Bergen to Sognefjord: Cycle Norway's Greatest Landscapes

(0)
7 nights
26 miles/day
Self guided from NOK kr 23600
Bike tour in Norway
Electric bike tours

Bergen to Sognefjord: Cycle Norway's Greatest Landscapes

(0)

Electric bike tours

7 nights
26 miles/day

Self guided from NOK kr 23600
Bike tour in Norway

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  • Norway's "King of the Fjords"

    This bike tour featuring Norway's largest fjord starts in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bergen. Recognized in 1979 for its historical significance as a major global trade center, Bergen sets the stage for your adventure.

    Once a bustling trade gateway, today these fjords serve as your entrance to stunning landscapes and captivating historical cities.

    You enjoy a scenic boat journey from Bergen to the "King of the Fjords," Norway's largest and deepest fjord. This captivating ferry ride showcases the breathtaking beauty of this majestic natural wonder. Along the route, you will cycle past waterfalls, idyllic villages, stave churches, hamlets, and fjord side farms.

    Spectacular sites await you around every bend in the fjord. Adventure through Norway's culture and history on this spectacular tour!

    • Reconstructed Hanseatic buildings of Bryggen, a World Heritage Site. op23@Unsplash
    • Bergen to Sognefjord Norway Bike Tour ©BikeTours
    • Kong Oscars Gate in Bergen, Vestland, western Norway. CC:Linguaddict
    • Bergen, Vestland, western Norway. CC:TomasEE
    • Bergen in Vestland, Western Norway. Steven dosRemedios@Flickr
    • Vik and the Vikøyri Valley in Norway. CC:iz48
    • Bergen in Vestland, Western Norway. Steven dosRemedios@Flickr
    • Bergen to Sognefjord Norway Bike Tour ©BikeTours

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Bergen - UNESCO world heritage city
    • Small villages along the fjords and in the valley
    • Sognefjorden's landscape
    • Balestrand
    • Vik
    • Solvorn
    • Hafslo


  • Norway's "King of the Fjords"

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • 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 14 km). Visit the colorful wooden houses in the historic harbor district of Bryggen or any of the other attractions in the area.

      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 create dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy the deep blue glacial waters surrounded by lush, snow capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

      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 - Vangsnes - Dragsvik - Balestrand (15 miles/24 km)
      Today's route contains a lot of cultural and historical artifacts. The route is named "the Sylvringen" because of a silver ring found in the old Moahaugane burial mounds. These are one of the largest collections of burial mounds of its kind in the Nordic region, dating from 300-500 AD, used for wealthy or reputable farmers. There is also opportunity to visit the Hopperstad Stave and the Hove Stone churches.

      The Hopperstad Stave Church is one of the oldest Stave churches in Norway from 1130. It has not been changed since the 17th century, but it was restored from 1885-1891. Older parts of the church have been found, which implies that there were other churches in this spot before. The Hove Stone Church, built in the 1100s, is the oldest stone building in Sogn, and likely one of the oldest in the country.

      The tour also takes you through the Vikøyri, small wooden houses, by the fjord. Arriving in Vangsnes, visit you visit the statue of Fritjof before crossing the fjord to Dragsvik. Finally, you'll cycle your last stretch to Balestrand—a popular tourist destination since the 18th century due to its incredible fjord landscape.

      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 unexpectededly 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 (24 miles/39 km or 32 miles/51 km)*
      The inner part of Sognefjorden is entered today by taking the boat from Balestrand to Leikanger at 11:50 am. 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 Hafslo or Solvorn.
      *mileage dependent on overnight location.

      Day 7: Solvorn or Hafslo - Skjolden - Sogndal (24 miles/38 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 is available hourly from 10 am (NOK 50; 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.

    • 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 (by boat)
      Today you have time to explore Bergen. 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 create dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy the deep blue glacial waters surrounded by lush, snow capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

      Overnight in Vik.

