MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR IN NORWAY

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

PEACE OF MIND POLICIES

1. OUR CLIENT SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

If for any reason you aren’t 100% satisfied with your Outdoor Norway experience, let us know the reason(s) and we’ll give you a free tour. It’s that simple.

2. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

Once you book your spot(s), you’re going! This allows you the freedom to start looking for flights and make other arrangements right away. Contrary to many other tour operators, we will never cancel a trip due to low numbers or other passenger cancellations.

3. 14-DAY RISK-FREE BOOKING WINDOW

After putting down a deposit, you can cancel at any point during the first 14 days after booking and get a 100% refund. This buys you 2 weeks to sort out flights, vacation time, etc. and not have to worry about someone else taking your spot(s).

4. LIFETIME DEPOSITS

Our Lifetime Deposit allows any of our Clients forced to delay a departure or wanting to switch tour package

altogether the ability to apply their initial deposit towards a later scheduled date or another Person at no extra charge. As long as you give us 90 days notice, your deposit will be good forever, whether you use it for the same trip or transfer it to another one. A Lifetime Deposit has no expiration date and can be used for any departure – provided room is still available.

Simply put, we want to ensure you can enjoy the Outdoor Norway experience you want, at a time that works best for you.

A Lifetime Deposit is also transferable, meaning that you can transfer your deposit to another Friend as a gift.

For full details on our Peace of Mind Policies and Lifetime Deposit policy, please CLICK HERE.

Note: Any cancellations made within 90 days of the scheduled departure will be treated as a passenger cancellation, in which case the entire payment, including deposit will be forfeited and cannot be applied to another departure. We highly recommend you purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance. We allow one transfer of your Lifetime Deposit deposit, if you choose to transfer a second time, there is a kr. 3.500 transfer fee.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: VELKOMMEN TIL NORGE!

Welcome to Norway! When you arrive our guides will provide an airport pick-up at one of our designated pick-ups times (10:30 am, 1:30 pm or 5:00 pm) from the Bergen Flesland International Airport.Depending on when you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to explore charming downtown Bergen. Venture down to the harbour, enjoy a bite to eat at the local fish market or browse through the wharf and buildings of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the main harbour, train station, and fish market. At 6:30 pm, meet your guides and other Riders in the hotel lobby for a meet and greet and group dinner. You’ll build your bikes or get your rental bike fitted so you’re ready for the week of adventure that lies ahead!

DAY 2: VIEWS OF ARNAFJORD &SAMNAGERFJORD

We’ll enjoy a delicious early morning breakfast at the hotel and then venture out for our first ride together on the outskirts of Bergen. We’ll warm up our legs and get our heart’s pumping with a short doubletrack climb through beautiful forests. Eventually, the trees will start to disappear, the trail will narrow and you’ll get the first taste of Norwegian singletrack. The ride weaves up and over rocky terrain with spectacular views of Arnafjord below. We’ll stop at the summit to snap photos and have a snack before enjoying the descent back to town. At the end of the ride, we’ll enjoy lunch before our afternoon ride. Our afternoon ride is an out-and-back trail. The trail includes a 90-minute hike-a-bike that leads to technical forested singletrack and opens up with views of beautiful Samnangerfjorden below. Hold onto your hats (or helmets?!)! In the evening, we’ll head to Voss – the adventure capital of Norway!We’ll check into our historic hotel, which has been run by the same family for five generations. Get freshened up or go for a swim in the lake and then we’ll head out for a group dinner. Cheers to an awesome first day of riding!

DAY 3: OPPHEIM TO VOSS TRAVERSE

Rise and shine! After a  buffet breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a short drive to the trailhead and start our first mountain traverse. This ride starts with a  hike-a-bike section and steep climb until we get out of the forest and on top of the mountain. Don’t be afraid to push yourself today, as you’ll be rewarded with a fresh pint at the local brewery at the end of the ride. We’ll stop for a trailside lunch and take in the view before descending singletrack with epic views and weaving through pine forests. We’ll enjoy a few man-made features near the end of the trail, along with a brewery tour and a cold pint of Norway’s finest local brew!After a long day on the trails, you may like to enjoy the hotel sauna, jacuzzi or decide to jump in the lake.

