With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.
This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice.
To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs.
Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday
Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal roads and lush green valleys with some of cycling’s most iconic mountain climbs.
After arriving in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city and ‘Capital of the Fjords’, the riding begins in the country’s adventure capital, Voss. Venturing into the heart of Norway’s pristine and tranquil countryside, quiet roads lead riders past beautiful lakes, roadside waterfalls and traditional Norwegian villages.
The first real challenge of the trip is the winding hairpins leading to the 1,000m summit of Vikafjellet mountain. More mountain challenges await with the multi-switchback climb at Gaularfjellet and the imposing ascent up Rørvikfjellet. The descents into the green valleys below surrounded by mountains and waterfalls more than make up for the tired legs.
Swapping mountains for the oceanic landscape of Norway’s western coastline, the route continues along the Norfjord before crossing the fjord by ferry to Arvika. After stopping in the capital of the country’s offshore industry, Ulsteinvik, it’s back on the ferry to reach Alesund, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful town in Norway thanks to its Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture.
Saving the best until last, one of the final days in the saddle sees riders take on two iconic mountain climbs – Trollstigen Pass (The Trolls Ladder) and Ernesvingen (The Eagle’s Wing). Arguably Norway’s number one cyclist’s climb, Trollstigen Pass is famous for its stunning views and 11 hairpin bends. Whilst not as steep as Trollstigen, the 25km climb to Ernesvingen offers more breathtaking scenery, especially from its summit, where riders can look back towards Geiranger and the perfectly engineered switchback road they’ve just navigated to the peak.
The trip ends with an hour-long ferry journey through UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord and a final ride through the valley of Norangsdalen and along the coastal roads of Hjorundfjorden. One final hop across the fjords by ferry and a 20km ride takes riders back to the town of Ålesund.
About the trip
- Dates: 13-21 June and 29 August-6 September 2026
- Price: From £4,995pp. Price includes accommodation (full board), full tour service, support vehicle and luggage transfer service, all ferry crossings and airport transfers. Flights and bike hire not included. Norwegian flies direct to Bergen from London Gatwick (outbound). On the return leg, Scandinavian Airlines flies from Ålesund to London Heathrow (via Copenhagen) and Norwegian flies from Ålesund to London Gatwick (via Oslo). Flight price approx £350pp return. Bike hire from £465pp.
- Website: skedaddle.com
Image: Saddle Skedaddle