
Fjord Road Trips by Charter Bus Norway
With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, winding roads, and glittering waters, Norway’s fjords are among the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. But beyond the famous names like Geiranger or Sognefjord lie hidden valleys, untouched hamlets, and serene byways that most tourists never see. For those seeking a more immersive and flexible way to explore these breathtaking natural wonders, coach hire for fjord road trips is the ultimate group travel solution. This guide takes you deep into the heart of Norway’s lesser-known fjord regions — combining scenic routes, cultural gems, and logistical tips for organizing the perfect coach tour through valleys that feel straight out of a Norse myth.
Why Choose Coach Hire for Norwegian Fjord Tours?
Door-to-Door Comfort & Flexibility
- Coaches offer climate-controlled travel, ample luggage space, Fjord Road Trips by Charter Bus Norway and panoramic windows for sightseeing.
- Perfect for school groups, photographers, cultural travelers, and nature enthusiasts.
- Flexible stops at scenic points, waterfalls, fjord ferries, and local cafés.
Access to Remote Valleys
Many of Norway’s hidden fjords and valleys — like Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsdalen, and Eikesdalen — are not easily accessed via public transport. Private coaches provide full accessibility with local expertise and efficient routing.
Group-Centric Planning
- Ideal for groups from 10 to 55+ people.
- Tailored itineraries with ferry bookings, guided stops, and overnight hotel logistics.
Where to Start – Gateway Cities
Most fjord road trips begin in one of Norway’s major cities:
Bergen
- The gateway to western fjords
- Ideal for Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and nearby valleys
Oslo
- Best for groups arriving by international air
- Connects easily to the valleys via the scenic Oslo-Bergen route
Ålesund
- Coastal hub near Geirangerfjord and hidden valleys of Møre og Romsdal
Trondheim
- Northern gateway to valleys like Innerdalen, Trollheimen, and Sunndalen
Suggested 7-Day Fjord Valley Coach Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Oslo to Aurlandsdalen Valley
- Depart Oslo via coach, stopping at Hønefoss and Gol
- Scenic lunch in Hemsedal
- Cross the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road (summer only) or take Laerdal Tunnel
- Evening in Aurland — stay in fjord-view guesthouses or hotels
Day 2: Aurlandsdalen Exploration
- Hike part of the Aurlandsdalen Valley trail (optional)
- Visit Stegastein Viewpoint — glass platform 650m above fjord
- Cruise on Nærøyfjord (UNESCO fjord arm of Sognefjord)
- Dinner in Flåm and return to Aurland
Day 3: Sognefjellet & Luster Valley
- Drive to Lærdal and take the ferry across Sognefjord
- Journey through the Luster Valley, home to:
- Feigefossen Waterfall
- Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO site)
- Jostedal Glacier Park
- Overnight in Gaupne or Skjolden
Day 4: Sognefjellet to Geiranger via Lom
- Drive the Sognefjellet National Scenic Route
- Visit Lom Stave Church and Bøverdalen Valley
- Cross the mountains to Geiranger via the Geiranger-Trollstigen scenic route
- Overnight stay in Geirangerfjord hotels
Day 5: Geirangerfjord & Hidden Valleys
- Cruise or coach to Herdalen Valley – a hidden gem of mountain farms
- Optional ferry to Hellesylt
- Visit Flydalsjuvet and Ørnesvingen viewpoints
- Group dinner overlooking the fjord
Day 6: Eikesdalen & Mardalsfossen
- Drive to Eikesdalen, one of Norway’s most secluded valleys
- Visit Mardalsfossen – one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls
- Continue through Sunndalen Valley, known for dramatic peaks and alpine rivers
- Overnight near Oppdal
Day 7: Return to Oslo via Dovrefjell
- Stop at Dovrefjell National Park – home to musk oxen
- Optional short hike or wildlife photography stop
- Final group dinner in Oslo or transfer to airport
Hidden Fjord Valleys to Include
