Compare 5-Day Summer Adventure at Nordenskiöld Lodge by Basecamp Explorer vs Norway in 7 days - Vision of the Fjords - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,860 | $ 2,299 |
| Price Per Day | $ 372 | $ 328 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
Day 1 & 5
LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED
Day 2-4
ALL MEALS INCLUDED
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6 breakfasts, 2 dinners. |
| Description |
Join us on a unique adventure to the Nordenskiöld glacier! On this trip you will be cast far away from Longyearbyen right into the heart of the Arctic and our Nordenskiöld Lodge. The Lodge itself is perched at the edge of the magnificent Nordenskiöld glacier. With no running water or electricity, Nordenskiöld Lodge is a true expedition cabin, but with modern comforts. We use wood to heat up the cabin and and boil running water from the glacier to drink. There are 5 big bedrooms with a fantastic view, 10 comfortable beds, an indoor toilet and a traditional sauna. The cabin is modern and comfortable with big windows giving away to the mighty glacier. |
Discover the capital city of Oslo and its cultural delights. Spend your nights on the shores of Norway's most beautiful fjords in Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane. Discover the city of Bergen, and it's historic Bryggen neighbourhood, surrounded by the characteristic landscape of towering mountains and crystal-clear fjords and cross the glistening Hardangerfjord, the 4th largest in the world. |
Day 1
The guide will pick you up at your hotel at 8AM. We will go through today’s program and give you an important safety briefing before we start making our way to the expedition base and afterwards to the harbour. We will slip into warm survival suits before we are heading towards to Billefjorden and Adolfbukta in an open polarcircle boat.
During summer, the fjords will be teeming with wildlife, and you will most likely encounter the devoted boat-followers known as northern fulmars, as well as the occasional puffin. You might also get to see walruses, belugas or even a polar bear! Once at Nordenskiöld cabin we will enjoy an outdoor lunch and get familiar with the cabin and the surroundings.
After lunch it is time to head out into the arctic nature and explore the beauty of the isolated outpost. We return to the cabin in the evening, where you will be served a delicious dinner and get to enjoy a pre-heated sauna. Accommodation in double rooms.
Day 2
The day begins with a solid breakfast, before leaving the comforts of the Nordenskiold Lodge. We zip up our dry suits and slide into the calm water in steady and reliable double kayaks. We paddle in pairs. Kayaking is the perfect way to get around in the Arctic and is probably the ultimate way to explore a calving glacier front and the arctic shorelines. Today’s destination will be determined by the weather and sea conditions, as well as your paddling skill level. We will paddle next to the magnificent glacier front among floating pieces of glacier ice, while being observed by the curious wildlife.
After a long day of paddling in a cold, arctic sea, the comforts of a warm sauna and a proper meal will seem very tempting.
ALL MEALS INCLUDED
Day 3
Today we will head out to the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier. After breakfast we will go through the basic guidelines and safety precautions associated with glacier hiking. We will set out to explore the heavily crevassed glacier that is situated only 300 meters from the cabin. We spend the day hiking up and down the glacier, staring down cracks and enjoying the shiny glacier surface. We will eat expedition lunch on the glacier. If the weather is nice, we will make a bonfire once back at the cabin, and simply cherish the view of the fjord.
Day 4
Today we strap on our hiking boots and start the hike to some of the surrounding mountain/moraine peaks. We will explore the beautiful Arctic landscape, glacier moraines and arctic flowers that have adapted to the harsh environment. We will summit one of the nearby mountain peaks and enjoy expedition lunch on the way. Once back at the cabin we will enjoy a delicious meal and the pre-heated sauna.
Day 5
After breakfast we embark upon a final hike. Bring your camera to the glacier front, or hike to the moraine for a last photo of the spectacular scenery. We will enjoy lunch at the cabin before returning to the civilization. We make a stop in Pyramiden on the way back to Longyearbyen, and get to observe the Russian settlement up close. The settlement was abandoned in 1998, but has been reopened to visitors. It is a fascinating Place With a very interesting history. We return to Longyearbyen by boat and arrive during the afternoon or early evening.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Norway? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Oslo.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.
Day 2: Oslo
Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.* Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.
Day 3: Oslo - Oppland
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 4: Oppland - Briksdal Glacier - Sogn og Fjordane
Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 5: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.
Day 6: Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 7: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.
Day 8: Oslo - US
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.
