Experience Hardangerfjord by Sailboat
Are you a lover of ferratas, beautiful nature and active holidays like us? This cruise is perfect for you! We have prepared a unique mix of sailing, via ferrata climbing and the best treks in Norwegian nature. Together we will sail through the waters of the 3rd largest fjord in the world - Hardangerfjord, to climb one of the most iconic rock formations in Europe, Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue). During the climb, we will have unforgettable views of the glaciers and the surrounding fjords that are impossible to describe in words (for an idea, at least check out the photo gallery below). Thanks to the via ferratas ascent, we will also enjoy Trolltunga with a minimum of tourists, who follow the classic route and without queues for the longed-for photo directly from the "Tongue".
But this cruise is not just about the via ferratas. During the cruise you will also experience a trek through the Husedalen valley with four majestic waterfalls, walk the Queen Sonja Trail with panoramic views of the Folgefonna glacier and the Hardangervidda plateau, and much more. And those who don't want to climb via ferratas, can choose an alternative trek to the Folgefonna glacier.
Both the cruise and the via ferratas and individual treks can be done by beginners with no experience. The only requirement is adequate physical fitness. See the "General Information" section below for more information.
Dates and prices
Price includes:
Sailboat rental
Accommodation aboard
Skipper
Boat insurance
2x harbour fees
Safety equipment
Extra cost:
Food supply
Cook service
Fishing gear rental
Linnen
Price does not include:
Individual travel insurance
Transportation to/from Norway and food during the sailing trip
Private expenses (entrance fees, etc.)
Fuel consumption
Extra harbour fees
Fee for using via ferrata and bus to/ftom starting point of trek
Photo gallery from places where we sail
General information
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND LEVEL OF DIFICULTY
Sailing - No previous sailing experience is required. If you're a beginner, we want to turn you into a sailor as quickly as possible. If you are experienced you'll get challenges and responsibilities that match your level. We want you to take part in the routines on board the sailboat, whether it is sailing, docking, navigating, looking for whales, washing up, cooking, clean the boat, or contribute in other ways when required. Although sailing is not difficult, crews must be prepared for occasional sailing in strong winds and in more severe conditions. For longer passages crews are also expected to cooperate actively in the management of the sailboat, communicativeness and a certain amount of mental and physical resistance is required.
Treks - The individual treks are not technically or otherwise demanding and can be done by anyone of reasonable physical fitness. The longest treks range in length from 12 to 20 km. But in many cases, they can be shortened or a shorter or other alternative to the trek can be chosen.
Via Ferratas - Although even beginners can do via ferratas, a certain level of experience is better. The condition is that the group must include someone who has already come into contact with via ferrata. It is also necessary to take into account that the whole trek is 20 km long and is thus a full-day affair for fit individuals. The climbing section including the via ferratas is 2 km long with an elevation gain of 673 m. The ascent is the responsibility of each climber independently and the captain or his representative acts only as a co-climber. In case of interest, we can provide a professional guide for a fee. The fee for the use of via ferratas for the Norwegian ranger is 365 NOK and will be collected only according to the current weather conditions when it is clear that the climb can be done. The bus to/from the trek start costs 150 NOK/one-way/person. Having your own via ferrata set is also a must. If you don't have one, we can arrange a discount for equipment rental or purchase from https://namcheshop.cz/
NUMBER OF BERTHS
Sail trip is open for individuals and groups up to the maximum capacity of the sailboat, which is a crew of 7 people (plus skipper). For maximum comfort, however, we usually sail in the number of 6 people (plus skipper). In the case of a larger group, we can offer one extra bed in the salon (boat's living space). The minimum capacity is 3 crew members. In case of lower interest, we will try to arrange another date.
PLACE OF EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION
The Norwegian city of Bergen or Norheimsund (aprox. 1 hour by bus from Bergen) The exact location of (dis)embarkation in the cities will be specified by mutual agreement before sailing, taking into account the requirements of the crew and the current weather conditions.
HOW TO GET (FROM) THERE
The city of Bergen has an airport. You can also fly cheaply to/from Oslo. From Bergen to Oslo you can get environmentally friendly by rail or bus. From Bergen to Norheimsund is a direct bus connection
Transport to/from the place of departure/arrival takes place individually or in a group, according to crew decision. If not stated otherwise, travel expenses (except by our sailboat) are not included in the price.
FOOD AND COOKING
On our sailing trips, everyone contributes to the operation of the boat. And cooking is not an exception. Every crew member takes his turn in the galley, and we are happy to learn beginners to some cooking skills and basic recipes.
In advance of the sailing trip, the menu, concerning allergies and diets of participants, is set up by the crew. The daily menu usually consists of 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with small snacks. The hot meal takes place at least once, but more often twice a day.
The crew makes provisions shopping on the day of embarkation. If the whole crew agrees, we can make the provisions shopping for a trip for a fee before your embarkation. For more information on catering see FAQ.
During the trip, we also often sail by a good restaurant or two where we stop and eat.
For more information, visit the FAQ section.
ACCOMODATION
EQUIPMENT
No special equipment, except focus on water- and windproofnes of clothes and shoes, is needed. As a rule, you can do with standard equipment for a summer holiday in the mountains. The list of mandatory and compulsory equipment will be sent after sail trip enrolment. Waterproof clothing for sailing can be rented. If you are interested in climbing the via ferratas, you must have a via ferrata set with you. If you don't have your own outdoor gear or said ferrata set, as a Serenity Explorers crew you can get a discount on renting or buying gear from https://namcheshop.cz/ and others. Feel free to contact us for advice.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
If EU citizens, you only need your ID card for traveling to Norway. If not EU citizen or not sure, in your interest check with the embassy if you need a visa or other entry permit.
ENVIRONMENT and SUSTAINABILITY
Both sailing and backcountry trips are environmentally friendly activities and we sail as much as we can and use the engine as little as possible. We encourage crew and participants to travel as environmentally-friendly as possible, and we use local ingredients and resources as far as possible. We also motivate crew members to collect litter and clean ocean trash from beaches.
We believe that sailing is an exercise in sustainability; we move with the wind and we have limitations on things like water, diesel, electricity, and food. In order to run sustainable - knowledge, patience, agility, and hard work are required. The same can be said about many other things that one tries to do in a sustainable way.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, please visit the FAQ section or do not hesitate to contact us using our contact form.
Serenity explorers
We sail the seas, climb mountains, create a space for adventure for all who desire to know themselves better and find peace in hectic times.