FAQ Norwegian Fjords Kayaking and Hiking 5 days

We are looking forward to helping you out. However, before reaching out to us, please check the list of general information and frequently asked questions below.

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Who is this tour for

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age for joining this tour is 16 years, as we require all participants to be self-reliant.

Feel free to contact us if you want a private multi-day kayak tour, as we can provide a customized offer for you.

How experienced in kayaking/hiking should I be to attend this tour?

We rate this tour as moderate difficulty as multiple days kayaking and hiking can be physically strenuous and therefore requires a decent fitness level. While it would be an advantage, no prior experience in kayaking or hiking is required to join this tour.

How difficult are the hikes?

The route of the hikes will be determined by the guide depending on the overall fitness level of the group. This way everyone will be able to enjoy themselves. 

As with the tour as a whole, if you have a decent fitness level, the hikes will not be too difficult for you. Do keep in mind that there might be some steep ascends and descends. 

Since the hikes often are done in the morning or late afternoon/evening you can also choose to not join but rather stay at the accommodation.

Where and when

Where and when does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 11:00 (a.m.) at the waterfront near the Urke Kaihus in Urke. If you do not find the spot: call our office at (+47) 57 62 41 70.

On day 5 you will be back at the Urke Kaihus before 16:00 (4 p.m.)

Pre Tour Accommodation and Getting Here

What is the closest and most convenient airport?

The closest airport is Ålesund Airport Vigra. This is about an hour flight from Oslo airport. 

How do I get to Ã…lesund?

You can book a flight from Oslo or Bergen to Ålesund. Check SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), Norwegian Airlines or Widerøe. The flight takes approx. one hour. There are also international flights directly from Amsterdam (KLM) to Ålesund. We recommend you take a flight on the day before the start of the tour. The name of the airport is: Ålesund Airport Vigra.

How do I get from the airport to Ã…lesund city center?

From Ã…lesund Airport Vigra you can take the airport shuttle bus to Ã…lesund city center (approx. 25 minutes). The bus stops right outside the airport terminal and leaves corresponding with each flight arrival. Check EnTur to find the required bus. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.

Where can I stay in Ã…lesund?

There are numerous hotels in Ã…lesund where you can spend the night before departing to Urke. You can check Booking.com or other websites to find a hotel that suits your needs. Alternatively if you combine this 5 day tour with a customized tour from us, we will arrange the accommodation for you.

How do I get to Urke?

The meeting point in Urke, Urke Kaihus, can be easily reached with the Hjørundfjord cruise from Ålesund, a 1,5 hour scenic boat ride. The timetable of the boat corresponds with the start and finish of the tour. Note that this boat only runs from  May 20 to September 29.  On day 1 of our tour: departure from Ålesund 09.30 with arrival in Urke 11:15. On the last day of our tour: departure from Urke 17:15  and arrival in Ålesund 19:00. The ticket per adult one way costs 425 NOK. Note that this tour does not run on Wednesdays. You can check this by clicking on the book now button on their website. This is already done by us and so far all the dates on our website are compatible with theirs. You have to book separate tickets for the tour out and back.

From Ålesund to Urke 

From Urke to Ã…lesund

Upon booking you just write in the comments/notes field that you want to travel to/from Urke.

For people that will arrive with the Hjørundfjordcruise boat, please notify our office at least two weeks before the tour, that you will arrive a little bit later.

Do you find the information mentioned above too challenging? We can help you. You can add the transfer by boat from Ã…lesund to and from the meeting point separately in the booking process.

If you are traveling in Norway by car or campervan, you can access Urke by road. Be sure to take travel time into account. Coming from Ålesund it is best to either drive to Sæbø and then take the ferry from Sæbø to Leknes. Note that this ferry only runs once an hour. Or drive to Magerholm and take the ferry to Sykkylven, continuing via Stranda to Urke.

It is unfortunately not possible to get to Urke by bus. The closest you can get is take the bus to Hellesylt (check on EnTur) and then take a taxi to Urke. This taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes and the estimated cost is 1500 NOK. You can order it at Ingers Trans, phone number (+47) 465 44 433 or e-mail info@ingerstrans.no 

Where can I stay in Urke?

Urke is a very small town and there is no hotel there nor public transportation. The only place to stay is at Urke camping where they rent out simple cabins. You should book in advance. You can reach them by phone (+47) 45 83 42 67 or e-mail booking@urkecamping.no

If you come by car there are two hotels to pick from in nearby towns:

Area and program

How much of the tour is hiking and how much is kayaking?

Day 1: 3-4 hours kayaking

Day 2: 4-5 hours hiking

Day 3: 3 hours kayaking & 2 hours hiking

Day 4: 4 hours kayaking & 1 hour hiking

Day 5: 4-5 hours kayaking

What distance do we hike/paddle each day?

Each day you will paddle or hike different distances. They are difficult to measure in distance and better measured in hours (check the information above)

What is the exact itinerary?

Since flexibility is required due to weather and kayaking ability, we cannot provide a more specific program than outlined in the day to day program of the tour.

