View Over Hardangerfjord, Norway

Norway

From Rapids to Relaxation: Norway Adventure & Fjord Retreat

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    Holiday Duration

    10 nights

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    Price From

    £3730 per person

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    Best Time To Go

    May - September

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    Wild Rating

    3 out of 5

Holiday Idea

Oslo, Norway’s lovely capital city - the Bergen Line rail journey across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau to Voss - the ancient Hanseatic city of Bergen - and finally the gorgeous fjord-side spa retreat at Solstrand. Add to this a range of included active, outdoor pursuits and plenty of time to languish in a spa with a serious view, and you have a holiday with a little bit of absolutely everything.

 

Itinerary

Bergen by Lars Korvald / Visit Bergen

Aerial view of Bergen in Norway and the surrounding fjords in summer
The Hardangerfjord during summer in Norway

Day 1 | Arrive Oslo

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?

Bryggen in Bergen | Photo by Lars Korvald | Visit Bergen

Bryggen sunset on the water in Bergen, Norway

Day 2 | Explore Oslo

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.

The river in Voss during summer in Norway

Day 3 | Bergen Line Train to Voss

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. 

View from the Flam Railway train journey in summer, Norway

Day 4 | Whitewater Rafting

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.

Hjellestad Marina in Bergen, Norway

Day 5 | Multi-activity Day Exploring the Fjords

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.

Bryggen in Bergen | Photo by Lars Korvald | Visit Bergen

Bryggen sunset on the water in Bergen, Norway

Day 6 | Arrive Bergen

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?

Trail running and hiking in Hjørundfjorden, Norway

Day 7 | Explore Bergen

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. 

The midnight sun over a lake in the Norwegian countryside in summer

Day 8 | Arrive Solstrand Retreat

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!

Trail running and hiking in Hjørundfjorden, Norway

Day 9 | Free Day or Optional Fjord Cruise

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.

The midnight sun over a lake in the Norwegian countryside in summer

Day 10 | Solstrand Spa - a day to relax and rejuvenate

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.

Snowy mountains overlooking a fjord at dusk in Norwegian Lapland

Day 11 | Homeward bound

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

Where will I rest my head?


What's included

  • Transfers as follows:
    • Private transfer by taxi from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to the Amerikalinjen Hotel in central Oslo
    • Bergen Line train journey from Oslo to Voss including reserved seating
    • Transfer by car or mini-bus from Voss Station to Elva Hotel
    • Transfer from Elva Hotel to Voss Station x 2
    • Regional train journey from Voss to Bergen (free seating)
    • Private transfer from Bergen Børs Hotel in Bergen to Solstrand Hotel & Spa at Os
    • Private transfer from Solstrand Hotel & Spa to Bergen Airport
  • Two nights at the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo based on a superior double/twin room including daily buffet breakfast
  • Three nights at the Elva Hotel in Skulestadmo on the outskirts of Voss based on a double/twin designer room either in the main building or in a separate 'mini-house' building, including daily buffet breakfast and 3-course dinner
  • Two nights at the Bergen Børs Hotel in Bergen based on a double/twin room including daily buffet breakfast
  • Three nights at Solstrand Hotel & Spa in Os based on a Junior Suite with fjord-view including daily 3-course dinner and buffet breakfast. Entrance to Solstrand Spa is included (treatments at a supplement)
  • Guided Class 4 whitewater rafting including transfer to and from the river/s, all equipment, plus a refreshment during the trip. Duration 4 hours. Also includes hot-tub soak following rafting, in shared hot-tub on the veranda at Elva Hotel (30 minutes) and 3-course lunch in Elvatun Cafe
  • Multi-activity day roundtrip featuring mountain biking in the Flåm Valley, RIB boat safari of the Aurlands and Nærøy fjords, seakayaking and beach camp BBQ and scenic bus journey of the Nærøy Valley


  • All Where The Wild Is customers have complimentary access to their holiday details via our mobile travel app. All travel documents, a detailed travel itinerary, flight information (when supplied), packing lists, resort information, and dining recommendations are stored in our easy-to-use app - an excellent tool for travelling
  • Access to our dedicated 24-hour emergency assistance telephone line, giving you peace of mind that should you need help while travelling, we are just a phone call away.

This holiday is based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. Please ask us for other combinations


From Rapids to Relaxation: Norway Adventure & Fjord Retreat in pictures

Paragliding in Voss, fjord Norway
View over Bergen during sunset, Norway
Hangursbanen Cableway in Voss, Norway
Deluxe Room at Bergen Bors Hotel in Norway
Family Rafting In Voss Visit Voss Voss Aktiv (1)
Woman Hiking To Karaldenuten Lars Krovald Visit Voss
Paddling Voss Asgeir Helgestad Visitnorway.Com (1)

Our Norway team would love to start planning your Rapids to Relaxation: Norway Adventure & Fjord Retreat Summer holiday