Howdy and welcome to Bergen, Norway – the gateway to the fjords and residential of the Uncover Norway Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour.
This distinctive metropolis of 272,000 is situated on the western coast of Scandinavia and was as soon as the capital of Norway. At the moment, Bergen is the nation’s second-largest metropolis and the preferred vacationer vacation spot in all of Norway – boasting a variety of thrilling outside actions and native vacationer sights. From Bergen, all of Norway is at your fingertips (the mountains, lakes, rivers, and fjords). A world metropolis filled with historical past and custom, Bergen, Norway is a giant metropolis with small city allure… and it’s the proper place to start a motorbike tour across the nation.
Whereas there are a selection of various methods to see fjord Norway (by boat, bus, automotive, and many others.), there’s no higher method to see the area than by bicycle. Touring by bike permits you rise up shut and private with the individuals, locations, and nature that make this a part of the world so very particular. And there’s no higher place to discover by bike than the world across the Hardangerfjord – one of the crucial picturesque areas in all of Norway.
I not too long ago had the pleasure of taking part within the Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour with a good friend of mine named Eric Kiraly… and it was such an exquisite expertise, I believed I ought to take a second to inform you all about it.
The Hardangerfjord Bike Tour is a six-day/five-night bicycle tour organized by an organization known as Uncover Norway. This 180 km biking vacation takes you from Bergen, Norway within the west to the close by mountain city of Voss. From there, you’ll cycle previous numerous waterfalls and right down to the tiny city of Ulvik, which is situated on the arm of the Hardangerfjord. You then’ll bike south; cross over the fjord on the Hardangerfjord suspension bridge; take numerous small ferry boats throughout the deep waters of Norway’s second-longest fjord; cycle previous small native farms rising apples, plums, and cherries; discover previous wood houses that date again to centuries gone previous; after which spend your evenings stress-free inside charming native inns the place you’ll be handled with scrumptious meals and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Welcome to fjord Norway! My identify is TOURING-BICYCLE… and that is my evaluation of the Uncover Norway Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour.
Vital Bike Tour Data
Title: Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour
Tour Firm: Uncover Norway
Bike Tour Sort: Self-Guided
Official Tour Web site: www.discover-norway.com
Tour Size: 6 days / 5 nights (with 3 days of biking)
Beginning/Ending Location: Bergen, Norway
Complete Biking Distance: 180 km / 112 miles
Value: 8,950 NOK per particular person (roughly $1,083 USD)
Non-compulsory: This tour could be mixed with the Sunnhordland by Bike and Boat tour.
What Is The Hardangerfjord? And Why Ought to You Go There?
Earlier than you even take into account coming to Norway, you would possibly wish to know what a fjord is, and why these giant, spectacular, and distinctive our bodies of water attract so many vacationers each yr. You may additionally wish to know why the Hardangerfjord, which is only one of Norway’s many fjords, is among the many finest fjords within the nation to see and discover.
To start out, a fjord is a protracted, slim inlet with steep sides (or cliffs), created by glacial erosion. A fjord is shaped when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley out of the encircling bedrock. In contrast to a lake, ocean bay, or different giant physique of water, a fjord should be longer than it’s huge and lead from the mountains to the ocean (in any other case it’s not a fjord).
The Hardangerfjord, is the second-longest fjord in Norway (at over 179 km (111 miles)) lengthy… 2 to 10 kilometers (1.2 to six.2 miles) huge… and 860 meters (2,820 ft) deep at its most depth.
Whenever you have a look at the excessive mountains above a fjord and the enormous mass of water filling a fjord, you additionally must think about the extremely deep ravine which you can’t see, working far beneath the floor of the water. In lots of instances, this ravine is as deep because the mountains round it are excessive! And in contrast to a lake or river, a fjord is stuffed with snow soften and sea water, that means there’s at all times the prospect you would possibly see a sea otter, whale, dolphin, or different such animal swimming in a fjord.
Beside the fantastic thing about the fjord itself, there are a selection of different causes to go to the Hardangerfjord and its many native sights. Take for instance, the small fruit farms you’ll discover scattered alongside the hills of the fjord. These native farms develop and promote apples, plums, and cherries (amongst different such fruits). Through the summer season months, apple cider and contemporary cherries could be bought from the farms themselves or from small roadside stands (Merely take the fruit you need and depart some cash in a close-by field).
