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 Rakevågen 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, there will be time for a warm-up sauna. In the afternoon we will hike to the Sognesjøhytta Cabin and back before dinner at the hotel.

Today, we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to our local swim spot where waterfalls can be seen after rainfall.

After a refreshing swim we will head back to Hardbakke and have the chance to warm-up with a sauna session before a delicious lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we take a boat transfer to Utvaer – the most westerly point of Norway. 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. Those brave enough will have the chance to have a cold dip in these westerly waters.

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 near Hop, where will be able to marvel at the beautiful rock formations and lush sea vegetation beneath us. We will then transfer back to the hotel in Harbakke and have the chance to use the sauna.

Lunch will be enjoyed in the hotel. Then the rest of the afternoon is free for guests. You can choose from a self-guided hike, playing some disk golf, using the sauna or simply relaxing at the hotel.

In the evening, we will come together as a group again and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Norwegian Coastal Culture Academy.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head south of Sognesfjord for our swim, exploring clear waters and seeking out unusual rock formations on a remote and sheltered stretch of coastline.

We will then head to Gulatinget. This is an area of particular historical significance in Norway, as it was the site of one of the oldest and most influential parliamentary and judicial assemblies of the Viking Age, serving the Nordic region from around 900 to 1300 AD. Free farmers from across western Norway gathered here to establish laws, settle disputes, and elect kings, helping to shape the foundations of modern Norwegian democracy.

Guests will be able to eat a picnic lunch, explore, and learn more about this historic site.

In the afternoon we take a hike up a simple route with beautiful views of Eivindvik and our wooded surrounds. This is followed by a scenic boat journey to our dinner reservation and hot tub experience - a real highlight! The hot tubs have incredible views and offer an idyllic way to relax tired muscles after beautiful swims and hikes.

Our morning swim is at Vauleholem where we enjoy calm coastal exploration 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. After lunch we will take the boat back to the hotel and complete the climb to the summit of Ramnenipa. This is a beautiful hike with views over Hardbakke and the archipelago. In the evening we will enjoy a final group celebration dinner at the hotel.

We have an opportunity for a final farewell cold-water dip and sauna together before breakfast and saying our goodbyes.

We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

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, and the length of the swims may be distance or timing based, depending on local conditions and water temperatures.

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.

Please be aware that water temperatures in this part of Norway can be highly changeable and difficult to predict. Guests should be prepared for a wide range of water temperatures and should pack accordingly.

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 includes one main boat, one small support RIB and two support kayaks. These will be operated by a combination of a local boat pilot, your SwimTrek guides and our local safety support partners. Please note that the type and level of boat support may change at short notice due to operational, weather or safety considerations and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

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. This is suitable for guests with good walking fitness and some hiking experience. The most challenging hike is Ramnenipa, which takes us up to 247 metres of elevation. 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 recognised paths and trails. The routes that we walk will have inclines and declines, and some surfaces may be uneven, rocky or slippery. 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: Conditions can be cold both during and between swims, and temperatures may vary depending on the weather. To stay comfortable, we strongly advise all guests to bring appropriate swimwear and clothing suitable for 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, extra swim hat, rash vest, snorkel, or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

SwimTrek is all about the swimming! Our trips, including SwimHikes, are designed and structured around swimming activities. Non-swimming partners, friends and family generally won't be able to take part in the planned activities, but of course are welcome to join for any social activities.

Most of our destinations have plenty of other activities available for non-swimmers, but these will be need to be arranged separately.

For this trip in particular, non-swimmers will unfortunately not be able to join the hikes.

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 airport 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 or on the Skyss Ticket App. 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, (from Bergen Strandkaiterminal to Krakhella) and we recommend booking early during the summer season as departures are limited and may fill quickly. You can search for ferry times here, or view the PDF timetable.

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 an incline into the village centre, the hotel is on a small hill opposite the marina. The hotel's What3Words location is: costumed.massaged.discrepancy.

Return Travel

To return to Bergen Airport, 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 all EU member states, the UK, US, 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.