Current as of: January 2, 2020 - 12:06 Valid for departures: From August 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022

Walking the Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Min age: 16 TSH Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking

Trip Overview

Norway's stunning fjords are rightly ranked as one of the scenic wonders of the world, and few visitors can fail to be inspired by the contrast of snow-capped mountains, steep green hillsides and powerful waterfalls plunging into the calm clear waters of the fjords. The majority of visitors come by coach and crowd into a few busy hotspots, whereas we discover these classic landscapes on foot, giving unique access to areas of tranquil beauty and high panoramic viewpoints. Our base at Nes Farm is a cosy family- run guesthouse looking towards the Feigumfoss waterfall across Lustrafjord, nestled between the Jotunheim, Norway's highest mountains, and the massive ice cap of Jostedalsbreen. The lies between three national parks: Jotunheim, Jostedalen and Breheiman. Our base is a cosy family-run guesthouse looking towards the Feigumfoss waterfall across Lustrafjord.

At a Glance

 1 night hotel in Bergen, 6 nights guesthouse  5 days centre-based walking  Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs  Altitude maximum 2000m, average 500m  Travel by minibus and ferry  Optional glacier walk

Trip Highlights  Stunning scenery  Guided tour of historic Bergen  Daywalk in the Jotunheimen National Park  Boat trip across glacial lake and optional walk over Glacier

Is This Trip for You?

Easy, well maintained trails, which may be steep in places. On average we will walk for 3 hours in the morning and two in the afternoon, including stops. On the longest day we may walk for up to 7 hours including stops.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 6 Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Start Bergen

After our brieng the evening is free to enjoy Norway's beautiful second city.

Thon Orion Hotel Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Bergen. Journey to Lustrafjord

In the morning we take a short sightseeing tour in the city of Bergen, including the city's famous Hanseatic Wharf. Mid- morning we depart on the long, but varied and scenic journey. We drive a minibus from Bergen to the town of Voss, crossing the montain pass Vikafjellet to Vik/Vangsnes. From here we go by ferry (15 min) to Hella. From Hella there is a drive of 1 hour to our guesthouse, which is our base for the next 5 days. We arrive in time for dinner. Journey time 4.5hrs

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Warm-up walk to Molden peak (1116m), excellent viewpoint for

We start the week with a lovely warm-up walk to Molden Peak. At 1116 metres this peak gives us great views up and down Sognefjord and is an excellent introduction to this incredible region or Norway. We also visit Urnes Stavechurch, the oldest church in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 6 km / 3.7 miles Altitude gain (m): 620 Altitude loss (m): 620 Activity (hours): 4

Day 4 Full daywalk in Breheimen National Park; home of the glaciers Today we explore the Breheimen National Park, known locally as the 'home of the glaciers'. Here we hike from Vigdal Valley to the Navarsete hiking hut along the Bishop's Trail, with panoramic views along the way.

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Altitude gain (m): 520 Altitude loss (m): 600 Activity (hours): 6 Day 5 Bus to Nigardsbreen glacier; walk and boat trip on glacial lake; optional glacier walk

One of the most striking geographical features of this area of Norway is the massive Jostedalsbreen icecap in the National Park. From its peak the glacier tongues come tumbling down into deep valleys. We visit the Nigardsbreen glacier for a stunning walk and a boat trip on the glacial lake. There is also the chance for an optional guided walk on the glacier (payable locally - approx 580NOK).

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Daywalk in the spectacular Jotunheim National Park

To the northwest of our accommodation are Norway's highest peaks in the Jotunheim National Park, we enjoy a full day of hiking here. Our route choice will depend on weather conditions, but will take in some of the nest mountain scenery in the country.

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 12 km / 7.4 miles Altitude gain (m): 220 Altitude loss (m): 220 Activity (hours): 6

Day 7 Hike into the Mørkrisdalen Valley

We nish the week with a hike into one of Norway's most scenic valleys, Mørkrisdalen, the walk starts in a narrow canyon dominated by a stunning waterfall. As we continue through the canyon it opens up into a wide valley of open moorland dotted with wild owers and traditional Norwegian summer cottages. A beautiful end to our trip.