DAY 4: THE HJORT TRAVERSE & WHITEWATER CANOEING

After a delicious breakfast buffet, we’ll shuttle 3/4 of the way up Lønahorgi Mountain and start our climb up to the summit. There are hike-a-bike (and carry bike) sections to reach the summit. This will be another full day adventure with spectacular views. This ride requires technical skills and a choose your own adventure attitude as you navigate the best line amongst rock slabs, snow patches, and technical descents – the true spirit of freeride. We’ll stop close to the summit for a trailside lunch. The ride will end across from the river, where you’ll have the opportunity for a refreshing swim and/or to test your whitewater paddling skills (with the help of highly trained guides). We’ll paddle down the river to a local family-run farm. They’ll have Smalahove ready and waiting, a traditional Norwegian dinner consisting of sheep’s head, potatoes and a shot of Akevitt (a local spirit) to cheers to another great day! Smalahove  is considered a delicacy in Norway, and Voss is one of the only places you can try this traditional dinner. Tonight, we’re staying at a 10th generation, family-run farm in the countryside.

Note: Dinner options will be available for Rider’s with dietary restrictions, please let us know of any dietary restrictions on your Rider formulary.

DAY 5: VOSS SHUTTLE DAY

After breakfast, we’ll have a more relaxed riding day with a little more shuttling. We’ll use the van for a few runs and then head to the new gondola in town to ride a couple trails on the mountain behind town. At the end of the day, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at the top of the mountain.

DAY 6: PEDAL AND PADDLE SOGNEFJORD

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll pack up our suitcases and hit the road for a 40-minute scenic drive to the trailhead. We’ll drive up into the mountains where the cool mountain air will energize us for a beautiful descent down to Sognefjord below. After enjoying the descent, a short pedal through the Norwegian countryside and eating a delicious lunch, it’s time to switch our bikes for sea kayaks! We’ll paddle across the inlet to a small village.  You may choose to enjoy a fjord swim before we catch the ferry boat back to Bergen. The ferry will take as in and around beautiful islands and inlets, sit back, relax and revel in the coastal beauty. The ferry will drop us at the Bergen harbour at 8:45 pm, where we’ll enjoy a final group dinner. Skål to an amazing week!

DAY 7: ‘HA DET BRA'(GOODBYE) TO NORWAY

On our final morning together, the guides will be available from 7:30 am to 9:30 am to help pack your bikes. We strongly recommend booking a departure flight for after 12:00 pm so you have time to pack your bike and enjoy breakfast.

We will provide an airport shuttle departing the hotel at  10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. It is a 30-minute drive to the airport.

Cheers to an amazing week in Norway and your new mountain biking friends!

ACCOMMODATION

With multiple days spent outside in Norway’s varied landscape, it is important to have a comfortable place to retreat to which will provide you with a good night’s rest. This is why we have teamed up with some of the best accommodations to ensure that your time indoors provides you with ample amenities for well-deserved relaxation.

Our number one provider of this relaxation is the historic Store Ringheim*. Surrounded by greenery at the foot of the Hanguren Mountain, the former farmhouse has been redone and upgraded to a modern and spacious accommodation. Serving some of the best locally and seasonally produced food in Voss, the quaint and quiet location just 3 kilometers from town is the perfect get away after a busy day in nature.

*Subject to availability.

MEALS

MEALS

• 7 healthy Breakfast is included in the package and will be served fresh daily at your accommodation.
• Lunches – Sandwiches can be packed for take way at hotel breakfast
• 4 Dinners included a traditional Norwegian dinner and two other evenings we go out to explore the local restaurants to experience the Norwegian cosy towns. The cost run at approx. €17 – €28 Euros per dinner in the local restaurants.
• Trail snacks, post-ride brews and a local brewery tour

Please note that the tap water in Norway is some of the cleanest in the world – please refrain from purchasing bottled water.

PRICES

Prices are stated in Norwegian Kroner (NOK)

• NOK 39.700 (USD 3,695 approximately, conversion quote in Mid October 2022)

SCHEDULED DEPARTURES

2023

11 August

01 September

2024

16th August

30th August

FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS

Airfare is not included in this package and will need to be booked separately by the individual. Many airlines fly to Bergen including KLM,  Delta, SAS, Norwegian Air, Iceland Air, and Qatar Airways. 

Voss is easily accessible from Bergen by train (1 hour 15 minutes from the Bergen Central Station) or by rental car. For train consult time schedule wit the national train company named VY.

If you would prefer a direct airport pickup and/or drop-off, we can assist for an additional charge per pickup. Please, send an inquiry email with details and we will give you a quote for the service.

