Off Beat Road Trip & Fjord Adventure

Welcome to Norway's rapidly growing capital, Oslo!

This sustainable city is the best starting point for your introduction to Norway. Whilst in Oslo, pay attention to the cities efforts to the little number of cars in the area and the increased use of pedestrians as well as cyclists! It's won the award for the European Green Capital of 2019! Industries from tourism, hospitality, I.T, financial and many more have strived to go green to help fight global warming! Prepare to be amazed as Oslo is surrounded by mesmerising mountains and the Norwegian Sea. A great introduction to the natural beauty which Norway has to offer. Besides the natural picturesque views, it also has some pretty incredible man-made scenery too. Outlying alluring neighbourhoods are loaded with charm and character. Which are very easy to access via public transportation. So go local and be eco-friendly by jumping on a tram, train or bus to explore all of what Oslo has to offer. This evening you will be graced by a local expert who will lead you on a short stroll of the city. Followed by a welcome drink and a scrumptious dinner.  Get a sneak peek into your upcoming journey ahead and listen to stories from a local! Included:

• Local expert who will guide you around the city
• Welcome drink and dinner

 

Devour a yummy breakfast and then get ready to have lots of fun make the most of Oslo today!

Experience Oslo with a twist. An alternative side, full of epic street art, hip cafés, surprising waterfalls and remarkable award-winning coffee. The coffee alone will leave your tastebuds craving for more. You will experience this on a three-hour bike tour riding the path along the Akerselva River stopping at the centre of Oslo's food scene, the indoor market "Mathallen" (which is closed on Mondays). Moreover, be prepared to be amazed by rushing waterfalls in the middle of the city, just blocks from the stylish and happening Grünerløkka neighbourhood. Additionally, an absolute must is a stop at the modern opera and the exciting urban development around it, including a stop at Oslo's newest urban beach. This afternoon, explore the city at your own lesuire.    

Enjoy a hearty breakfast take a ride on the Flåm Railway. Did you know it is regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the entire world? After an early breakfast, catch a ride on the Flåm Railway one of the most spectacular journeys with attractive scenery. As well as one of the steepest gauge lines too. You're a lucky traveller as the train journey transports you through waterfalls, many tunnels, stunning landscapes, mountainsides and much more. Make sure you don't miss out on the remarkable photo opportunities so keep you camera close by! Upon arrival into the picturesque village of Flåm, find a local cafe, take a seat and enjoy. Why don't you try a local microbrewery? After lunch, relish the great nature or go for a leisurely stroll through town. At Mid-afternoon you will catch a ferry ride to —Norway's longest and deepest fjord. As the mountains come closer and higher, keep an eye out for eagles and seals. Then after about an hour, walk to the car rental and get driving to Solvorn. Elegantly situated next to the fjord. Driving distance: 40 km Included:

• Ride on Flåm Railway
• Ferry journey to the Fjord

Once you've had your early breakfast you will take a short ferry ride for a cross over to Ornes.

Upon arrival into your destination, you will visit one of the 28 remaining stave churches in Norway. The Urnes Stave Church is a UNESCO listed heritage site constructed in the 12th and 13th century. You will be amazed as it's an exceptional example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. Likewise, you will discover traces of Celtic art, Viking traditions and Romanesque Spatial structures. Feigumfossen Waterfall Next, progress for about 15 km to witness the mighty Feigumfossen Waterfall. It's 218 metres and extremely powerful! Then, journey on the narrow and picturesque road along South Beach. Park outside the farm Feigum, the last side of the road. Once parked, head 300 metres to the direction of Ornes, before taking off on the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for a distinct path up to a lookout point under the waterfall.  In total, the journey takes around 45 minutes from the parking lot to the viewpoint. That is 150 metres above sea level. For more information about this waterfall check out: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/58 https://www.fjordnorway.com/things-to-do/feigefossen-waterfall-p3356043 Next, take the ferry back to Solvorn in time for lunch. After Lunch

Have you filled up your stomach?  As it's time for a wonderful hike. One of the greatest views over Luster, a hike to Molden should be on your bucket list along the Fjord! Directions for the hike

1. Begin from Mollandsmarki road just where it levels out after growing steeply from the R55 junction.  Turn off to the left just past the cattle grid and follow the forest track for some 300 metres. You willl then bear a path marked with red spots.
2. Once you've reached about one kilometre you take a new forest track for about 600m. You are now at the point where the track turns sharply to the right. From here the path rises steeply until you reach Svarthiller with its fine view towards Ornes on the other side of the fjord.
3. The path now turns ninety degrees and winds its way past steep crags. The ground then levels out and the going is reasonably good to the cairn on the top of Molden, 1116 m above sea level.

If you want the best view it's certainly to the east across the innermost parts of  Lustrafjorden with Nes and Høyheimsvik in the foreground. The hike should take roughly around 4 hours. For more information on the hike check out:

https://en.sognefjord.no/things-to-do/molden-p878093 Post Hike

Drive 55km to Fjaerland the place where the Sognefjord meets Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Notice its white and blue arms dangling down the steep majestic mountains. Some tourists have even named it the most beautiful glacier village in the world. All of us at ETP could not agree more! It's home to 300 inhabitants and is officially an international book town with 10 second-hand bookshops in a diverse range of abandoned buildings. Buildings range from ferry waiting rooms, stables, local banks, a post office and a grocery shop. Included:

• Visit to the Urnes Stave Church a UNESCO listed heritage site
• Hike

Good morning, let's make it a beautiful start to the day with a peaceful hike to Mundal Valley!

Today you will meet up with your guide who will lead you through lots of attractive scenery on the eye. Particularly, you will travel through green past fields which have been farmed across generations dating all the way back to the viking age. Finally you will end up at seater in the head of the Valley.

Then we will gradually walk up the valley in gentle terrain. Whilst doing this make sure you look up as you will witness the spectacular staggering peaks, enclosing Mundal valley which is rising upwards towards the sky like giant trolls. When hiking you will mostly be walking on the farmer's gravel road. However, the final part is on a sturdy but narrow track. You will be then lead to the old saeter with a meadow grazing milking cows and sheep.

You will then have a lunch break before we make the same way back.

Facts About the Hike:

Duration: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km

Ascension: 350 m

Season: May-October

Difficulty level: Easy to medium.

If you are used to hiking in mountain terrain you will find it easy. However if not, it will be a medium difficulty.

After Hike

Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum.

http://www.bre.museum.no

Final Journey of the day

To conclude your day, get back on the road and drive 100km to beautiful Loen for the night.

Included:

• Guided hike
• Visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum