Self-Guided From Blue Ice to Green Valleys Hiking Tour

Arrival

The tour begins in Oslo, where travellers typically arrive via Oslo Airport (Gardermoen – OSL). From the airport, you can reach the city centre easily by train (Flytoget express / Vy trains), airport bus, or taxi, depending on your preference and arrival time. After reaching Oslo, you can either stay overnight (optional extra night available) or directly continue your journey.

On Day 1, the adventure officially starts with the scenic Bergen Railway train from Oslo to Finse (approx. 4.5 hours). This journey is already included in your package and is one of the highlights of the trip, passing through valleys, rivers, and the famous Hardangervidda mountain plateau before reaching the remote mountain station of Finse. It is important to arrive in Oslo at least one day before departure or early enough in the morning to comfortably board the train.

Departure

The tour concludes in Flåm / Aurlandsfjord region, after completing the final hike to Vassbygdi on Day 6. From here, Day 7 includes pre-arranged bus transport from Flåm back to Oslo, which is already included in your package. The bus journey offers scenic views of fjords, mountains, and rural Norwegian landscapes.

If you wish to extend your trip, you also have the option to end in Bergen instead of Oslo. In that case, you can either:

Take an additional bus transfer (NOK 150), or Upgrade to a 5-hour fjord cruise from Flåm to Bergen (NOK 1,495) for a more scenic experience through the fjords.

At the end point, both Oslo and Bergen airports (OSL for Oslo, BGO for Bergen) provide international flight connections. You can also add extra nights in Oslo or Bergen, which include accommodation with breakfast, ideal for resting after the trek or exploring the cities before departure.

Norway has a cool temperate and subarctic mountain climate with four main travel seasons.

The best season (June–August) is summer, with temperatures around 12°C–22°C (54°F–72°F), offering long daylight hours, fully open hiking trails, and the most stable weather conditions, making it ideal for multi-day treks from mountain plateaus to fjords like Hardangervidda and Aurlandsdalen.

The good season (May and September) is late spring and early autumn, with temperatures between 7°C–18°C (45°F–64°F), providing fewer crowds, beautiful snowmelt scenery in May and golden autumn colors in September, though some high-altitude routes may still have patchy snow or early closures.

The mixed season (April and October) is shoulder transition time, with temperatures ranging from 2°C–10°C (36°F–50°F), where weather can be unpredictable with rain, wind, and occasional snow in higher regions, and some trekking infrastructure may not be fully operational.

The off season (November–March) is winter, with temperatures from -10°C–5°C (14°F–41°F), bringing heavy snow, limited accessibility, and closure of most hiking routes, making it suitable mainly for winter sports rather than trekking.

Overall, summer (June–August) and shoulder months (May and September) are the most preferred seasons to experience Norway’s mountain-to-fjord hiking routes due to comfortable weather, open trails, and dramatic natural scenery.

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

• Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
• Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
• Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
• Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
• Headlamp or small flashlight.
• Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

• Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
• Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
• Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
• Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

• Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
• Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

• Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
• Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
• Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

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: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
• US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
• Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
• New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
• 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. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to 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, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Active Travel sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.