A gastronimic journey of Norway

6 days, 624 km, 5-6 ferries

Taste the coast, the mountains and fjords – that’s an essential part of the perfect holiday in Fjord Norway. Here we suggest a gastronomic journey – feel free to combine it with other tours and adventures. When you choose a restaurant (perhaps one of the Historic Hotels & Restaurants) that favours local ingredients and specialities, your palate gets to experience the uniqueness of that region.

Day 1, Bergen–Os, 30 km
Savour the landscape south of Bergen as you drive to Os and Solstrand Hotel & Bad, with a lunch buffet and dinner menu that lets you Taste the Coast. Here you can also kayak on the fjord, wander along the shore, or relax in the hotel’s spa.

Day 2, Os–Utne, 129 km (1 ferry)
Three of the many attractions along the Hardangerfjord are Rosendal barony with its Renaissance gardens, the old hamlet of Agatunet, and Hardanger Folk Museum at Utne. Utne Hotel is one of the oldest in Norway. Enjoy the atmosphere as you dine on trout from the Tyssedal mountains and tender deer steak from the local forests. Fruit and berries have the place of honour on the dessert menu.

Day 3, Utne–Voss, 65 km (1 ferry)
A ferry crossing and an hour’s drive bring you to Voss. Get a feel for the village’s deep cultural roots at Voss Folk Museum, Mølstertunet – or at a concert featuring the Hardanger fiddle. Fly tandem in a paraglider or try white-water rafting to work up an appetite! Fleischer’s Hotel offers hearty local fare, such as game and lamb served in a variety of ways. If you’re brave ask for smalahove – half a sheep’s head.

Day 4, Voss–Balestrand, 87 km (1 ferry)
Tvindefoss falls beckons you before the road crosses Vikafjell. Just before you reach the Sognefjord, stop at Hopperstad stave church. The fjordside village of Vik produces a pungent cheese known as gammalost; aficionados claim it’s a natural Viagra. The Hopstock Hotel serve it accompanied by marinated salmon and wrapped in a thin potato cake - a real treat! Across the fjord lies Balestrand, one of the most picturesque villages in Norway. At Kviknes Hotel, ask for a window seat with a panorama view of the fjord. The waitress may bring you a charcuterie of moose served with herbs and edible flowers, followed by monkfish sautéed in herbs, and finally a cloudberry parfait. Afterwards, stroll amongst Balestrand’s beautiful Swiss-style villas.

Day 5, Balestrand–Solvorn, 63 km (1 ferry)
On eastbound Rv55 along the Sognefjord are many treasures – such as the 850-year old Urnes stave church, a UNESCO World Heritage attraction. Just across the fjord a bed awaits you at the romantic Walaker Hotell in Solvorn. Your host family serves their food with pride, be it fish from the fjord, game from the mountain tracts, or plum-sized strawberries from nearby Jostedalen. You simply must try a glass of the local raspberry juice!

Day 6, Solvorn–Bergen, 250 km (1–2 ferries)
There are many routes of return to Bergen. Head to Lærdalsøyri and explore the beautiful village on foot. Afterwards “park” your car on board the ferry, and cruise along the Sognefjord and into the spectacular Nærøyfjord, the narrowest in the world – it’s a scenic adventure! Avoid the new tunnel and drive up the hairpin bends of the old Stalheimskleiva road, stopping at Stalheim Hotel for a stupendous view. Bergen, too, has a historic hotel – Grand Terminus, adjacent to the railway station. We recommend the ambience of its Grand Whiskybar. After a stroll through the Fish Market, take the funicular up to Fløien Folkerestaurant for a bird’s eye view. Later, explore the dark wooden alleys of Bryggen, another UNESCO World Heritage attraction, and pay a visit to Bryggen Tracteursted.