The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway

ICETROLL offer glacier walking tours, combined with either kayaking or a scenic motorboat tour to the glacier. We also offer rafting tours (see RiverPig) and Ice climbing adventures

Are you dreaming of a real authentic adventure? Longing for silence and tranquility?Do you wonder how it feels relaxing outside your tent, after spending a full day exploring one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, using the most environmental friendly means of transport ever – the kayak?If you long for some of the above you should check out Njord. We have been guiding people in the outdoors since 1999, given thousands of customers a great day out – or the adventure of a lifetime – kayaking the beatiful fjords of Norway.Western Norway is the area for our activities. Njord specialize in kayak and wilderness adventures, in the fjords and by the North Sea coastline. We have bases in Flåm and – if you are in for a real adventure – the amazing archipelago of Bulandet. For the last years, we have set the standard for adventure tourism in Norway, building a happy and competent crew to give our customers the best of service.Our philosophy is that our main product is everlasting and positive vacation memories. We only recruit guides that have considerable knowledge about nature and safety, a structured mind and the positive spirit that is the core value of the company. We are concerned with the nature that surrounds us and have a philosophy of leaving no trace of our journey. The only thing we leave behind is ripples in the water.We have on offer shorter 3-4 hour tours, multiday tours, rentals and kayak courses from beginners to advanced level. We have a flexible and adaptable organisation and are fully focused on providing the best service possible to our customersWe have a policy of training and employing local guides. We aim to have at least 50% local guides and instructors. Every season we have several local youths in as trainee guides. All Njord Guides are either qualified trough the Norwegian Paddle Association (NPF), British Canoe Union (BCU) or American Canoe Union (ACA).All guides have been taking part in our Guide Training Programme. This programme focus on; Safety issues; Technical kayaking skills; Customer relations; Guide skills; Local culture and history; Environmental awareness. All our guides have a valid First Aid qualificationNjord invites you to join the adventure and feel free to ask us questions or share your experiences with our company, either via Facebook, Trip Advisor, Twitter or email.

Explore Flam and the nature around with our fully electrical green Twizy, a fun vehicle with space for two persons. A gps with audioguiding is installed in the vehicle and it will guide you along different exciting routes in and around the beautiful area of Flam and Aurland.

Short farm visits and walks with our llamas. We offer informal and reasonably priced activities with the emphasis on visitors having the opportunity to experience close contact with our herd of llamas. They can be taken on a walk by the river, which is both special and relaxing.We also keep an old breed of Norwegian sheep and sell home grown strawberries and raspberries.

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

Adventure Tours Norway offers guided RIB-boat-, bicycle, hiking, fishing, glacier and Stand Up Paddle-tours. We are a local company with local and knowledgeabe guides who wish to share our passion with our customers. Our adventures takes place in the inner part of the Sognefjord, Breheimen national park and in Jotunheimen National Park. Come closer to Norwegian nature, experience the great landscapes and listen to local history from the area on our tours. Our goal is to provide you the adventure you wish for! Visit our website for more information about the different tours and rentals. Let's go on a Norwegian adventure!

Glacier Hiking+RIB boat: Join our experienced guides for a glacier adventure at Jostedal Glacier National Park The tour starts with a RIB-boat experience, to get into the wilderness. We walk in easy terrain to the glacier and into the blue ice world. This location is remote, and we will not see other people during our glacier walk. We take small groups and our guests will explore the nature in private surroundings. Body Rafting: A wild, fresh and wet adventure for the whole family With wetsuit, lifejacket and helmet we go body rafting in a canyon. Swimming and easy climbing, waterslides and jumping from cliffs are the challenges you will meet in the nature´s own Aqua Park. We guarantee it`s fun, and everybody can decide the level of their own challenge.