10 days | Small group tour | Jun–Sep | Bergen to Trondheim
Small group journey along Norway’s western coast and fjords from Bergen to Trondheim, combining coastal ferries, glacier valleys and historic waterfront stays.
Beginning in Bergen, this itinerary follows the coastline by express ferry before continuing inland by premium mini-coach through Nordfjord, Loen and Ålesund. Highlights include the Loen Skylift, Sagastad Viking Exhibition and Trollstigen’s dramatic hairpin bends with accommodation in character-filled fjord and heritage hotels throughout.
This tour can be combined with the Best of Norway (8 days from Oslo to Bergen) to become the Norway in-Depth tour (17 days from Oslo to Trondheim).
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this itinerary using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
Through our Climate Action Plan, we measure our carbon emissions each year and set goals to reduce them. But our responsibility does not end when the journey does. A share of our annual profits goes to our Impact Fund, supporting conservation, restoration and the communities we work in.
All transportation (buses, trains, and boats) between destinations is included in the price. This includes travel between Kalvåg (remote Norwegian coastal town), Ålesund and Trondheim by premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach, which will accommodate spontaneous photo stops, as well as food and rest stops.
Luggage handling - portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage which at times is lengthy such as getting out of ferries and around ports.
Arrive and self transfer to your hotel.
Before meeting your group, discover some of Bergen's many attractions and sights, many of them within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).
Meet your escort and group this evening for a welcome dinner.
Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing around Bergen before you head to the ferry port for the 4:30pm ferry to Kalvåg. With a small cafe on board, you can relax while you take in the stunning Norwegian coastline. The ferry stops along the way to drop off and pick up locals before arriving at Kalvåg at 8.20pm. You will get a short transfer up to the hotel and check in.
Kalvåg has one of the best preserved fishing village milieus in Vestlandet. The little houses stand closely together around the small bay to create a charming setting.
Curious about why places like Kalvåg exist and what keeps them this way? Find out why.
This morning, meet our minivan and driver around 10am - be sure to enjoy the port before he arrives. Follow along the magnificent Nordfjord today. On your journey to Loen, you will first stop at the Sagastad Viking Exhibition, which includes the entrance.
Arrive at Loen in the middle of the afternoon and check in at Hotel Alexandra. Loen has a lovely little wooden church to visit late in the afternoon, or you can relax by the pool and day spa. This evening, dinner at the hotel is included.
After breakfast, meet your driver and head out to walk up the Kjenndalen valley to the Kjenndalen Glacier, Jostedal Glacier's lowest glacier arm. Afterwards, at the end of Lovatn Lake, you'll find Kjenndalsstova, a cafe which is open from May to September and you can stop for lunch here.
Next is a visit to the Loen Sky Lift, a cable car that climbs 1,011 metres to the top of Mount Hoven, above the Nordfjord. There is a cafe at the top with a spectacular viewing platform at the roof. You can have a walk around the top and marvel at the view.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Today you will travel from Loen via Hjørundfjord to Ålesund - your final leg of the journey by mini-coach. First stop today is the small town of Stryn. The driver stops along the way on request as you spend the day travelling through this beautiful section of road. Highlights include Horndøla Bru (Bridge), built between 1810 and 1813 and Norangsdalen, one of the narrowest valleys in Norway. This route follows the 'Queens' Route', rich in both spectacular sceneries as well as cultural memories.
Pass by Hellesyltfossen, one of the most well-known waterfalls of the Sunnfjord region, an area which encompasses dozens upon dozens of waterfalls. This lake was formed when an avalanche dammed up the river more than 100 years ago. Drive along the Hjørundfjord and catch the ferry across from Leknes to Sæbø before enjoying a 2 course lunch at Sagafjord Hotel.
Then it is time to make your way to Ålesund, a drive past lakes, Norwegian farms and ocean view.
Enjoy a 3 hours morning city walk of the picturesque city center of Ålesund.
In the afternoon, at your leisure, you have the day to explore more of the city. Ålesund is known for its art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904. Optional activities are available such as kayaking trips around the historic waterfront buildings, wildlife sea safari or climbing Mt. Aksla for lunch (418 steps).
After breakfast, be sure to have your cameras charged as you travel to Åndalsnes, with stops along the Trollstigen National Scenic Road. Trollstigen is Norway’s most visited tourist road, and this masterpiece in engineering in the midst of majestic natural landscapes is a true joy ride (particularly when you are in the safe hands of our Norwegian driver).
The eleven magnificent hairpin turns along Trollstigen offer fantastic scenery along the mountain road. Each bend has its own name, often named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section. At some locations, you will discover that the road is carved into the mountain itself, and in other places it is built in stone instead.
