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Cycle the Fjords: A Road Cyclist's Dream View Full Screen Itinerary

6-NIGHTS 7-DAYS,  NORWAY'S TOP ROADS, DISCOVER THE FJORDS WITH SUBLIME CLIMBS AND DREAMY DESCENTS, UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION, LOCAL SEAFOOD, SUPPORTED RIDES, 24 HOURS DAYLIGHT

Sail into a mythical landscape, the heart of the Norwegian fjords on a stunning converted Swedish Navy minesweeper, one of only three ever made. The beautiful old wooden ship is your home for the week, each day she will drop you off, fjordside and before you know it you will be peddling along the world's most stunning roads.

This is a truly out of this world cycling. A complete 'roadies' itinerary offered on a genuinely unique cruise basis.

Our one-of-a-kind road cycling adventure takes you, the riders, from one mind blowing location to the next. You will be riding through staggering landscapes on empty, sweeping roads without the crowds or traffic of Europe. Hard to imagine but the roads you are set to ride seem as if plucked from hedonistic dreams. Road Highlights include The Atlantic Road with the famous island hopping bridges, Isfjorden, Trollstigan (the "Troll staircase" to rival even the Stelvio), Geiranger Fjord, Hellesylt and Hjørundford. 

Roads plucked from wildest dreams!

Each day you will spend cycling through the most beautiful and inspiring scenery to be found anywhere on earth. For peace of mind we have arranged for a support vehicle to follow you on all 'stages'. On your rides, you will stop for lunches at local points of interest and visit traditional farms where you will have the chance to sample favourite Norwegian foods.

It’s hard to imagine the ultimate way to finish off a day in cycling heaven, but we believe sitting back on the wooden deck of the ship whilst taking in the beauty of the mighty Norwegian fjords with a cool drink is certainly one way! Gather round as a group before dining on local Norwegian seafood delights, caught that very day!

N.B. Maximum of 8-riders per group. Sharing twin berth cabins.

Dates: Weeks commencing 19th August 2018 to 23rd September 2018. 

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: 

  • 300km+ of riding on Norway's very best roads
  • Carefully planned, pre-plotted, tried and tested routings
  • Stunning fjord scenery, unique access to fjords larger cannot vessels reach
  • 20,000ft of climbing, hairpins, sweeping descents and great cols. 
  • Supported Rides with driver and team van
  • Private chef - Local seafood sourced from the region
  • Dedicated, experienced crew onboard at all times
  • Unique accommodation throughout on HMS Gåssten
Day 1

Day 1: The Atlantic Road

Welcome to Norway's other-worldly west coast fjords! On arrival at the regional airport you will be met by your dedicated support driver with van. Once you have loaded your bags and bike boxes, you will then be driven the short and scenic 30-minutes to the local dock in...

Welcome to Norway's other-worldly west coast fjords! On arrival at the regional airport you will be met by your dedicated support driver with van. Once you have loaded your bags and bike boxes, you will then be driven the short and scenic 30-minutes to the local dock in a pictureque harbour. Expect typically Norwegian landscapes dotted with brighly coloured wooden-clad houses. Once you arrive you will board the fantastic, recently converted Swedish Navy minesweeper vessel and meet your crew. Beyond the saddle, this amazing boat will be your home for the next week. Once you've found your cabin and unpacked there will be time an a really great afternoon intro ride.

Today's ride is flat terrain along the stunning "Atlantic Road". This road seems to be laid down impossibly hugging the rugged and wild Norwegian coastline. Hopping from island to island before back to headland. The route today is a loop with an final out and back section along a particularly iconic part. This is about 8-km and has 8-bridges and is truly what we would call an epic location. The biggest bridge is the most spectacular and you may have seen these bridge before in Norwegian tourism videos or photos...

For a link to today's route please click here: The Atlantic Road

Distance: 95km

Accommodation: HMS Gassten

Road Cycling Norway's Fjords

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Day 2

Day 2: The Longfjord (Langfjorden)

This is the longest stage of the week's tour, straight into 'The Queen's Stage' as it were. Today after a delicious breakfast served either in the ships convivial galley or out on decks you will be gearing up for a sensational ride. 

You start by the ferry at...

This is the longest stage of the week's tour, straight into 'The Queen's Stage' as it were. Today after a delicious breakfast served either in the ships convivial galley or out on decks you will be gearing up for a sensational ride. 

You start by the ferry at Åfarnes and go all the way around the fjord, a mighty route. Ending up by our guesthouse in Isfjorden the road will take you to your destination via some truly once-in-a-lifetime views. The road is quite flat and fast until Eresfjord, which is Kurt Asle Arvesens (Team Sky) homeplace, here it ramps up and you will have the chance to enjoy some climbing in the mighty fjords. We will ride his (Kurt's) training-hill, Vistalsheia up to about 500 metres. There are some tight corners up here, as well as some massive mountains as a backdrop. Once higher up, this area makes a nice stop for some epic photos.

Most of the day today you will be riding along the fjord, (although technically it is three different fjords during the day). When we reach Isfjorden, the landscape changes to steeper mountains still, very beautiful and dramatic scenery - perhaps the quintessential fjord landscape. 