The quite a few ferries that crisscross the world additionally present a singular technique of viewing the fjord. On this bike tour, you’ll cross the fjord at the very least three or extra occasions (relying on which route you determine to take), and from the open waters of the Hardangerfjord, you’ll be capable of see the close by cities and villages in a manner you wouldn’t be capable of view them in any other case.
Throughout your relaxation day in Norheimsund, you’ll have the chance to journey (by boat and by bus) as much as one of many close by mountaintops and go to the notorious Folgafonna glacier. Right here, you’ll take part in a guided glacier hike – permitting you to not solely stroll on high of one among Norway’s largest glaciers, however view the nation from up excessive (which is one of the simplest ways to see what Norway is all about).
Lastly, within the city of Rosendal (which you’ll go to on the final night time of the bike tour) you’ll have the chance to see the Hardangerfjord from above. You are able to do so by climbing to the highest of Malmangernuten – a close-by mountain peak (It takes about two hours to get to the highest). From right here, you may look down on the fjord under – dotted with islands and tiny Norwegian cities nestled in opposition to the close by coastlines. Or when you’re in Rosendal, go to the Barony Rosendal – a small fortress well-known for its picturesque rose backyard. Or just take a stroll across the “Steinparken” (Stone Park), the place blocks of stone which were lower, sculpted, and positioned collectively in a singular manner, in order to point out off the geological variety of the Folgefonna peninsula.
As you may see, there’s loads to see and do within the space surrounding the Hardangerfjord… and one of the simplest ways to navigate this picturesque area is on the seat of a bicycle. So get able to go biking! Our bike tour throughout fjord Norway begins proper now!
What Is The Common Day On Tour Like?
Whereas taking part within the Uncover Norway Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour, you’ll start every day by waking up in your resort room, having a shower (should you like), after which going to breakfast within the resort restaurant/eating space. The breakfasts on tour are a buffet-style breakfast with an assortment of contemporary meals to select from (bread, yogurt, cereal/muesli, eggs, meat, waffles, fruit, veggies, juice, espresso, tea, and extra). Merely take the meals you want after which sit down within the resort restaurant to take pleasure in your meal. As you eat, look out throughout the waters of the fjord and luxuriate in your scenic environment.
After consuming breakfast, you’ll be given some wax paper and a small plastic bag. Use these things and the meals supplied within the breakfast buffet to pack your self a lunch (I like to recommend making one or two sandwiches after which packing an apple or a banana for the street). For those who determine to convey a thermos with you on the bike tour (which is each really useful and a extremely good thought), you’ll be capable of fill your thermos up with espresso, tea, or sizzling chocolate – which you’ll then carry with you in your bicycle.
After breakfast, you’ll return to your resort room, the place you’ll have to pack up your issues and put together for the day forward of you. You may select to hold every little thing you want for the tour with you in your bicycle (in a set of panniers that you just both convey from residence or have supplied for you by the tour firm)… or the corporate will gladly ship your baggage from one resort to the subsequent (at no extra value to you). Then, as soon as your bike is packed and your water bottles are crammed, you’ll start your biking for the day!
Every day of the bike tour is a bit of completely different (which makes your time within the Hardangerfjord area each enjoyable and thrilling). Some days you’ll journey brief distances, however have numerous time to cease and have a look at issues alongside the best way. You would possibly cease to discover church buildings, waterfalls, museums, or any variety of extra sights alongside your route. Different days you’ll cowl longer distances whereas having fewer issues to have a look at throughout the trip. Some days there may be actually just one path to cycle, whereas different days there are alternatives, permitting you to cycle the brief or lengthy route for that day.
No matter distances you would possibly cowl all through the course of the bike tour, take into account that this can be a self-guided bicycle tour and there’s no skilled information to escort you alongside your route every day. You’ll be by yourself to decide on the speed at which you journey, once you wish to cease and relaxation, the place you eat alongside the best way, and a complete lot extra.
Within the late afternoon (normally between 4 and 6 PM), after a very good day of biking, you’ll attain your vacation spot for the night time. Some nights you’ll be staying in a big, trendy resort, whereas different nights you’ll be put up in a a lot smaller lodging.
As quickly as you arrive at your resort, you’ll be given a room for the night time and you then’ll be free to bathe, take a nap, learn, discover the property and the encircling space, or do something you please.
