Day 6’s demanding 20km trek to Trolltunga, gaining over 1,000m of elevation, anchors this sequence. To prepare for this high-mileage objective, you complete a 10km conditioning hike in Buerdalen valley on Day 3 to climb 850-950m, then navigate Juklavass Glacier using crampons on Day 4. A necessary rest day in Odda on Day 5 allows for recovery and gear checks before the climb.
Trolltunga, a sheer rock formation towering above the fjordlands, lies at the end of a strenuous progression of Hardangerfjord crossings, steep Buerdalen valley climbs, and crampon treks on the Folgefonna ice cap.
The Route, Day by Day
Every day of the route, with three kinds of note on each one.
How to read this guide
The routeWritten as you'd travel it independently — where each day goes and what there is to do when you get there, following the same stops and activities G Adventures runs wherever you could arrange them yourself.
DIY Reality CheckWhere doing it yourself gets hard: permits, closures, bookings that sell out months ahead.
G Adventures includesBooked start to finish as one 7-day trip — you can't buy a single day of it. These panels show what their price covers each day, so you can weigh it against doing it yourself.
Day1
Bergen
Arrival in Bergen
Day 1 of 7
Arrive in Bergen, the historic port city and primary gateway to the western fjords. Settle into your accommodation before heading out for an initial walk to get oriented. The city’s core is compact, with the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf and the bustling fish market providing a clear focal point for exploration.
On the ground
Arrive in Bergen at any time.
Independent exploration of the city's historic core.
Orientation walk to get acquainted with the city layout.
The day begins with a ferry crossing along the Hardangerfjord, a classic fjordland transit that trades the city for steep, green-sided valleys. The overland journey continues to Odda, a small industrial town positioned deep in the fjord system that serves as the base for the region's major treks. An introductory hike in the afternoon helps to stretch the legs after the travel day and offers the first taste of the terrain to come.
Today is a critical conditioning hike in the Buerdalen valley, a shakedown for the longer Trolltunga trek later in the week. The route covers roughly 10km with a significant 850-950m of elevation gain. The trail begins with a steep, rocky climb to the Strandsfossen waterfall viewpoint before leveling out into a high valley of small lakes and grazing lands. The objective is the view toward the Buer Glacier, a tongue of the larger Folgefonna ice cap. Expect a full day on the trail, typically 7-9 hours, with varied and sometimes technical terrain underfoot.
On the ground
Full-day conditioning hike in the Buerdalen valley.
Distance: 10km with 850-950m of elevation gain.
Duration: Approximately 7-9 hours.
Views of the Buer Glacier, an arm of the Folgefonna ice cap.
A short drive leads to the edge of the Folgefonna ice cap for a day of glacier travel. With a local guide, you'll strap on crampons and use an ice axe to navigate the Juklavass Glacier. The route covers about 6km over 5-6 hours, with a modest 300m of ascent onto the ice field itself. The terrain shifts between flat, calm ice and more challenging crevasse fields, with the route chosen based on daily conditions. The payoff is the perspective from the ice, looking out over the Hardangerfjord and the Rosendal Alps toward the North Sea. All technical gear is provided.
A necessary rest day in Odda before the major Trolltunga ascent. This is a day for recovery, gear checks, and exploring the town at a relaxed pace. Options include short walks along the fjord, renting a kayak or bike, or simply resting. The primary purpose of the day is to ensure you are fully recovered for the long hike tomorrow. An optional via ferrata climb is also a possibility for those seeking more activity.
The objective of the week is the trek to Trolltunga, the "Troll's Tongue" rock formation. This is a demanding, high-mileage day, covering 20km with over 1,000m of elevation gain. The route is a long, sustained climb on a gradient, passing waterfalls and steep ridges to reach the exposed plateau. The final viewpoint sits 700m directly above the deep blue of Ringedalsvatnet lake, with views across to the Folgefonna Glacier. Expect a 10-12 hour day on the trail, door-to-door. An alternative ascent route via a via ferrata adds a rock climbing element to the day.
On the ground
Full-day trek to the Trolltunga rock formation.
Distance: 20km with over 1,000m of elevation gain.
After a final breakfast in the fjords, the trip concludes with the return journey to Bergen. The overland bus route retraces the path out of the fjordlands, arriving back in the city by mid-afternoon. The route ends upon arrival, allowing for onward travel from Bergen.
On the ground
Overland bus journey from Odda back to Bergen.
Arrive in Bergen in the afternoon.
The trip concludes upon arrival in Bergen.
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