Historically, Trollstigen used to be an important transport passage between the villages Valldal in Indre Sunnmøre and Åndalsnes in Romsdalen. When the road opened in 1939, it wasn’t long before Trollstigen became a tourist attraction.
The Trollstigen is surrounded by mighty mountains that reach an altitude of over 1600 meters. To the west of the road lie the mountains of Bispen (1450m), Kongen (1614m) and Dronninga (1701m), and to the east of the road lie the Stigbottshornet (1583m) and the Storgrovfjellet (1629m).
Your minivan will stop along the way today for photos, rest stops and a stop at the Strawberry Cafe to sample the famous strawberry cakes on offer. You will also stop at the thundering ravine, Gudbrandsjuvet, near the Juvet Hotel. Gudbrandsjuvet is a 5 metre narrow and 20–25 metre high ravine through which the Valldøla River forces itself. The waters have formed a complex of deep potholes and intricate formations. The depth down from the surface of the water is about equal to the depth of ravine down to the river.
Today you will have a guided activity in the region of Åndalsnes. Take the gondola to the summit of the mountain, 708 meters above sea level — a scenic seven‑minute journey offering breathtaking views of Romsdalen’s fjords and surrounding peaks.
At the top, you’ll be guided at a relaxed pace. Enjoy a packed lunch in the heart of the high mountains, surrounded by dramatic scenery in every direction. As you traverse some of Norway’s wildest and most striking landscapes, you’ll also gain insight into the region’s rich history and culture. Your guide will share stories, local secrets, and point out secluded spots cherished by the community.
This evening, sit back and admire the view during your three course dinner.
Itinerary for 2026
After breakfast, spend your final day with your driver, travelling to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road. Along the way, visit an ancient Stave Church. The Atlantic Road takes you from lush coastal landscapes and heaths to bare rocks along the exposed Hustadvika, where you can see the sun sink into the horizon. This National Tourist Route has been called the world’s most beautiful drive and has been voted the “Norwegian construction of the century”.
On arrival into Kristiansund, catch the late afternoon express boat (3 hours) to Trondheim. Enjoy your final night in Norway and bid farewell to your tour leader and fellow travellers.
Itinerary for 2027
After breakfast, you will board the famous and scenic Raumabanen railway en route to Trondheim, often referred to as the “Golden Train.” This remarkable journey takes you through the heart of Romsdalen, renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, enjoy sensational views of towering peaks, jagged rock faces, and sweeping mountain slopes that rise toward windswept plateaus, making this one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys.
You will arrive in Trondheim in the afternoon, with some free time to explore the city before enjoying your final night in Norway. This evening, bid farewell to your tour leader and fellow travellers.
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport.
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room.
NOTE: Accommodations are subject to change and twin rooms can be requested but not guaranteed. Upgrades are not available.
Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 14.
What to expect from your tour leader
This tour travels with one of our own tour leaders. Your tour leader is with you from the first day to the last, and they are the person who makes the journey run. They are not a local guide, and knowing the difference helps you get the most from the trip.
What your tour leader does
Your tour leader looks after the journey itself. Timings, transfers, check-ins, the daily rhythm of the trip, the practical problems that travel throws up. They also share what they know of the region as you travel. They are your constant point of contact and the person holding everything together, so you can give your attention to the places rather than the logistics.
Why your tour leader may not be Nordic
Many of our tour leaders are from the Nordics. Some are not. We choose them for how well they lead a group, how they care for people across long days and changing conditions, and the passion they have for the Nordic region. The Nordic region is vast, and even a single country holds more local knowledge than any one person can carry. A tour leader who knows one fjord intimately will not know every town, trail and tradition along your route. So we don't ask them to. That knowledge comes from elsewhere.
Where the local knowledge comes from
Local guides. In the places where it matters, and for the activities that call for it, you are joined by guides who live there and know it first-hand: the fjord, the city, the wilderness, the culture. This is where the Nordic expertise we are known for reaches you, from the people who hold it. Your tour leader joins these activities alongside you, so the group shares them together.
Is this a guided tour?
Not in the sense of one guide narrating from start to finish. Your tour leader leads the journey; your local guides lead the experiences within it. If you are hoping for continuous commentary from a single person throughout, this way of travelling works differently, and it is worth knowing that before you go. Your tour leader will, however, share their own insights and experiences along the way, including what to do with your free time.
The short version
Your tour leader leads the journey and shares what they know. Your local guides reveal the places and their culture. Both are with you where it counts.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION:
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. Please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage. There is limited portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.
