Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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.
Magnificent landscapes, picturesque villages and family farms, fascinating lore and legend—we explore it all on this journey. PHOTO: BILL ABBOTT
LUCAS VALLECILLOS
DAN HELLER
QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 48
“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
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
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