Someday round 7 or 8 PM, you’ll make your method to the resort restaurant/eating room, the place you’ll be given a desk and a plate. Most dinners are buffet-style, that means you merely take your plate and fill it up with the meals you wish to eat. Solely on the Rosendal Turist Hotell (in your final night time) will you be given the selection of meal from a set menu of meals objects. All different nights will probably be buffets.
Lastly, after dinner you’re free to take a stroll across the city, watch TV, learn a guide, or just return to your room and fall asleep.
Who Is This Bike Tour Designed For?
The Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour is designed for people who:
Who wish to select who they journey with. You may journey by your self, go together with your husband or spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, a gaggle of buddies, or anybody you please. In contrast to a guided bike tour the place you could be grouped along with a bunch of individuals you’ve by no means met earlier than, The Hardangerfjord Bike Tour lets you select the journey companions that may praise you most.
Are able to biking for a number of hours per day and masking reasonable distances. This isn’t a motorbike tour for absolute newbies, neither is it a motorbike tour for individuals wishing to cycle over tremendous difficult terrain. It is a bike tour for individuals who need an pleasing bicycle touring expertise with a reasonable quantity of biking every day and sufficient time to cease and luxuriate in themselves alongside the best way. There are a pair brief, however steep climbs on this bike tour (each being about 5-6 km lengthy). It’s essential to be in good bodily form to finish this tour, however you don’t must be a seasoned bicycle racer. Informal cyclists with a good quantity of motorcycle driving expertise will probably be completely suited to this bike tour. (My good friend Eric was in a position to full this bike tour with virtually no bike driving expertise… though he discovered biking over the hills to be fairly tough)
Need a bit of little bit of luxurious on their bicycle touring vacation. If tenting in a tent or going for days on finish with out a bathe will not be your factor, then this would possibly simply be the bicycle tour you’ve been searching for. On the Biking Hardangerfjord Self-Guided Bike Tour, you’ll get all the advantages of touring lengthy distances on a bicycle, however on the finish of the day you’ll be capable of keep in a high-end resort, take a sizzling bathe, eat a scrumptious meal, use the Web to remain in contact with family and friends again residence, and nonetheless have time to calm down and benefit from the firm of your fellow journey companions.
Are able to navigating on their very own and repairing their very own bicycle if want be. As a result of there isn’t any information to escort you alongside your manner, that you must not solely know tips on how to learn a map and observe the instructions that Uncover Norway lays out so that you can get from one resort to the subsequent, however you additionally have to know tips on how to restore your bicycle (change a flat tire, modify your handlebars/seat put up, and many others.) within the occasion that one thing ought to go improper together with your bicycle at any level throughout the tour. Whereas main mechanical issues are extremely unlikely, at the very least one particular person in your social gathering needs to be able to altering or repairing a flat tire.
Get pleasure from taking time to cease alongside the best way, see the sights, and transfer at a nice tempo. One of many many advantages of a self-guided bicycle tour like this one is that you just get to maneuver at your personal tempo. For those who wish to get up early (or sleep in late), trip tremendous quick (or tremendous gradual), cease and take footage alongside the best way (or rush to your vacation spot as shortly as you probably can), this sort of bicycle tour with help you take pleasure in your vacation within the method you deem most fascinating. Through the Hardangerfjord Bike Tour, Uncover Norway provides you dozens of really useful locations to cease and discover alongside the route. If you wish to, you might select to cease and discover each one among these locations. Or, should you like, you may skip over the really useful factors of curiosity and simply proceed biking. The selection is as much as you!
Don’t wish to waste time planning a tour like this on their very own. Greater than the rest, taking part within the Biking Hardangerfjord Bike Tour takes on a regular basis, power, and grunt work out of planning your Norwegian vacation. As an alternative of spending numerous days and hours on the pc, researching potential routes and locations to remain, simply name up Uncover Norway (or ship them an e-mail) and they’re going to do all of the onerous be just right for you. Simply inform them what day you propose to reach in Bergen and they’re going to do the remainder for you. After your lodging have been booked, your solely job is to point out up for the beginning of the tour, observe the directions which were supplied for you by the corporate, and luxuriate in six full days of biking in stunning fjord Norway.
