NORWAY
Norway Fjords & Fun
Highlights
Norway Fjords
Oslo, Bergen and More
Hike, Kayak, Glacier Trek
Comfortable Hotels
Small Group 6-8
Summary
Norway checks all the boxes for lovers of nature, the outdoors, epic scenery and adventure. Channel your ‘inner Viking’. Join Meaningful Trips founder, Joe Staiano, on this active exploration of fabulous Fjordland. From vibrant Oslo to UNESCO Bergen to awe-inspiring fjords to snowy mountaintops to icy glaciers.. Norway has it all. We’re not just visiting, we are hiking trails, kayaking fjords, glacier trekking and more. Small group of only 6-10, comfortable hotels throughout.
At-a-Glance
Days: 11
Date: July 23 – Aug 2, 2026 (depart USA July 22)
Land Cost: $4,095 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $900 (based on strict availability)
Group Size: 6 – 8
Minimum Age: 15
Level: Moderate – hikes, kayaking, glacier trek
Overview
Day 1: Arrive Oslo
Day 2: Oslo city tour
Day 3: Fly Bergen, tour Bryggen. Hike Mt Floyen
Day 4: Hike Bergen mountains
Day 5: Drive to Voss
Day 6: Kayak Naeroyfjord
Day 7: Jostedalsbreen NP kayak & glacier trek
Day 8: Balestrand, hike/explore
Day 9: Balestrand adventure options
Day 10: Hopperstad Stave Church. Voss
Day 11: Return Bergen. End
Day 0 - Fly to Oslo, Norway
The Norway Adventure starts in Oslo and ends in Bergen. Most all guests from USA will need to fly the day before in order to arrive on Day 1.
Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway
Welcome to Norway! Welcome to Oslo, Norway’s capital.. a vibrant mix of modern and historical elements seamlessly blending urban life with stunning natural surroundings. Oslo is situated at the head of a fjord and is surrounded by forests, hills and mountains. No meals included.
Day 2: Oslo Sights
Enjoy a guided city tour covering sights such as: Aker Brygge, Frognerparken open air park, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Karl Johans main street and Freia Chocolate Shop. Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Fly to Bergen, Explore
Welcome to Bergen – Gateway to the fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Transfer from the airport and check into your hotel. Explore Bergen on foot. Walk on the Bryggen Wharf and get a glimpse of what life was like in the Middle Ages when the Hanseatic Merchants dominated Bergen’s trade. A trip to the top of Mount Fløyen is a must for anyone visiting Bergen. It’s the most famous of the seven mountains that surrounds the city. From the top, you get sweeping views over Bergen, the fjords, and the ocean. It is one of the top five destinations in Norway. It is a short 2 miles up (50 minutes).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Hike Bergen Mountains
Bergen is known as the ‘City of Seven Mountains’.. Today, let’s hike the highest one, Ulriken (2,110’). We’ll plan to head to the top via the Korktrekkeren (corkscrew) and back down via the 1,333 Sherpa Stairs. Enjoy fantastic views of the peninsula, islands, mountains and the North Sea.
Hiking Distance: 3.1 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,410’, Estimated Time: 2 hr: 15 min
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Voss
Check out, head to airport to pick up rental car. Drive 1 hr 45 min to Voss. Visit scenic Tvindefossen Waterfall. (Breakfast included)
Day 6: Kayak Naeroyfjord. Transfer to Sogndal
Naeroyfjord, one of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Paddle along waterfalls, idyllic farms clinging to the mountainsides and fjord and mountain views everywhere! The name Nærøyfjord originates from the old norse god ‘Njord’, the God of sailors and the sea. Nærøyfjord is a 10 ½ mile long arm of the Sognefjord, which is the largest and best known fjord in Norway, and the second longest fjord in the world. Nærøyfjord is only 275 yards wide at its narrowest and just over a half mile at the widest. The depth varies between 32 and 1,600 feet. The surrounding mountains tower over 4,600 feet. After kayaking head to Sogndal either via the 28-mile long mountain, lake, and waterfall-filled Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Road or through the famous 15-Mile long Laerdals Tunne (The longest road tunnel in the world).
