Bergen to Sognefjord: Cycle Norway's Greatest Landscapes

Day 1: Bergen

Once you arrive in Bergen, check in to your hotel and begin to explore. This is North Europe's oldest port city, established as a trade center before the 12th century. Today, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is recommended that you take the cable car ride to the top of Mount Fløyen for an unforgettable view of the city, or visit the old town to experience the culture and delicious culinary treats! Consider booking an extra night in Bergen so you can spend a full day exploring the city by bike!

Overnight in Bergen.

Day 2: Bergen - Vik
3.5 hours by boat

Spend your time after breakfast exploring more of Bergen! If you choose, explore by bike, with the maps and a suggested route (about 9 miles or 15 km). Visit the colorful wooden houses in the historic harbor district of Bryggen or any of the other attractions in the area. A bike rental must be booked in advance for this day, please see "dates and price" tab for pricing.

In the afternoon, you will grab your luggage and head to the port. The ferry departs promptly at 4:30 pm so we recommend arriving early. Your estimated arrival time in Vik is 8:10 pm. This is a mesmerizing journey that immerses travelers in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Norwegian landscape. As the ferry glides through the narrow waterways, towering cliffs rise on either side creating dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy the deep blue glacial waters surrounded by lush, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Please note that the cost of the boat ride is not included in the cost of the tour.

Overnight in Vik.

Day 3: Vik - Arnafjord - Vik
32 miles/52 km

In the morning, you will meet our local representative for the bike handoff, welcome meeting, and tour description. Your bike tour begins in Vik and leads along Sognefjorden and Arnafjorden, staying along the fjord all day, you gain 127 meters in elevation. Waterfalls and towering mountains decorate the landscape. Passing through a lengthy, dim tunnel (your bike is equipped with a light), the emergence leads to a visit to Eitrestrondi Nature Reserve, celebrated for its diverse array of unique plant species. Throughout the journey, opportunities arise for a leisurely swim before the road comes to an end at the quaint hamlet of Arnafjord. In Indrefjord, you can purchase what you'll need for a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the quay. Once you return to Vik, make sure you stop at the dairy café Ostebaren—the last traditional dairy outlet in Norway—to taste the infamous "old cheese".

Overnight in Vik.

Day 4: Vik - - Cultural path in Vik - Vangsnes - Dragsvik - Balestrand
15 miles/24 km

Starting on the Culture Path in Vik, this idyllic route leads you through charming historic sites, including a chance to taste the famous local cheese—produced only in Vik. Continuing toward Vangsnes, you can visit the impressive “Fritjof” statue before taking the ferry(free to bikers) across the fjord to Dragsvik.

From Dragsvik, you cycle along one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords—about 10 km—to reach Balestrand. As early as the 18th century, Balestrand was already known as a popular tourist destination in Europe. Distinguished visitors and artists from across Norway and abroad were drawn to its dramatic fjord landscape.

Your stay is at Kvikne’s Hotel, originally built in 1877, with its imposing façade looking out over the fjord. It is an excellent example of the Swiss style, a popular architectural trend of the time.

We also recommend cycling along the fjord on King Bele’s Road and Villa Road, where several artists built their summer residences in the dragon style, another popular architectural style from the same era. Many of these houses remain well preserved today, forming a uniquely cohesive architectural environment—Scandinavia’s largest concentration of dragon-style buildings.

Overnight in Balestrand.

Day 5: Balestrand - Dragsvik - Sværefjord - Menes - Balestrand
37 miles/59 km

You'll ride to the other arms of the Sognefjord, with the first stop being Esefjorden with its widely admired mountains. Before you get to Dragsvik, you can visit the Arboretum that stretches the five acres from the road to the fjord. Here, you can see around 150 different varieties of trees and bushes from all over the world. Enjoy a refreshment or soak in the spa at the Arboretum's recreation area by the fjord.

Tranquil roads run alongside the fjord, offering vistas of towering mountains, verdant farms, and picturesque hamlets. At each turn, Norway's distinct beauty unexpectedly unfolds. The last few kilometers of the journey take you along a narrow branch road to Menes, where you can savor the peaceful stillness and relish a delightful picnic lunch in nature. Return to Balestrand cycling the same route.

Overnight in Balestrand.

Day 6: Balestrand - Leikanger - Sogndal - Solvorn
27 miles/44 km or 40 miles/64 km*

The inner part of Sognefjorden is entered today by taking the boat (20-minute ride) from Balestrand to Leikanger at 11:50 am (NOK 51; payment upon arrival). Your cycling route leads outside two large tunnels, sharing the road with bike-friendly motorists until the last stretch into Sogndal. Savor the essence of Sogn, the oldest fruit-growing region in Norway. In spring, the landscape is adorned with beautiful fruit blossoms, and in fall, purple plums and red apples decorate the trees. A stop in Sogndal, at the region's midpoint, reveals excellent shopping opportunities and cafes.

Leaving Sogndal, the cycling path continues alongside the fjord towards Solvorn, tracing the Barsnesfjorden uphill until Hafslo Lake comes into view. The final short leg of the journey from Galden to Solvorn is a gentle downhill descent into a quiet village, distinguished by historic, small, white wooden houses.

Overnight in Solvorn.

Day 7: Solvorn - Skjolden - Sogndal
19 miles/32 km or 26 miles/42 km

The day unfolds with a relaxing breakfast before cycling the familiar path towards Galden, retracing yesterday's route. Solvorn, nestled along a deep fjord accommodating large boats, is where time can be spent exploring the idyllic town. A short ferry ride (15-20 minutes) is available hourly from 10 am (NOK 55; payment upon arrival). Upon arrival in Urnes, the UNESCO-listed Urnes stave church, a significant contribution to European cultural heritage, awaits a visit, offering a panoramic view of Solvorn.

The cycling journey continues along the narrow roads lining Lusterfjorden, the innermost arm of the Sognefjord. About halfway through the route, the majestic 218-meter-high Feigumfossen waterfall captures attention. Whether opting for a 40-minute hike to approach the waterfall or simply appreciating it from the road, a refreshing swim in the fjord is a consideration. The fjord-side café or a laid-back picnic serves as a respite before navigating two tunnels where the need for light arises. Skjolden, situated at the far end of Sognefjorden, offers opportunities to unwind with a beverage on the hotel terrace or at the café. Alternatively, a leisurely swim on the public beach may be considered. The scheduled pick-up awaits, or, if inclined, the option to cycle back to the hotel (+39 km) is available. The day's elevation gain amounts to 226 m.

Overnight in Sogndal.

Day 8: Departure from Sogndal

There are a few options for your onward travel on your last day. You may choose to depart on your own, or you can book a return to Bergen or Oslo via the Flåm Railway or take the Coastal Express boat to return to Bergen.