Norway

Kayaking and Hiking Adventure

3 nights from £800 • €930 • $1030

Activities

3 days guided adventures

Accommodation

3 nights comfortable cabin

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Hearty and homemade

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

7 new friends

Dates

Fly into Stavanger, Norway

June, September and October

  • Kayaking

    Learn to kayak on this beginner friendly weekend! Paddle on the fjords of Norway, surrounded by steep towering mountains.

  • Hiking

    Develop outdoor skills, including navigation and map reading, while hiking through the mountains.

  • Scrambling

    Navigate some terrain on your hands and feet!

  • Wild Swimming

    Enjoy sunrise and sunset swims from our cosy cabin on the water's edge.

  • Cosy Cabin

    Stay in a traditional cabin on the waters edge

Join Gutsy Girls this summer and autumn for our 3 night kayak and hiking adventure on the fjords of Norway. We’ve squeezed as much as we can into this short escape, exploring the awe-inspiring Lysefjord!

From the water, we’ll kayak past magnificent waterfalls and paddle under the famous Pulpit Rock towering 604 metres above us. On the land we’ll hike along side the fjord and climb high into the mountains that surround the fjords for breathtaking views.

This adventure is perfect for beginner and novice kayakers, our highly experienced and passionate local guide will teach you how to kayak. You’ll be in a stable double kayak with another Gutsy Girl, sharing the effort to paddle further into the fjord!

We’ll be staying in a cosy cabin right on the edge of the fjord, enjoying sunrise wild swims in the fjord and evenings stargazing around the campfire.

Location

Lysefjord, at 42 km long, is Norway's largest fjord, with the surrounding mountains reaching over 1000m high. With awe-inspiring waterfalls, mountain goats and incredible hiking trails, it’s the perfect place for a long weekend adventure, reconnecting with nature and learning new skills.

Activities

  • Kayaking

    For two days of this adventure, we’ll be kayaking on Lysefjord. There’s no need for any previous kayaking experience, we’ll be paddling in stable kayaks and our instructors will build your paddling skills and confidence while we explore this beautiful location. 

    We’ll paddle for 6-8 hours each day at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks to take in the beautiful surroundings. 

  • Hiking

    Hiking

    We’ll hike through lush forests that follow the edge of the fjord, then climbing up several hundred metres above sea level reaching the peaks of Skyjeruvet and Fantahålå before our final viewpoint Fantapytten, Lysefjord’s “infinity pool” taking a dip in it is completely optional!

    10km hike (up to 8 hours) moderate.

  • Snowshoeing

    Scrambling

    On sections on our long day hike you’ll do some basic scrambling.

    Scrambling is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges that is a blend of hiking and climbing, typically requiring the use of both hands and feet. It's less technical than climbing but more challenging than hiking, often involving navigating steep, rocky sections where ropes aren't usually necessary.

    There is a ladder to climb on this adventure.

Kayaking

For two days of this adventure, we’ll be kayaking on Lysefjord. There’s no need for any previous kayaking experience, we’ll be paddling in stable kayaks and our instructors will build your paddling skills and confidence while we explore this beautiful location. 

We’ll paddle for 6-8 hours each day at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks to take in the beautiful surroundings. 

Hiking

We’ll hike through lush forests that follow the edge of the fjord, then climbing up several hundred metres above sea level reaching the peaks of Skyjeruvet and Fantahålå before our final viewpoint Fantapytten, Lysefjord’s “infinity pool” taking a dip in it is completely optional!

10km hike (up to 8 hours) moderate.

Scrambling

On sections on our long day hike you’ll do some basic scrambling.

Scrambling is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges that is a blend of hiking and climbing, typically requiring the use of both hands and feet. It's less technical than climbing but more challenging than hiking, often involving navigating steep, rocky sections where ropes aren't usually necessary.

There is a ladder to climb on this adventure.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This active adventure offers the opportunity to explore one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords while learning how to kayak.

    We have rated this adventure as moderate. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join us, however, you’ll need a good fitness level to enjoy all the activities of the weekend.

