8 days
From US $4,695
Fjords of Norway Bike Tour
You could run out of epithets and still not be done describing Norway. And perhaps the most gorgeous part of Norway is its northwestern corner with its stunning fjords, magnificent valleys, imposing glaciers, and expansive views of the North Atlantic.
Join us on an unforgettable cycling journey through the majestic Fjords of Norway. Traverse from the sea to the inner Nordfjord, experiencing breathtaking panoramas along the way. From historic villages like Flo to scenic spots like Lake Lovatnet, immerse yourself in Norway's natural wonders. Enjoy activities such as the Via Ferrata climb and kayak tours, and unwind at charming accommodations like Gloppen Hotel. Indulge in local cuisine, marvel at waterfalls, and explore remnants of Viking history. This tour promises an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation amidst the stunning fjords of Norway.
Several hotels on this tour are heritage or family-run boutique hotels dating back to the 19th century. Some of these properties were the favorite summer retreats of royalty such as the Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and notables such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Others have been run by their founders’ families for over seven generations. What’s common to all are the stunning views, fresh food, and impeccable Norwegian hospitality.
Kalvåg
casual plus
easy to moderate
60km/36mi
7
Bergen Airport (BGO)
Sandane Airport (SDN)
Min. 4, Max. 9
Highlights
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day | Place | casual_plus Inns or similar | Meals | Distance | Activity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Kalvåg | Knutholmen | L,D | 15km / 9mi | cycling |
DAY 2 | Davik | Bruvoll | B,L,D | 57km / 35mi | cycling |
DAY 3 | Nordfjordeid | Nordjford hotel (4-star) | B,L | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
DAY 4 | Øye | Union hotel (4-star) | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
DAY 5 | Geiranger | hotel Utsikten | B,D | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
DAY 6 | Loen | Alexandra hotel (4-star) | B,L,D | 57km / 35mi | cycling |
DAY 7 | Sandane | Gloppen (Historic Hotel) | B,D | 72km / 44mi | cycling |
DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kalvåg
Arrive in Kalvåg by joining the morning coastal boat sightseeing tour, immersing yourself in the local travel experience akin to commuting on public transport. This scenic journey hugs the coastline, making stops at remote locations while picking up and dropping off locals along the way. Upon reaching the hotel, we kick off with a welcoming lunch at your accommodation. Here, the guide outlines the upcoming adventure. Following lunch, there's a bike check and a briefing from your guide on tour protocols, typical Norwegian cycling practices, and our operational procedures. A short one-hour tour serves as a gentle introduction to cycling and ensures everything is in order. Upon returning to Kalvåg, there's a final check before indulging in a fresh seafood dinner at Knutholmen.
Day 2: Davik
Mount the bikes and head northeast across the island of Bremanger, reveling in the unique coastal landscape adorned with mesmerizing sea and fjord vistas, rugged cliffs, and expansive barren rock formations. Perhaps, even venture to a pristine white sandy beach. Traverse through a brightly lit tunnel under the fjord, where the traffic is scarce, adopting a "sidewalk" scenario until reaching Rugsund Island. Take a brief respite by the fjord's edge, gazing upon Europe's highest sea cliff, Mount Hornelen. Continuing along the road bordering Nordfjord, arrive at the quaint village of Davik. Here, the first stop is at a charming historic sheep farm, where we have the opportunity to mingle with the locals. Savor a cup of coffee, tea, or homemade juice, and enjoy our packed lunch in the garden overlooking the fjord. Accommodation for the night is in a local farmhouse, Bruvoll, nestled in the same village. This delightful abode features two shared bathrooms and offers a cozy breakfast buffet. Later, dine at a waterfront restaurant nearby for dinner.
Day 3: Nordfjordeid
Following breakfast, depart from the accommodation and go on a biking journey towards the ferry terminal in Isane, situated 10 km along the fjord. A 15-minute ferry ride transports travelers across the waterway. Upon disembarking, ascend into the valley, making way towards a summer farm, an ideal spot for a rejuvenating coffee break.
Continuing along the fjord, navigate primarily through backroads, with only a brief stint on the larger main road spanning 700 meters. Upon reaching Nordfjordeid, a visit to www.sagastad.no awaits, housing the world's largest Viking ship. Explore a captivating museum dedicated to local Viking history, offering a glimpse into the reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever discovered.
