be visited before or after you walk up to the glacier. You can take the boat, across the lake in front of the glacier, one way or round trip, it costs about 60 NOK per person. Nigardsbreen is the most visited glacier at Breheimsenter. There is a cafeteria, souvenir shop, museum and booking centre for kayaking and rafting. It is possible to hike to Tunsbergdalsglacier, which is less visited by tourists (a more demanding hike). Then take the bus to Sogndal for your overnight stay. 

Breheimsenter is an authorised national park centre for Breheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks. These two national parks contain 9 of the 30 largest glaciers in Norway, with Jostedalsbreen being the largest at 474 km2. The Breheimsenter has an interactive exhibition covering Jostedalen, Jostedalsbreen & Breheimen national parks, focusing on climate and glaciers. There is also a cinema that takes you on a tour of the glaciers over the years. 

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer back to Sogndal or Leikanger, and by boat back to Bergen.