NORWAY - Majestic Mountains, Mysterious Fjords
WALKING THE WORLD®
The land of the Midnight Sun: Norway, forming the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula, has the lowest population density of any country in Europe. On a tamed and heavily populated continent, Norway remains a wilderness outpost. From Skagerrak, the stormy channel that separates the country from Denmark, Norway stretches north in a long, narrow band along the Atlantic seaboard, up across the Arctic Circle to the Russian border. Behind this rough and rocky coast are great mountain ranges, icy glaciers, deep forests filled with magical trolls, and mighty green fjords which gash deep inland to create some of the wildest terrain on the Old Continent.
From these rugged shores, fierce Norsemen ventured across the Atlantic and settled communities in England, Ireland, France, Greenland, and even Newfoundland. Rune stones, stave churches, and Viking ships still survive from this age, while sagas chronicle the Vikings’ adventure and myths in rich poetry and epics. Here’s a chance to experience the mountains, the fjords, and the people of Norway in a walking trip you will always remember.
 ITINERARY (May be changed at the discretion of the trip leader)
Pre-trip We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested this allows you to explore Bergen on your own. We have made hotel arrangements for the night of July 27th, if you would like to take advantage of this reservation please contact us. For those would like to arrive even earlier we will include our accommodation contact information with your confirmation packet so you can make any necessary additions to your reservation.
Day 1 We'll meet and begin our adventure in Bergen so please have your day packs ready for hiking and your boots available. After introductions, we’ll board our van and head to the charming town of Ulvik, our base for the next two nights. Today’s loop trail is a wonderful introduction to hiking in Norway. We follow an ancient trail used by trappers in the hills that divide two arms of the magnificent Hardangerfjord. Be on the lookout this trail is a known habitat for a gang of local trolls. 5- miles, with a 750-ft elevation gain. Dinner (D) included)
Day 2 A short drive to takes us to the trailhead of Solsaevatnet. After a short walk through a beautiful thick forest we find ourselves, although our elevation is quiet low, walking through alpine tundra and enjoying a relatively flat walk to the stunning Lake Solsaevatnet. Two hiking options: 8 miles and an elevation gain of 600 feet or 3.5 miles and 200 feet ascent. (B,D) Hotel in Ulvik.
 Day 3 Today we’ll take the ferry from Flam to Gudvangen for a spectacular two hours along the Aurlandfjord and Naerofjorden. Some say that the sides of this fjord press so close together that it’s a wonder that boats can squeeze through. In Gudvangen, we’ll board our van to Undredal and visit the town’s characteristic stave church built in 1147 this is the smallest regularly used church in Norway. Then we take a ride on the spectacular, historic train that climbs 2800 feet to Myrdal Station to reach the beautiful Vatnahalsen mountain hotel where we'll stay for the next two nights. (B,D). Hotel in Vatnahalsen.
Day 4 From our hotel we'll walk along the Nyrdalen Valley to reach the beautiful waterfall of Paulvatni beautifully situated on the edge of a glacier. We will eat our packed lunch along the banks of the glacial river, Myrdalen. After lunch we'll head back to Myrdal station and then walk back to our hotel at Vatnahalsen. 5.6 miles, 500-ft. elevation gain; optional walk add 3.7 miles and 1500-ft. descent. (B,L) Hotel in Vatnahalsen.
Day 5 Our destination today is Fjaerland, a small community bounded by fjord and glacier and one of Norway’s most picturesque places. We will take a short detour and visit the Borgund Stave Church. This is the most famous stave church in all of Norway. On our way back we'll enjoy a short crossing of the Sognefjord.We check into the historic Hotel Mundal and then enjoy a short easy walk along the Mundal Valley to a heimastolen, a mountain farmhouse where shepherds spent the summer taking care of grazing animals. For those who chose we can continue another 3 miles and reach a Fjellstolen, the high camp for grazing. 4.4 miles, 250 ft. elevation gain. (B,D) Hotel in Fjaerland.
Day 6 Our hike today takes us to Oygardstolen, situated in the middle of a beautiful "hanging valley". 5 miles and 1100 feet ascent and descent. (B, D) Hotel in Fjaerland.
 Day 7 Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the environment in Fjaerland. Hotel in Fjaerland. B,D
Day 8 On the way to Loen we'll stop at the Glacier Center where we can listen to the thundering calving ice, walk through glacial caves, learn about the ICE MAN , and more. A short ride under the Jostedalsbreen glacier and along the Nordfjord takes us to the village of Loen. We’ll do a relaxing hike to the Tarnet Hills, where we’ll be able to view the village of Loen and the Olden fjord. 5 miles and 600 ft. elevation gain. (B,D) Hotel in Loen
 Day 9 Today we hike from Oppheim to the top of the mountain of Armheimsfjellet where spectacular views of three fjords, the Nordfjord, the Oldenfjord and the Loenfjord and three lakes, the Lovatnet, Oldevatnet and Oppstrynvatnet will salute our last day on the fjords. 7 miles, 2200 feet ascent/descent. (B,D) Hotel in Loen.
Day 10 Today we're off to walk on a glacier! First we'll head to Briksdal and then enjoy an adventurous hike on the glacier there. 3 miles with 800 feet ascent and descent. (B,D) Hotel in Loen.
Day 11 A long pleasant ride (5 hours) takes us across the fjord region to Bergen and our final accommodation in Norway. We’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city, then enjoy a splendid farewell dinner in a Bergen restaurant. (B,D) Hotel in Bergen.
 Day 12 Departure Day. Transfer to the airport. Flights can be booked at any time. (B)
THE DETAILS
Dates: July 31-August 11, 2011
Land Cost: $3795. (U.S. Funds)
Single Supplement: $500. (U.S. Funds)
Lodging: Hotels/Inns
Trip Begins: Bergen, Norway 9:00AM Trip Ends: Bergen, Norway
Days will cover 4 – 9 miles with uphill on well defined, hiking trails. This trip takes place in a mountainous region but we will never be at an elevation higher than 3500’. Please see the day by day program for elevation gains.
WHAT WE PR0VIDE:
• Walking The World experienced guide
• Expert guide
•11 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
•Meals as listed
• Walking The World Hat
• All ground transportation while on tour
• All admission fees to scheduled stops
Great Fun, Humor and Friendship
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