During the duration of the 7 day Mountain Bike tour in Norway, all transportation to and from the activity sites are included.

The meeting point of every day tour is at our Base Camp. We do provide transportation to the Basecamp in the morning and drop-off to the hotel in the end of each day tour.

GUESTS REQUIREMENT FOR ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR IN NORWAY

• There is no minimum or maximum age limit, as long you love tech mountain biking and stunning scenery you will fit in.
• Please inform us of any medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy etc.

RIDE STARTING POINT

• We offer pick-up on DAY 1 from the Bergen Flesland International Airport (BGO) at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm.

If you’re arriving prior to DAY 1 we recommend staying at Hotel Zander, in Bergen. The group will meet at Hotel Zander at 6:30 pm on DAY 1.

If you’re arriving prior to DAY 1 you will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport.

We recommend taking the Flybussen airport bus to downtown Bergen. The bus will drop you off at the Bergen Bus Station Platform N which is a short walk to Hotel Zander. You can purchase a bus ticket when you arrive at the airport or in advance HERE.

RIDE ENDING POINT

• The ride ends at Hotel Zander in Bergen on DAY 7.

We offer an airport shuttle to the Bergen Flesland International Airport on DAY 7. We will depart the hotel at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3: 00 pm. It is a 30-minute drive to the airport.

NOTE: If you are traveling with your own bike, we recommend you book a departure flight after 12:00 pm on DAY 7. This will provide you with more time to pack your bike and enjoy breakfast on the morning of DAY 7. A guide will be available from 7:30 am – 9:30 am to assist with bike packing.

Google Flights

Kayak

FITNESS AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Ensuring you are on a Ride that’s right for you, and ensuring you are ready for the physical and technical demands of a Ride, is of utmost importance to us. It helps ensure that you will be riding with other people of a similar skill and fitness level as you, and that you will be able to make the most of the experience and enjoy it to its full potential.

Here’s how you can assess whether or not you’re ready fo a particular Ride, and how we can help:

We’ve developed a 7-level Skill and Fitness Rating System with the help of some of our most senior guides. Click HERE  to review the Skill and Fitness Rating System. Though we recognize this is a very objective process, you may want to ask a friend who rides with you regularly to assess where you fit in, or Contact Us with a detailed description of your riding experience, and we’d be happy to help with your self-assessment.

We have several photos and videos available for each Ride that depict what can be expected on a particular Ride. Many of those videos were taken by our guides, staff and/or past clients on actual trips, and therefore showcase some of the trails you’d be riding and the level of skill required to handle those trails. Be sure to watch most of the videos available for the Ride(s) you are interested in, and assess whether or not the riding is appropriate for you.

When booking a Ride, we ask each Rider to tell us about their mountain biking experience, and to let us know if they have ever traveled with their mountain bike. The answers are reviewed by our staff and provide valuable insight as to whether or not the desired Ride is a good fit for them.

We follow up with a phone call if we think a Rider might not be quite up to the challenge (or might be ‘over qualified’) for certain Rides and discuss their skill level and fitness in detail to discover whether they are indeed a good fit, or if another Ride might be more suitable

Please pay close attention to the skill and fitness ratings for the Ride(s) you’re interested in, and be honest in your selfassessment.

RIDE ADD-ONS

We offer several add-ons (like mountain bike rentals, post-ride massages and single room upgrades) to help complement your Ride. See the add-ons tab to see pricing for each available add-on.

To book your Ride add-ons, you can either:

a) select them when you make your initial booking;

b) add them to your account via email at any time prior to start date (restrictions apply on the timing of

certain items)

TRAVELING WITH YOUR BIKE

If you’ve never traveled with your bike, don’t worry – it’s much easier than you think! Your local bike shop may have options to rent a bike bag or case, or if you’re planning on going on more than one bike trip, we recommend investing in a quality.

Our guides recommend any of the following products: THULE bike bag

BIKE DAMAGE DISCLAIMER

While participating in a Outdoor Norway trip, the Rider assumes all risk and expense related to loss or damage to the mountain bike, whether rented from a third party or owned by the Rider. This assumption of risk includes loss or damage due to transportation, theft, vandalism, accident, misuse or other events leading to the loss or damage of the mountain bike.

We recommend that Riders purchase their own insurance to cover their bikes, either through your homeowners or tenants insurance plan. It is uncommon for regular travel insurance policies to cover the cost of high-end, expensive bikes if damaged, lost or stolen.

