Hafen
Vik

Embark on a journey of a lifetime cruising the emerald green waters of the stunning Sognefjord. After a safety briefing and instructions, you'll suit up in a protective, wind-proof outfit and board your Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), setting off on a truly unforgettable adventure. This lightweight, high-performance boat can ideally navigate the varying conditions and bring you up close to nature's surprises, maneuvering through narrow waterways and uncovering hidden treasures.

First, cruise down the breathtaking Arnafjord, a lushly landscaped arm of Sognefjord known for its many cascading waterfalls and lush green sprawling mountain landscapes. Incredibly vibrant in the spring and summer, you'll encounter small farms, including the hill farm Bungane, perched on a mountain ledge almost 500 meters above the fjord.

Next, continue down the most remote arm of Sognefjord, Finnafjord, or hidden fjord known for its lush, nearly untouched nature. Journey across this part of the Stølsheimen Landscape Conservation Area and pass through a small tidal current, experiencing how a fjord system functions with the passing tidal changes. Then, you'll cruise through a narrow straight to come onto what many consider paradise on Earth, Finnabotnen.

Here in this remote, barely touched by modern society wonderland, mountains plunge into the mirror-like fjord, and the only sounds heard are those of the wind, birds, and waterfalls. Far from road access, this spectacular fjord's small farms and magnificent sites are hidden gems few will ever experience. Revel in the peaceful beauty with dramatic steep mountainsides all around – some of the most beautiful scenery Fjord Norway has to offer. Your RIB returns you to the pier and to rejoin the ship.

This excursion through the fjords and the picturesque Fjaerland Valley offers a unique opportunity to see an "arm" of the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, and to learn about the fascinating world of glaciers and their surrounding landscapes at the Norwegian Glacier Centre.

From Vikøyri, you will drive to the Vangsnes ferry pier, where you will board a ferry for an approximately 20-minute ride, crossing 4.3 km over the Sognefjord. Upon reaching Hella on the other side, you will continue driving towards Fjærland. The route takes you along Sogndalsfjorden, Norafjorden, and the narrower Sogndalsfjorden.

You'll pass through the Sogndal Valley and traverse two tunnels cut through the mountains before arriving in the scenic Fjaerland Valley, situated at the foot of the Fjaerlandsfjord. This landscape has been sculpted by glaciers over the past 2.5 to 3 million years through successive ice ages.

Your visit to the Glacier Museum will deepen your understanding of glaciers, fjords, and the surrounding landscape, as well as climate change, through informative films and exhibits. Next, you will continue to

Bøyabreen, where you can take a short walk of approximately 250 meters each way to see the Bøyaglacier, an impressive arm of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier. This icefall can move up to 2 meters in 24 hours, making

it one of the fastest-moving glaciers in Norway. The glacier frequently "talks," producing loud rumbling noises as the ice shifts down the mountainside.

The return journey follows the same route. A coffee break is included during the tour.

Pease note: This tour involves extensive driving, including some sections through tunnels.

Discover the impressive natural scenery and exquisite, age-old charm of Norway on this trip by coach and train from the town of Vik to the village of Flåm on this full-day excursion. Depart Vik by coach and after a short 15-minute ride, arrive at the picturesque Hopperstad Stave Church for a guided tour of the interior of this magnificent building. The Hopperstad church was constructed in 1130, making it the oldest of its kind in the world.

Then make your way via coach across the Vikafjellet Mountains for a nearly three-hour, panoramic drive to the charming town of Voss. While a long drive, the scenery is a major part of the tour, as the Vikafjellet Mountains are considered one of the most beautiful mountain plateaus in Western Norway. Pass the beautiful Myrkdalsvatnet Lake and then head through woodland to view the spectacular Tvinde Waterfall that cascades down the mountainside.

Arrive in the village of Voss, a sought-after destination in all seasons that is beautifully nestled along Vangs Lake. Enjoy a typical Norwegian lunch as well as some free time to explore the village at your leisure before continuing your journey by train.

Depart the lovely Voss Village by train on the famed Bergen line and embark upon an inspiring journey through beautiful natural splendor on a two-leg train ride to Flåm Village. Though this rail line from Voss to Myrdal is just 12 miles in length, the trip takes approximately 60 minutes, climbing to nearly 3,000 feet in altitude to Myrdal station, traveling particularly slowly at the most scenic vistas along the journey. Travel up the Raundalen Valley and through the Gravhalsen Tunnel and to Myrdal.

The tour involves changing trains once at Myrdal Station (a major station on the main line that stretches between Oslo and Bergen) to continue to Flåm on the Flåm Railway. Enjoy your scenic train ride through the valley amidst the spectacular region of the Aurlandsfjord and see its natural and cultural highlights. Return to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves little walking, just 250 meters total entering and exiting coach and train. There are three steps to enter the coach and two steps to enter the train but walking is over paved surfaces; if guests in wheelchairs can manage these steps with a travel companion then the rest of this tour is suitable for them. Please also note that there is no wheelchair lift in the coach. There is no age restriction provided children are accompanied by a guardian. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothes. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

We begin our hike at sea level, making a brief stop at the Blix Hotel where you will receive a lunch box and a bottle of water. As we continue, we will pass the historic Hopperstad Stave Church and Hove Stone Church, along with several burial mounds and other fascinating sights. Your guide will provide detailed information about each point of interest.

After a steep ascent, we will pause for lunch and a photo break at the highest point of our hike, offering a breathtaking view of the village below. The return journey will take us through a lush agricultural landscape shaped by the ice age.

Please note: this tour involves extensive walking, approximately 12 km (7,5 miles). Guests must be in good physical condition in order to participate. Guests are advised to wear appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Length of tour may vary according to group’s overall physical conditions. The Hovåsen Plateau is 300 meters above sea level. This tour may be cancelled in the event of unfavorable weather conditions.

Join us on an excursion tracing the journey of water from the Norwegian mountains, passing through three hydropower plants, to the fjord below. This trip begins by bus from the landing stage at Vik, a quaint village along the Sognefjord.

During the tour, you will experience the majestic Norwegian mountains and see dams, pipelines, and power plants. Remarkably, 90% of all electricity production in Norway comes from hydropower. The Refsdal Power Plant has a total output is 92MW and yearly production of 421,3GWh.

We start with a drive into a beautiful valley and make a stop to walk down to the old Refsdal Power Plant. The facility utilizes a drop of 523 meters from the reservoir at Målsetevatn. The water is regulated between 863 and 834 meters above sea level. Additionally, several stream intakes supply water to the plant's two turbines. Kvilesteinsvatn, which is regulated between 920 and 995 meters above sea level, is also used as a reservoir.

The outflow water from Målset Power Plant, located further up the watercourse, is directed towards Refsdal Power Plant via a tunnel. The outflow from Refsdal Power Plant is then channeled to Hove Power Plant, which is situated at the lowest point of the Vikja watercourse.

A stop will be made at the Vikafjell mountain, where you can take in the stunning Norwegian mountain scenery and see the lakes that feed the hydropower plants. Our next stop is at Storesvingen, offering a magnificent view of Vik and the cruise ship on the fjord (weather permitting). Finally, we make a short photo stop at Hopperstad Stave Church, built in 1130 (viewed from the outside only).

Please note: The walk to Refsdal Power Plant is approximately 750 meters each way.

Throughout the world, Vikings were known for their wild and barbaric behaviour, however another aspect to them which few are aware of, is the significance they had for the country’s spiritual development, having introduced Christianity to the Norwegians.

Our first stop today will be at the even older and picturesque, Hopperstad Stave Church, on the outskirts of Vik. Built in the 12th century, it is an excellent example of how heathen beliefs still stuck in the minds of people. The dragon heads decorating the roof are there to keep the evil spirits away. The same ornamentation can be seen in the stems of Viking ships, and this tradition was maintained long after the Viking kings, with sword in their hand, forced their subjects to convert to the Christian faith.

Leaving the village of Vik behind, your coach climbs the steep road with a number of sharp bends to make your first stop for photos overlooking Vik and the Sognefjord below, before continuing across the Vikafjellet mountain plateau and descending into Myrkdalen (the dark valley).  You pass summer farms on the way before heading down the Stalheimskleiva road which was constructed in 1849.  With its 13-hairpin bends, this is not only the steepest road in Norway, it is one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe.

On either side of the road view the cascading waterfalls from the coach before arriving at the valley floor and continuing along the shores of the Nærøy River until you reach Gudvangen ‘field of the Gods’, where you will

have the opportunity to visit the Viking Village. This entertaining and interactive experience allows you to engage with the “local Vikings” and explore their homes and workshops. The Village is a reconstruction of a typical settlement that would have existed over a thousand years ago. History is brought to life by the residents of the Village as they impress you with their axe-throwing and archery skills and demonstrate traditional handicraft methods. Join in the fun and give some of the activities a go or get to know the locals better by asking questions and listening to their entertaining tales.  After your guided tour of the Village,

enjoy some free time to wander around independently.  A buffet lunch will be served during your visit.

After your stay in Gudvangen, rejoin your coach for the return journey back across the Vikafjellet mountain plateau.  

Please note: This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking/standing on natural and graveled ground, most of which is at guests’ discretion during photo stops and free time at the Viking Village. During this tour several tunnels are used, the longest of which is approximately 0.62 miles (1km) long. The order of this itinerary may vary to that described.  Views are subject to favourable weather conditions.

On the southern shores of the Sognefjord, one of the longest fjords in the world, find the hidden gem of Vik or Vikøyri (population 2800). Awe-inspiring vistas and natural beauty surround this town, which stands as a symbol of Norway's rich fjord culture and heritage. Vik was a center of power in the Viking Age due to its location on the Sognefjord with its rich vegetated bays and vast fishing waters.

This fascinating walking tour takes you through the charming beach dweller settlement, stroll between its picturesque homes and boathouses. Walk past burial grounds and arrive at the region's oldest stave church - a structure that showcases Norway's contribution to world architecture. Stave churches bear much resemblance to past Norwegian ships, a testament to the country's long-standing excellence in shipbuilding. Ornaments such as dragonheads and serpents are found on the buildings' steep roofs, placed there to frighten the evil spirits away.

The richly decorated, wooden Hopperstad Church features intricate architectural details and carvings and was built in 1130 during the Middle Ages conversion from Norse mythology to Christianity. Your visit here, surrounded by towering trees, offers a glimpse into the town's past and the rich Scandinavian history that developed this region. After completing your visit, walk back through Vik to the pier, taking with you a knowledge of the tradition, culture, and handicrafts that mark Norway's culture.