      Day 3: Vik - Arnafjord - Vik (32 miles/52 km)
      Enjoy an energizing breakfast before beginning your bike tour. Along quiet, winding roads, you will arrive in the hamlet, Arnafjord, surrounded by high mountains and cascading waterfalls. You will cycle through the preserved Eitrestrondi Natural Park with its distinct flora. Continuing on, you may have the chance to stop at the small grocery store in Framfjorden for a relaxing break. Another place for potential rest - or a replenishing swim - is a quiet beach or the Botnafossen waterfall. Upon arrival in Arnafjord, you will have time to refuel with a packed lunch before heading back the way you came to Vik.

      Overnight in Vik.

      Day 4: Vik - Balestrand (41 miles/ 66 km)
      Start the day by visiting the statue of “Fritjof” before you take a ferry to Dragsvik. In Dragsvik, you cycle on delightful paths along the stunning arms of Sognefjorden. The landscape will mesmerize you around every turn. Arrive in Menes, where you can enjoy your packed lunch and breathe in your serene surroundings. You will then head back to Balestrand, where you can take a break at Esefjorden, a fjord that has inspired many artists since the 1800s. The final five kilometers of your journey back will show you why Balestrand is so popular among tourists.

      Day 5: Balestrand - Fjærland (24 miles/ 38 km)
      Board the boat from Balestrand at 12:10 pm and sail to one of the most picturesque fjords in the world: Fjærlandsfjord. You’ll be in awe of the stunning scenery, with views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, lush forests. You will truly experience the enchantment of Balestrand through a fjord before arriving in one of the extensions of Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Here, you can explore the glacier museum before you cycle through a valley towards the Supphelle glacier. The arctic blue waters of this glacier will undoubtedly enchant. Finally, you return to your hotel, where you can enjoy the sauna or add some extra distance to your bike tour.

      Day 6: Fjãrland - Sogndalsdalen - Solvorn (24 miles/38 km)
      After a short transfer through tunnels, you will begin pedaling along historic paths to Sogndalsdalen valley. Enjoy picturesque mountains and lush green fields as your backdrop on today’s tour. You may take a lunch break in the surroundings of Sogndal before continuing through Barsnedfjord and Hafslo. Finally, you will arrive in Solvorn; National Geographic deemed this area to be the world’s premier tourist destination!

      Day 7: Solvorn - Skjolden (54 miles/ 34 km)
      At 10 am, you will board a small ferry for a 20 minute transfer from Solvorn to Urnes. In Urnes, you will enjoy a 700 meter, uphill bike ride to visit the UNESCO-protected Urnes stave church, which exemplifies Norway’s heritage and offers unforgettable views of Solvorn. Continuing your journey, you will meander along peaceful roads by the exquisite Lusterfjorden, the innermost arm of Sognefjorden. As you take “The Romantic Road”, you will have the chance to stop by the magnificent Feigefossen waterfall, which cascades 218 meters from the mountain. If you feel so inclined, you can shower or swim here! Lunch today is spent at a fjord-side café before you cycle to Skjolden, where you will enjoy your final night!

      Day 8: Skjolden (Departure)
      Transfer after breakfast to Sogndal or Leikanger. It’s advised to add a trip along the Flåm Railway to get back to Bergen or Oslo by train.

    Surface and terrain

    The tour passes through rolling hills, sharing calm and country roads with cycle-friendly motorists.


    Hotels

    The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.

    Bergen: Comfort Hotel Holberg (upgrade to Hotel Havnekontoret*)

    Vik: Blix Hotel

    Balestrand: Kviknes Hotel (upgrade to historic room*)

    Hafslo / Solvorn: BesteBakken Boutique Hotel / Hotel Walaker

    Sogndal: Hofslund Hotel (upgrade to superior room*)

    *Optional as part of the upgraded hotels package


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Bergen International Airport (Flesland BGO), Oslo

    Express buses are located outside the arrival hall, making stops in the city center. Departures are every 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the city is. Latest departure time is 11:50 pm. Tickets can be purchased from a machine in the arrival hall.

    Light rail tickets can be purchased from a machine at the baggage claim area.

    Tour end
    Included transfer to Sogndal or Leikanger back to Bergen. The ferry from Sogndal is at 7:05 am. Ferry departures from Leikanger is at 7:30 am or 4:30 pm.

