Norsemen – Tromsø to Bergen, Norway

Lofoten Islands Tour Highlights

• Scenic Routes: Among which is one of our stand out soul rides from Svolvær and Reine.
• Midnight Sun: During the summer months, experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets.
• Quaint Fishing Villages: Explore charming fishing villages like Reine, Nusfjord, and Henningsvær, each offering picturesque settings and opportunities to learn about local culture.
• Varied Terrain: Diverse terrains, from gentle coastal paths to challenging mountainous trails, catering to cyclists of different skill levels.
• Birdwatching: Lofoten is a paradise for birdwatchers, with numerous species of seabirds and migratory birds, including puffins and sea eagles.
• Fresh Seafood: Savor the local cuisine, particularly fresh seafood like cod, salmon, and king crab, at the island’s restaurants and eateries.
• Cultural Sites: Visit cultural landmarks such as the Lofotr Viking Museum and the Norsk Tele Museum, offering insights into the island’s history and heritage.
• Friendly Locals: Experience the warm hospitality of the locals who are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature.

Trondheim to Bergen

•  Scenic Fjord Views: Experience breathtaking views of majestic fjords as you cycle along the coastal route from Trondheim to Bergen.
• Charming Coastal Towns: Pass through charming coastal towns like Kristiansund, Molde, and Ålesund, each offering unique cultural experiences and picturesque settings.
• Atlantic Ocean Road: The world-famous Atlantic Ocean Road, an engineering marvel with stunning bridges and causeways that connect several small islands.
• Trollstigen (The Troll’s Path): Challenge yourself with a climb up Trollstigen, a dramatic and winding mountain road offering breathtaking views.
• Geirangerfjord: Marvel at the beauty of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green waters.
• Nærøyfjord: Cycle along Nærøyfjord, another UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its narrow and dramatic landscapes.
• Hardangerfjord: Enjoy the scenic splendor of Hardangerfjord, the second-longest fjord in Norway, with its fruit orchards and idyllic villages.
• Steinsdalsfossen: Visit the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can ride behind the cascading water curtain for a unique experience.
• Voss: Explore the adventure town of Voss, known for its outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and paragliding.
• Bergen: Reach the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, known for its colorful Bryggen Wharf, rich maritime history, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Norwegian Cuisine: Savor delicious Norwegian cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional dishes like rakfisk, and mouthwatering pastries.

Norsemen – Tromsø to Bergen Tour Dates

2024 Dates

2025 Dates

All tours and individual stages are available as a custom tour for your group – contact us for details.

What’s Included?

• Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
• Meals – hotel breakfasts, snacks en route and pre/post-ride nutrition, lunches including the famed Ride and Seek picnics, multi course group dinners with a focus on the local cuisine.*NB we include occasional independent lunches & dinners to break up the week
• Ride and Seek jersey
• Garmin 1030 use with all routes preloaded
• Ride and Seek water bottle
• Kit laundry service once a week
• Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides always on hand to help

Not Included

• Alcoholic beverages
• Bike hire
• Pre & post tour accommodation

Supplements

• Single supplement – Our prices are based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room then a supplement is applicable.

Deposit

• To reserve a place on a stage of this tour we ask for a deposit of €500 (or your local currency equivalent). We also accept payment in GB£ and AU$. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements and bike hire costs.

Norway Cycling Tour Food & Drink

We are big fans of Norwegian cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the country’s natural bounty, featuring a strong emphasis on seafood due to its coastal location. Salmon, cod, herring, and shrimp are widely enjoyed. Traditional dishes include lutefisk (dried fish soaked in lye), rakfisk (fermented fish), and fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew). Game meats like reindeer and elk are cherished delicacies. Berries such as lingonberries and cloudberries add flavour to dishes. Rye bread and potatoes are staple foods. The food culture values locally sourced ingredients, promoting sustainable and organic practices. Norwegian cuisine showcases the nation’s culinary traditions, closely tied to its maritime history and rugged landscapes.

Drink-wise, you might be surprised to read that Norway does actually produce some wine in the southern part of the country, where a few wineries are experimenting with cold-resistant grape varieties like Solaris and Rondo. Like all alcoholic drinks, though, taxes are high, and if you are a wine drinker, you are better off splurging on the broad range of international wines on offer.

Norway also has a strong aquavit tradition, a traditional spirit infused with herbs and spices. It is a significant part of Norwegian drinking culture and is often enjoyed during festive occasions. In recent years, Norway has seen a rise in craft beer production, with numerous breweries offering a diverse range of flavorful and innovative beers.

Feature Dish #1: Lofotfisk

One classic seafood dish from Lofoten is “Lofotfisk,” which translates to “Lofoten Fish.” It is a traditional and iconic meal that locals and visitors have enjoyed for generations. Lofotfisk is made using dried and stockfish (air-dried fish), typically cod or haddock, which are abundant in the Lofoten Islands due to their rich fishing grounds. To prepare Lofotfisk, the fish is first dried in the cold Arctic air, preserving it for long periods. The dish has a unique flavour, and the tender and flaky fish combined with the creamy sauce and vegetables create a delightful and hearty meal that captures the essence of Lofoten’s maritime heritage.

Feature Dish #2: Fårikål

And for those partial to a meat course, Fårikål is a traditional Norwegian dish, often considered the national dish. It consists of tender lamb meat and cabbage stewed together with simple seasonings like black pepper and bay leaves. This hearty and comforting meal is cherished for its rustic flavours and cultural significance, especially during autumn.

Feature Dish #3: Vegan Lefse

Norwegian cuisine is predominantly fish and meat-based, but we have found on our scouting trips that they are happy to adapt to the needs of those following vegetarian and plant-based diets. Vegan lefse is a delightful adaptation of the traditional Norwegian flatbread, carefully crafted to cater to plant-based diets. Using dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter, the lefse retains its signature thin and soft texture while providing a delicious, animal-free option for all to enjoy. Whether wrapped with sweet fillings or savoury delights, vegan lefse captures the essence of this beloved Scandinavian treat, bringing joy to those seeking a compassionate and delectable culinary experience.

Norway Cycling Tour Accommodation

Our journey from the Lofoten Islands to Bergen (pictured above) gives us a chance to experience a broad range of accommodations along our route. Central to the choices we have made, and in keeping with our other tours, is the hospitality of our hosts and the sense of place they provide. Below we present a couple of the places en route that we have booked that reflect the style of abode you will experience on our Norsemen tour.

Mefjord Brygge Hotel (stage 1) offers a captivating escape in Norway’s Lofoten Islands and is one of our favourite abodes on stage 1. Surrounded by breathtaking fjords and towering mountains, it provides a cozy and welcoming ambience.

The hotel’s charm lies in its idyllic location, making it an unforgettable destination for adventurers seeking a serene retreat amidst the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region.

Nyvågar Rorbuhotell (stage 1) is in a perfect location by the Lofoten Sea, in the historically significant Storvågan area. Here we stay in traditional Norwegian fishermen’s huts, converted into comfortable hotel rooms. We can also take advantage of the Lofot Spa with sauna and outdoor hot tub, and the Akevittloft Bar, which claims to have the largest selection of Aquavit in the world.

Angvik Hotell (stage 2) is a delightful boutique hotel nestled along the shores of Tingvollfjorden in Norway. Surrounded by lush gardens and stunning landscapes, this charming retreat offers a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. The historical building exudes elegance and houses beautifully appointed rooms with modern amenities.

Håholmen (stage 2) – is part of a cluster of dwellings, many of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and which now includes 47 fishermen’s cabins, a restaurant and museum. The cabins have been beautifully reimagined to combine modern comforts with traditional charm.