Highlights From The Biking Hardangerfjord Bike Tour
There are such a lot of memorable moments throughout the Hardangerfjord Bike Tour. Somewhat than re-hash each single one of many tour’s many highlights, I’ve determined to function a few of my favourite moments from the bike tour with you. Take a second now and scroll by way of the pictures under. I feel you’ll see why this Scandinavian bike tour is one to significantly take into account.
Bergen is the second-largest metropolis in Norway, but it surely’s colourful and charming.
When you’re there, remember to take part in a guided strolling tour of historic Bergen.
You don’t wish to miss the high-quality eating at Fleischers Hotell in Voss, Norway.
Get pleasure from biking downhill previous the spectacular Skjervefossen waterfall.
You received’t consider the views, coasting down the switchbacks to the city of Ulvik, Norway.
The view out of your room on the Strand Lodge in Ulvik will make you wish to keep eternally.
There’s nothing fairly like biking over the Hardangerfjord suspension bridge.
The charming city of Kinsarvik, Norway is a superb place to cease for lunch.
Make sure to go to the Hardanger Folks Musem and the grass-roofed houses you discover there.
You’re going to like the dinner you obtain on the Thon Hotell Sandven in Norheimsund, Norway. It was my favourite meal on your complete bike tour!
The contemporary native meals and scrumptious desserts had been a spotlight of the tour, for positive!
Don’t miss the chance to take part in a guided hike on high of the Folgefonna glacier.
Make certain your lights are on once you cycle by way of the tunnels that run alongside the sting of the Fjord. Don’t fear although, visitors is mild on this a part of the nation.
Even two nights on the Rosendal Turist Hotell received’t be sufficient. This place is so particular.
Hike to the highest of Malmangernuten within the city of Rosendal and look down on the Hardangerfjord under. The views from the highest are out of this world!
The Accommodations: The place Will You Be Staying?
The inns you’ll be staying in whereas taking part within the Hardangerfjord Bike Tour are actually one thing particular. There are 4 inns in complete… and every is exclusive in its personal manner.
Fleischers Lodge – Voss, Norway
Subsequent to the prepare station in Voss, Norway is the spectacular Fleischers Lodge. From any course (entrance or again) you may inform that this resort is one thing particular. And the second you step inside, you’ll really feel such as you’ve arrived! Like being thrown again in time, Fleischers Lodge welcomes you in with its old style (but elegant) inside design and it’s pleasant, well-kept resort workers. The rooms themselves are barely nautical in design, with spectacular views of the close by lake and mountains from nearly each room.
Strand Lodge – Ulvik, Norway
Whereas not practically as spectacular because the Fleishers Lodge in Voss, what the Strand Lodge lacks in exterior enchantment is greater than made up for once you get a glimpse of the Hardangerfjord from the resort’s again deck (or the personal patio outdoors your resort room). This isn’t a resort the place you wish to sit inside all day. As an alternative, make your method to a close-by patio and take within the surroundings! The views from the resort home windows are spectacular – particularly on a sunny day.
Thon Lodge Sandven – Norheimsund, Norway
The Thon Lodge Sandven is conveniently situated simply steps from the city’s ferry boat touchdown. Whereas the principle resort foyer, restaurant, and lounge are comparable in design to that of the Fleischers Lodge in Voss, the rooms themselves are rather more trendy, with vivid inexperienced accents, a flatscreen TV, and the very best WiFi Web entry of your complete bike tour. My favourite half about this resort, nonetheless, is the meals! You don’t wish to miss the buffet dinner on the Lodge Sandven. It’s to die for!
Rosendal Turist Hotell – Rosendal, Norway
Lastly, the Rosendal Turist Hotell may be probably the most particular of all of the inns on this bike tour. By far the smallest of any of the inns on the tour, the Rosendal is exclusive in that it accommodates solely a small variety of friends, bogs should not personal and should be shared with different resort friends, and the restaurant hooked up to the resort serves meals from a menu (reasonably than as a buffet, such as you get within the different three inns). Plus, the resort and restaurant wait workers are the friendliest individuals you’ll discover in all of Norway. If in case you have the time, remember to keep in Rosendal for at the very least two nights. The city is particular… and so is the resort, the individuals who work there, and the meals that you just’ll obtain. Belief me! It is a place you’ll be speaking about for months and years to return.
