For unspoiled nature, you must visit Norway. Do you want to experience Norway in a truly unique way? Then go on an adventure with The Kayak Trip for a week. Get into a sea kayak and paddle about 120 kilometers (75 miles) along the deepest fjord in Norway. The kayaking, wild camping, enjoying nature, and the adventure: this is The Kayak Trip!
What is the concept?
The Kayak Trip is for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and fitness enthusiasts. During The Kayak Trip, you’ll embark on a week-long journey with a guide, paddling in a professional sea kayak along the Sognefjord, the deepest fjord in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nature here is impressive. The mountains around the fjord are high, the views are breathtaking, and the places where you camp are idyllically beautiful. There are enough superlatives to describe this unique experience, but it’s only when you set up your tent in the middle of nowhere after a day on the water and watch the sun set through the trees that you truly understand the feeling.
Who is The Kayak Trip for?
Let’s make it clear: anyone can join The Kayak Trip. If your heart beats faster for Norway, nature, water, back-to-basics camping, and being active, then this trip is truly for you.
Having a basic level of fitness is useful, but if you have little or no experience with kayaking, that’s perfectly fine. On the first day of the trip, you’ll learn the techniques of sea kayaking. You’ll receive theory and practical lessons at the basecamp, and these training sessions will enable you to complete the 6-day journey smoothly with a guide. The basecamp is located in a separate bay so that you can master the technique before venturing out and encountering some more waves.
Wild camping along the route
If you Google the Sognefjord, you’ll see that the fjord winds through the landscape like a loop. You’ll depart from a basecamp towards the most beautiful spots along the water, and your camping gear will accompany you in a waterproof storage compartment in your kayak throughout the journey. Depending on the group’s skill level and weather conditions, you’ll cover approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) on the water during the week.
You’ll sleep in a tent throughout the week, and you’ll camp wherever you happen to be at the end of the day. Wild camping is allowed anywhere in Norway, so the guide will find the best spot to set up camp every evening.In the wilderness, there’s no electricity, so you won’t be able to charge your devices during the trip. Therefore, bring an old-school mobile phone with a long-lasting battery or a power bank for your smartphone.
The route of The Kajak Trip
A weekly schedule is set for The Kajak Trip, but it always has to take changing weather conditions into account. Technically, you’ll be on the sea, so the route can be adjusted or halted due to waves or wind.
On the first day, you’ll arrive at the basecamp and receive training to become proficient in kayaking. The next day, you’ll leave the calm bay and head out onto the Sognefjord, towards the Aurlandsfjord, where you’ll spend the night. The following day, you’ll paddle a few kilometers and then leave the water to climb Breiskrednosi, an impressive mountain about 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) high. After a hike of approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles), you’ll spend the night at the end of the day in the bay of Dyrdal.
On days 4 and 5, your legs can take a break from hiking, as you’ll primarily be in the kayak. From Aurlandsfjord, you’ll paddle back to the Sognefjord and set up your tent along the southern shore. On day 5, you’ll cross the lake again and continue the journey towards Lustrafjord, further inland. The next day, you’ll continue towards Ornes. Here, you’ll disembark to visit a UNESCO-protected stave church, have lunch, and soak in some culture. After lunch, you’ll get back in your kayak and paddle to a new spot for overnight camping. After this, you’ll return to the basecamp, where you can leisurely enjoy the Sognefjord one last time. The following morning, you’ll depart early.
Food and Drinks
Everything must fit in the kayak, so you’ll receive a compact cooking set that allows you to prepare simple meals. You can bring your own food and drinks or add a survival foodpack to your booking. The foodpack contains compact and nutritious meals that are quick to prepare. You can replenish your fresh drinking water supply at designated water points along the route, and you’ll be provided with a large water bottle at the start.
Dates and Prices
The Kayak Trip is organized five times during the summer in July and August. You will travel to Bergen, which you can arrange yourself or book directly as part of the package. The price of The Kayak Trip without flights is €540 ($580) per person. Prices including flights start from €780 ($840) per person. The following items are included in both packages:
- Rental of kayak for 6 days, including paddles and life vest
- A route map and survival guide
- Kayak instructions and a guide for the entire week
- GPS tracker with emergency button
The rental of camping equipment is not included but can be optionally added. For €65 ($70) per person, you can rent a tent, sleeping bag, and mat. You can also book The Kayak Trip Survival Foodpack for €95 ($102) per person.
Check The Kayak Trip website for more information or to sign up.
