Bicycle Denmark & Norwegian Fjords

Copenhagen, Sweden & Western Norway

An opportunity to experience the diversity of Denmark and Norway at the leisurely pace of a bicycle.  Explore the natural beauty of these countries as you experience local and regional cultures and become acquainted with the friendly people.

Our Odyssey begins in Denmark, where we bike the island of Zealand.  We pedal past long, sandy beaches and through a countryside dotted with small, tidy farms.  You will marvel at the ancient churches and the museums filled with memorabilia from the Viking heritage.

The fjords of Western Norway offer the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in all of Scandinavia and provide the venue for one of the world's most scenic cycling experiences.  Mighty fjords rip into rugged, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls, canyon-like valleys, deep lakes and glaciers sparkle in the sunshine.  Along the shores of the fjords, small villages cluster around white clapboard churches framed against a mountainous background.

The Scandinavians have a passion for food and the natural, fresh ingredients play an important role in every dish.  With an abundance of seafood, the preparation of fish has developed into an art form.  The service is always excellent and reflects the country’s warm hospitality.

Plan to arrive in Copenhagen no later than Tuesday morning

Tuesday, Copenhagen.  Discover Denmark's lively, fun-loving capital.  The city is well-known for its charm and friendly people.  Afternoon free time to relax and explore.  Get-acquainted party followed by a special welcome dinner.

Wednesday, Hillerod.  Bike along the coast known as the "Danish Riviera".  Visit magnificent Frederiksborg Castle with its myriad of gables, spires and turrets.  You might wish to stop at a cafe for coffee and the sinfully rich Danish pastry, Wienerbrod.

Thursday, Helsingborg (Sweden).  Winding lanes take us through villages of traditional half-timbered houses.  Cycle along sandy beaches to Elsinore, the legendary castle of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  Here we board a ferry to cross the Oresund Strait into Sweden.

Friday, Sail to Oslo.  We’ll spend the day biking the Swedish countryside.  Experience a landscape of rolling, yellow rape-fields, rows of willow trees, coastal villages and half-timbered houses.  Late afternoon boarding for our overnight cruise to Norway.  Explore the ship or relax in your outside stateroom.  Group dinner tonight and a full evening to enjoy the cinema, the casino, the shops and the lounges with live entertainment & dancing.

Saturday, Oslo.  Morning approach of Norway's capital and largest city.  Enjoy the views on deck as we enter the busy fjord harbor.  Our guide will meet us for a tour of Oslo’s highlights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park.  There will be free time to stroll down Karl Johans Boulevard and do some exploring on your own.

Sunday, Andalsnes.  A morning train takes us north through Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Olympics.  In the afternoon we bike along the wild Rauma River to Romsdalsfjord.  The road twists and turns between towering mountain walls and cliffs.

Monday, Geiranger.  This morning we bike Norway's most famous mountain road, the Trollstigveien (Troll's Path), a series of eleven scenic serpentine switchbacks.  The construction of this incredible road required the labor of 100 men for 20 summer seasons.  Perhaps biking it will feel like just a small challenge.

Tuesday, Loen.  We begin the day with a cruise on Geirangerfjord, a channel so narrow that the ship seems barely able to squeeze through.  Our cycling route takes us to Nordfjord, Norway's most beautiful and secluded fjord district, where the lore of trolls and giants still lingers.

Wednesday, Loen.  A day of leisure to sleep in and enjoy the hotel spa.  An optional bike ride to Briksdalbreen will take you to an arm of the Jostedal Glacier.  This is a spectacular ride along lakes with towering mountain backdrops.

Thursday, Fjaerland.  Experience another day of splendid scenery and witness the beauty of waterfalls tumbling from high above.  In the local Glacier Center learn how glaciers form and how fjords are created.

Friday, Voss.  Morning cruise on the Sognefjord, which is the longest (130 miles) and deepest (3,700 feet) fjord in the world.  From the tiny village of Flam, an exciting train ride takes us up the mountain for biking past lovely lakes and green meadows.

Saturday, Kinsarvik.  On today’s ride we cycle through rural hamlets and lovely farmland.  Our hotel overlooks the mighty Hardangerfjord, deeper in places than the adjoining North Sea.

Sunday, Bergen.  More dazzling scenery awaits you at every turn as we continue to follow the edge of Hardangerfjord, with its patchwork of old farms, well-tended green fields, fruit orchards & waterfalls.

Monday, Bergen.  Our local guide takes us on a morning tour of Bergen.  In the afternoon you'll have time to do last minute shopping and visit the lively, open-air fish market.  Farewell dinner party in the evening.

Tuesday. Breakfast at leisure and transfer to Bergen's airport.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 15 days/14 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,895 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and twelve dinners.
What else is included in the tour price?

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 36, 41 and 59 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides.  

To include the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour, there will be several group transfers during the trip. In addition to the “sag wagon”, a small coach that can accommodate the entire group of tour participants will accompany the group on some days. The support vehicles transfer all luggage, offer mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provide a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. The sag wagon comes equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the area.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $26 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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