The Norwegian Fjords are often considered a summer destination and on many peoples bucket list for their unrivaled beauty and nature. However, the winter season brings a whole new dimension to this region – with snow clad mountains, magical colours and sparkling fjords, a sense of calm and tranquility and less visitors wanting to explore the popular attractions.
Our 6 day tour combines the mighty mountain landscape with the glistening Sognefjord during winter time, unlocking unique experiences and extraordinary adventures including dog-sledding, snowshoeing, a snowcoach ride and the famous Flam railway, all with the backdrop of spectacular scenery and creating a winter fairytale experience you won’t forget.
Departures This trip is a set tour and operates from Mid February to the end of April. Arrivals are on request basis.
Please note, in Beitostolen, lunch and dinner are not included, but there are many restaurants and cafes in the resort to choose from. The hotel restaurants at Fondsbu DNT and Klingenberg Hotel have breakfast and dinner included, and you’ll have to prepare yourself a packed lunch for the day using the breakfast items – a common thing to do for mountain visitors.
Starting from Oslo, you’ll travel in a comfortable bus for a scenic 4 hour transfer along valleys, rivers and past villages to the small winter resort of Beitostolen on the edge of the Jotunheimen national park. The bus is equipped with a USB charging point and toilet.
There are three departure times from Oslo so you have the flexibility of staying in Oslo beforehand, or the option of taking the bus from the airport at 17.00 on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.On arrival in Beitostolen, check in to the hotel Radisson Blu Mountain Resort and in the evening choose from one of the restaurants for your evening meal (not included).
Radisson Blu Mountain Resort
Situated in the village centre and just steps away from the ski slopes and resort facilities, the hotel offers modern stylish rooms with mountain views, wi-fi and satellite television. Other hotel facilities include an on-site restaurant serving a buffet breakfast, lunch and evening meals, two bars and a wellness centre with a gym, sauna facilities and indoor swimming pool.
After breakfast, get ready for a thrilling dog-sledding experience at 10am. You will receive safety information before heading off on the snowy trails with spectacular views along the way. This is quite often the highlight of any tour and a wonderful winter experience.
You then have the afternoon free to explore the resort further, perhaps seeking other adrenaline fuelled activities.
Get ready for your next adventure. At 10.45 the bus departs from Beitostolen heading to Fagernes (journey time 45 minutes) for a change of bus. Then a further 1 hour journey to Tyinkrysset where you will be met for a snowcoach ride in the Jotunheimen national park.
The snowcoaches are a great way to travel across the snowy landscape and have been used in this area for many years. The trip heads to Eidsbugarden, a remote mountain village and only accessible in the winter by the snowcoach. Here, you will receive a pair of snowshoes and a map so you can visit the village, the frozen lake Bygdin or you may decide to climb a local hill for some fun downhill adventures.Fondsbu DNT Cabin
Fondsbu Cabin is a true mountain hiker's highlight with a cosy and homely atmosphere. Situated at the end of Lake Bygdin, it is a great base to explore and provides a warm welcome at the end of an active day. Enjoy warming up in front of the fireplace and the homely cooked evening meals. Accommodation is in bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before putting on the snowshoes once again, spending time exploring the surrounding area near Lake Bygdin, a picturesque winter wonderland setting. After stretching the legs on the snowy trails, you’ll hop back on the snowcoach and head down the spectacular winding road to the far eastern branch of the Sognefjord, the ‘King of the Fjords’.
Your base for the next two nights will be at the historical Klingenberg Hotel, sitting at the foot of Ardalstangen mountain.Klingenberg Hotel
Opened in 1861 as a point of passage for hikers and climbers visiting the Jotunheiman region, the hotel is situated in the small village of Ardal, at the end of the majestic Sognefjord. It has evolved over the years into a modern accommodation with well-equipped rooms with a private bathroom.
Today you have the option of taking part in either a guided snowshoe hike to Paradisjuvet or winter kayaking on the beautiful fjord.
After breakfast you start the last leg of your winter adventure, taking a bus transfer to the popular village of Flam, taking approximately 90 minutes and changing buses on the way, but don’t worry all the information will be provided. You’ll have time to explore this pretty fjord village before boarding the famous Flamsbana Railway for one of the prettiest one hour train journeys in the world. Sit back and enjoy the magical winter mountain scenery, then change trains at Myrdal and connect with the onward train to Bergen, a two hour journey, arriving at 15.26. Bergen, known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’ is a lovely small city, Norway’s second largest and definitely worth spending some time here at the end of your tour.
We would be happy to discuss your options for extending your stay at the beginning or end of the trip, please get in contact for our recommendations.