Nes Farm or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 11 km / 6.8 miles Altitude gain (m): 350 Altitude loss (m): 350 Activity (hours): 6 Day 8 Scenic drive to Bergen; end Bergen

We drive the minibus from the Guesthouse to Kaupanger and go by ferry, which takes us to the stunning UNESCO listed Naerøyfjord (Narrow Fjord), through the fjord to Gudvangen. The journey takes 2,5 hours. After the boat trip the guide will bring us to the top of Stalheimskleiva, and you may walk down this scenic road (30 minutes). The van will be waiting for us at the end of the road. After this short walk, the trip is going on to Bergen and the airport. If you are booking your own ight, please make sure it is in the late afternoon evening, to allow time to drive back from fjord region.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation Hotel & Guesthouses You will spend 1 night at a hotel in Bergen and 6 nights in guesthouse accommodation. The hotel in Bergen is a standard tourist class hotel with en suite facilities. Nes Farm located on the banks of Lustrafjord, is private guesthouse on a working farm. Double rooms are en suite, while single rooms have shared facilities. All the rooms are different and are individually decorated. Some of the rooms have sloping ceiling.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.

Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively. Accommodation - Pre trip

Pre-tour accommodation available in Bergen on request.

Accommodation - Post trip

Post-tour accommodation available in Bergen on request.

Single supplement from $589.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches (made yourself from the breakfast buffet) and 6, 3-course dinners included.

An evening meal is not included on the rst night in Bergen, but there are plenty of lovely restaurants to choose from. At Nes Farm the owners prepare excellent home-cooked food, often with fruit from their own farm. There is a strong focus on local produce, including sh, lamb, berries and cheese.

Transportation

Transport via private bus and ferry to and from Lustrafjord.

Weather & Seasonality

When to go

From June to September Lustrafjord has about 15 days a month with some kind of precipitation. When the sun shines, expect temperatures to average around 18-22degC.

Weather Information

You should expect some rainfall, even though warm and sunny weather is not infrequent in this area and summer rain is also common.

Weather Charts Joining Instructions

Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Bergen Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Bergen in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Accommodation check-in times are normally from around 5pm.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent. Transfers Details Airport transfers are included for those able to meet the group timings. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving at any other time, even if Breakaway has booked your flights. Those arriving at other timests should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Breakaway ofce.

NOTE: Transfer from the fjords to Bergan Airport arrives in the afternoon. Land only clients must book late afternoon/evening return ights.

Location start: Bergen Location end: Bergen

What to Take Essential Equipment

 Day sack (approx capacity: 30 litres)  Warm jacket  Waterproof jacket and trousers  Gaiters  Gloves and warm hat  Sunglasses  Good waterproof trekking boots (fully leather is best)  Sun hat  Water bottle

Optional Equipment

 Walking poles  Insect repellent  Eye shield for light sleepers  Swimming things Practical Information Passport Norway

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Norway

No visa required for US passport holders.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specfic health risks on this trip.

Vaccination Norway

There are no specfic health risks. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not quali ed to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Norway's Timezone: Europe/Oslo CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Norway's Electricity: Standard 2 pin European plugs.

230 Volts standard European adapter.

Money Norway's Currency

The national currency of Norway is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 8.4 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability Visa/Mastercard credit or debit cards may be useful for paying drinks bills, shopping, extra excursions and withdrawing cash. ATM's can be found throughout Bergen, but there are none close to Nes Farm. Please do not bring travellers cheques.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money We recommend you bring your spending money in cash, although Nes Farm can accept credit and debit cards, your bank may charge you to do so.

Glacial walk on day 5: 580NOK approx. paid locally. Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Norway, although people do tend to round up bills in restaurants.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. Important Information

On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/ Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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