At the menu in the guesthouse is our Norwegian Tapas, with lot`s of local food from the area.

Today's route is truly beautiful, hugging the edges of some of the country's most stunning and deep fjords: The Longfjord

Distance: 95kms

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Day 3

Day 3: Isfjorden – Trollstigen – Valldal

After another great breakfast on board your floating home, its time to get the bikes ready for a serious mountain stage. Today is a short stage of riding but also truly an EPIC stage. You will be riding up the unforgiving Trollstigen (translating to Troll's Staircase). This is a tremendous...

After another great breakfast on board your floating home, its time to get the bikes ready for a serious mountain stage. Today is a short stage of riding but also truly an EPIC stage. You will be riding up the unforgiving Trollstigen (translating to Troll's Staircase). This is a tremendous climb, which rivals the very best climbs to be found anywhere in the European alps. The liks of the Stelvio come to mind for comparables.

If the weather is clear, on reaching the col, you can take the extra kilometers up the valley to see the Troll Wall. Trollstigen is 800 meters high, with an average gradient of 10% and the surroundings are out of this world throughout the days riding. 

The tightest corners or switchbacks are on the upper section of the climb after the bridge which signifies in the midway point. The start of the ride is along side a beautiful river through the fjord itself. At the top the road continues uphill for a few kilometers, and then it`s all downhill and flat towards Valldal. Keep your eyes out for lots of nice green strawberry-farms down the valley as you approach Valldal. 

Dinner this evening will be out on the deck of HMS Gassten looking up at the incredible, almost impossible heights of the local mountains. Congratulations on climbing the Trollstigen!

Today's Trollstigen ride: The Trollstigen

Distance: 67kms

Accommodation: HMS Gassten

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Day 4

Day 4: Rest Day

Today is a chance to rest your legs if you wish by chilling out on the boat in the fjords. Alternatively after a good breakfast take the bikes and head our for an exploratory ride on the legendary empty Norwegian roads. 

If you are happy to enjoy...

Today is a chance to rest your legs if you wish by chilling out on the boat in the fjords. Alternatively after a good breakfast take the bikes and head our for an exploratory ride on the legendary empty Norwegian roads. 

If you are happy to enjoy something different today then there is plenty to tempt you. Explore on foot, hike in the hills, discover local villages or enjoy some fjord based water sports such as SUP (stand up paddleboarding) or swimming. You even have the chance to catch your own lunch with the boats fishing rods! Today is your day to relax, unwind and enjoy. 

 

 

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Day 5

Day 5: Eidsdal – Geiranger – Dalsnibba

Another spectacular day of road cycling. 

Today starts with a heavy uphill from Eidsdal, about 10kms of climbing will see you over the mountain and then it is a steep downhill section towards Geiranger. Geiranger is maybe the most spectacular fjord there is in Norway! Get set for a...

Another spectacular day of road cycling. 

Today starts with a heavy uphill from Eidsdal, about 10kms of climbing will see you over the mountain and then it is a steep downhill section towards Geiranger. Geiranger is maybe the most spectacular fjord there is in Norway! Get set for a jaw-dropping experience. The road down to the fjord is called Ørneveien, The Eagle Road, and the top corner has a nice viewpoint which is a must to stop at for photos.

Down in Geiranger you start the long 22km climb to Dalsnibba at 1476 metres, this will be a real challenge and probably a climb you will never forget. Once at the summit you will go down again the same way although with a new perspective, returning to the boat. A hard but amazing day of road cycling. The last 4-5 km up to Dalsnibba, on the “backside” of the mountain, there are a lot of nice tight corners with very nice view towards a lake and a glacier.

Today's stage route can be viewed here: Eidsdal – Geiranger – Dalsnibba

Distance: 67 km

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Day 6

Day 6: Hellesylt – Hjørundfjorden – Ålesund

Today is the final day cycling in Norway. Your last day starts again with an uphill section. Head towards Norangsdalen, a really green and tight valley, once you reach the end of the valley you will be at Øye.From here the road drops nicely to Hjørundfjorden. Another option on this...

Today is the final day cycling in Norway. Your last day starts again with an uphill section. Head towards Norangsdalen, a really green and tight valley, once you reach the end of the valley you will be at Øye.From here the road drops nicely to Hjørundfjorden. Another option on this day is taking the ferry all the way to Standal. This could be a nice way to enjoy the fjord and the surrounding mountains and its also a typical thing to do in the region. Either way, you can decide before the day starts which option you prefer. You will end the day at Festøya where the boat picks you up before sailing into Ålesund.

Dinner tonight will be out on the deck of HMS Gassten again, under what is almost the midnight sun!

Distance: 88kms

Today's routing: Hellsylt to Alesund

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Navy Minesweeper

THE BOAT WITH THE WORLD'S BEST VIEWS Get ready for something totally different. Sail through the best of the Norwegian fjords on your very...

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Your home for the duration of your adventure will be aboard the beautifully restored naval vessel HMS Gåssten, one of the last wooden Swedish Navy ships ever built. This beautiful boat makes for the perfect base from which to explore this most majestic part of the world.

(Relax in the Officer's Galley with a wee dram tasting session).

Travelling by boat offers you peace and tranquillity, great mobility and of course, genuine exclusivity, far away from the madding crowds. We believe our boat-based, fjord exploring cycling adventures in western Norway to be the best of their kind, taking amateurs and pros alike into the heart of the best locations imaginable and naturally all with the most support and comfort they could wish for. 

Life onboard the Swedish Minesweeper is tough!(Breakfasts are often taken in the ship's galley here if not out on desk looking at the incredible fjord scenery).

Life on board the ship is simple and comfortable. With shared cabins, communal galley and relaxing zone, an open kitchen and of course the very large wooden decks. Guests enjoy a front row seat of the Norwegian mountains plunging into the deep fjord waters as the ship meaders her way to each destination. 

Below are some frequently asked questions about life on the boat.

Is it possible to charge phones, camera, etc. on board?

Yes, every Cabin has 240 volt Norwegian plug sockets which are two round pins. If you are coming from overseas, then please bring adapters.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Reception is surprisingly generally very good in the Fjords and so guests for the most part feel they have adequate phone contact. The boat has a limited access wi-fi, which is used for boat purposes only i.e. Weather forecasts and safety Bulletins.

3. Is lunch provided for the day’s activities?

Yes, pack lunches are supplied for the day, and any dietary requests can obviously be discussed prior with the chef.

4. Are towels and linen provided?

On arrival your beds will be freshly made along with towels for the duration for the trip.

5. Is it possible to request a cabin to yourself or a double if you are a couple?

Yes, we try and keep two cabins aside for single supplements and will try and put couples in the double cabins where possible.

Cabins are either bunks or double beds - Norway Fjord Cruise6. Am I likely to get sea sick?

No. The vast majority of the cruising area is in the Fjords where the sea state is generally very slight. If we get a bad forecast, we will tailor our passage plans accordingly. 

What are the cabin layouts like?

Each cabin has a bunk formation with two of the cabins having the lower bunk as a double bed for couples. The guest cabins are in the old officer’s accommodation and so are comfortable and cosy for a boat, each one being unique in layout due to the vessels hull shape.

Take a look on the page about the vessel or 'accommodation'.

Can I have a hot shower daily?

Yes, absolutely. Water is limited but as long as everyone respects it is not a never ending supply we generally have no problems.

Are there other activities other than the main focus of the trip?

Absolutely. We do encourage this and depending on the season there are a few things to do: swim, surf, fish – you may well find your catch served at dinner!

Do I need to bring money on my trip?

You are welcome to bring currency (or a debit/credit card) for purchases at local stops, however once you have arrived onboard everything is included from drinks to your guide.

What's Included:

Norway airport "Meet and Greet" on arrival, Private Transfers to and from accommodation, dedicated professional crew, private chef who will prepare all meals and drinks on board HMS Gåssten as well as packed lunches for when out on the road, fully supported cycle rides with following support van and a driver guide, fully planned tried and tested routings pre-plotted available for download to your Garmin or similar, use of SUP (stand-up paddleboards), day visits to local artisinal farms and sites of specific interest along route, 6 nights accommodation on board your exclusive-use vessel, visits to Norway's most stunning fjords pre-planned in routing, any local ferry crossings during cycling stages. On board washing facilities for dirty clothing. Unlimited free swims, nightly midnight sun viewing. 

SUP time in the Norwegian fjords! Private crusing at it's best(Day-4 is a rest day, take a break from peddling and try your hand at some awesome stand up paddleboarding!)

What's Not Included: 

International airfares to and from regional airports, personal and travel insurances, road or mountain bikes, bike carry box, cycling maintainance equipment and spare parts, personal holiday expenditure, meals and drinks outside of specified daily meals. 

(The local way to cool off post ride in the refeshing coastal waters. The cold water will be great for those legs!). 

 

 

What to pack on your Norwegian fjord cycling adventure: 

A bike in top condition ( get a service before coming )
Any special tools you need for your bike (e.g. Di2 charger) and perishables like tubes, tubular tyres, water bottles, etc.
Basic puncture repair tools ( in case the van has gone on ahead )
Chain lube / cleaner (e.g. GT85) – we stock on the boat but it’s good to use this daily to clear any salt picked up from the roads
Holiday insurance
Cycle kit for at least three days and for all conditions. Washing facilities are provided too.
Sports nutrition supplements as you want/need (plenty of snacks supplied)
Waterproofing for gear – expecting rain
Plug converters – Norway is standard euro
A mix of warm and mild weather clothes (think UK autumn)
Waterproof layers
Ear plugs (close quarters)
Swimmers if you fancy a dip (SEE BELOW!)
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to spend much money but bring currency if you like!
Tickets, passport.
Camera and GoPro video camera (if you want)
Sunglasses
Warm Hat/Beanie
Suncream – Factor 30 plus.
2 x Thermal Top – wicking not cotton

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