Meet your guides in Ålesund for a short transfer to a peaceful ferry port; even before our first mile, the views are unimaginable. Get fitted to your bike and set off on the week’s first fjord ride, following a ribbon of pavement along the mountainous shore of the Hjørundfjord. Tiny farms and settlements cling to the slopes, defying gravity and the elements—a testament to Norwegian persistence and resourcefulness. Challenge yourself with a climb into a picturesque valley, where lunch awaits at a historic farmhouse. After this warm Sunmøre welcome, continue cycling to our first hotel in the idyllic village of Sæbø. Settle in, relax in the fjord-side sauna, or simply soak in the sweeping views over Hjørundfjord, mountains rising in the distance. Later, we’ll gather for drinks against that same breathtaking backdrop before sitting down together for our first dinner.
In Norway, even the light feels peaceful. Wake to the sun filtering through mountain mist, then fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Leaving the fjord, our route today unfurls up and over two mountain passes and crosses into the next valley before winding along the Austefjorden. Arrive in a tiny village—population 12—to rendezvous with our friend Nina, a winemaker and sommelier. Savor lunch beside the pristine waters of the fjord paired with some beautiful selections from her cellar. Afterward, visit her vineyard (one of the northernmost in the world) before a private boat ferries us back to the hotel. Tonight we’ll visit another set of dear friends, crossing the fjord by boat for a memorable evening on the deck of their historic home and restaurant.
Cross the fjord once again this morning to ride and dine across the Sunnmøre region. Our route takes us through Norangdal, a stunning mountain gap with incredible scenery. Pedal past alpine lakes and stone structures once used for shelter by local shepherds, then pause to take in the view of the majestic Geirangerfjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At lunchtime, we’ll arrive at a cheese and cider farm set on a hillside above the fjord, where 9th-generation farmers offer a glimpse into Norway’s rich cultural and culinary traditions. After lunch, explore the fjord by boat joined by a local captain who shares his knowledge of the area. Our journey ends at the far end of the fjord in Geiranger, where we’ll check into the hotel that hosted a star-studded royal wedding in 2024. Tonight, regather for a seasonal dinner at the hotel’s lovely brasserie.
Wake up to the peaceful majesty of the Geirangerfjord. After a lovely breakfast, hop on the bikes and climb out of town along scenic switchbacks to a panoramic overlook that feels like the top of the world. Enjoy the grandeur of the surrounding landscape as we descend to the Tafjord, where we’ll board the ferry to Valldal. This valley is famed for its strawberry production as the berries ripen slowly in the long summer days giving the fruit a deeper flavor. Ride past strawberry fields and immaculate red barns to our sleek design hotel, set along the banks of a crystal-clear mountain stream. This property—which was practically its own character in the HBO show Succession—is architecturally daring, yet it blends artfully into its untamed natural surroundings. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot tub or enjoy a steam in the riverfront sauna. This evening meet Chris—the property’s chef and an early champion of the slow food movement—who will lead us into the forest on a foraging expedition that culminates in a special wood-fired dinner.
As it happens, our hotel is located at the base of Norway’s most famous road: the Trollstigen is an engineering marvel and a cyclist’s dream, with switchbacks snaking up a cliff face and crossing back and forth over a dramatic waterfall. We’ll climb the “Troll’s Road” from the back side, riding through forest that gives way to a craggy alpine landscape. At the top, take a moment to appreciate the view before one of the most exhilarating descents of the week. Our adrenaline follows us to lunch in the charming fishing village of Åndalsnes. Afterward, the choice is yours: climb back over the switchbacks or hop in the van for a transfer back to the hotel. Either way, a plunge in the river or soak in the hot tub awaits—the perfect way to wind down before we gather for a farewell dinner.
This morning, linger over a leisurely breakfast before one last walk in the woods or soak in the bathhouse. Your guides will arrange a transfer into Ålesund or the Ålesund airport in Vigra and send you off to your next destination