“Longest!, highest!, deepest!” are words often used to describe the Sognefjord, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the ‘King of the Fjords’, it’s pretty impressive! It is indeed the longest fjord, has the highest mountains and the deepest waters of any fjord in Norway.
With the sparkling fjords, majestic mountain peaks, rolling countryside, historical sights and impressive glaciers all adorning our spectacular adventure, the natural scenery will simply take your breath away at every corner. You have the opportunity to explore the region at your leisure – spending time in Bergen, taking a fjord cruise, driving through the spectacular scenery and riding on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys for an unforgettable holiday in Norway’s famous fjords.
The self-drive itinerary is totally flexible depending on your requirements. Please call our Sales team to find out the different options and to discuss your personal requirements.
From £1,875 per person (excluding flights)
This is based on two people travelling and includes accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast, half-board meals on 5 days, Fjord cruise from Bergen to Flam, car rental for 5 days, Flamsbana railway and train travel from Myrdal to Bergen.
This roughly converts to 2,231 EUR | 2,419 USD
Departures: This self-drive itinerary has flexible travel arrangements. The itinerary is a guide on how to travel around the Sognefjord region. Please contact our Sales team if you wish to discover alternative ideas on how to enjoy this amazing destination.
On arrival at Bergen Airport there are two options to the city centre using public transport. Either take the Flybussen shuttle bus, the journey takes 25 minutes and stops at six locations in the city. Tickets can be pre-booked online or on board the bus. There is also the Bergen light railway, the cheapest option, taking you from the airport to the city in 45 minutes.Then make your way to the hotel. Alternatively, a local taxi or private transfer can be arranged for you.
Bergen is a lovely small city to explore on foot. Not to be missed are “Fisketorget” the fish market, Bryggen - on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Hanseatic Wharf, quaint cobbled shopping streets, the Aquarium and the Floibanen funicular railway taking you to Mount Fløyen for amazing views over the city. Particularly spectacular at sunset!
Bergen CardThe Bergen Card allows you free access or discounted tickets to many attractions; free travel on buses and the Bergen Light Railway and discounts at many shops, restaurants and cafes. It is valid on the Light rail from the airport so we recommend purchasing this in advance. Please speak to one of our team who can arrange this for you.
You may wish to take a leisurely day in Bergen or if you’re feeling active, there are many hiking paths in the area, with hikes suitable for all levels of fitness. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken are the most accessible and offer amazing views overlooking the city and surrounding landscapes.
There are also daily boat trips, private boat charters and kayaking activities possible from the city, taking you out to different locations in the area.
Leaving Bergen behind, take the morning Express boat departing from the harbour at 08.00, but it is well worth the early start. On board, you can enjoy wonderful views through the panoramic windows, or go out on the large sun deck for an invigorating experience. The journey takes you up the coastline, passing many islands and stopping at several locations heading along the famous Sognefjord. The Fjordcruise is a fantastic experience and an amazing way to view the heart of the fjord region, finally arriving at the small village of Flam at 13.40, where you will collect the rental car.
You may wish to spend time in this small but popular village, quite often overwhelmed with visitors, or after collecting your rental car, you may prefer to set-off on your self-drive adventure - exploring and visiting the many wonderful attractions and villages in the region, first stopping at the charming fjord village of Aurland, just a 10 minute drive from Flam and your first overnight destination on the fjord. It’s a great base, and much quieter than Flam.
From Aurland there are several places to visit before making your way north. Just a 20 minute drive away is Stegastein Viewpoint, a famous structure overhanging the edge of the mountain plateau 650 metres above sea level. It offers spectacular views of Aurland below, and the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and surrounding mountains.
Perhaps not everyone's must see attractions, but the Aurland Shoe Factory and Museum is definitely worth visiting. It is the last remaining shoe factory in Norway, and the brand is famous all over the world for the original penny loafer.Not surprisingly, there are several great hikes in the area, sometimes the best way to enjoy spectacular unrivalled views. To name just a few - Prest Mountain, Hovdungo Mountain, Skytebana, Leim and Turlid Waterfall.
After spending time in the area you’ll head north travelling through Laerdal Tunnel, which is the world’s longest road tunnel at 24.5 kilometres long, with three sections decorated with colourful lights. But if you prefer to stay overground, the National Tourist Route ‘Aurlandsfjellet’ is the alternative mountain road and is only open for a few months each year due to the heavy snowfall covering it for most of the year.The car journey takes you across the fjord where you need to take a car ferry between Mannheller and Fodnes, continuing north to Hafslo, overlooking the stunning Lustrafjord. The total distance is approximately 100 km, driving time over 2 hours.
Nestled in the picturesque mountain setting overlooking the picturesque Lustrafjord, the village of Hafslo is a hidden gem with its natural beauty and outdoor adventures on your doorstep. One of the attractions in the area is the magnificent Hafslovatnet, a crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains, forest and farmland, and popular for excellent trout fishing opportunities.
There are several wonderful fjord villages to visit in the area, including Sogndal, Luster and Ardal, the gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains. Or if you head inland, you’ll reach the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and where you can join a guided glacier hike.
Today you drive west along the northern shores of the Sognefjord, taking 90 minutes, including a car ferry from Hella to Dragsvik to the village Balestrand. Known for its breathtaking natural scenery and the perfect location to soak up the area’s history and cultural attractions, it includes St. Olaf Church, a 17th century wooden church, The Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism, Utsikten viewing platform at Gaularfjellt, along the National Tourist Route. The area is also known for its fruit growing and local producers such as Ciderhuset can be visited, famous for its award winning cider.
Take time to soak in the beautiful setting and enjoy spectacular fjord and mountain views in every direction. Swap the car for more active pursuits - there are several easy hiking paths from the village, rent bicycles and explore the area, join a sightseeing boat trip along the Naeroyfjord, one of the most famous fjords in Norway or is there a better way to discover Balestrand and the fjord scenery than from a kayak?
If you prefer less action, then visit The English Church, a church with a love story behind it is just a few steps away in the village. As well as The King Bele statue, a gift to the Norwegian people by The German emperor Wilhelm II.
The last leg of this journey takes you back to Flåm, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours, heading across the fjord by ferry between Dragsvik and Vangnes and driving south. After returning the rental car you will experience the famous Flamsbana train. The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, taking you from the village to mountain station Myrdal. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour, with spectacular scenery along the way. We highly recommend booking the train ticket in advance, which we can do for you.
From Myrdal, sit back and enjoy the scenery across the ‘Roof of Norway’. You have the choice of travelling to either Bergen or Oslo, where you can extend your stay in Norway or make your way to the airport for the onward flight connection.