    Return to Bergen

    • By ferry from Sogndal to Bergen: Ferries depart from Sogndal at 7:05 am Monday through Saturday. If you are departing from Sogndal on a Sunday due to booking an extra night, the ferry departs at 10:40 am. Travel time is 4 hours 20 minutes.
    • By ferry from Leikanger to Bergen: The ferry departs Leikanger at 4:30 pm. You will first take a bus from Sogndal to Leikanger (20 minutes). An extra night in Bergen upon arrival will be required.
    • By ferry from Leikanger to Flåm, scenic train to Myrdal, and then onward to Bergen: The ferry from Leikanger to Flåm departs at 12:20 (travel time is 1 hr. 20 min). You will first take a bus from Sogndal to Leikanger. Flåm railway scenic train ride from Flåm to Myrdal (1 hour), then train from Myrdal to Bergan (1 hour and 50 min). You can book an extra night in Bergen.
    • By bus from Sogndal to Bergen: There are buses that depart from Sogndal for Bergen.

    Return to Oslo

    • By bus from Sogndal to Oslo: There are buses that depart from Sogndal directly to Oslo. Travel time is just under 7 hours.
    • Transfer to Leikanger, fast ferry to Flåm, scenic Flåm railway to Myrdal, and then by train to Oslo: Travel time is approximately 7 1/2 hours.

    Norway's "King of the Fjords"

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Self-guided: Saturdays, May 1 - Jun 22; Jul 6 - Jul 27; Aug 10 - Sep 28, 2024

    Guided: Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 (minimum of 6, maximum of 16 participants)

    Please note some cultural site may be closed in early May and late September.

    Prices

    Tour package

    Self-guided tour Guided tour
    Per person, double occupancy NOK 23600 NOK 34800
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) NOK 28100 NOK 40600

    A price break may be available for groups of 4 or more, please contact us for details

    Bike Rentals

    Electrically assisted bike NOK 2100

    Additional Services

    Hotel upgrade package (Self-guided option only) NOK 2047
    Coastal Exp. Boat* (roundtrip) NOK 1995*
    Boat ticket* (one way Bergen - Vik) NOK 998*
    Flåm Railway* (and return to Bergen or Oslo) NOK 1250*

    * Prices subject to change and will entail a NOK 250 booking fee.

    Extra Nights

    Bergen Balestrand* Solvorn* Hafslo Sogndal
    Per person, double occupancy NOK 950 NOK 1530 NOK 3580 NOK 1475 NOK 1160
    Single-use room (1 person/1 room) NOK 1685 NOK 1900 NOK 6105 NOK 2950 NOK 2105

    *includes dinner

    Please note extra nights are based on standard hotels. If you book the upgraded hotel package extra night pricing will be based on hotel upgrade prices. Please contact us for more information.

    Included services

      • 7 nights of accommodations
      • Breakfast each morning
      • 5 dinners (beverages not included)
      • Luggage transfers
      • Standard touring bike
      • Welcome briefing and bike delivery
      • Roadbook, maps, and GPS files
      • Transfer from Skjolden to Sogndal
      • Hotline
      • 7 nights of accommodations
      • Breakfast each morning
      • 4 dinners (beverages not included)
      • Guided walk in Bergen
      • Boat ticket from Bergen to Vik
      • Ferry ticket Balestrand - Fjærland with bikes
      • Ferry ticket Solvorn - Urnes
      • Transport through the tunnel to Sognalsdalen
      • Transfer for those that do not want to cycle from Sogndal
      • Transfer from Skjolden to Sogndal
      • Local guide
      • Luggage transfer

    Bike rentals

    Bikes available on this tour and included in the tour cost (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

    • Scott standard touring bike: 24 gears, front suspension, bike stand, mudguards and bottle
      holder (included in tour price).

    Bikes available to rent: 

    • Electrically assisted bike

    Bikes will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

    • Back carrier
    • Bag
    • Repair kit
    • Helmet
    • Lock

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are provided with bike rental on this tour; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.



    Norway's "King of the Fjords"

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    Norway's "King of the Fjords"

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