Walking in Balestrand

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
This 7-night multi centre walking holiday takes you through fjordland, allowing you to see these incredible wonders' up close. Carved by a huge sheet of ice that covered Northern Europe over several ice ages, these famous jagged steep-sides really do take your breath away. Surrounded by towering mountains, you can truly appreciate the immense power of these f...
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$3,389
From$2,510
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • Meander through the land of the fjords, seeing these incredible wonders up close
    • View dramatic glaciers and cascading waterfalls as you walk along a wide selection of routes
    • Gain some unforgettable memories of this unique country as you discover the region on foot and by cruising along the magnificent fjords

What's this trip about?

    This 7-night multi centre walking holiday takes you through fjordland, allowing you to see these incredible wonders' up close. Carved by a huge sheet of ice that covered Northern Europe over several ice ages, these famous jagged steep-sides really do take your breath away. Surrounded by towering mountains, you can truly appreciate the immense power of these forces of nature. Little has changed since Viking longboats set sail from here ages ago, as you will witness when you travel in the wake of fishing boats, making your way down the narrow fjords. The glaciers are as dramatic as the cascading waterfalls. You will see ancient farms and villages, dotted along the sheltered fjords, as well as visiting the intriguing city of Bergen. We have chosen the best walks to suit all interests, some of which climb up the rugged terrain offering the most dramatic views across the fjords, whilst others give you the opportunity to explore interesting museums, lush vegetation and local wildlife. Translucent deep lakes and roaring waterfalls are easily spotted along these walks and you will also enjoy sampling the local cider, fruit juices, smoked lamb and other produce. The views of striking landscapes are incomparable, as this holiday will show. Your hotels are a mixture of 2, 3 and 4 star, with upgrade options at each location. They have been specifically chosen for their location, customer service and food, and most include half board, with picnic lunches easily found at all locations. Please note the hotels in Bergen and the Midtnes Hotel in Balestrand are on a bed & breakfast basis due to the wide variety of restaurants available in the area. This holiday involves transfers between locations by public ferry or bus and therefore no luggage transfers are provided. Travellers take their own belongings when they move to the next hotel, but are not expected to take them on any of the recommended walks. The journeys between locations are part of the overall experience, especially the ferry trips across the fjords. The public transport is reliable and efficient and all the information will be provided for you. Ferries are included in the overall pricing. Extra transfers which might be needed for some of the walks are not included in the pricing.Enjoy self-guided walking in Norway

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVoss
End CityBergen

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bergen

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of **, *** and **** hotels
    • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals (if Midtnes) or 6 (if Kviknes)

Itinerary

Day 1 1: Arrive in Voss

Arrive into Voss and enjoy an afternoon or evening in this pretty town. Unlike the other locations on this holiday, Voss is next to a lake not a fjord or the sea - the town is at the eastern end of Vangsvatnet. Voss is a centre for outdoor activities, being a ski ...

Day 2 2: Walks around Voss

Choose from walks of varying challenge: Bordalsgjelet Gorge 7 KM/ 4.5MI/ 1.5 HRS This is quite a short and easy walk to a nearby gorge, south of the town. There you will find dramatic walkways, with protective fencing, to view the gorge. Very little climbing is inv...

Day 3 3: Flåm

Take a bus from Voss to Flam. Flam is undoubtedly a tourist honey pot - but you can get away from the crowds on most of our walks. There is more scope for walking in this area than at our other centres in Norway and the choice of walks we have described reflects th...

Day 4 4: Flåm

Choose from walks of varying challenge: Down the Flamsdalen, via the Navvies Road 21 KM/ 13.5 MI/ 4.5 HRS After enjoying a ride up the world-famous Flamsbana railway, from Flam to Myrdal, you can get to know Flamsdalen (the Flam valley) better by walking back d...

Day 5 5: Balestrand

Take a ferry from Flam to Balestrand. Balestrand is a small town on the shore of Sognefjorden, nestling below an excellent walking area. It is located halfway along the 180km long fjord which is 1100m deep at this point. You may see porpoises and otters if you are lucky. You may find Balestrand quite peaceful by comparison to Flam.

