Meet for a welcome meeting at the hotel, and a short acclimatisation swim before a welcome dinner buffet at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel we head to Rakevagan for our morning swim, a few short crossings between islands, before enjoying lunch with a local teacher who preserves the old viking ways of boat building, sailing and navigation. After transferring back to the hotel, we will hike to Ramnenipa and back before a barbecue at the hotel.

Today, we will enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel before heading to Utvaer – the most westerly point of Norway. Before lunch we will swim in the calm waters on the edge of the North Sea. In the afternoon, we will have a walking tour of the island, led by a local guide who will share the history of the area. We will get a chance to see the famous lighthouse of Utvaer, and the Viking rock, where Vikings are said to have sharpened their swords on the rocks of the island before setting sail on raids. On the way back to Hardbakke, we will get incredible views of the Solund Archipelago and stop for dinner at a traditional Norwegian fisher’s cabin.

This morning, we will complete a coastal swim through a small fjord to Sognesjohytta Cabin, where we will stop for a picnic lunch before hiking back to Hardbakke and taking in the island seascape, passing some wild sheep on our way.

In the evening, we will take a scenic cruise to Gulatinget, the birthplace of Norwegian democracy, before enjoying a group dinner together.

Today we take the local postal boat tour up to the Bulandet archipelago, where we will swim between the islands, and then walk through their interiors as well. The postal boat is a local service joining the remote island communities together, delivering mail and allowing people to visit neighbouring islands. On the journey back we will see the towering natural landmark of Alden, and Lagoystolane - stone giants left behind by the glaciers that once covered Solund thousands of years ago. On our return to Hardbakke, we will have an opportunity to sauna before having dinner at the coastal culture academy.

Our morning swim is at Hersvikbygda where we will complete a calm coastal swim with varied views of steep cliffs and gently sloping islands, before joining our local guide in his home for a lunch of locally caught crab. During lunch we will have incredible views of our swim, and of our afternoon hike spot – Pollatinden. The hike up Pollatinden is steep but worth it for the best views over the archipelago. In the evening we will enjoy a final group celebration dinner at the hotel.

We have an opportunity for a final farewell swim together before breakfast and saying our goodbyes.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible. Given the location of this trip, the weather will play a key factor in all our swims and crossings. It should be assumed that changes will be made to the planned itinerary based on local conditions.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups for swims based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes one main boat and two support kayaks to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.# Hike Grading

Most people comfortable walking for a duration of 2 hours, with some inclines and some uneven or rocky pathways, will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Hiking distances

The hiking on this trip includes longer walking sections on varied terrain, with moderate climbs and some uneven footing. Suitable for guests with good walking fitness and some hiking experience. The most challenging hike is 3-4 hours with over 500m of elevation gain up to a viewpoint and then descending via the same route. You should be capable of completing this type of hike prior to the start of the trip.

*Please note that these hikes are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual hike locations and distances will vary according to local weather and conditions.

Hiking Conditions

The walks that we undertake will be led by a professional hiking guide, and will mostly be on recognized paths and trails. The routes that we walk with have inclines and declines, and some surfaces may be uneven, rocky or slippy. Care should be taken and proper walking boots should be worn.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions for our hikes, so some flexibility will be required around which hiking routes will be followed, and how many hikes will be undertaken. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your guides as quickly as possible.

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

In addition to our standard recommended packing list, we also recommend that you bring the following additional items on this trip:

Important: It can be cold both during and between swims, so we advise all guests to bring appropriate swimwear and clothing to be as comfortable as possible in these conditions. We recommend that all guests bring plenty of layers which can be added and removed as required.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks and refill your bottle. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel, or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Food and Drink

All meals are included in your trip price for swimmers. For non-swimmers, all breakfasts will be included, as well as dinners on days 1, 2, 5 and 6. All lunches, and the remaining 2 dinners will be at your own expense for non-swimmers.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Hardbakke is to fly to Bergen, take a tram to the city centre, followed by Express boat and bus to Hardbakke.

Bergen aiport to city centre

Fly into Bergen airport, which is well served by flights from across Europe. From the airport, take the Bybanen Light Rail (Line 1) to Bergen city centre - the journey takes about 45 minutes. Disembark at Byparken, the final stop, which is a short walk to the express boat terminal. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the airport station, on the Skyss Ticket App, or using contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard) directly on the tram. We recommend using the app for convenience.

Express Boat from Bergen to Krakhella

From Strandkaiterminalen (Bergen’s express boat terminal), board the Norled express boat to Krakhella in the Solund archipelago. The boat ride takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and passes through stunning fjord landscapes. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Norled website, and we recommend booking early during the summer season as departures are limited and may fill quickly.

Bus from Krakhella to Hardbakke

At Krakhella, a corresponding local bus service meets the boat and transfers passengers directly to Hardbakke. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and the bus is timed to align with the ferry’s arrival. No additional booking is required — this connection is part of the standard route to Solund. You can pay the driver directly using cash (NOK) or contactless credit/debit card. Tickets may also be purchased via the Skyss Ticket App, though in-person payment is the most common.

Hardbakke to Solund Apartment Hotel

Once you arrive in Hardbakke, the Solund Apartment Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the bus stop and ferry dock. Follow the main road up the slight incline into the village centre, then continue towards the marina — the hotel is well signposted and easy to find.

Return Travel

To return to Bergen Aiport, please reverse the order of travel.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Norway is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Norway require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, and Australia do not require a visa to enter Norway for short trips.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel where we stay.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.