GENERAL BIKE RENTAL INFORMATION

If you don’t feel like hauling your own bike around the globe, renting is an alternative option. However, as our rental bike fleets change often, we are unable to guarantee special requests, promise a particular brand, model or wheel size. If you are attached to the look, feel, geometry and specs of your bike, we highly recommend bringing it with you to ensure the best riding experience.

Note: If you are renting, and would prefer to use your own pedals and/or saddle, bring them with you and we’ll swap them out when you arrive. Our guides will have the required tools.

For bike rental pricing, please visit the Ride Add-Ons tab. Note that a small number of our Rides include bike rentals in the pricing (this would be mentioned in the ‘What’s Included’ tab).

ASSEMBLING YOUR BIKE WHEN YOU ARRIVE

If you’ve never assembled your bike, not to worry! Our guides will be on hand to assist.

BIKE RENTALS

Full suspension 150mm (or more travel depends the bike size you wish), 27.5+ with a dropper post.

WHAT’S THE IDEAL BIKE FOR THIS TRIP?

We recommend you bring a solid Enduro Mountain Bike with roughly 150 mm front and rear travel, a dropper seat post and grippy tires similar to Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Ultrasoft 2.35 or more.

We recommend running tubeless tires. Ideal bike weight is 13 – 14,5 kg (28 – 34 lbs). – a good compromise between being light enough for long climbs and beefy enough for technical trails.

A well maintained, well-functioning full-suspension mountain bike is mandatory.

We ask that all Riders be respectful of the group, and show up with the appropriate bike to minimize bike related delays before or during riding.

ARMOUR AND HELMET

Knee and elbow pads are recommended. The terrain in Norway is rocky, rooty and can be slippery.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

The weather in Norway during the summer months can be quite warm during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings.

Temperatures can range from 15 – 25 degrees Celcius (59 – 77 Fahrenheit).

We recommend you bring layers for riding, as well as a high-quality rain jacket with a hood.

GENERAL PACKING LIST

Below is a comprehensive list for you to use as a guide only. These are items we suggest you consider bringing regardless of the Ride you are on – please also check the Ride-specific packing list above (if applicable), as there may be items that are specific to your Ride.

In efforts to pack appropriately, we encourage you to understand your destination’s climate during the month(s) you are visiting. We also encourage you to refer to the Itinerary tab to understand the activities you will be taking part in.

If you need a few items for your ride, check out your local bike shop or shop online.

You know your personal needs better than anyone so please pack accordingly. The following are suggestions based on our experiences in various destinations.

On the bike:

● jersey tops (mix of short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and long sleeve)

● quick-dry cycling shorts with a quality chamois (padding)

● full-finger bike gloves (2 pairs recommended)

● cycling socks (synthetic or lightweight wool. We recommend Merino)

● arm and leg warmers

● helmet

● rugged yet versatile riding shoes (for your choice of clipless pedals or flats)

● knee and elbow pads

● if you ride clipless and you are renting a bike, please bring your pedals and shoes (Rental bikes are equipped with flat pedal)

On and off the bike:

● rain jacket (Goretex with pit-zips)

● windbreaker (lightweight and form-fitting)

● sweater (fleece and form-fitting mid layer)

● quick-dry weatherproof pants with zippered pockets

● top and bottom base layers (synthetic or lightweight wool. We recommend wool)

● sunglasses (clear lens and polarized lens)

● backpack with hydration system (around 1,5L to 2L water capacity)

● cycling water bottle (with squirt lid)

● camera (phone, Headcam, point and shoot)

● ear warmer (toque or headband)

Chill time:

● swimwear

● flip flops

● small camp towel (to use for swimming etc.)

● comfortable, casual clothes for relaxing in (such as jeans, t-shirt, hooded sweater)

● down-filled coat

● trail shoes or hiking boots

● flashlight or headlamp

PERSONAL & FIRST AID:

● toiletries i.e. toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, soap, feminine hygiene products etc.

