Up Norway announces the launch of an exclusive seven-day spring journey designed to capture the essence of Norway’s most vibrant season. Available for bookings in May and June, The Beauty of May: Norway’s Mountains & Fjords takes travelers from Oslo’s cultural heart across the dramatic Hardangervidda plateau to the glittering Hardangerfjord and onward to Bergen.
The curated journey is built around the Norwegian concept of våryrhet — the spring restlessness that stirs in Norwegians after months of winter. As melting snow cascades down hillsides and orchard blossoms paint the valleys in white and pink, travelers will discover why spring holds such profound meaning in Norwegian culture. For Norwegians, the mountains are more than just a landscape. After months of hibernation, the first smells of thawing earth stir something primal: a longing to move, breathe deeply, feel alive. This journey captures that quiet euphoria of stepping onto a mountain path at this time of year.
The seven-day itinerary showcases Norway’s dramatic contrasts, from the stillness of the fjell (mountain) to the fragrance of fjordside orchards. Highlights include:
- Oslo’s Architectural Renaissance: Travelers can explore world-class contemporary architecture, including Snøhetta’s Opera House and the new Munch Museum.
- Geilo Mountain Lodge: An intimate stay at the edge of Hardangervidda National Park, featuring cultural heritage drives in a 1931 Nash automobile, mountain lake canoeing, and artisanal cheesemaker visits.
- Scenic Route Hardangervidda: A breathtaking drive across Norway’s largest mountain plateau as the landscape transforms from pure white to blooming orchards.
- Hotel Sundal: A historic fjordside inn in Hardanger, where hosts Caroline and Harald offer farm-to-table dining and access to the nearby Folgefonna glacier.
- Private Fjord Cruise: An exclusive boat journey into Botnen, a secluded arm of the Hardangerfjord accessible only by water.
- Cultural Immersion: Hands-on experiences including traditional lefse baking, visits to preserved farmsteads, and encounters with local artisans.
