Walking holidays in Norway

• Starts 4 kilometres from Bergen centre
• Approx. 3 hours of walking
• Approx. 7.3 Kilometres
• If you start in Gravdal you'll pass the Kvarven Fortress which dates back to 1899

There are numerous trails up to Mount Lyderhorn including one that starts in Gravdal. To get to Gravdal you can take the bus direct to Lyderhornsveien, alternatively, you can change buses and go to Gravdal bus stop which is nearer the starting point (please double check bus routes in Bergen as they are subject to change and local schedules can vary). On the route you’ll pass by forests and even past former military installations, once you’re at the top you’ll have amazing 360 degree views towards the city and you’ll see the other six mountains that surround Bergen.

• Ability: Easy/moderate (depending on whether you decide to walk up or down the mountain, or both!)
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours
• A great route that's fairly central and you can tailor to your ability

There are plenty of options when it comes to walking Mount Fløyen so you can tailor the route to your ability. There's a funicular that goes to the top of the mountain so many choose to buy tickets and catch the funicular up and then walk back down to the city which is around 3.5 kilometres, all downhill with some lovely views along the way. If you're wanting to push yourself though you can walk up the mountain. It's quite challenging, with a constant uphill climb and some parts are quite steep - the views across the city when you reach the top though are well worth it. At the top of Mount Fløyen there's plenty happening with a couple of cafes and restaurants and a few other walking trails if you're looking to walk a bit further.

• Starting point is 2 kilometres from Bergen centre
• Ascent/descent: Approx. 477 metres
• Ability: Moderate
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours of walking

Situated 477 metres above sea level, Mount Lovstakken is the highest mountain on the west of Bergen city. There are a number of trails you can take to get to the top, one route starts at Lovstakkveien 51 which is around 10 minutes by bus from central Bergen (please double check bus routes in Bergen as they are subject to change and local schedules can vary). Follow the walking trail and once at the top you can enjoy fantastic panoramas of the local area – be sure to try and spot the other six mountains surrounding Bergen.

• Takes approx. 2.5 hours (based on yellow route 7a to the waterfall)
• Difficulty: Easy - moderate

There are multiple trails around Balestrand named 'nature trail', the information here refers to the yellow route 7a to the waterfall. This is a great walk for anyone after an easier path with plenty of interest, you pass by information points that give details on the local wildlife - it's great to pick up some local knowledge. The trail is around 50 cm wide and is mainly stone, gravel or grass and as you continue on the walk you’ll get some great views towards Balestrand.

• Duration: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

This demanding hike begins just on the edge of Balestrand and you’ll climb to the top of Raudmelen where you’ll be greeted by fantastic views over the Sognefjord. There are steep and narrow parts to the walk.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ascent/descent: Approx. 463 metres

There are a couple of different routes you can take for this one so it’s best to chat to the Kviknes hotel first to decide which route is best for you. Depending on the route you take, it can be challenging in places but the views are spectacular.

• Ascent/descent: Approx. 193m/200m
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 6.2 kilometres (approx. 1.5 hours round trip from central Voss)

This lovely walk from Voss is great for those wanting to see some of the area's natural wonders. This dramatic gorge has been carved out by nature and you'll find information boards next to the footpaths telling you all about this natural spectacle. 

• Length: Approx. 3 kilometres
• Ascent/descent: 117 metres
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

You'll need buy tickets to the Voss cable car to start this walk, once at upper cable car station you'll begin on the trail which offers gentle terrain and some great views overlooking Voss. The route is generally quite easy but some sections are steep.

• Length: approx. 11.3 kilometres
• Ascent/descent: approx. 219/957 metres
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This is a beautiful walk that starts in the mountains above Voss and descends all the way down to the town centre. You'll begin by getting the Voss gondola (payable) up to Hangurstoppen top station where the walk begins. Follow the trial down and pass by the Dagsturhytta cabin (un-serviced) where you'll get great views of Voss on your way down.

• Distance: Approx. 5.8 kilometres
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ascent/descent: Approx. 175 metres

The Brekkefossen Waterfall sits in the mountains behind Flåm and is beautiful natural site. You start the walk from the centre of Flåm (those staying in Aurland will need to get the bus - payable) and to get up to the waterfall it's a rocky and steep trail with stone steps along the way which can be slippery - the ascent is quite demanding. On the way up to the waterfall you’ll get to admire beautiful views towards Flåm and the surrounding mountains.

• Distance: Approx. 20 kilometres
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Ascent/descent: Approx. 120/990 metres

This self-guided walk takes you on a journey through the Flåm Valley, by rail and on foot. You begin in Flåm by hopping on the Flåm Railway (payable and must be booked in advance. Guests staying in Aurland will need to get the bus to and from Flam). You’ll skirt by rail through the valley, looking out at dramatic landscapes and waterfalls as you climb to Myrdal. From Myrdal you’ll depart the train and head on foot using the old construction road back to Flåm. It’s a long walk but the views along the way make it worth it. A beautiful walk with endless waterfalls.