● sunscreen (oil-free for sport)

● anti-bacterial wipes

● anti-bacterial gel

● chamois creme

● first-aid kit (ibuprofen, band-aids, Polysporin, tweezers)

Random stuff you don’t realize you need, well, until you need it:

● electrical and/or duct tape

● international travel power adapter and converter (if required)

● zip-lock bags

● zip ties

● mesh laundry bag

● eyemask and ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)

● alarm clock

TOOLS TO BRING

We recommend bringing the following tools with you. Rest assured your guides will have a full tool kit, but it’s a good idea to have the following items with you in case of trailside breakdowns:

multitool (preferably with chainbreaker)

tire levers

small bottle of chain lube

small tire pump (not a floor pump)

SPARE PARTS FOR YOUR BIKE

Although there may be some parts available locally, we recommend you bring the following parts with you to avoid

availability problems in case of broken parts:

Rear derailleur hanger (at least 1, preferably 2)

Front and rear brake pads (1 set of each is sufficient)

Extra chain if your chain is more than 6 months old or over 1.000 km used

2-4 spare tubes (our guides can’t realistically carry enough 26″, 27.5″, and 29″ tubes for everyone)

2 extra spokes

Any rare parts that might be hard to find locally (Shimano and SRAM are generally available in all our locations, but Magura levers, for instance, might not be available everywhere)

N.B. If you are renting a bike, the above bike spare parts is not necessary.

CANCELLATIONS

You may cancel your reservation and get 100% of your money back within 14 days of booking. After that 2-week window, our lifetime deposit policy comes into effect. For more on our cancellation policy, please visit https://www.outdoornorway.com/terms-conditions/

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended for all of our trips. If you have your own travel medical insurance it needs to:

a) cover evacuation (e.g. air evacuation) and hospital costs while in other countries

b) cover mountain biking trips (some policies include mountain biking in their list of ‘extreme’ sports that are not covered).

We strongly recommend also getting insurance that covers the following:

• Trip cancellation up to 100% of your trip cost

• Equipment protection for delay, loss, theft and damage (if traveling with your bike/expensive equipment)

• Trip interruption up to 100% of trip cost

• Medical expenses up to $50,000

• Emergency medical transportation up to $1,000,000

Please note that our cancellation policy is strict. If you decide not to purchase cancellation/interruption insurance, and then get hurt or sick before or during your Ride, please don’t ask us for a refund.

For travelers from around the world, we recommend World Nomads.

For U.S. travelers, we recommend Global Rescue (Individual Medical Plan with Signature Travel Insurance Plan)

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

If your loved ones need to contact you during your trip for emergency reasons, they can reach us during office hours at the following numbers: +47 4597 1515

If you do not receive an immediate answer when calling the above numbers, please leave us a detailed message, with a phone number and your email address and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Should you or your family require local contact with our Norway team, please contact our Ride Director,

NAME: Franco

EMAIL: franco(at)outdoornorway.com

PHONE: +47 970 87 318

TIPPING

Recognizing and compensating our guiding team for the level of service you’ve received is a personal matter. We pay our guides very fair wages by industry standards but given the seasonality of their employment, they do welcome tips to help supplement their income (and recognize their hard work).

At the end of the ride, if you feel you have received outstanding service and that your guides have contributed to a highly enjoyable trip, we encourage you to provide them with a tip of your choosing. We know that tipping may not be customary for everyone, but please know they are highly appreciated in the guiding industry.

A typical gratuity varies between 2% – 5% of your Ride price per guide, depending on your level of satisfaction. e.g. $4000

trip = $80-$200 per guide. Guides are grateful for tips in USD or the local currency. You may wish to tip guides individually based on your time spent interacting with each guide, or provide the Lead Guide with a tip to be divided evenly amongst the team.

WHAT’S INCLUDED OR NOT

INCLUDED

River Rafting tour

Fjord ferry trip to the charming city of Bergen

Guided sea kayaking excursion in Sognefjord; Norway longest and deepest fjord

Fjord ferry trip to the charming city of Bergen

Quality equipment for all the water activities, including wetsuit, neoprene jacket and neoprene shoes

Shuttle from Bergen Airport to Voss and drop off shuttle on the last day

NOT INCLUDED

WIFI

Wifi is available on all hotels of the ride.

Norway has a good 4G coverage and currently implementing a 5G

ELETRICITY ⚡️

Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs so you can use adapter types “C” or “F” (often labelled as a Northern Europe adapter).

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Make sure to check the voltage labels on your appliances or chargers to see if you need to use just an adapter or a converter/transformer with an adapter.

LAUNDRY

Laundry is available on all days of the ride upon request.

Covid Refund Guarantee

If your trip is cancelled due to Covid choose from:

• Free date changes;
• Account credit;
• Or a full refund.

For more infos please see here: COVID “flexi-cancellation policy”