  • Activity Duration: Each day on this holiday involves 6 to 8 hours of activity.

    Kayaking Distances: We'll be covering distances of 14-18km each day in double kayaks.

    Kayaking Considerations: Adjusting to the kayak's seating may feel unusual at first, but it becomes more comfortable with time.

    Hiking: We will have 9km with ascents up to 600m - This is a full-day hike taking up to 8 hours (with breaks)

    Scrambling: Some parts of the hike will involve scrambling, which requires using your hands and feet to navigate the terrain, including climbing a 2m metal ladder attached to rocks, though it's not in an exposed area.

  • Heights: Some sections of the hike can feel exposed and lofty, so a head for heights is a must! 

    Consecutive Activity: Prepare for 3 days of back-to-back activities. The week is action-packed and can be quite demanding. 

    Weather Considerations: While we hope for sunny days, the weather in the Fjords can change rapidly. Come prepared with appropriate clothing for hiking in various weather conditions, including rain.

    Communal Living: The cabin you’ll be staying in is cosy, so expect to be in close quarters with your fellow Gutsy Girls.

  • We’ll stay in a cosy cabin by the fjord. Enjoy sunrise with coffee on the deck or a refreshing swim in the icy water.

    • Twin or private double rooms

    • Shared lounge and dining area

    • Two shared bathrooms with showers for all 8 guests

    It’s not luxury, but it’s a comfortable base for a winter adventure.

  • • All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

    • Simple, hearty, homemade food to fuel your adventure!

    We can cater to most dietary requirements; for allergies, please contact us before booking.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Our guides will meet us at Stavanger Airport. Then it’s a short transfer to our cabin for the weekend!

    We’ll get to know each other over a welcome dinner prepared by our guides and we'll have a briefing on what to expect for the next few days of adventure!

  • Day 2

    We’ll start our day with a hearty breakfast and coffee overlooking the water, followed by packing our belongings into dry bags and loading up our kayaks for a day of adventure!

    Our instructors will give us a lesson before we get on the water. We’ll spend the morning learning paddling techniques as we explore the fjord.

    Finding a spot on the land, we’ll stop for lunch before an afternoon paddle back to our cabin.

    There’s a chance for a wild swim and an evening walk before dinner. Then enjoy a night of great conversation around a fire and stargazing.

  • Day 3


    Sunrise wild swim for the early risers or maybe a coffee on the deck overlooking the water, your choice!

    Today we’ll hike! At first, our trail will run close to the fjord, eventually climbing to several hundred metres above sea level where the trail winds along mountain cliffs and gorges, including the peaks of Skjerajuvet and Fantahålå – through stunning landscapes and countless panoramic viewpoints. Eventually we’ll find the legendary Fantapytten – Lysefjord’s own “infinity pool”.

    The hike is 9km, it will take us a full day (8 hour with breaks).

    Dinner back at the cabin.

  • Day 4

    Sunrise swims, breakfast, then off for a paddle on our final day!

    On today’s route, we’ll see beautiful waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife and we’ll paddle below Pulpit Rock, where we hiked the previous day.

    We’ll have lunch on the water and paddle back to our starting point to be dropped back to Stavanger airport.

    • Mon 30 Sept - Thu 3 Oct

    • Mon 21 Oct - Thu 24 Oct

    • Mon 28 Oct - Thu 31 Oct

  • Our 2025 dates will be announced this October or November. Sign up here for updates and be the first to secure your spot

Dates

Price

Private Room
£875 (approx. €1015 / $1130)

Twin Room
£800 (approx. €930 / $1030)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 3 days of guided activities

    • 2 days kayaking

    • 1 day guided hike

  • 3 nights accommodation in cabin

  • All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners

  • Kayak equipment, neoprene long johns or dry suit, dry bags.

  • Qualified kayaking and hiking guide

  • Gutsy Girls host

  • Gutsy Girls goodie bag

  • Airport transport from Stavanger at set transfer times.

    • Flights

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Personal clothing

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

Travel

  • The nearest airport is Stavanger.