Scandinavia is a fairly accessible destination for people with restricted mobility and other disabilities and is actively working to be more accessible every day. However, please note that our group tours are often not suitable for persons with limited accessibility due to inclusions and pace. 50 Degrees North is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability and we can tailor-make independent itineraries for travellers when needed. Please contact us for further details.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:
As a Nordic specialist we are keen to show travellers the hidden gems of the countries we visit, and as an anti-dote to over-tourism to reduce the environmental pressures on the traditional and busy routes that most travel companies will take. This itinerary has been designed to do just that.
Our premium mini-coach tours are one way in which we are looking at how we can reduce carbon emissions over all styles of travel that we offer, not just on our group tours which by their nature have shared transport, but also on our private options. This tour is a private tour however the transport 'mini-coach' between destinations is shared (with more of our clients doing the same tour, max 12 pax), therefore reducing the overall carbon footprint for each traveller.
Throughout your stay we have hand-selected accommodations which are locally owned, have deep roots in their communities, and pride themselves on supporting local facilities and producers. This is done through shopping locally, and buying sustainably sourced options, so in the words of one of the chefs in the accommodation you will be staying in 'you should taste what’s here in the surroundings, from lakes, mountains and farms'
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
These premium mini-coach journeys blend Norway’s celebrated landmarks with remote mountain passes and quieter fjord communities, offering 2–12 independent travellers a thoughtfully paced and seamless way to explore.
From fjord to mountaintop in just seven minutes – one of the most dramatic perspectives in Western Norway.
The Western Fjords remain one of Norway’s most spectacular yet lesser-visited regions. Our Scenic Fjords of Norway small group tour reveals this hidden landscape, combining iconic highlights with remote valleys, historic hotels and celebrated scenic roads.
Our core values are underpinned by our belief that travel can be a force for good. It has the potential to bring economic benefits to small communities, support local businesses, and, when done right, act as a driving force for boosting biodiversity and supporting habitats.
However, we recognise that the flights required to reach our destinations come at an environmental cost, with air travel likely to account for the majority of your holiday’s carbon footprint.
But here’s something you may not know: not all flights between the same origin and destination have the same carbon footprint. In some cases, emissions can differ by as much as double, depending on factors like flight routes and aircraft type.
That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you book the most carbon-efficient flight possible. With just a few small changes to how you plan your journey, you can significantly reduce your travel impact while enjoying the incredible experiences that travel has to offer.
There are many reasons why one flight may have a lower carbon footprint than another, but this often comes down to the age and type of aircraft. It can be difficult and time-consuming to research this yourself, but fortunately, there are now flight search engines that do the hard work for you. A great example is Google Flights which not only lists the CO2e generated per flight but also provides handy comparisons to help you understand the impact.
Take-offs and landings use a considerable amount of fuel—sometimes up to 25% of a flight’s overall emissions. The more direct a flight is, the less distance is travelled overall. Whenever possible, look for direct flights or options with fewer connections.
First and business class seats take up significantly more space on a plane than economy seats, meaning they occupy a larger share of the plane's carbon footprint. Flying economy reduces the demand for business class seats and helps keep your footprint lower.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as biofuel, is a renewable alternative to conventional airplane fuel, designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation. It is made from sustainable sources such as waste wood chips, manure, and used cooking oils, with a carbon footprint 65-80% lower than traditional airplane fuels. While SAF faces challenges (and therefore sadly it currently accounts for less than 1% of total aviation fuel) you can support its production by choosing flights that include SAF as part of the booking process, or asking your travel agent to include this. Many airlines already provide this option, often at minimal extra cost (please see an example below from SAS).
The contrails (vapour trails left behind by aeroplanes) generated at night have a greater warming effect compared to those created during the day. While this is not directly related to the amount of carbon released, flying during the day reduces the overall environmental impact of your journey. Although this might not always be feasible for long-haul flights, it’s worth considering for short and medium-haul trips.
The heavier an aircraft, the greater its fuel consumption. While reducing your luggage might not drastically affect an aircraft's total weight, every little bit helps. For example, many of your toiletries can be sourced locally, as most accommodations provide the basics, and shopping in the Nordics is both convenient and hassle-free. Additionally, many of our excursion partners provide suitable clothing and equipment for winter activities, so you can often avoid packing these items.
We firmly believe that avoiding emissions is better than offsetting them, which is why our Climate Action Plan focuses primarily on emission reductions. However, contributing to verified offsetting schemes is a positive step for addressing emissions from flights that cannot be avoided.
For further information on sustainable travel, please see our Sustainable Tourism page, including our Tips for Travellers section.
On a related topic, you might also like to read our CEO's useful article "How I Beat Jet Lag: A Frequent Traveller's Guide" where she shares the routine she relies on to arrive from long-haul flights ready to work rather than exhausted.
Start here for practical advice, seasonal planning, sustainability information and general Nordic travel inspiration.
More inspiration and news can be found at fiftydegreesnorth.com/articles/news
