Self-guided Fjords of Norway E-Bike Tour
Join us on an unforgettable cycling journey through majestic Fjords of Norway. Traverse from the sea to the inner Nordfjord, experiencing breathtaking panoramas along the way. From historic villages like Flo to scenic spots like Lake Lovatnet, immerse yourself in Norway's natural wonders. Enjoy activities such as the Via Ferrata climb and kayak tours, and unwind at charming accommodations like Gloppen Hotel. Indulge in local cuisine, marvel at waterfalls, and explore remnants of Viking history. This tour promises an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation amidst the stunning fjords of Norway.
Kalvåg
Sandane
casual hotels
moderate to challenging
60km/36mi
7
Bergen Airport (BGO)
Sandane Airport (SDN)
Min. 2, Max. 10
Highlights
spectacular fjords of Norway
Cycling along the highest sea cliff of Northern Europe and discover some of the most spectacular fjords of Norway
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Kalvåg | Knutholmen | 15km / 9mi | cycling | |
| DAY 2 | Davik | Bruvoll | B,L | 57km / 35mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Nordfjordeid | Nordjford hotel | B | 45km / 27mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Øye | Hotel Sagafjord (4-star) | B,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Geiranger | hotel Utsikten | B | 30km / 18mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Loen | Alexandra hotel | B,D | 57km / 35mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Sandane | Gloppen hotel | B | 72km / 44mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kalvåg
Arrive in Kalvåg by joining the morning coastal boat sightseeing tour, immersing yourself in the local travel experience akin to commuting on public transport. This scenic journey hugs the coastline, making stops at remote locations while picking up and dropping off locals along the way. Upon reaching the hotel, we kick off with a welcoming lunch at your accommodation. Here, the guide outlines the upcoming adventure. Following lunch, there's a bike check and a briefing from your guide on tour protocols, typical Norwegian cycling practices, and our operational procedures. A short one-hour tour serves as a gentle introduction to cycling and ensures everything is in order. Upon returning to Kalvåg, there's a final check before indulging in a fresh seafood dinner at Knutholmen.
Day 2: Davik
Mount the bikes and head northeast across the island of Bremanger, reveling in the unique coastal landscape adorned with mesmerizing sea and fjord vistas, rugged cliffs, and expansive barren rock formations. Perhaps, even venture to a pristine white sandy beach. Traverse through a brightly lit tunnel under the fjord, where the traffic is scarce, adopting a "sidewalk" scenario until reaching Rugsund Island. Take a brief respite by the fjord's edge, gazing upon Europe's highest sea cliff, Mount Hornelen. Continuing along the road bordering Nordfjord, arrive at the quaint village of Davik. Here, the first stop is at a charming historic sheep farm, where we have the opportunity to mingle with the locals. Savor a cup of coffee, tea, or homemade juice, and enjoy our packed lunch in the garden overlooking the fjord. Accommodation for the night is in a local farmhouse, Bruvoll, nestled in the same village. This delightful abode features two shared bathrooms and offers a cozy breakfast buffet. Later, dine at a waterfront restaurant nearby for dinner.
Day 3: Nordfjordeid
Following breakfast, depart from the accommodation and go on a biking journey towards the ferry terminal in Isane, situated 10 km along the fjord. A 15-minute ferry ride transports travelers across the waterway. Upon disembarking, ascend into the valley, making way towards a summer farm, an ideal spot for a rejuvenating break.
Continuing along the fjord, navigate primarily through backroads, with only a brief stint on the larger main road spanning 700 meters. Upon reaching Nordfjordeid, a visit to www.sagastad.no awaits, housing the world's largest Viking ship. Explore a captivating museum dedicated to local Viking history, offering a glimpse into the reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever discovered.
Accommodation for the night is at Nordjford Hotel, a charming local establishment featuring a spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Road Surface: 80% paved, 20% gravel
Day 4: Øye
Following breakfast, depart from the town of Nordfjordeid and, via a back road along the Salman River and the deepest lake in Europe, cycle into the mountains, arriving in a lush valley on the way to Bjørke. Enjoy a coffee/tea break at the historic boathouse in Bjørke. Take a private shuttle boat for a 30-minute sightseeing tour through the magnificent Hjørundfjord, including bikes, to Urke. Have lunch at the waterfront café Kaihuset in Urke. After lunch, head along the fjord for the last 6.5 kilometers of the day on a mainly flat road to our hotel for the night.
