Telemark and the Fjords

A terrific exploration combining a stay at a historic lakeside hotel in Vrådal, in Norway's Telemark region, with a stay at Stalheim, one of Europe's most dramatic hotel locations, right at the heart of fjord country. Both hotels offer good facilities and high standards of food, accommodation and service. Tour highlights can include the Vemork heavy water sabotage site, the Hardangerfjord, the Sognefjord, Flåm and the famous 'Norway in a Nutshell' excursion.

Hardangervidda Plateau • Vermork • Hardangerfjord • Norway in a Nutshell • Sognefjord

Day 1 Short Channel crossing. Overnight in Holland.

Day 2 Travel across Germany and into Denmark for dinner and an overnight stay near Kolding.

Day 3 Travel to Hirtshals on Denmark's south coast. Here board the fast-craft for the exciting journey across the Skagerrak Sea to Norway. On arrival leave the port and immediately encounter the fantastic Norwegian scenery during the onward journey to Vrådal, on the shore of Lake Nisser, for a 3 night stay.

Day 4 A full day circular excursion featuring the magnificent Hardangervidda Plateau, home to Europe's largest stock of reindeer. We then recommend a visit to the fascinating World War II sabotage site at Vemork, now a museum, to learn about the ultimately successful mission to destroy the Nazi's efforts to win the atomic race and create 'the bomb'. Round off the day with a photo stop at Heddal, Norway's largest stave church.

Day 5 A day at leisure in Vrådal can include a visit to the local silversmith and a boat trip on Lake Nisser. Alternatively, for those who wish to take an excursion, we recommend the West Telemark round trip to include Dalen and a visit to the West Telemark Museum and Eidsborg Stave Church.

Day 6 Leave the Telemark region travelling west, over the Haukeli high mountain pass and descend to the Hardangerfjord. This is a fruit growing area and is particularly beautiful when the spring blossom and autumn colours appear. Enjoy views of the fjord and up to the Folgefonn Glacier before joining a short ferry across the fjord. On then past Voss before ascending to Stalheim for a 3 night stay.

Day 7 See fjords, waterfalls and high mountain passes. Today's full day excursion features 2 ferry journeys across the Sognefjord, the Vik Mountains and possible visits to the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre and Borgund, arguably Norway's stave church par excellence.

Day 8 The 'Norway in a Nutshell' excursion is world famous. We recommend the inclusion of the most dramatic sections of this excursion, the wonderful fjord cruise through the Næroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord between Gudvangen and Flåm and a return trip on the Flåm Railway, with views of some of Norway's wildest scenery. In the late afternoon return to Stalheim for an included visit to the Stalheim Folk Museum.

Day 9 Depart Stalheim and travel via Aurlandsdalen, Hol, Gol and Vikersund to arrive in Larvik on Norway's southern coast in time for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay near the harbour.

Day 10 Early morning fast-craft ferry crossing to Denmark. Proceed to the Hamburg area for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11 Travel through Germany, into Holland and on to the North Sea coast for a relaxing overnight crossing to Hull or Harwich.

Day 12 Arrive back in the UK and travel home.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Quality Straand Hotel, Vrådal

The Straand Hotel is located in Vrãdal village on the north shore of Lake Nisser in Norway's Telemark region. The hotel has been owned and managed by the Straand family for 5 generations. It combines historic charm with great facilities to include a lakeside garden.

• 3 star superior • 125 bedrooms • Lift

• Indoor swimming pool

• Terrace and lakeside garden

• Coach parking

Stalheim Hotel, Stalheim

This historic hotel was founded in 1885. It was occupied during the second world war and, after being rebuilt in 1960, now offers excellent accommodation in a setting that fully warrants its incredible reputation.

• 4 star • 124 bedrooms • Lift

• Panoramic terrace and garden

• Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• Short Channel crossing

• 1 night half board in Holland

• 1 night half board in Kolding

• 3 nights half board in Vrådal with:
Buffet breakfast and buffet dinner
After dinner tea or coffee
Heroes of Telemark movie showing

• 3 nights half board in Stalheim with:
Buffet breakfast and buffet dinner
After dinner tea or coffee

• Entrance to Stalheim Folk Museum

• 1 night half board in Larvik

• 1 night half board near Hamburg

• Return fast ferries Denmark/Norway/Denmark

• Overnight ferry Holland to Hull or Harwich

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.