Accommodation for the night is at Nordjford Hotel, a charming local establishment featuring a spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Road Surface: 80% paved, 20% gravel
Day 4: Øye
Following breakfast, depart from the town of Nordfjordeid and, via a back road along the Salman River and the deepest lake in Europe, cycle into the mountains, arriving in a lush valley on the way to Bjørke. Enjoy a coffee/tea break at the historic boathouse in Bjørke. Take a private shuttle boat for a 30-minute sightseeing tour through the magnificent Hjørundfjord, including bikes, to Urke. Have lunch at the waterfront café Kaihuset in Urke. After lunch, head along the fjord for the last 6.5 kilometers of the day on a mainly flat road to the historic Hotel Union Øye, where emperors and queens stayed back in the 1880s. Anyone interested can enjoy a fjordside sauna and jump in the fjord. Dinner will be served in the hotel.
Today's stay is at Union Hotel Øye. Note: This hotel has no twin bedrooms, only double or single bed rooms.
Day 5: Geiranger
In the morning, bike slightly uphill into the magnificent Norangsvalley, another impressive valley shaped by the ice long ago. Here, get a touch of old times with goatherds and rocky shepherd cabins. Visit the drowned village site at Lake Lyngstøl. After a 350m uphill stretch, start the descent and end in the town of Hellesylt, where we take the ferry on the UNESCO World Heritage fjord, Geirangerfjord, to the town of Geiranger. During this little fjord cruise, see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls and the mountain farms clinging on ledges high above the fjord. Our goal for today is to stay in Hotel Utsikten (meaning Panorama hotel in Norwegian) after a steep climb up a winding road, providing better and better views as you proceed.
Day 6: Loen
After taking the ferry back to Hellesylt, continue into the Flo mountains towards the little village of Flo at the scenic Lake Oppstrynsvatnet. Encounter a section with 10 kilometers of gravel road, where cars are not allowed. This gravel road features historic summer farms and impressive landscapes, with views of glaciers on the other side of the valley before arriving in Flo. Continue down the valley to Stryn, a small town with a good coffee bar on the main street. Then, continue to Loen, cycling along the very start of the Nordfjord again, where we stay in the family-owned Hotel Alexandra with an extensive Bath & Spa to tend your muscles.
Road Surface: 50% paved, 50% gravel
Day 7: Sandane
Now at the inner Nordfjord, approximately 100 kilometers from the sea where we started, we're set to complete our roundtrip today. After a brief stretch along the main road, we veer off onto the Panorama road, climbing higher along the fjord, treating us to magnificent views. Along the way, pause at a beautiful waterfall to refill drinking bottles and relish the scenery.
Next, board the ferry across the Nordfjord to Anda, then pedal our way to Sandane, where we'll spend our final evening of this journey at another historic locale, Gloppen Hotel. Renowned for its gourmet local cuisine, the hotel has been a favorite haunt of many English salmon fishermen.
Day 8: Departure
Depart as per your onward travel plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $700
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $275
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
GT Transeo or similar
Included in your trip price
Canondale Tesoro X or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival Information:
We recommend that you fly into Bergen and then enjoy a scenic boat ride to Kalvåg. This beautiful journey along the coast offers stunning views and brings you close to your destination. On weekdays, the boat departs from Bergen in the morning and arrives at Smørhamn pier around midday. From Smørhamn, you can continue to Kalvåg via public or private transportation. The boat can be booked online here.
Here are some hotel recommendations close to the ferry pier in Bergen for a pre-tour night: Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen Bors Hotel, Opus XVI. These are all very good 4-star hotels.
Weather
Summer, particularly from June to August, is the best time for a cycling tour in Norway. During these months, one can enjoy longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the chance to explore the country's beautiful fjords, mountains, and coastal routes.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Mixed
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Travel Insurance
It is a mandatory requirement to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this tour includes both paved and unpaved routes. The specific ratio for each day is outlined in the detailed itinerary. Please refer to it for more information.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals not included in the itinerary may require additional spending. As a general guideline, budget approximately US $20–40 per person per day for these extra expenses.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.