Image copyright: @Norwaysbest.com Sverre Hjornevik

Being a small village, Balestrand’s activities tend to be more focused on it’s location. It’s about taking the time to enjoy the scenery and explore this area within the fjords. Wander to Gamleheimsfjøra to sit by the shores of the fjord or get into the mountains on foot for views from above. You may also wish to do a day trip so you get to see more of the area, this includes trips by boat so you get to be out on those fjord waters – take a look at our excursions below for more information.

The green sweep of Sognefjord is farming country – and apples are the speciality. You’ll see cider varieties all over the menus in Balestrand. For the best experience, go right to the source, where the town orchard and cider house serves juice, wine and brandy, as well as tasting tours (see our excursions below for more information). Elsewhere, you can dine well on regional specials like salmon, dumplings and (of course) apple pie.

There are some unique buildings on these shores often referred to as being built in the “Swiss style”. The Hotel Kviknes is one of these buildings and is a statement on Balestrand's shores. Another building to keep an eye out for is St. Olaf’s Church which was built in 1897, its a small church and is said to belong to the Church of England. There's even a walk you can do that takes you past a number of Swiss style buildings with signs along the way offering information on the architecture.

Another building to look out for is the Norwegian Travel Museum - this museum is just next door to the Kviknes hotel and great to wander. It details the history of travel and tourism and shows how tourism has developed in Norway. You can also purchase tickets for guided tours (during selected dates) or pop into their little café.

In May, Balestrand is often host to a Jazz festival, this takes place over a couple of days and is a great celebration of Jazz music and generally brings more people into Balestrand. The festival dates vary year to year so if you're interested in attending be sure to check the festival dates prior to booking (tickets may also need to be purchased in advance).

In Fjærland, Norway's largest fjord, the Sognefjord meets the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Many consider this idyllic fjord village of Fjærland to be the world's most beautiful place from which to explore the glaciers. Join in on a magical cruise through a fantastic fjord landscape and look out for some of the 100 different bird species as you pass through the Bøyaøyri Nature Reserve. You'll experience the Bøya Glacier up close and visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum, by bus, then hop on the boat back to Balestrand.

Departs: Daily

This excursion usually operates from early May to the end of September.

Please note that our Norway excursions are popular and book up very quickly, sometimes months in advance - it is therefore highly recommended to book onto excursions at the time of booking or as far in advance as possible to try and avoid disappointment.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Visit the oldest fruit-growing region in Norway on the banks of the Sognefjord. The cider tradition in Sogn is really exciting and their innovative cider making process means they come up with some really unique drinks. The Cider House in Balestrand offers cider tastings where you can try five ciders with snacks and learn about the local traditions, history and cider production of Sogn. Each cider comes with a snack, and you'll even have the chance to try the Cider House's homemade chocolate. (This tour also offers non-alcoholic options)

Departs: Monday - Saturday

This excursion usually runs from early June - late August.

Please note that our Norway excursions are popular and book up very quickly, sometimes months in advance - it is therefore highly recommended to book onto excursions at the time of booking or as far in advance as possible to try and avoid disappointment.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

For those multi-coloured houses on the shores that Bergen is so well known for, head to Bryggen Wharf. This is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its importance in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire that lasted for centuries. The buildings you see today have been rebuilt over the years but were built using the same methods they would have used hundreds of years ago. Today, you’ll find a few small businesses and shops in this area that generally promote local traditions and crafts.

The city of Bergen has plenty of gallery's, museums, and cultural experiences on offer and if you purchase the Bergen card then several of these can be accessed at a discounted rate. Whether you want to see masterpieces by Munch or some maritime history there’s something to suit everyone.

If art and music are of interest, then KODE is an organisation with several museums and composer’s homes under its umbrella. They all have different artists and composers works on display so do your research before you go, especially as temporary exhibitions are often changing but it’s a great introduction to some of Norway’s art history.

For those with a taste for contemporary art, you may want to visit the Bergen Kunsthall – there’s often several temporary exhibitions you can visit and the museums setting is lovely – right in front of the Lille Lungegardsvannet lake.

The Gamle Museum is fantastic fun for all. It’s an open-air museum set on a little street in Bergens old town. It shows what the original architecture was like and there are actors passing through the street in traditional dress. It’s an immersive experience to give a glimpse into what life was like back in the 1800s.

The Bergen Maritime Museum has a fascinating display showing Norway’s history with the sea over past centuries, with models of ships and boats as well as historic communication devices available to view. And if this floats your boat (pun intended), then why not head to the Bergenhus Fortress, it’s one of the oldest forts in Norway and has it’s own museum.

The Bergen Tekniske Museum will appeal to anyone with an interest in transportation and communication. Or, head to the Science Centre VilVite it’s great for children and adults with lots of interesting displays showcasing science and technology.

There’s plenty of ways to get out and see the beautiful Fjords of Norway but being based in Bergen means you can reach the Fjords by water or land. The Hardangerfjord is the second largest in Norway and has incredible scenery, it takes a while to get there but it’s well worth a visit and there’s plenty of day trips on offer. Or, journey to the Sognefjord via the Flam railway, get amazing views of the valley before taking to the waters of the fjord by boat and take in those dramatic views. See our excursions below for more details.