Estimated Kayaking Time: 3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Jostedalsbreen National Park - Kayak & Glacier Trek
For adventure travel, it does not get any better than today… Sublime kayaking, snow-capped mountains, trekking atop an icy glacier. Meet our kayak guide and kayak Styggevatnet Lake in front of its namesake mountain. Styggevatnet, 3,937’, remains snow-covered until mid-July. Kayak an hour and half thru clear waters and by ‘bergie bits’ over to Austdalsbreen, the most accessible glacier in Norway, with its 100-foot high face that calves towers of ice into the lake. After kayaking, we stop for some lunch, enjoying the view across the front of the glacier. We then start the glacier hike on the blue ice at the glacier front, walking around huge crevasses toward the center of the glacier for a spectacular view over the lake and the Jostedalsbreen National Park. We spend about 1.5 - 2 hours on the glacier, exploring and explaining various features of this natural wonder. After the glacier tour, we walk back to the kayaks for our return to civilization. (Breakfast included)
Day 8: Balestrand (2 nights)
After breakfast, take 1 hour drive and short ferry to Balestrand – a small historical village right on north shore of Sognfjord. Take a short hike on the Kreklengen Nature Trail. Visit St. Olaf’s Church, built in 1897. (‘FUN FACT’: This church was the inspiration for Elsa's coronation in Disney's 2013 film "Frozen"). Later in the day, perhaps enjoy an optional soak at Heit Sauna.. get heated up while enjoying fjord views.. and then, like a true Norwegian.. JUMP IN! (approx $35). Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Balestrand Adventure Options
Finnafjorden Fjord Cruise
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Norway’s Sognefjord region on a round trip small-ship cruise to Fjærland.. one of Norway’s most hidden fjords. Enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and tranquil waters. You’re also given 2 hours to explore the historical village of Fjærland, known as ‘The Book-Town’ as they have a handful of open-air bookshelves packed with books… with fjord views directly behind. (5 hours, Approx: $125)
Rib Boat tour to Finnabotn
Aboard your fast-paced Rib-boat (Zodiac) cross Sognefjord and duck into a tiny narrow arm of the fjord while surrounded by steep mountains that plunge straight into the fjord. (2 hours, Approx $135)
Three Fjord Bike Ride
Rent bicycles and pedal 2 hours (22 miles roundtrip) of road cycling with endless fjord views. (Approx $35)
Hiking Options from easy to challenging
Hike Orrabenken – Klukkshlaug
Varied hike that opens up spectacular views over Balestrand and the majestic Sognefjord. (2.5 miles, 1,250’ elevation gain, taking 2 hours)
Hike Orrabenken Loop
A scenic hike with fantastic views of Balestrand and the majestic Sognefjord. This hike has almost everything from wild berries, small waterfalls, wildlife, plants, and lots of mushrooms. (3 miles, 1,280’ elevation gain, taking 2 hours 45 min)
Hike Raudmelen
A popular, challenging hike serving up beautiful scenery and fantastic views. (6 miles, 3,000’ elevation gain, taking about 5 hours).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Hopperstad Stave Church and Voss
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Balestrand and take a short ferry over to Vik. Visit the Hopperstad Stave Church which was originally built in 1130, and was rebuilt in 1877. A stave church is a type of medieval wooden Christian church particularly associated with Norway, characterized by its unique timber-frame construction. Norway once had over 1,000 stave churches… today, only 28 remain.
(Breakfast included)
Day 11: Return car to Bergen airport, Tour concludes
Soak in our last bits of scenic beauty as we return to Bergen for flights home. Some guests might choose to extend their stay with additional time in Bergen. (Breakfast included)
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing
- What’s Included
- General Information
- FAQ
- How to Reserve
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Land Price: $4,095
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy).
Single Supplement: $900
Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender participants as roommates. Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, and is strictly based on availability. For this trip, roommate sharing is necessary.
Gas & Ferry Contribution
Either prior to the trip, or upon arrival on Day 1, each participant will pay $50 to the Trip Organizer. This will go towards gas, ferries and parking fees.
Save Big!
Bring your friends. Join any set group tour with 2 or more people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $100. (not combinable with other discounts).
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Cancellation
Your deposit if fully refundable should you cancel for any reason, as long as its 90 days prior to trip departure. If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- 9 nights hotel accommodations
- Airport transfer from Lisbon
- Meals as per itinerary
- National Park entrance
- Douro River & wine experience
- Entrance to Sintra
- English-speaking guides
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Gas/Ferry contribution
- Drinks
- Meals not noted on the itinerary
- Guide gratuity
- Medical Immunizations
OSLO – Hotel Thon Europa
VOSS – Hotel Scandic
SOGNDAL – Best Western Laegreid
BALESTRAND – Historic Kviknes Hotel
BERGEN – Hotel Oleana
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. Travel Insurance companies we like include: World Nomads, Allianz, Trawick International
Safety
Portugal is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index.
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens.
Flights to Portugal
Our trip starts and ends in Lisbon. From Lagos, guests can choose to extend their stay in Portugal; otherwise, they can transfer back to Lisbon (3-hours). Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Portugal, staying away from the heat and crowds of summer. Average spring temperatures are around 65-degrees in the north, and up to 75 in the south. Fall temps average 70-degrees in the north and 75-80 degrees in the south.
Lodging
This trip includes 9 nights in comfortable hotels and small lodges.
Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip offering a mix of walking and hiking activities. The duration of activities ranges from 3 – 4 hours.
Save Big!
Join any set tour with 3 – 5 people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $200. Or, organize a group of 6-10 friends and choose your own private dates (based on availability), and each person saves $200.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Norway?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Norway?
No. As a tourist with a US Passport, no visa is required. However, starting in 2026, US travelers to Europe Shengen area will need to get a ETIAS Authorization in advance of travel (this is easily done online, costs apporx 20 Euro ($23).
COVID Matters
Do I Need COVID Vaccination for Norway? No, but read on..
Do I Need Negative COVID Test for Norway? No, but read on..
While these are not required for Norway, Meaningful Trips still recommends COVID vaccination for travelers. This is to protecrt you, your family, friends, traveling companions, our staff, our guides, and locals where we travel. Participants share vans and hotel rooms.
Are any other vaccinations required for Norway?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Norway Safe?
Norway is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world as ranked by the Global Peace Index. Always follow these safety precautions:
- make copies of relevant documents
- be wary of public Wi-Fi
- use caution when using ATM
- use hotel safes when available
- be aware of your surroundings
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Norway?
June through September is high season for Norway. Expect mild and pleasant summer temperatures around 67 – 70 degrees daytime, cooling down to 55 at night. July will have very long daylight hours. Some rain showers might be expected.
How active is this Norway trip?
This is an active trip rated Moderate, offering a mix of activities. All persons with a spirit of adventure are welcome. Hikes range from 4 – 6 miles. The duration of activities ranges from 3 to 4 hours. Kayaking and glacier trek are led by professional guides.
What are hotels like in Norway?
This trip includes 10 nights in comfortable art-filled, amenity-filled hotels, our hotel in Balestrand is a gorgeous historic hotel.
What is the food like in Norway?
The food on this trip is amazing! Typical Norwegian cuisine is heavy on seafood and red meat, with some options for vegetarians and vegans.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 15, 2020. After Dec 15, 2020, regular cancellation policy applies. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.