Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Hiking Norway’s Fjord Country MOUNTAINS, GLACIERS, AND NORDIC CULTURE

Mighty glaciers carved Norway’s epic landscapes and the grand-scale majesty is everywhere, from soaring, snow-capped peaks to plunging

river valleys, roaring waterfalls, and cobalt-blue fjords. The fjords are enormous, and we’ve chosen three of the most spectacular—Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and ethereal Naerøyfjord—for our unique hiking journey in this beautiful Nordic realm. Connecting our journey with ferries, railways, funiculars, and private boats, we hike across high ridgetop trails, on the blue ice of a magnificent glacier, along the dramatic coast, and through waterside apple orchards. Along the way, we visit historic sites and welcoming family farms, attend a private concert, and enjoy hotels set right at water’s edge for enchanting views. Days 1-3 Bergen / Sognefjord / Flåm From Bergen, a funicular carries us up Mt. Fløyen for a hike with panoramic vistas, and we ferry to the beautiful town of Flåm through dramatic Sognefjord, with its 3,000-foot- high rock walls. After a visit to the 12th century Borgund Stave Church, built during the height of the Viking era, we boat through narrow, steep-walled Naerøyfjord, a World Heritage Site. One hike brings us to a goat farm where the owner, a cheesemaker, will invite us in for a lunch that includes her hand-crafted variety of goat cheeses.

“Norway is a beautiful country, but our Trip Leaders made it come

alive for us with experiences we could never have had on our own.”

Linda G., W. Hartford CT

LUCAS VALLECILLOS

Days 4-6 Hardangerfjord / Ulvik / Lofthus Our hike down a mountain trail brings us right to our hotel in Ulvik, nestled on the shores of Hardangerfjord in the heart of Norway’s apple-growing country. After lunch and cider tasting at a family-run apple farm, we boat to Lofthus, where we visit the cottage of composer Edvard Grieg and hike the coast to the Opo waterfall, Norway’s third highest. Our lovely hotel in Lofthus offers kayaks and rowboats for exploring the fjord. Days 7-11 Utne / Folgefonna Glacier / Bergen One of our hikes brings us along the Kinso River to two massive waterfalls, and we use crampons and hiking poles (provided!) for our fantastic day of hiking on the Folgefonna Glacier (weather permitting), with views stretching out over magnificent Hardangerfjord. Depart on Day 11 via Bergen.

HIGHLIGHTS • Our creative use of ferry rides, railways, and private boats allows us to explore this stunning region • Hike amid breathtaking mountains and fjords, visit family farms • Discover Norway’s thriving cultural heritage in quaint waterfront towns • Enjoy charming hotels with spectacular views DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Bergen • 10 nights hotels • All meals included except 2 dinners

Magnificent landscapes, picturesque villages and family farms, fascinating lore and legend—we explore it all on this journey. PHOTO: BILL ABBOTT

DATES Jun 7-17, 2017 Jun 21-Jul 1 Jul 4-14 Jul 28-Aug 7 Aug 18-28

TRIP COST $5895 (11-14 members) $6395 (5-10 members) Single supplement: $890

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 hiking days on moderate trails with some steep sections, 3-5 hours a day, with one optional 6-hour glacier hike

DAN HELLER

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 48