HIKING HUT TO HUT IN NORWAY: JOTENHEIMEN MTS TO AURLANDSDAL FJORD July 8 - July 20, 2007 $2329 Mary Hong Loe, Trip Leader NOTE: RESERVATIONS & DEPOSITS NEED TO BE MADE BEFORE THE END OF 2006 - IF YOU ARE INTERESTED - PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER RIGHT AWAY - IF THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PARTICIPANTS BY THEN THE OUTING WILL HAVE TO BE CANCELLED. This trip is designed to show hikers what most distinguishes Norway’s geography – vistas of stunning peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and fjords—and experience them in the best way - by foot and boat. The tour combines what many think are the two most spectacular hiking areas in Norway, the high alpine trails in the Jotenheimen Mts. above the 12 mile long glacier-fed Lake Gjende (“Home of the Giants”), and Norway’s most beautiful mountain valley hike down Norway’s dramatic finger of a fjord near Flåm, off its longest fjord, the Sognefjord. Much of this hike was covered with two of my previous ADK groups, and hikers were quite uniformly enthralled. I feel this is the best hike to introduce ADKers to the essence of what Norway offers its many outdoor enthusiasts.  Parts of the trails on most days are strenuous, but no single day is arduous if hikers are in good physical shape and accustomed to at least some multi-day hiking with a daypack carrying 15-20 lb load. A 20 lb pack can carry all that we need if we pack carefully, since sleeping bags, extra water bottles, and tents are not needed. No peak climbs are involved, so high altitude is not a problem. Like trails in the Adirondacks, sections of trails can be steep, rocky & stony, and a bit tricky, requiring careful foot work. On two days at the start of the hike, a hiker could opt to take a boat instead of hiking and we can all send some part of our packs by boat for a small fee. After our longest day’s hike, on day 8 we have a short, leisurely day with about 4 hours of hiking. Click HERE for daily itinerary. At the end, two days of sight-seeing activities along the fjord and to the city of Bergen will be a very special treat. They add to the cost of this trip, but they offer a chance to see historical Norway in a nutshell. The cost is low given the price of Norway. Every visitor to Norway should get close to fjords like this one (as spectacular as New Zealand’s), and Bergen is steeped in history and close enough to allure. Norway’s climate is often very nice for hiking, with relatively cool day temperatures usually between 50 – 70. But mountain weather is changeable, so rain gear and warm layers are essential. I’ve had such outstanding weather on three hikes, that I almost expect fairly dry weather. Situated on the west coast, clouds and some rain are likely in Bergen, but this is unlikely to last. Hikers need to be prepared for temps below 50 as well. Price includes: Trip registration fee with the ADK Assoc. Membership in the Norwegian Touring Assn (DNT), which owns many of the huts and gets us deals on hotels. All transportation to, from, & during our hike (several boat trips, bus, minibus, train to and from Bergen). Does not include taxis or other transport you may use on your own in Oslo or Bergen, or     bus/train from airport into Oslo. Full board in mountain lodges. Most hikers rate the food as very good and sometimes outstanding. Dinners are family style. Breakfasts are smorgasbord style.  We make our own packed lunches     from these breakfast smorgasbords. Lodging in the mountains, usually in rooms with 4 beds, but there may be more or fewer beds. Norway's hut-to-hut system is reputed to be the best in the world. Experienced, well-informed, English-speaking Norwegian guide, provided through the Den Norsk Turistforening (DNT) Four nights in city hotels--two in Oslo and two in Bergen—and a night in a pension in Flaam on the fjord, all with breakfasts. All lodging is covered. The only meals not covered are meals taken in cities (other than hotel breakfasts), and meals enroute on train or bus.  You are responsible for any alcohol, extra drinks and snacks at the mountain lodges, admissions to museums and other sight seeing costs in Bergen or Oslo.  You will also need to pay the bus/train fare between Oslo and the airport. For more information and to register contact Mary Hong Loe, 278 W. Lake Rd., Oswego, NY  13126, 315-342-3179 (h) / fax: 315-312-3194 (w) / loem@oswego.edu Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION