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. 

Embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting activity on the mighty Stranda or Rauna Rivers. The rafts each carry six people plus your experienced rafting guide; expect spectacular rapids on both rivers, fantastic scenery and a real adrenaline rush! Time for refreshments in-between runs, plus the chance to take a little swim, before returning to basecamp. Luxuriate with an outdoor hot-tub session before a well-earned lunch in Elvatun Cafe.

A full day of active exploration in one of Norway's most famous fjord regions. A short journey on the Bergen Line train to Myrdal where you continue by mountain bike, descending the valley, to the tiny village of Flåm. Continue with an  exhilarating journey by RIB boat along the Aurlands and Nærøy fjords and then swap to a sea kayak with time for a delicious beach BBQ. Your day ends with a  scenic bus ride through the Nærøy Valley back to Voss. A spectacular day of activity and breathtaking scenery. 

Transfer to Voss Station and continue your journey on the Bergen Line train into Bergen, Norway's charming city, often referred to as 'Gateway to the Fjords'. Your hotel is located in Bergen's picturesque harbour area, close to Bryggen, the city's 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?

Spend the day exploring Bergen at your own pace. Stroll through Bryggen, the historic Hanseatic harbour, and visit the bustling Fisketorget fish market, a local hub since the 12th century. For breathtaking views, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. Bergen also boasts fantastic museums, including the Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum, Gamle Bergen Museum, KODE Art Museums, and the unusual 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 return journey by boat 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.

Before heading home, why not further unwind in Solstrand Spa, a haven of relaxation by the fjord. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the heated pool, followed by a soothing sauna or steam bath. Perhaps treat yourself to a spa treatment or simply soak in the breathtaking views of the fjord and snow-capped mountains. You then have a private transfer to Bergen Airport, feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated after your unforgettable fjord adventure.