PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR: Highlights of Norway – Trip to the Sognefjord – WINTER
Description
Experience the highlights of Western Norway on our tour to the Sognefjord. This tour starts and ends in Bergen. You will visit Voss, little quaint villages of Gudvangen and Flåm, witness the majestic beauty of this region: lush valleys and magnificent fjords surrounded by sheer mountains. We travel through a UNESCO World Heritage site: West-Norwegian Fjord Landscape area. Your own professional driver-guide is with you all the time (except on the fjord cruise and the train ride) and provides interesting commentary to the sights and general information about Norway. Duration is approx. 10.5 hours. Please, see suggested itinerary in the attractions section. For a complete experience, we recommend taking a fjord cruise and Flåmsbana train. Alternatively, we can make more stops and visit more places. Car on this tour is one of our Mercedes minivans. When only 1-3 people are going on this tour, we may use our Tesla Model X. All of our cars have Norwegian Passenger Transport Licence.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our tour starts in the city of Bergen - the Gateway to the Fjords. The city was founded in 1070 and contains many historical and cultural landmarks. We will pass some of them on our way from the city and also on our return to Bergen.
We move on to Dale, where the famous sweater factory is located – “Dale of Norway”. We can visit the factory outlet and maybe pick up some woolen souvenirs there. From September till May the factory outlet is closed on Sundays.
We pass through the town of Voss on our way to Gudvangen. The main historical attractions are Vangskyrkja - church from 1277, and the St.Olaf's cross from 1023. We can stop in Voss on our way to the Sognefjord or, alternatively, on our way back to Bergen.
We make a stop at Tvindefossen waterfall, locaded 12 km (7.5 miles) to the north of Voss town center. We can come close this cascading 110 meters (360 ft) tall waterfall. In autumn and spring Tvindefossen is usually at its fullest flow, due to the autumn rainfalls and melting snow in spring. During winter months the waterfall can be frozen.
Our next stop is at Stalheim Hotel, an establishment which history is closely related to postal service in Norway and goes back all the way to 1647. The hotel and its outlook terrace is closed from the end of September till May. We can visit another view point close by - a short walk up a moderately steep path is required.
Stalheimsfossen waterfall is one of the 2 waterfalls on each side of the hairpin turn road Stalheimskleiva (the road is closed for car traffic this time of year). We can take a short walk to come closer to the waterfall. Stalheimsfossen is 126 meter / 413 feet tall.
Alternatively, we can take a short walk uphill to come closer toanother waterfall: Sivlefossen waterfall is one of the 2 waterfalls on each side of the hairpin turn road Stalheimskleiva (the road is closed for car traffic this time of year). Sivlefossen is 142 meter / 466 feet tall.
The small village of Gudvangen, in the very end of the Nærøyfjord. This cosy little village, snuggly located under the tallest waterfall in Norway, Kjelfossen (840 meters / 2755 feet), has attracted tourists ever since the 19th century. We recommend taking a 2-hour fjord cruise from Gundangen to Flåm. As this tour is an open schedule tour, the fjord cruise is not included. We will be happy to make suggestions and help you with the booking. Alternatively, we can spend more time in Gudvangen, have lunch and visit the Viking Village.
Njardarheimr is the name of the Viking Village in Gudvangen. If you decide to spend more time in Gudvangen, we can visit the village with a guided group tour (a private Viking guide can also be arranged for an additional fee), learn about the Viking history, culture and society, and take part in activities like archery and axe throwing. There are also some interesting people to meet: real modern day Vikings who come to live in the Village and engage in their authentic arts and crafts. We recommend planning a stop and spending some time here!
The Nærøyfjord is one of the most gorgeous fjords in Norway (and the world!). Its unique and pristine beauty was the reason for including it on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 2005. We recommend seeing it on a 2-hour fjord cruise aboard a passenger ferry or a private RIB. As this tour is an open schedule tour, the fjord cruise is not included. We can offer several alternatives which are available, help you with purchasing tickets or making a booking. The fjord cruise should be arranged in advance to guarantee the best experience. Alternatively, we can spend more time in Gudvangen and the Viking Village and visit other secluded places other people rarely go to.
