Icons of the Fjords

Welcome to Stavanger! Our official meet-up is at the hotel at 3:30 PM. For those arriving by air, a single, scheduled airport transfer will be available from Stavanger Airport (SVG) at approximately 3:00 PM. Your guide will meet you upon arrival for the drive to the hotel. We’ll start the afternoon with coffee, followed by a short guided tour of beautiful Old Stavanger, renowned for its more than 170 preserved white wooden houses. Afterward we gather for our welcome group dinner.

An early start this morning as we drive (2.5 hours) to the beginning of our first challenge - the ascent of Kjerag. Smooth rock face or bare rock. On the way up: hilly terrain – 3 uphill slopes and 2 downhill slopes, completely flat at the end. Chains on some sections of the uphill slopes. 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). After climbing the (Flørli) stairs, we will follow a trail back down to Flørli. This trail is a classic Norwegian hiking path, characterized by natural terrain and beautiful scenery. 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 begins with an early start to fully experience the serene beauty of the morning at Preikestolen, Pulpit Rock.  Upon reaching the top, you will have time to soak in the breathtaking views in the peaceful morning light. To make this moment even more special, your guide will prepare a delicious pancake breakfast for you. After enjoying this unique breakfast with a view, you'll begin your descent, heading back down the same trail. This early hike offers a rare opportunity to experience Preikestolen in tranquility and to enjoy a memorable breakfast at one of Norway's most famous natural landmarks. 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 (not included). 

Today we can walk straight out of our mountain lodge to walk up on one of the mountains around our accommodation. We may chose 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. Or we go for Gryteknuten if we prefer a shorter trip, which will give us a nice view across Jørpeland. 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 longest hike.

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 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.