Icons of the Fjords

There will be a single-timed transfer from Stavanger Airport at around 3 PM where your guide will meet you for the short journey to the hotel in Stavanger. Old Stavanger offers Europe's best-preserved wooden house settlement, consisting of more than 170 white wooden houses. After a simple picnic lunch, the group will have a short tour of Old Stavanger followed by free time before getting together for our first group dinner in the evening.

An early start this morning as we drive (2.5 hours) to the beginning of our first challenge - the ascent of Kjerag. Following a marked path, we will hike in rugged but beautiful terrain on this difficult trail, walking steeply upwards for about 3 hours. When reaching the summit, there are two main attractions. The first is the astonishing views from the northern side, a massive cliff plunging 984m almost straight down into Lysefjorden. The second is the Kjeragbolten, the iconic balancing boulder - suspended over that same 984m deep drop into the fjord. After our descent down the same path, we transfer 20 minutes to Lysebotn and enjoy an hour's ferry ride down Lysefjord, the "Fjord of Light", looking back up the dramatic cliff of Kjerag. Upon reaching our charming fjord-side hostel in Florli, a roadless hamlet serviced by four ferries per day, we can enjoy the wood-fired hot tub before dinner.

Today we will climb the 4444 Florli steps one of the longest wooden staircases in the world. We'll end up well above the tree line where there are amazing views of the Lysefjord and toward the Preikestolen massive (where we will stay tonight). We follow the old construction road to a mountain lake where we join an old farm road for a more gentle descent back down to the fjord. For those who do not want to climb the whole 4444 steps, there is an option to stop at 700 steps and visit the charming Florli tourist station before descending via a quiet narrow road. We will get the evening ferry down Lysefjord to Fredvang and transfer to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge.

Today's hike starts in the dark before sunrise. With our headlamps on, we'll walk up deserted paths to Preikestolen, Pulpit Rock. It will take 2.5 hours to reach the iconic outcrop where we will catch the first rays of dawn breaking over Lysefjord. After that, long before the other tourists arrive, you'll be heading back down the same trail. Back at the lodge we have a free afternoon, to relax and choose some optional activities. There is a sandy beach for swimming in the Refsvatn Lake by the lodge, or you can choose to rent kayaks, canoes or SUPs for paddling on the lake. Nearby is Norway's longest zip wire, if you need any additional thrills adding to the week

Today we can walk straight out of our mountain lodge to walk up Moslifjellet which, at 718m, is just slightly higher than Preikestolen. The top of the mountain is above the treeline so yet again we can enjoy spectacular views, this time across the archipelago and towards Stavanger. We then go back for the drive to 5-6hours drive Rosendal. On the way, we will stop for a break and a scenic picnic lunch. Rosendal has a very picturesque setting on the shores of Hardangerfjord and there will be time to stroll through the small town down to water's edge. We'll have an early dinner at our hotel, as tomorrow we will tackle the holiday's most challenging summit.

Today we will start very early again to avoid any crowds, and we will eat a packed breakfast during the transfer (1 hr 15 min) at the start of our walk. The beginning of the trail is possibly the most bracing, with a steep start on stone steps and some potentially slippy rocks. However, the path begins to level out for about an hour, after which there is another significant climb on a high trail to a small picturesque mountain lake. Now the views will begin to reward you for the effort, although there is another major steep climb ahead. This hike is the last big effort, and at last, you will get your first view down to the beautiful down Lake Ringedal with the knowledge that the majority of the ascent is now over. A long undulating walk on the moonscape of the rocky plateau brings you eventually to Trolltunga, the most dramatic, iconic rock in Norway and surely the definition of a bucket-list achievement. After enjoying a very long moment to savor our victory, we will begin our 4-6 hours descent, returning the same way. A final transfer brings us to our comfortable hotel in Rosendal, which will be very much appreciated tonight, and it may even be worth braving the prices at the bar to celebrate! It is also possible to remain in Rosendal today and enjoy some excellent sightseeing on foot. The Baroniet Rosendal is a manor house dating back to 1665 which is now a museum. A guided tour will give you a fascinating insight into Norwegian history and the Rosendal gardens built over 300 years, including a Renaissance rose garden. Nearby is an impressive medieval church built in the mid-1200s, the Kvinnherad. There are also plenty of other options to choose from including a full day by ferry on the Hardangerfjord or a tour of the Folgefonna glacier and a visit the new Folgefonna Centre in the National Park.

There is a single timed transfer back to Bergen Airport. We will be at the airport no later than kl. 14 / 2 PM. You could also take the opportunity to book an additional extra night and enjoy the weekend in the beautiful UNESCO world-heritage city of Bergen. There are many options to choose for an independent booking, of which were happy to give you recommendations.