Fjords & Peaks: Preikestolen, Trolltunga & the Fjords

Today you tackle the first of Norway's iconic hikes, the climb to Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock. With your guide you travel to the trailhead and set out on the rewarding hike, climbing through boulder fields, wooden boardwalks and mountain terrain, gaining height steadily with ever-widening views. After a few exhilarating hours you emerge onto Preikestolen itself, a vast, almost perfectly flat platform of rock towering a sheer six hundred metres above the sublime blue Lysefjord, and drink in the jaw-dropping panorama of the fjord winding far below between steep green mountains. You might also admire the fjord and the rock from the water on a scenic Lysefjord cruise. As the day ends, you return to Stavanger, elated. This evening, savour a well-earned dinner and rest your legs. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey into the Hardanger region towards Trolltunga.

Today you journey from Stavanger into the dramatic Hardanger mountains, gateway to Trolltunga. Travelling by scenic route through grand fjord and mountain scenery, crossing arms of water by ferry and winding past thundering waterfalls, deep valleys and snow-streaked peaks, you make your way to Odda, set at the head of a beautiful fjord arm beneath the high mountains. Along the way you take in the spectacular scenery of the Hardanger region, perhaps pausing at a famous waterfall or viewpoint, and prepare for the great hike ahead. As the day ends, you settle into your base near Odda, poised beneath the peaks that lead to Trolltunga. This evening, enjoy a hearty mountain-lodge dinner and an early night, ready for the demanding trek tomorrow. Rest well beneath the high mountains of Hardanger, in the heart of Norway's spectacular hiking country.

Today you tackle one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway, the demanding full-day trek to Trolltunga, the Troll's Tongue. Setting out early with your guide, you climb steeply into a high, wild mountain world of rock, lakes and sweeping views, following the long trail across the plateau above the shimmering blue Ringedalsvatnet lake. The trek is challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and the reward is one of the great thrills of Norwegian hiking, standing on the famous slender shelf of rock that juts horizontally out into thin air, high above the lake and surrounded by a vast amphitheatre of mountains. After drinking in the extraordinary scene, you make the long return hike. As the day ends, you return to your base near Odda, exhilarated and tired. This evening, savour a well-earned dinner. Rest well after conquering Trolltunga, one of Norway's greatest hikes.

Today you journey from the mountains of Hardanger to charming Bergen, the beautiful gateway to the fjords. Travelling by scenic route through the spectacular Hardanger and fjord country, past thundering waterfalls such as the mighty falls of the region, deep blue fjords, orchards and snow-capped peaks, you wind your way to the coast, taking in the ever-changing grandeur. There may be a chance for a scenic walk to a waterfall or viewpoint along the way, a gentler counterpoint to the great hikes. Arriving in Bergen, ringed by seven hills and the sea, you settle into your hotel near the historic harbour and explore the atmospheric Bryggen wharf, with its crooked, brightly painted wooden houses, and the lively Fish Market. As the day ends, you soak up the relaxed maritime atmosphere. This evening, savour fresh seafood by the harbour. Rest well, for tomorrow you ride the plunging Flam Railway.

Today you journey into the heart of the fjords aboard one of the world's most beautiful train lines. Travelling first by the scenic Bergen Railway into the mountains, you transfer to the celebrated Flam Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge lines on earth, and descend through a dramatic valley of thundering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, deep gorges and tumbling rivers, pausing at the spectacular Kjosfossen falls amid clouds of spray. The engineering and scenery are breathtaking. You arrive in the beautiful little village of Flam, cradled between towering mountains at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, where there may be time for a scenic walk in the dramatic Flam valley or Aurland area. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel amid the peaks and glassy water. This evening, savour a quiet dinner and the serene grandeur of the fjord setting. Rest well, for tomorrow you cruise the majestic Naeroyfjord.

Today you cruise one of the most beautiful fjords in the world before journeying across the roof of Norway to Oslo. From Flam you glide by fjord cruise along the sheer-walled Aurlandsfjord and into the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord, the narrowest and one of the most dramatically beautiful fjords in the world, passing beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, with the mountains mirrored in the still green water, a serene reward after the great hikes. You then journey by the celebrated Bergen Railway across the wild, snow-streaked Hardangervidda plateau, a spectacular high mountain world, to cultured Oslo, Norway's capital at the head of its own beautiful fjord. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Oslo. This evening, savour the elegant capital and a celebratory dinner, reflecting on the summits and fjords you have conquered. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore a little of Oslo.

Today you enjoy a rewarding day in cultured Oslo, a fine finale to your adventure. With your guide you might explore the city's highlights, the remarkable Viking heritage, the powerful Munch masterpieces including 'The Scream', the dazzling white Opera House rising from the harbour, and the sculpture-filled Vigeland Park. For those still craving the outdoors, Oslo offers wonderful nature on its doorstep, and you might take the metro up to the forested Nordmarka hills or the Holmenkollen ski jump for panoramic views and a gentle walk, or stroll the revitalised waterfront and islands of the Oslofjord. The blend of culture and easy-access nature is delightful. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having rounded off your journey. This evening, savour a final dinner in the capital, reflecting on the fjords and peaks of Norway. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in cultured Oslo, perhaps a last stroll on the roof of the Opera House, a wander through Vigeland Park or a relaxed coffee at a waterfront cafe, you are transferred to Oslo Airport for your onward departure. You leave having conquered Norway's most iconic hikes and experienced the sublime beauty of its fjords, Preikestolen high above the Lysefjord and Trolltunga jutting over its mountain lake, the majestic Naeroyfjord and the plunging Flam Railway, and the scenic trails, waterfalls and peaks of the fjord country. The images stay vivid long after you land, the vast flat platform of the Pulpit Rock above the fjord, the slender tongue of rock at Trolltunga, the sheer walls of the Naeroyfjord, and the waterfalls of the Flam valley. Norway offers exhilarating hiking and sublime fjord beauty in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this spectacular land of fjords and peaks.