    We offer one scheduled transfer to and from Stavanger Airport at the following times:

    • Pick-up: 3:45pm

    • Drop-off: 5pm

    28 - 31 October 2024 ONLY:

    Stavanger Airport

    • Arrival day pick up: 2:40pm

    • Departure day drop off: 5.00pm

  • Arrival: Norwegian DY1335 | LGW 12:15 ✈ 14:55 SVG

    Departure: Norwegian DY1336 | SVG 19:30 ✈ 20:35 LGW

    We aren’t able to collect from Stavanger city centre, if you arrive a day before you’ll need to catch a bus to the airport in time for the transfer.

    28 - 31 October 2024 date ONLY:

    Norwegian | London Gatwick to Stavanger

    Arrival: Norwegian DY1335 | LGW 11:00 ✈ 13:40 SVG

    Departure: Norwegian DY1336 | SVG 19:15 ✈ 20:05 LGW

    We aren’t able to collect from Stavanger city centre, if you arrive a day before you’ll need to catch a bus to the airport in time for the transfer.

Packing List

    • Dry trousers / pants (these are waterproof trousers made of breathable fabric, with built in feet that allow them to be used like flexible, lightweight waders. They have jacket compatible waist bands to create a two-piece drysuit)

    • Paddling cag / jacket (compatible with the dry pants)

    • Neoprene wetsuit boots (worn on top of the built in feet of the dry pants to protect them)

    • Buoyancy aid

    • Spray skirt - a spray skirt is a flexible waterproof cover for a kayak with a hole for the paddler's waist. They are used to prevent water from entering the kayak.

    • Lunch box

    • Mug

    • Dry bags

  • Personal

    • Water bottles - 1x2l or 2x1l

    • Toiletries

    • Personal medication

    • Daypack for storing lunch and water during the hikes

    • Sunscreen (waterproof)

    • Insect repellent

    • Bite cream

    • Sunglasses & a floating strap

    • Thermos for hot drinks (optional for summer trips, essential in September and October)

    • Sleep mask and ear plugs (optional)

    • Waterproof phone case (and attached strap)

    • Head torch (not essential mid-May to mid-July)

    • Travel towel

    • Towelling or microfibre robe - optional but useful for changing and staying warm

    • Flip flops or sliders - for use around the cabin and getting to/from the kit room

    • Compeed/blister plasters and sports tape/kinesiology tape in case your boots rub 

    Clothes

    • Hiking Essential:

      • Hiking boots (mandatory)

      • Hiking socks

      • Hardshell jacket (waterproof)

      • Hiking trousers - lightweight and fast drying

      • T-shirts / base layers (weather / temperature dependent) - lightweight and fast drying

      • Wool / fleece mid-layers

      • Underwear

    • Hiking Recommended:

      • Waterproof trousers for hiking (particularly recommended if your week is looking wet!)

      • Hiking shorts - lightweight and fast drying (if you have a warm week!)

    • Kayaking Essential (please see FAQs for more detail):

      • Quick-drying clothes - lightweight t-shirts, base layers, mid-layers

      • At least two sets of thermal/wool long johns and long sleeved baselayer top (not cotton). You will wear these under your dry suit.

      • Mid layer - fleece or similar

      • Socks (wool is warmest) - you’ll wear these inside your dry suit while kayaking

      • Travel towel

      • Underwear

    • Kayaking Recommended:

      • Extra underwear (it will get wet and may take some time to dry - spares advised!)

      • Extra swimwear (it will get wet and may take some time to dry)

    • Recommended for both hiking and kayaking :

      • Buff

      • Lightweight down / insulated jacket for chilly mornings & evenings (weather dependent - please check forecast)

      • Cap or sun hat (summer months)

      • Beanie (weather dependent - please check forecast)

    • Essential for fjord swimming (optional activity):

      • Swimwear - two sets may be useful if you intend to swim multiple times

    • Recommended/optional for fjord swimming:

      • Neoprene socks or booties & neoprene gloves

      • Goggles

      • Swim cap

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!