Norway

Hike, Kayak and Wild Camp the Norwegian Fjords

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4-day adventure around a Norwegian paradise, passing incredible fjords and sleeping under the stars.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Stavanger

You will be picked up from Stavanger Airport at 4pm or 6pm, and then driven to the cabin.

After you have settled in, the guides will prepare a nice dinner for you and explain the details for the following day. This trip includes all food, accommodation, equipment and airport transfers.

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After breakfast, you will head out for a full day of kayaking on the Lysefjord. For those that want to, you will have an opportunity to learn some skills along the way, before stopping for lunch.

In the afternoon you will arrive back at your wild camp, with enough time to relax a little. There is also an option to go for a short walk and get a better view of the fjord.

The evening will be spent around the campfire and under the stars. Sit back and relax, whilst your guides cook up a delicious dinner on the open fire.

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Wake up in Norwegian paradise, whilst enjoying a nice cup of coffee over breakfast. This will prepare you for the day's hike up Pulpit Rock - the views are incredible!

After enjoying views of the fjord from above, you will head back down to your campsite for dinner around the fire.

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It's time to get back in the kayaks, for another breath-taking paddle, further into Lysefjord. Explore the waterfalls and incredible cliff faces, and see Pulpit Rock from below! Keep an eye out for the seals, which are common in the area.

You will arrive back at Stavanger airport by 4 pm for your flight home.

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69 verified reviews

Rated 5.0
Yoann
Yoann

Traveled Sep 2022

Simply amazing. Had the best time with the group. The guide (Dan) was incredible. The trip is well planned and organized

Russell
Russell

Traveled Sep 2022

Amazing trip perfect location and well organised. Our guide Heidi made us all very welcome and looked after us all extremely well. We were not experienced kayakers but felt at ease and would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

Shaun
Shaun

Traveled Sep 2022

I had such a fantastic time. Heidi, our guide, was lovely. She gave us freedom to be ourselves while keeping us safe and guiding us gently at all times. I would happily jump on another trip knowing she was our guide. Our group was very mixed in experience to kayaking and camping but everyone looked out for each other and made the whole journey a great laugh and a real treat. I would encourage anyone thinking about taking this trip to jump in and go for it.

Sally
Sally

Traveled Sep 2022

Fabulous trip from start to finish, thanks particularly to our guide Heidi, and the friendly group I was part of. Even though I’m a novice at kayaking we successfully crossed the fjord which was stunning. Evening meals were tasty and nutritious at our camping spot and there was loads of chocolate going round during the day to keep up our energy. We had a fun wild swim and a couple of intermediate level hikes to get amazing views high up over the fjord. A really well organised trip, thank you.

Leanne
Leanne

Traveled Sep 2022

Absolutely brilliant. Extremely well organised from start to finish. Amazing scenery. Heidi (our guide) was absolutely wonderful. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Loved the fjords, local chocolate - just had an amazing trip.

Clare
Clare

Traveled Sep 2022

This trip was fantastic! Beautiful scenery and we had a fantastic guide who kept us safe and had good knowledge of the area and kayaking in general! I can highly recommend this trip if you love the outdoors and being part of a team. The only request that I would make is to be given more guidance on how to travel to the start of the trip. Organising travel to and from Norway was tricky and it took a lot longer than I would have liked. Thank you for a fantastic experience overall

Helen
Helen

Traveled Sep 2022

It was amazing. Scenery was stunning. The organisation and the guide were great. Just right the mix of wild camping with the occassional trip to civilisation to get some essentials. Would thoroughly recommend for any first time kayakers.

Ceri
Ceri

Traveled Sep 2022

If you are sat on the fence wondering whether to book… DO IT!! This trip was so much fun and really well organised. Our guide Dan was so friendly and shaped the trip depending on what we fancied doing- including a night paddle which was amazing! The whole trip felt super relaxed and not rushed at all. Really was not ready to leave! Oh and lots of chocolate is supplied (including Kit Kats hehe)

Fiona
Fiona

Traveled Aug 2022

This trip was brilliantly organised and everything taken care of to ensure that the group got to really experience the wonderful beauty of Norway. Our guide, Heidi, was amazing in every way and encouraged and facilitated a supporting environment for all of the group and we were able to really enjoy the experiences offered to us. I can't recommend Nordic Paddling highly enough... fantastic trip.

Andy
Andy

Traveled Aug 2022

Excellent 👍

Paul
Paul

Traveled Aug 2022

It been an unforgettable experience extremely knowledgeable guides and amazing company. It's a trip you won't forget.

Laura
Laura

Traveled Aug 2022

Amazing trip! Very adventurous, loved every minute of it! Scenery is unbelievable!

Kelly
Kelly

Traveled Aug 2022

A truly magical experience from start to finish all thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Mads. Our needs were immediately attended to as we arrived at the beautiful cabin on day 1. We were met with a hot brew, a lovely meal and the trip itinerary which was expertly explained by Mads. Kayaking around the Lysefjord was truly breath taking ! We saw seals and with Mads calm and professional guidance I had a fantastic paddling trip. I felt very safe at all times as all the safety techniques and paddle manoeuvres were skilfully demonstrated by our very patient guide. We also learnt a lot about the fjord and how it was made from the glaciers in the ice ages ! The night paddling was an extra bonus and an exhilarating experience. We got to see plankton which made the sea sparkle like stars. Our hike up Pulpit Rock gave the most spectacular views of the fjord from above (over 600 metres from memory) and it was most definitely one of my highlights. Great if you love your hiking ! It was a challenging, stunning, out of this world and special experience all in one ! The final day saw us return to the paddles to see this cliff otherwise known as the "Preachers chair" from below. We also kayaked through the coves along the way. I highly recommend this trip. I have made some lifelong friends, our guide was truly amazing and I am so glad I chose this trip, thanks guys +++++

Lucia
Lucia

Traveled Aug 2022

Fantastic experience, well-planned program, excellent guide, I enjoyed every moment of it.

Jodi
Jodi

Traveled Aug 2022

Our trip was wonderful! Great group of people. Sebastien, our guide was excellent. The food was good and the Norwegian scenery, on the water, and from pulpit rock was stunning. We’d highly recommend!

Samuel
Samuel

Traveled Aug 2022

The trip was just excellent. It was a good balance between seeing the good sights to see whilst also being quite challenging. Really great guide Sebastian who made us all feel comfortable and was very knowledgable. Would really recommend it. Plus the food at camp was amazing!

Becky
Becky

Traveled Aug 2022

I had an amazing time on this tour. The Norwegian fjords are just unbelievably beautiful - especially the views on the hike - and the whole trip felt like it was a complete escape from the real world. The tour itself was super well planned and organised, and we fit in a lot during the 3 days. Our guide Sebastian was absolutely great - super friendly, looked after us all very well, and made the trip a lot of fun. And for anyone who hasn't done this sort of thing before and is a bit nervous about booking, I'd highly recommend - it felt like a real adventure, and as a kayaking newbie it felt like the perfect tour for both beginners and more experienced people.

Emer
Emer

Traveled Aug 2022

A great experience. Thoroughly enjoyable. Dan our guide was fantastic, he was calm and relaxed and made us all feel safe and confident out on the water. Despite having to change the itinerary due to forecasted thunder, lightening and heavy rain we managed to do everything and finished with a stunningly beautiful day kayaking down the Lysefjord. Thoroughly recommend it. Emer Dublin, Ireland

Peter
Peter

Traveled Aug 2022

Fantastic adventure. Excellent guide and host. Really enjoyed our trip

Karl
Karl

Traveled Aug 2022

Absolutely fantastic trip! Thanks to Anna who was amazing not only in guiding us and providing instructions throughout the trip but also fully being part of the group who helped to make the experience even more special. The scenery was breathtaking and the activities we did really helped to show us parts of Norway that we never would've seen without it. I would recommend this trip to everyone. Thanks Nordic Paddling!

Amanda
Amanda

Traveled Aug 2022

Just spent an amazing 4 day kayaking and hiking trip. Our guide Anna was fantastic, we learnt new skills and felt incredibly safe with her. she made a great leader and teacher and brought the team together with her beautiful personality. We were blessed with the weather and saw The Norwegian Fjords in it’s true beauty. A wonderful lasting memory made .

Sarah
Sarah

Traveled Aug 2022

Sebastian was a brilliant guide with a never ending supply of chocolate! We had spectacular weather and this really made the trip.

Stacey
Stacey

Traveled Aug 2022

This was an awesome few days. Beautiful weather and our guide was the most patient and knowledgable person. Had my birthday over the time I was away and it was the most fun packed day!

Jo
Jo

Traveled Aug 2022

The trip was everything and more than I expected. The locations were stunning and we had really good weather which made everything a bit easier as I know it rains quite a lot. I loved the kayaking although it was longer paddle than I imagined and my arms and shoulders were sore and tired by the end of the trip. The highlight for me was the hike to Pulpit Rock which was exceptional. I did feel like it was a bit rushed and I would have liked to have had more breaks to take in the stunning scenery. A whole day in the area would have been perfect for me. Sebastian our guide was top class - very knowledgeable and experienced in kayaking and wild camping. The food was delicious and they catered for me, their first vegan!

Alison
Alison

Traveled Aug 2022

An amazing mini adventure! From start to finish the trip was well organised and Sebastian was a great guide. As well as genuinely caring for the welfare of each member of the group he had a wealth of knowledge which he was able to pass on about the local environment. As a first time solo traveller I was very nervous about joining a trip by myself but I needn't have worried. Everyone was welcoming. Would definitely recommend!

Sarah
Sarah

Traveled Aug 2022

Had the most amazing time, and met some great people. It was challenging at times and did push me to my limit but I felt safe and it was well organised and great fun. Our guide Seb was a real asset to the company and made the trip the memorable experience that it was.

Kristy
Kristy

Traveled Aug 2022

The scenery was pretty and our guide Mas was lovely. Not convinced this is a trip for beginners with no experience nor easy paddling. When the rain and wind and the tide is against you it’s 6 hours non-stop battling. Some of our group needed towing on the last day. There isn’t anywhere proper to get changed and arrange your bags for flying on the last day. Just a basement accessed by a muddy field or strip down on the owners porch. The hike day fails to mention the 20 minute scramble up a hillside to a road with no path and it’s quite dangerous hauling yourself up with ropes.

Lukáš
Lukáš

Traveled Aug 2022

Extremely dissapointed. I reserved trip before covid first time. I have already flight tickets and they canceled it. I understood, life can be tough. I reserved second time, this time I have funeral in family so I couldnt go. I asked them to postpone ( or to find some solution, f.e. some credit for next trip). Asnwer was that it is solely my problem and they can not do anything. I will never order again skyhook.

Hannah
Hannah

Traveled Jul 2022

Thank you Nordic paddling for an amazing adventure. We experienced a range of weather conditions from rain and wind, to beautiful sunshine! I especially enjoyed the way that our guide Dan, treated everyone in the group as equals, whether you had lots of kayaking experience, or none at all. It was always about the group as a whole. Thanks again!

Claire
Claire

Traveled Jul 2022

Amazing trip! Seamless from start to finish. Weather didn’t beat us despite a wet and windy start (the seal en route definitely helped), wild camp was amazing and in a location that would be tough to beat - great for a wild swim. Dan our guide was fantastic - very knowledgeable and lots of fun, always happy to answer our silly questions and add to his extensive knowledge of the English language and ‘culture’. The hike to Preikestolen was busy but worth it and the highlight had to be the final day paddling underneath and into the little bays along the Lysefjord. Food was plentiful and delicious and it was lovely to be involved in the preparation, cooking and camp craft. We met amazing people and what impressed me most was that it was such an inclusive trip for the solo travellers amongst us. If you like to rough it for a few days and get your hands dirty with a spectacular backdrop then this is definitely the trip for you! Norway is incredible.

FAQs

Included: - Guides - Airport transfers - Food - Accommodation - Specialist equipment (kayaks, tents, sleeping mats) Excluded: - International flights - Sleeping bag - Appropriate clothing

You don't need any kayaking experience to enjoy this adventure - the guides are great at making it enjoyable for all abilities. You'll need a moderate level of fitness. The kayaking is 6 hours of relaxed paddling each day, with plenty of breaks along the way. The hike is quite steep to start, with a total altitude gain of 600m, and can be quite challenging when wet. Don't worry though, there is no rush to get to the top and you can take it at your own pace. The guides may also offer to take you on a shorter hike, but this is weather depending.

The maximum size is 8 people.

The hike to pulpit rock is at moderate difficulty. The hike is 600 meters in altitude over a distance of 7km to the top, giving the hike a total of 14 km. The total average hike time is estimated to be 7-10 hours. The hike is suitable for anyone in a normal good physical shape and with some prior hiking experience.

Yes - you must be able to swim to attend this trip. You will be asked to complete a waiver when you attend the trip.

Water Whilst doing adventurous activities, it is important to carry enough water and stay hydrated. We strongly recommend taking between two and three litres of water. Your guide can give you advice on where to get water each day. This is often likely to be from a fresh stream, so please bring purification tablets if you feel it necessary. Food You will have the chance to taste a great variety of local specialities. The breakfast includes porridge, eggs, bacon, bread and coffee/tea. For lunch, you will be given sandwiches and fruit. For dinner, you will enjoy local food, cooked on an open fire. If you have any food restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance, etc) please make us aware of this when completing your registration form, found on your Skyhook dashboard. The guides can cater for most people.

You will need to carry all of the gear you need during the trip in the kayaks. You can bring a suitcase for travel, and you'll get a chance on the first night to repack and leave any excess in the van where it will remain until the end of the trip. You may not be able to access this during the trip. Below you'll find the required gear for participation throughout the entire trip. Personal - Wallet + credit card - Travel documents (+ travel insurance) - Passport / Personal ID - Water bottle (0,5-1 liter) - Sleeping bag + compression sack - Toilet accessories and personal hand sanitizer (+ any personal medication) - Personal toilet kit (paper, hand-sanitizer) - Small pack for storing lunch and water during the hike (recommended) - Sitting pad - Mosquito net (head) + spray (recommended) Paddling - Dry bags (to keep your things dry) - we recommend 3-4 x 15litre bags for easy packing in the kayak. - Sunglasses + a strap - Sunscreen - Cap to protect your eyes Clothes - Hardshell jacket (waterproof) - Rain pants (recommended) - Camp pants long & shorts - Tshirts - 2 x Thermal/wool underlayer, pants (no cotton!) - 2 x Thermal/wool underlayer, long-sleeve shirt (no cotton!) - Underwear - Socks (wool) - Beanie/Buff - Wool / fleece / down middle-layer - Hiking boots - Towel (recommended) Electronics - Head-Torch / flashlight (optional in May-July) - Phone + charger (recommended) - Power bank (recommended) - Camera (recommended)

Yes! Most people are solo travellers.

You can stay at camp if you would rather relax for the day.

The minimum age is 18, or 16 if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

All solo travellers will be offered an 1-person tent for the camping nights. The cabin on the first night is dormitory-style (men and women divided), with warm showers and WiFi.

Winter season (Nov – Mar)

Winter in Norway can be extremely cold, with temperatures in some northern parts reaching as cold as -40 degrees Celsius. In Stavanger, temperatures can go as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

Shoulder (Apr– May & Oct)

Temperatures in Stavanger can vary at this time of year. Lows of minus 5 degrees Celsius and highs of 10 degrees Celsius. There can be some chances of rain, with May turning very green.

High Season (Jun – Sep)

June to Sept can be comparable to British summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 8 – 25 degrees Celsius. There can be some rain.

The weather in the mountains (and the fjords) can be quite unpredictable and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change.

You stay in a dormitory-style cabin on day 1. The cabin has showers and a kitchen. There's also cellular reception. 

Cabins may vary depending on the availability at the time.

The wild camp will be in tents on the side of the fjords. There will be very basic toilet facilities at these camps, so it is important that you bring toilet roll and hand sanitiser.

No. We do not rent out sleeping bags.

It is not mandatory but always nice to show your appreciation to the guides.

The kayaks used are double kayaks.

There will be a few opportunities to buy home-brewed coffee and try local chocolate. You may want to bring a few Norwegian Krone (NOK), if you wish to buy any extra snacks along the way. Credit cards are accepted most places.

Day 1 - Arrival day (No kayaking or hiking today).

Day 2 - Distance: 16km, Time: 6 hours, Activity: Kayaking.

Day 3 - Distance: 7km, Time: 8 - 10 hours, Activity: Hiking.

Day 4 - Distance: 16km, Time: 6 hours, Activity: Kayaking

Yes, luggage that you don't need during the trip can be stored on the transport which will remain at the start/endpoint throughout the trip.

We recommend bringing a dry bag if you need to keep any valuables dry (e.g. camera/phone) - you can find these affordably at stores such as Alpkit, Decathlon or Cotswold, and some discount codes are available on your dashboard.

A traditional Norwegian cabin on the side of the fjord - our primary cabin is Nodhagen Turistforeningshytte, 4303 Sandes, Norway.

We will confirm the final cabin location 3 months prior to the trip. 

Start: You can be picked up at 4 pm or 6 pm from Stavanger Airport on the first date of your trip. We recommend choosing the 4 pm option for the most relaxed afternoon.

If you can't make the pick-up, it's a 40-minute taxi ride to the start location, which can be relatively expensive in Norway.

End: You'll be dropped back at the airport for 4 pm on the last day. 

Laundry facilities are not available on this trip

Yes, it is possible to leave earlier, by ordering a taxi at your own cost (we can help you with this). However, you might not be able to join the paddling activity to make it back in time.

Estimated costs for a taxi to Stavanger Airport
Saturday-Sunday: 1850NOK + road taxes
Weekdays: 1550NOK + road taxes

Yes, and you can find discount codes on your Skyhook dashboard once you've booked.

The currency used in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it will be difficult to do so once you start your journey.

We'll supply you with a full dry suit solution including paddling boots to wear only when kayaking. The suit is mandatory to use in the shoulder seasons (May-June + October). Underneath the suit we recommend wearing long sleeve woollen underwear (merino) or any synthetic thermals - just no cotton! In the mid season (July-September) we'll supply with paddling jacket and shoes. Use shorts for paddling and a long sleeve layer underneath the jacket (again, no cotton!). Bring an extra pair of socks to use in the neoprene boots!

The trips are run with double kayaks because they are stable yet quite fast and can suit any experience level. You do need to have significantly more experience if you want to use a single kayak. If you do, we ask you to present a 3-star certification, so we know you have the required skills to paddle in the fjords. There is no guarantee that single kayaks will be available however, as it will also depend on conditions and availability.

Your head guide is Rasmus

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Nordic Paddling, based in Forsand.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Rasmus