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 coffee, 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 then enjoy a 20 minutes open boat ride down Lysefjord, the "Fjord of Light", looking back up the dramatic cliff of Kjerag.

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). On our way back to the fjord we can choose to hike on trail all the way down, or take a longer route partly on old construction/farm roads for a more gentle descent. 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 path. We will get the evening ferry down Lysefjord to Forsand and transfer to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge.

Today's hike starts early in the morning, this way we'll walk up a more or less deserted path to Preikestolen, Pulpit Rock, and reach the plateau well before the majority of todays visitors get there. Late season, the chances are we start hiking in the darkness with headlamps, and if we are lucky we might even be able to catch the first rays of the raising sun over Lysefjord after our 2-2.5 hour hike up to this iconic outcrop. We have a simple morning meal while enjoying the spectacular view, and have some time to sit back and relax before returning back to the lodge. The afternoon is free - for relaxation, exploring the area nearby or do 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.

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 4,5 hours drive to Tyssedal. On the way, we will stop for a break and a scenic picnic lunch. 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. 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 Tyssedal, which will be very much appreciated tonight, and it may even be worth braving the prices at the bar to celebrate!

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 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.