NICHE! A HOLIDAY FOR YOU.
CH - Visitnorway.com
Story One:‘Friluftsliv ‘on the Atlantic Coastal Road to Bergen
We took a call from a client that had many memories of childhood holidays in Norway; travelling with his family from hytte to hytte. He particularly remembered the breath-taking scenery and the relaxing, peaceful ambience of simple hytte life. After relaying his memories to a friend, the two of them decided that, as amateur fishermen, they would like to take a road trip to discover the ‘friluftsliv’ side of Norway, this is the ‘open-air living’ that Norwegians have a passion for. They were particularly keen to incorporate the famous and wild Atlantic Coastal Road, as well as the city of Bergen. They envisaged experiencing their ‘friluftsliv’ through relaxing outdoors and ‘casting a line’ as much as possible. From their brief, it was clear that they wanted an authentic taste of Norway and with that in mind, we set about creating a hytte and small hotel based holiday that would not just fulfil their expectations but exceed them by far:
Jacek Różycki/Visitnorway.com
The guys were blessed with sunshine from the time that their plane touched down in Kristiansund. From there they drove their hire car along the winding and twisting bridges from island to island until they were almost ¾ of the way along the Atlantic Coastal Road. Here they took a 10 minute detour to their first nights stay, which was in a well equipped 2-bedroomed sea house. From this peaceful location they relaxed after a busy day of travelling and watched the beautiful tranquil sunset across the edges of the Norwegian coastline.
The next day they continued on the Atlantic Coastal Road and travelled through some of Norway’s most stunning mountains, passing the mighty and impressive Trolls Wall and into the little town of Åndalsnes. Here they stayed in a hotel, which overlooks the Romsdalsfjord and the magnificent mountains that surround it. After a good nights sleep, Captain John, a world champion fisherman and fishing guide was waiting for the guys, to take them on a working fishing vessel into the fjords. An amazing experience for any amateur fisherman!
Their journey continued on south bound. Highlights included stopping to take the Loen Skylift, so that they could enjoy the view of Nordfjord, from a spectacular vantage point and a visit to the Bøyabreen glacier. After an amazing road-trip they arrived in the pretty village of Balestrand, which nestles on the side of Sognefjord. Here they choose to spend the night in a small family run pension, which typifies quintessential fjord Norway.
Photo: Helge Larsen
In the heart of Sognefjord, the guys had a second fishing trip planned with Captain Tor, renowned not only for his fishing skills but also his local knowledge. He recounts wonderful tales of the history of Balestrand and it’s farming and fishing families and it’s definitely those small details and the personal touch that puts the magic into our client’s holidays. The guys left Balestrand not only with wonderful memories but a bag of fish and a crab for their supper!
Back on the road, they continued their journey over the mountains and down to the beautiful and picturesque Hardangerfjord. Here we had arranged a stay in a historic and beautiful 2-bedroom cabin, with a private jetty right onto the side of the fjord. The owner of the cabin arranged hire of a small motorboat for the guys and they spent 2 peaceful days sitting, relaxing on the fjord with their fishing rods!
Their last car journey took them through the small and pretty villages along Hardangerfjord and across the mountains, back to Bergen. Here they spent their last evening and morning exploring the beautiful and historic city.
“We had a fantastic week and were singing your praises virtually every day. The suppliers we spoke to also spoke very highly of you, so keep doing what you are doing. The fishing experience with Captain Tor was particularly notable as a highlight, as were the Loen Skylift, the glacier and ultimately the last cabin we stayed in. Such a gorgeous place”
Each holiday is individually tailored to meet our clients wishes. For an accurate quote and costs of any optional activities please contact Love Norway Limited on +44 750 890 6178.
Story Two: A Western Fjords Hiking and Kayaking Holiday:
A couple that were looking for an autumn adventure, at a good price, contacted us. They wanted accommodation that combined a bit of luxury, a bit of rough and everything in between! They particularly wanted a close up experience of the magnificent nature and landscape of the Western Fjords.
Their holiday began with a cosy romantic stay in the hills above Voss and on the first day they met with our favourite hiking guide, Derek, to explore the wilder side of the local mountains. A particular highlight for them was the wonderful fresh waffles with Norwegian brown cheese that Derek cooked right on the mountainside! It was a meal with a spectacular view!
The following day they checked out of their luxury accommodation and drove down the valley to the beautiful Nærøyfjord, which features on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Awaiting them was a tandem kayak and all of the equipment needed to embark on a self -guided 2-day paddling trip with overnight camp. Indeed, it is only by kayak, that the true peace and tranquillity of the fjord can be experienced. On the return journey, the autumnal winds had picked up and were whipping down the fjord but this only seemed to add to the sheer excitement of the holiday!
On their return to the kayak base, we knew that they would need a warm and cosy relaxing place to rest their head for the night and we arranged accommodation just a short drive from the fjord. The hotel, which lies in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Western Fjords, is known to offer one of the finest buffet dinners in Norway. In the clients own words they “ate to excess and the food was excellent”. From there they took full advantage of the wonderful self-guided hikes, which pass by many of the beautiful waterfalls in the surrounding area.
Leaving these experiences behind but never to be forgotten, they followed the scenic driving route into the Hardangerfjord region, where they checked into a traditional camping cabin. The cabin itself is situated at the foot of a truly magical valley, which leads onto a glacier arm that originates from the high mountain plateau, it is a magnificent place to spend a few days.
After more self-guided hiking and village sightseeing, the couple took their final drive back to Bergen City. Here they enjoyed their last night in a wonderful hotel, just a stone throw from Bryggen, the unique Hanseatic Trading Centre, which sits right on the quayside in Bergen harbour.
“The holiday was FANTASTIC! Just what we needed to get away and refresh ourselves. We’ve made memories that’ll last forever thanks to your planning and expertise. We can’t thank you enough”
Each holiday is individually tailored to meet our clients wishes. For an accurate quote and costs of any optional activities please contact Love Norway Limited on +44 750 890 6178.