Different Vital Issues You Ought to Know
It is a self-guided bicycle tour, so you’ll be touring by yourself, with out a information. Nonetheless, all the small print for the bike tour can have been organized for you upfront. All it’s a must to do is present up for the beginning of the tour in Bergen, Norway after which observe the directions that the corporate gives for you every day.
As a result of this can be a self-guided bike tour (and never a gaggle tour), you get to decide on your journey companions. You may journey alone, with a member of the family, cherished one or with a good friend (like I did). You additionally get to decide on the tempo at which you journey. You may sleep in late or get up early. You may cycle tremendous quick or pedal actually gradual, whereas stopping to see and discover issues all through your trip. The bike tour is extraordinarily versatile, so you can also make it as brief or so long as you need it to be… and Uncover Norway has gone out of their method to offer you the data that you must make your biking vacation in Norway as pleasing as potential (it doesn’t matter what your model).
Along with the price of the bike tour itself, you will have to get your self to and from Bergen, Norway for the beginning and end of the tour.
At the beginning of the tour you’ll be given a packet of papers containing all the data you want during the tour. This packet of papers accommodates maps of the routes you’ll be biking every day, info on the sights you may count on to see all through the tour, your resort info every night time, and particulars on the non-obligatory excursions alongside the best way.
For those who’d like Uncover Norway to guide you a resort room in Bergen at the beginning and/or end of your bike tour, they’re very happy to do this. The associated fee for this service is 750 NOK per particular person… and your resort keep features a free breakfast.
You may select to convey your personal bicycle with you on this bike tour… or you may hire one in Bergen once you get there. Uncover Norway has an area bike store that they work with should you merely wish to fly into Bergen and have a bicycle ready for you once you arrive. The associated fee for renting a motorbike, pannier (bag), and helmet from the corporate is 1,350 NOK ($165 USD).
For those who do have any well being or dietary restrictions, simply remember to inform the individuals at Uncover Norway upfront. They are going to exit of their method to be sure you are catered to and comfortable all through your biking vacation.
Navigating the routes of this bike tour through GPS will not be needed. Uncover Norway will offer you each paper maps and written directions for the roads you’ll be touring on. A lot of the bike tour follows alongside the sting of the Hardangerfjord, so it’s a reasonably straightforward path to observe. For those who do have GPS capabilities in your smartphone, nonetheless, this can be utilized (along with the paperwork that Uncover Norway gives) to navigate your route every day.
Along with the price of the bike tour, additionally, you will have to pay for 3 ferry crossings. These three crossings will value you roughly 200 NOK ($25 USD) in complete.
Any drinks you would possibly order (reminiscent of wine and beer) are billed additional at every of your resort stays. For those who order a drink, you’ll be requested to pay your invoice once you take a look at of your resort within the morning.
You will want to pay for every little thing on the bike tour in Norwegian Krona (NOK). Acquiring this native forex is simple, as ATMs can be found at a number of places alongside the route. Paying with a bank card (even in small outlets and on the ferry boats) is extraordinarily widespread, so its not 100% essential to be carrying money (though having a small amount of money readily available is a good suggestion).
Each resort on the bike tour has free WiFi Web entry. Web speeds in Norway are good, however not nice (normally round 3-5 Mbps at many of the inns).
If in case you have the time and wish to see extra of the world surrounding Bergen, Norway, take into account doing this bike tour together with the Sunnhordland By Bike And Boat tour (additionally by Uncover Norway), which begins in Rosendal the place this bike tour ends. The Sunnhordland tour provides a further 5 days to your travels in Norway and is an effective way to see the gorgeous little islands that liter the western coast of the nation.
If in case you have any extra questions on taking part on this distinctive bicycle touring vacation, simply contact Uncover Norway straight. They’re fast to answer any messages that you just ship them and so they exit of their manner that can assist you in any manner they’ll.
Hardangerfjord Norway In A Nutshell – What Are You Ready For?
Significantly! What are you ready for? The fjords of Norway are ready so that you can come and pay them a go to!
I had an unimaginable time taking part within the Hardangerfjord Bike Tour and I do know that my good friend Eric, who joined me on the tour, has been raving in regards to the expertise ever since we completed.
Norway is a gorgeous place stuffed with pleasant individuals, contemporary meals, stunning inns, and among the most superb surroundings you’ll ever see. I totally loved my bike tour across the Hardangerfjord… and I’m positive you’ll too!
Save
Save