After leaving Gudvangen - by either ferry, private RIB or car - you come to Flåm, a village located at the very end of the Aurlandsfjord. This busy cruise ship destination clearly stands out from the tranquil Norwegian scenery with its souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés (where we recommend having lunch after the fjord cruise) and a museum dedicated to the famous Flåmsbana railway.
For the best experience on this tour we recommend taking the Flåmsbana train from Flåm to Myrdal station in the mountains. Starting from Flåm at the sea level the train takes you up to elevation of 867 meters / 2844 feet ASL through some of the stunning scenery in Norway. As you travel, the lush Flåm valley gradually turns into a canyon and then into a gorge with almost vertical mountain walls. With the help of the engineers' savvy the railroad was comstructed to overcome the steep ascend. In Myrdal we suggest you change trains and travel to Voss, where you car with the driver-guide will pick you up. Unfortunately, the car cannot come to Myrdal, as there are no car road there. Alternatively, you can take the Flåmsbana train back to Flåm and continue by car from there. We will be happy to suggest the alternative that fits you the best. As this tour is an open schedule tour, the train tickets are not included. We can either help you make a booking or book the tickets ourselves. Flåmsbana is a very popular ride. We recommend securing tickets in advance. Train tickets are subject to availability.
An alternative to Flåmsbana train ride is Stegastein lookout, located at the top of a hairpin turn road overlooking the Aurlandsfjord at 640 meters / 2099 feet above sea level. Wonderful ride and a stunning view!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Suggested start time for this tour is 08:00am. Your private driver guide meets you at the lobby of your hotel in Bergen centre, or at the gate of your cruise ship terminal. We pick up from ALL HOTELS in Bergen city centre area. Usually we start out from Bergen centre at 8:00 am. Back at 6:30 pm.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(12)
Thinking that we might only get to this part of the world once (though we fell in love with Bergen!), we decided to hire Vlad for one of our two days to help make the most of our time, and provide us with the most flexibility with our itinerary. It was a truly wonderful day. Vlad was an encyclopedia of knowledge; tailored the trip to our interests; provided warm beverage and snacks; themed music for parts of our drive; took excellent photos; and was an all around pleasure to be around. We learned so much, and we covered so much ground. Simply terrific tour!!! You will not be disappointed, and you will want to return to Norway!
Dear Dale, we greatly appreciate your wonderful review! It's always a pleasure to know that our guests had a memorable time. We look forward to having you join us again in the future! Sincerely, Vlad
Book this tour!!! Thinking that we might only get to this part of the world once (though we fell in love with Bergen!), we decided to hire Vlad for one of our two days to help make the most of our time, and provide us with the most flexibility with our itinerary. It was a truly wonderful day. Vlad was an encyclopedia of knowledge; tailored the trip to our interests; provided warm beverage and snacks; themed music for parts of our drive; took excellent photos; and was an all around pleasure to be around. We learned so much, and we covered so much ground. Simply terrific tour!!! You will not be disappointed, and you will want to return to Norway!
Dear Dale and Alanna, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your trip, and we're excited about the possibility of serving you again on your next journey! Best regards, Vlad
I went on a trek with some Polish friends to Polish Pass 4,600m. It was a trip to exploring this pass for the firs time. This is a 4 days amazing trek with beautiful views, campsites and scenery. The porters we hired from Darkot Village are friendly cooperative. I recommend this trip for all kind trekkers whether they are beginners or experienced. A beautiful trek.
Thanks for the review, but it concerns a different country and company ;) Please find the right tour and company that organized this trip for you. Best regards, Vlad
This was the undoubtedly the highlight of our 3-week trip across Northern Europe. Vlad was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate regarding the local culture. His stories were amusing and often times paired with a nice touch of humor. Can’t recommend him enough!
Dear Edric, thank you very much for such a nice review! I hope to see all of you again! Sincerely, Vlad
Perfect day for me and my family. Vlad was fantastic!! 100% recommend Vlad and this tour. Sunny but cold, we saw everything and more. Thank you Vlad. Helen, Maria, Ellis and Miles
Dear Helen, Maria, Ellis and Miles, thank you very much for so nice review. I am very glad that you enjoyed our day together. You are very welcome back to Norway. Sincerely, Vlad
I was lucky to find 365 Adventures as my tour planners; without them, the trip wouldn’t have been so exciting! The Wadi Disah adventure was truly amazing, with stunning canyons, lush valleys, and beautiful cliffs all around. The tour was well-organized and this made everything so easy and fun. A perfect experience I’ll always remember!
We greatly appreciate your wonderful review! It's always a pleasure to know that our guests had a memorable time. We look forward to having you join us again in the future! PS: the name of our company is Jandis AS ;) Best regards, Vlad
In fifteen years of traveling together, this private tour to the Sognefjord region of Western Norway was one of the most memorable and best days my wife and I have ever had on vacation together. Vlad created a day that we will never forget. One could search the world for a better guide, but no one will be found that is better than Vlad. He made the day so memorable for us and so very special. My wife and I had permanent smiles on our faces for the duration of our tour and journey with Vlad. The moments created by Vlad and JANDIS AS for my wife and me were very much appreciated, special, and unique. In the days that have followed our private tour, I am still in awe of all that Vlad created and shared with us to see and experience on our private tour. Vlad expertly tailored our private tour to be exactly what we wanted and so much more. We could not have dreamed up a better experience. Our expectations were far exceeded. We only wish that Vlad could be our guide at every location around the world that we hope to discover in the years ahead. Vlad is like Michael Jordan...he is incomparable and the absolute very best! With Vlad and JANDIS AS, you will have an incredible experience that will produce a day full of outstanding memories that you will cherish forever!
Dear Robert, thank you very much for so great review! It really help us to do marketing of our tours. I wish you prosperity and hope to see you in Bergen again. Sincerely, Vlad
In fifteen years traveling together, this private tour to the Sognefjord region of Western Norway was one of our most memorable and best days that my wife and me have ever had on vacation together. Vlad created a day that we will never forget. One could search the world for a better guide, but no one will be found that is better than Vlad. He made the day memorable for us and very special. We had permanent smiles on our faces for the duration of our tour and journey with Vlad. The moments created by Vlad and JANDIS AS for my wife and me were very much appreciated, special, and unique. In the days that have followed our tour, I still am in awe of all that Vlad created and shared with us to see and experience on our private tour. Vlad expertly tailored our private tour to be exactly what we wanted and more. We could not have dreamed a better experience. Our expectations were far exceeded. The day could not have been any better...it was perfect. We only wish that Vlad could be our guide at any and every location around the world that we want to discover in the years ahead. Vlad is like Michael Jordan...he is incomparable and the absolute very best! With Vlad and JANDIS AS, you will have an incredible experience that will produce a day full of outstanding memories that you will cherish forever!
Dear Robert and Sara, thank you very much for so nice review! All the best to you!!! Sincerely, Vlad
Vlad made this day great. Despite the rain and melting snow causing floods and road closes, Vlad was able to show me the beautiful and rainy side of Norway. He was very knowledgeable and professional. One of the best parts was the homemade Glogg. Thanks so much for an amazing day!
Dear Makala, Thank you very much for so nice review! I am very glad that you enjoyed Norway in so bad weather like we had. Hope to see you again. Sincerely, Vlad
Vlad , Jandis was the tour company used from Viator. Vlad made our tour personal and memorable by providing care, personal touches like salmon, Mullen spices beverage and sweet biscuits. He was considerate on our first excursion assisted with additional gear to remain steady on our feet. He actual helped me place them on my Timberlake shoes. He took fabulous photos and drove us from Bergen -Sognefjord . It was a 11 hour day plus cruise to Flam on a catamaran. Just a Splendid, and lovely experience. I could not have wished for any better knowledgeable Guide. Thank you Vlad! He has a friend in us.:-)
Dear Laura, Thank you very much for so nice review! I am very glad that you enjoyed our trip and I hope to see you again. Sincerely, Vlad