Day 5: Geiranger
In the morning, bike slightly uphill into the magnificent Norangsvalley, another impressive valley shaped by the ice long ago. Here, get a touch of old times with goatherds and rocky shepherd cabins. Visit the drowned village site at Lake Lyngstøl. After a 350m uphill stretch, start the descent and end in the town of Hellesylt, where we take the ferry on the UNESCO World Heritage fjord, Geirangerfjord, to the town of Geiranger. During this little fjord cruise, see the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls and the mountain farms clinging on ledges high above the fjord. Our goal for today is to stay in Hotel Utsikten (meaning Panorama hotel in Norwegian) after a steep climb up a winding road, providing better and better views as you proceed.
Day 6: Loen
After taking the ferry back to Hellesylt, continue into the Flo mountains towards the little village of Flo at the scenic Lake Oppstrynsvatnet. Encounter a section with 10 kilometers of gravel road, where cars are not allowed. This gravel road features historic summer farms and impressive landscapes, with views of glaciers on the other side of the valley before arriving in Flo. Continue down the valley to Stryn, a small town with a good coffee bar on the main street. Then, continue to Loen, cycling along the very start of the Nordfjord again, where we stay in the family-owned Hotel Alexandra with an extensive Bath & Spa to tend your muscles.
Road Surface: 50% paved, 50% gravel
Day 7: Sandane
Now at the inner Nordfjord, approximately 100 kilometers from the sea where we started, we're set to complete our roundtrip today. After a brief stretch along the main road, we veer off onto the Panorama road, climbing higher along the fjord, treating us to magnificent views. Along the way, pause at a beautiful waterfall to refill drinking bottles and relish the scenery.
Next, board the ferry across the Nordfjord to Anda, then pedal our way to Sandane, where we'll spend our final evening of this journey at another historic locale, Gloppen Hotel. Renowned for its gourmet local cuisine, the hotel has been a favorite haunt of many English salmon fishermen.
Day 8: Departure
Depart as per your onward travel plans.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $850
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $300
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Canondale Tesoro X or similar
Available at a surcharge
What to Expect
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
A self-guided bike tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also requires some preparation. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here’s what you can expect:
Basic Bike Maintenance: While we provide well-maintained bikes, you’ll need to handle minor repairs, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes. We suggest learning basic repair skills and carrying tools like a multi-tool.
Navigation: You’ll be in charge of navigating the route using provided maps, route notes, or GPS. Confidence in following directions is key, and it's important to be able to correct your path if you stray from the route.
Route Difficulty & Fitness: Our tours cater to various fitness levels, but it’s important to choose a route that matches your ability. Be ready for the distances and terrain outlined in your itinerary.
Safety First: Wearing a helmet is essential, and obeying local traffic rules is crucial. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in new or remote areas.
Luggage Transfers: We take care of transporting your luggage from one accommodation to the next, so you can focus on the ride. Simply drop off your bags at the designated time each morning, and they’ll be waiting for you at your next stop.
Arrival & Departure Details
We recommend that you fly into Bergen and then enjoy a scenic boat ride to Kalvåg. This beautiful journey along the coast offers stunning views and brings you close to your destination. On weekdays, the boat departs from Bergen in the morning and arrives at Smørhamn pier around midday. From Smørhamn, you can continue to Kalvåg via public or private transportation. The boat can be booked online here.
Here are some hotel recommendations close to the ferry pier in Bergen for a pre-tour night: Clarion Hotel Admiral, Bergen Bors Hotel, Opus XVI. These are all very good 4-star hotels.
Weather
Summer, particularly from June to August, is the best time for a cycling tour in Norway. During these months, one can enjoy longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the chance to explore the country's beautiful fjords, mountains, and coastal routes.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Offseason
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Mixed
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
