From Rapids to Relaxation: Norway Adventure & Fjord Retreat

Arrive at Oslo Airport and take the airport train to Oslo Sentral Station, a short walk from your centrally located hotel for the next two nights. Check-in to your room and then spend the remainder of the day exploring, with a variety of dining options available close by. Why not let us recommend a restaurant and reserve a table for you in advance?

Time to explore Oslo: we recommend Vigeland Sculpture Park with Gustav Vigeland’s stunning sculptures depicting life, Aker Brygge, the bustling old harbour, teeming with restaurants and cafes, plus the Fram and Kon-Tiki Museum for an insight into how the great explorers faired during their world famous expeditions. The National Gallery is home to a rather famous painting - The Scream - but so is the Munch Museum (there’s more than one!). Oslo's Opera House, located along the waterfront has a brasserie which is a great place to dine at the end of your day of sightseeing.

One of Norway's most famous rail journeys from Oslo across Hardangervidda National Park, towards Bergen. Bergen Railway was built in 1909 and is Northern Europe’s highest railway line, with the village of Finse being the highest station at 1222 metres above sea level. During the summer the numerous lakes, streams and rivers are popular with hikers and wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot fox, eagles and wild reindeer. Arrive Voss late-afternoon and transfer to the tiny rural district of Skulestadmo and Elva Hotel, your home for the next three nights. 

Next door to your hotel is the basecamp for your included whitewater rafting activity. The Stranda river section is approximately eight kilometres long with nine spectacular rapids and several beautiful stretches. There are six people per raft plus your experienced guide, who will go through full instructions and safety precautions before you head out with your paddles at the ready. Prepare for the adrenaline rush! During the trip refreshments will be served, and you have the chance to take a swim before returning to basecamp for a well-deserved soak in an outdoor hot-tub, followed by lunch in Elva Cafe.

Today is a full day of multiple activities, featuring some of Western Norway's most iconic scenery. Journey by train through the Raundal Valley to the remote mountain station at Myrdal, descend by mountain bike through the valley to Flåm, whisk along by RIB boat through the glorious UNESCO World Heritage areas of Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and explore the fjord by sea kayak before a beach BBQ. Return to Voss by scenic bus journey through the spectacular Nærøy Valley. An action packed day of mind-blowing scenery and spectacular nature.

Transfer to Voss Station and continue by local train service to Bergen, Norway's Hanseatic city. Your hotel is located in Bergen's picturesque harbour area, close to Bryggen, the ancient Hanseatic Harbour and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is free to explore. Why not let us book you a table at one of the city's lovely restaurants?

A full day to explore the city independently on foot. We recommend: Bryggen, the ancient Hanseatic harbour; Fisketorget, Bergen's famous fish market, trading since the 12th century and still an important market location for fishermen, farmers and locals, and the funicular railway from the city centre to the summit of Mount Fløyen for spectacular views of the city and islands. Bergen also has a good selection of museums, and we would recommend Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum (bus ride), Gamle Bergen Museum, KODE Art Museums and, bizarrely, the Leprosy Museum. 

Afternoon private transfer from Bergen to the lovely Solstrand Hotel & Spa, overlooking Bjørnefjorden. Check-in for your three nights stay in a lovely room with a view of the fjord. Why not enjoy a swim in one of the hotel’s glorious indoor or outdoor pools, with a magnificent view of the fjord, followed by a sauna and steam room session to soothe and relax mind and body. Alternatively, you could always take a short walk down to the hotel's pebble beach for an invigorating swim in the fjord and work up an appetite before dinner!

Enjoy your day with endless possibilities! Begin by exploring the marked hiking routes from the hotel’s gardens, suitable for all abilities. Os village awaits with its charming café/restaurant and gallery for a delightful meal. For a deeper fjord experience, let us arrange a cruise to Rosendal village, home to the historic Rosendal Barony since 1665. Nestled amidst fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls, the barony offers guided tours of its gardens. Visit the Folgefonn Centre in Rosendal, serving as the gateway to Folgefonna National Park, renowned for its vast glaciers. Embark on scenic walking trails to truly immerse yourself in Rosendal's beauty.

Today we recommend doing very little! This is the last day of your holiday and we believe it’s the time to make full use of the outdoor and indoor swimming pools with view of the fjord and Kvinnherad alps. Luxuriate in the traditional wood sauna, and why not punctuate each session with a refreshing dip in the fjord and awaken your senses? The hotel’s spa has a full range of wellness treatments which can be pre-booked for your stay. Of course, you may prefer to just potter around in the hotel’s gorgeous fjord-side gardens and read your book from a chair with a view! The day is yours.

A relaxing morning over breakfast before your private transfer to Bergen Airport for your flight home.