Aurlandsdalen (Sogn og Fjordane)
- Known as Norway’s Grand Canyon
- Rich in flora, waterfalls, and historical trails
Luster Valley
Base for exploring Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Feigefossen
Quiet farming villages and historical churches
Eikesdalen (Møre og Romsdal)
- Enclosed by towering cliffs and waterfalls
- Home to Mardalsfossen and lake views
Innerdalen Valley
- Often called “Norway’s most beautiful valley”
- Base for climbing Innerdalstårnet (a perfect pyramid mountain)
Nærøyfjord & Gudvangen
- Narrow fjord surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls
- Scenic cruises and access to Viking Valley in Gudvangen
Coach Hire Options & Vehicle Features
Vehicle Sizes:
- Minibuses (16–25 seats) – for tight roads and hiking groups
- Mid-size Coaches (30–40 seats) – comfortable and spacious
- Full-size Coaches (45–55+ seats) – ideal for large tour groups
Features:
- High-back reclining seats
- Onboard toilets (in large models)
- Panoramic windows and skylights
- Microphone and PA systems for guides
- Luggage trailers for gear-heavy groups
- Ferry-ready registration and permits
Accommodation for Groups in Fjord Valleys
- Fjord Hotels and Guesthouses – often family-run with group dining options
- Mountain Lodges – perfect for walkers and nature lovers
- Eco-cabins and Glamping Sites – available in areas like Luster and Geiranger
- Scenic Campsites – some with coach access and services
Tip: Book well in advance for high season (June–August).
Activities to Include in Your Itinerary
Fjord Cruises
- Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Geirangerfjord are top picks
- Group rates available with advance booking
Waterfall Visits
- Mardalsfossen, Feigefossen, Kjosfossen, and Vettisfossen
Short Hikes
- Aurlandsdalen (partial)
- Rimstigen trail (Nærøyfjord)
- Storseterfossen (Geiranger)
Museums & Cultural Stops
- Norwegian Glacier Museum (Jostedal)
- Viking Valley in Gudvangen
- Urnes Stave Church (UNESCO)
- Lom Folk Museum
Best Time to Travel
| Season | Pros | Considerations |
| May–June | Waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers in bloom | Snow may still block mountain roads |
| July–August | Best weather, long daylight | Most popular – book early |
| September | Autumn colours, fewer crowds | Shorter days, some closures |
| October–April | Peaceful, snowy scenery | Some roads/ferries closed, not ideal for coach tours |
Ideal Groups for Fjord Coach Trips
- Photography and Wildlife Clubs
- University Geography/Geology Tours
- Adventure Groups and Hikers
- Nature Retreats and Wellness Travelers
- Eco-Tourism and Cultural Heritage Groups
Practical Travel Tips
- Ferries: Your coach provider should reserve vehicle space in advance
- Fuel & Rest Stops: Limited in remote valleys — plan stops ahead
- Guides: Consider hiring local nature or history guides for specific sites
- Packing: Layered clothing, waterproofs, and hiking boots recommended
- Mobile Signal: Limited in deep valleys — ensure emergency communications
Sustainability and Local Impact
Norway prides itself on sustainable tourism. Choosing a coach tour:
- Reduces emissions per traveler
- Supports local lodges, farms, and museums
- Promotes off-the-beaten-path travel
- Allows more time in nature with minimal footprint
Look for coach providers using low-emission or electric vehicles, and hotels with Eco-Lighthouse certification.
Conclusion: Unlock the Secret Valleys of Norway by Coach
A coach-hired fjord road trip through Norway’s hidden valleys is more than a scenic adventure — it’s an immersive experience through quiet corners of a legendary land. From the roaring waterfalls of Mardalsfossen to the mossy trails of Aurlandsdalen and the mystical fjords of Nærøy, this journey offers your group soul-stirring beauty and unmatched serenity. Tailor your tour to your pace, your passions, and your group’s purpose. With the right planning, local partners, and coach provider, Norway’s fjords and valleys will offer memories to last a lifetime.