Day 6 6: Balestrand

Choose from walks of varying challenge: The lower slopes of Raudmelen 8 KM/ 5 MI/ 2HRS OR 11 KM/ 7 MI/ 3 HRS The mountain behind Balestrand, called Raudmelen, is very popular as it provides great walking and wonderful views. This walk explores the lower slopes o...

Day 7 7: Bergen

Take a ferry from Balestrand to Bergen. There is some surprisingly good walking close to the city of Bergen which is surrounded by hills with little or no development. You can quickly get into quite wild areas although you are unlikely to be on your own. Apart from...

Day 8 8: Departure from Bergen

Take a bus or train from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home or choose a couple of extra nights here to enjoy this stunning city.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,510
Price per day$314
Last Updated: 7/24/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
15 May 2025
22 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
16 May 2025
23 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
18 May 2025
25 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
19 May 2025
26 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
20 May 2025
27 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
21 May 2025
28 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
22 May 2025
29 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
23 May 2025
30 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437
24 May 2025
31 May 2025
$2,645
$3,437

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

PARK HOTEL VOSSEVANGEN , VOSS Centrally located in Voss, the comfortable 4* Park Hotel Vossevangen offers a friendly service overlooking the stunning waterfront. All food served in their restaurant is locally sourced and well presented with excellent variety. All 122 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. (UPGRADE OPTION) FLEISCHER’S HOTEL, VOSS Conveniently located close to the train station, the historic 4* Fleischer’s Hotel is set between stunning lakes and peaks, not too far from the beautiful landscapes surrounding Sognefjord. Dating back to 1864, they have hosted princes, princesses, kings, queens and emperors who came to experience the unique atmosphere of the area. Now run by the fifth generation of Fleischer’s, they offer delicious contemporary meals in a classical setting. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna available to all guests. All 110 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. FLAMSBRYGGA HOTEL, FLAM The small and intimate 3* Flamsbrygga Hotel situated on the Flåm Harbour, has a contemporary and rustic style, yet delicate and modern. It is built in a traditional way using Norwegian timber, driftwood, stone and glass. Some rooms have a balcony overlooking the beautiful fjord. Enjoy a unique experience at Ægir BrewPub where they produce and serve world-class beer and delicious food inspired from the Viking Era. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. (UPGRADE OPTION) FREITHAM HOTEL, FLAM Originally a large farm, this historic Swiss chalet style hotel boasts both mountain and fjord views, as well being directly adjacent to the Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage site. The 4* Fretheim Hotel offers historic tours of the hotel every day at 6pm and the cosy restaurant serves delicious Norwegian cuisine based on organic ingredients. There are also several elegant lounges with a fireplace, library and a bookable hot tub. All 122 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. MIDTNES HOTEL, BALESTRAND Overlooking the Sognefjord, the 2* Midtnes Hotel is very comfortable and has a lovely, homely atmosphere. They have several cosy lounges, one with an open fireplace, and a sun-terrace with a wonderful panoramic view of the Sognefjord. All 30 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, telephone and private bathroom with WC and shower/bath. The hotel is on a bed & breakfast basis and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the evenings. (UPGRADE OPTION) KVIKNES HOTEL, BALESTRAND This grand 18th century historic hotel is beautifully located beside the Sognefjord and has been with the Kvikne family since 1877; they have passed on its old-world charm and atmosphere through the generations. Graced with an extensive artwork and antique collection, this hotel really embraces its own special style. The elegant restaurant serves delicious locally sourced cuisine – they place great emphasis on memorable culinary experiences. All 190 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. THON HOTEL ORION, BERGEN Thon Hotel Orion is a newly renovated 3* hotel. The staff do their utmost to provide a good service so that guests feel welcome. The hotel is in walking distance to Torgalmenningen, Fløibanen funicular and other sights in the center. All rooms have en-suite facilities and T.V, Safe, Mini Bar, Telephone, Hairdryer and Wi-Fi. THON HOTEL ROSENKRATZ BERGEN, BERGEN The 4* Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen is located in the center of Bergen, right by the Bryggen. From the hotel you have restaurants, shops, the Fløibanen funicular and other sights in the immediate vicinity. All rooms have en-suite facilities and T.V, Safe, Mini Bar, Telephone, Hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of **, *** and **** hotels
  • All breakfasts and 4 evening meals (if Midtnes) or 6 (if Kviknes)
Trip ID
exodus-W07NB

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