WT18 catalog single pgs

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DAN HELLER
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 72
Mighty glaciers carved Norway’s epic landscapes and the
grand-scale majesty is everywhere, from snow-capped
peaks to plunging river valleys, roaring waterfalls, and deep
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.
Connecting our travels with an ingenious mixture of ferry,
railway, funicular, and private boat rides, our trails bring us
across high ridges, through lush, green farmlands, into deep
forests, along the dramatic coast, and even onto the blue
ice of a magnificent glacier. In between
hikes, we explore lovely little coastal
villages, taste the wares at a family-run
goat farm and an apple farm that makes
delicious ciders, and enjoy a musical
performance at a local museum. Our
accommodations are in charming hotels
right at water’s edge for unrivaled 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 beautiful Flåm through dramatic
Sognefjord, with its 3,000-foot-high rock walls. After a visit
to the evocative 12th century Borgund Stave Church, built
during the Viking era, we travel by RIB (inflatable boat)
through steep-walled Naerøyfjord, a World Heritage Site, to
hike to a family farm where goats are raised. We learn about
life on this lovely farm as we enjoy lunch and taste some
delectable goat cheeses.
Days 4-7 Hardangerfjord / Ulvik / Lofthus After a quick
ride on the Flåm Railway, our ridge hike through green
farmlands brings us right down to our hotel in Ulvik, nestled
on the shores of Hardangerfjord. This is Norway’s lush
orchard country, home to tens of thousands of fruit trees, first
cultivated here by Cistercian monks in the 13th century. After
lunch and cider tasting at a family-run apple farm, we boat
to Lofthus, where we visit the cottage of composer Edvard
Grieg, who wrote his Holberg Suite while staying in this
village. Following in Grieg’s footsteps, we hike along the Opo
River to reach two magnificent waterfalls, the Opo and the
Skriklo. Our hotel in Lofthus is a delight and offers kayaks and
rowboats for exploring the fjord.
Days 8-11 Utne / Folgefonna Glacier / Bergen We hike
along the Kinso River past massive waterfalls, and take a
scenic drive up to the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest
icecap in Norway, for a fantastic day of glacier hiking, complete
with helmets, ice axes, and crampons (no previous experience
necessary). Views from atop the glacier stretch out over
magnificent Hardangerfjord and, on a clear day, out to the
North Sea. Depart on Day 11 via Bergen.
“Outstanding leaders
and an ingenious
itinerary. I enjoyed
the cultural aspects,
especially the stave
church, Naerøyfjord,
and the family-run
goat farm.”
David R., Arlington VA
GLACIERS, AND NORDIC CULTURE
Our journey combines fantastic hikes along spectacular fjords, visits to family farms and villages,
and a special look into Norway’s fascinating cultural heritage. PHOTO: DAVID ROBERTSON
HIGHLIGHTS
• Our creative use of ferry rides, railways,
and private boats brings you to Norway’s
most stunning realms
• Hike in breathtaking landscapes of
mountains, glaciers, and tranquil fjords,
visit welcoming family farms
• Savor a thriving cultural heritage in
quaint fishing towns
• Enjoy charming waterside hotels with
spectacular views
DETAILS
• 11-day trip begins and ends in Bergen
• 10 nights hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner
DATES
Jun 8-18, 2018
Jul 3-13
Jul 28-Aug 7
Aug 28-Sep 7
TRIP COST
$5995 (11-14 members)
$6595 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $990
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