The guide will adapt the hikes (as far as possible) according to the weather forecast, current weather and group ability and experience.

Note: for the group that starts on July 14, 2024 the itinerary is the other way around.

What changes can be made by the guide?

Due to excessive headwinds or other weather/group circumstances the guide may decide to adjust the itinerary. This might mean minor changes like adjusting the distance to be paddled on any given day or in more severe situations (has only occurred twice in 19 years of operation) skip a leg of the tour and transport everybody by boat to the next location to start the next day. 

Accommodation and facilities

What type of accommodation do we stay in whilst on tour?

The accommodation will be in simple/basic cabins and farm houses that have been rebuilt to accommodate guests. This gives you an authentic opportunity to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture.

Do we have private rooms?

The rooms in the accommodations welcome 2 to 4 people. The beds will be single or bunk beds. Shared bathroom.

Do we hike/paddle to a new location every day?

The first two nights you will stay in the same place, a small village that can only be reached by sea.

The third and fourth night you will spend at 2 different locations. You will paddle to these locations.

Note: for the group that starts on July 14, 2024 the itinerary is the other way around.

Practical information

What do I need to pack for the tour?

Take a look at our packing list for multi-day kayaking tours.

We also have a packing list for day hikes, which you can use to plan ahead for your tour.

All kayaking gear: single or double kayaks, paddles, paddle vest, 35L waterproof dry bag is provided by us.

Do we wear wet or dry suits?

We normally do not paddle in wet or dry suits. Everybody wears ‘normal’ clothes, preferably fast drying materials, and proper rain clothing on the outside. If you have your own dry suit, and the weather forecast predicts a lot of rain, you can consider bringing it.

Where to place my luggage during the tour?

Getting to different cabins, you will go by kayak, so your luggage will be packed in storage compartments in the kayaks. This means you will have to pack light and only bring necessary items on your tour. Please check the packing list for a multi day kayak tour. It is best to bring a backpack as you sometimes will need to hike up to the camp.

What size of backpack is recommended?

We recommend bringing a backpack with at least 40L capacity, bigger the better as you will need the backpack to bring camping gear from the kayak to the camping spot.

Do I need a waterproof bag?

We provide one waterproof bag (dry bag) (35L) per person for your belongings.  Feel free to bring your own waterproof bags too.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

No, linen is included with all accommodations so a sleeping bag is not required.

Can I leave any items in Urke?

If you are traveling by car you can safely leave your belongings in your car, but please cover them a bit. 

You can leave some belongings in our storage/boat house in Urke. This is at your own risk but we have never experienced problems with this in the past.

Do I carry all my luggage during the hikes?

The hikes will always start from the cabins, so your luggage will be stored there and you will only need a day pack.

Do you use single or double kayaks?

We use mainly double and some single kayaks and are open to take your preference upon booking. Having said this we NEVER guarantee the use of single or double kayaks. This is due to the fact that we need the flexibility to ensure that the group can paddle at an equal pace to guarantee both the safety and enjoyment of the participants of the tour. This means that the guide will always have the last say in who is paddling which kayak.

What about health concerns?

Our guide always carries a first aid kid. If you have health difficulties and require use of  personal medication please ensure you have them with you throughout the tour. If you have health problems which can impact your ability to complete a tour please let us know in advance (preferably while booking) for safety considerations.

What language does the guide speak?

All our guides speak English fluently.

How big is the group?

Group size always varies. Maximum group size is 10 persons. There will also be 1 guide present at all times.

Is it possible to collect drinking water during the tour?

Yes, it’s possible. On the way and at the cabins there are many waterfalls and small streams with good drinking water. Just bring your water bottle and you can refill it!

Food and amenities

What meals are included in the price?

All meals are included, starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 5.

What kind of meals are served on this tour?

Since we stay at different accommodations with different standards this might vary. Typically for breakfast you can choose between bread and yogurt/cereals. During breakfast you will make a packed lunch. Dinner can be 1 or 2 courses. 

Feel free to bring your own snacks and personal amenities on the tour.

Do we go to any shops during the tour?

On day 3 you have the possibility to buy snacks and soft drinks. It is the only shop you will encounter on this tour.

Can I bring/buy alcohol on the tour?

Alcohol is not included in the tour however feel free to bring it yourself. Keep in mind that buying alcohol in Norway can be very expensive and the stores have limited hours for sale of alcohol. We recommend buying alcohol in the Tax Free zone at the airport upon your arrival in Norway. For the amount of alcohol that you can bring to the country please check TOLL.

What do I do if I have specific dietary needs?

We can adjust our menu to your diet, but only if you inform us about this upon booking (we plan the menu ahead of the beginning of the tour).

After the tour

How do I get from Urke to Ã…lesund after the tour?

The end of the tour corresponds with the afternoon departure of the boat to Ålesund, check the information under ‘when and where’, and ‘How do I get to Urke’. 

 

Unanswered questions

Did you not find the information you were looking for?

Please contact us and we will get back to you.