Women’s kayaking and hiking adventure holiday in Norway
Master your sea kayaking skills taking you from beginner to proficient, confident and independent kayaker
Paddle on the fjords of Norway, surrounded by steep towering mountains.
Develop outdoor skills, including navigation and map reading, while hiking through the mountains.
Forage and fish for your dinner and learn to cook over a campfire one evening!
Enjoy sunrise and sunset swims from our cosy cabin on the water's edge.
Connect with new friends - an adventure holiday created for solo travellers
Join Gutsy Girls for our women only sea kayaking adventure discovering the awe-inspiring Lysefjord in Norway. This week long adventure holiday will develop your kayaking skills from beginner to confident and independent sea kayaker!
If you enjoy paddleboarding, learning to sea kayak will improve your paddling skills and build your water confidence; but most excitingly it allow you to explore even wilder and remoter locations that aren’t easily accessible by SUP. Gutsy Girls is busy behind the scenes developing epic kayaking adventures for the coming years in epic new locations all over the world!
On this kayaking and hiking holiday you’ll build confidence on and off the water. Mastering paddling skills in a single sea kayak as we explore deep into the fjord, discovering thundering waterfalls, spotting seals and sea eagles and experience a night time paddle beneath the stars!
Off the water develop your map reading skills and navigation whilst hiking the spectacular mountains that surround the fjords. Plus there’s an evening of foraging and fishing, then cooking it all up on an open fire together.
Staying in a cosy cabin on the water's edge, we’ll enjoy wild swimming in the fjord each morning and evening, catching sunrises and sunsets over the fjord and stargazing around the campfire each evening.
location
Situated in southwestern Norway, Lysefjord is Norway’s largest fjord at 42km long. It is nestled amongst majestic mountains that tower over 1,000m in height. We’ll encounter the most beautifully dramatic land and waterscapes on this week-long adventure – the crystal-blue expansive fjord, vertiginous cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. It’s the perfect location to get away from it all and be awe-struck by the power nature has over our landscape!
Kayaking
We’ll be kayaking on the Lysefjord for 4 full days. You don’t need any previous experience as our instructors will guide you through everything you need to know, plus we’ll be paddling in stable, beginner friendly single sea kayaks.
We’ll take things at a relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks to take in the captivating surroundings.
Sea kayaking skills
You will build up from learning basic manoeuvring skills, learning the ‘traffic’ rules at sea, capsize drills and rescues, to more advanced skills including how to read the weather, understand forecasts and plan and pack a kayak for longer tours. You’ll also learn how to navigate using maps and compasses, fish from a kayak and paddle at nightime, under the stars.
Hiking
For 2 days of this adventure we’ll be hiking fantastic local trails! Trekking several hundred feet above sea level into the mountains that surround the fjord, we’ll take in the awe-inspiring views of where we’ve been paddling from a different angle!
Along the way, our guide will teach navigation and map reading skills, building your confidence in the outdoors for future adventures.
Expect 6-8 hours of hiking.
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.
TRIP LEVEL - Moderate
What to Expect
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 week.
Activity Duration: Each day on this holiday involves 6 to 8 hours of activity.
Kayaking Distances: We'll be covering distances of 10-15km each day by kayak.
Kayaking Considerations: Adjusting to the kayak's seating may feel unusual at first, but it becomes more comfortable with time.
Hiking: Our hikes range from 5-10km, with ascents up to 600m, with one long day hike of up to 8 hours. The hikes are rated as moderate.
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 5 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.
Wild cooking
Develop more outdoors skills by foraging and fishing on our campfire cooking evening! We’ll keep our fingers crossed the fish are biting as we fish off our kayaks, on land we’ll forage for seaweed, local flora and berries, on our return we’ll prepare a meal together over an open fire.
ACCOMMODATION
We'll be staying in a comfortable cabin on the edge of the fjord, you can enjoy some early morning sunrises with coffee of the deck or maybe brave the icy water for a wakeup swim!
The cabin isn’t luxury; it’s simple, comfortable and functional, the ideal base after long days adventuring in the wild! Choose between a private room or a twin room, there’ll be 8 guests sharing 2 bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available, or choose to disconnect for the week.
The communal spaces inside and out is where we’ll spend most of our time! Sitting around the campfire, stargazing and enjoying great conversation with new friends.
FOOD
We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (including dinners in the cabin that we’ll cook together). The food will be simple and hearty - meals to give you the fuel you’ll need!
All dietary needs can be catered for with a little advance notice, as long as you tell us at the time of booking.
The experience
This week you’ll develop skills on and off the water in a fun, immersive and engaging way whilst adventuring and exploring.
You’re welcome to soak up as much or as little as you like, there’s no test at the end. As long as you had a great time and plenty of laughs in the outdoors you’ll receive top marks from us!
THE PLAN
How will each day of this adventure play out? Here’s a little taster!
See it as a rough guide as we may make changes to suit the weather conditions to get the best experience.
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Our adventure begins with your arrival at Stavanger airport. A transfer is provided to our cosy cabin accommodation in Lysefjord.
On arrival, we will cook our first dinner, have an introductory briefing and get our equipment together. The rest of the evening will be for getting to know our new adventure buddies and getting a good night’s sleep in preparation for our wild watery expeditions!
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After a hearty breakfast, we'll have our first introductory session on the sea kayak. We’ll learn how to get on and off the water, basic manoeuvring skills, practice balance exercises, efficient forward paddling and safety capsize and rescue drills. Today will be about developing confidence and feeling natural on the water.
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After breakfast, today's paddling will take us on our first day-long tour. Along the way, we’ll learn how to read and understand the weather forecast, safety theory and good sea-womanship skills, and the nitty gritty of rudder and bracing strokes, edging the kayak and how to buddy and self-rescue.
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After breakfast this morning, we’ll set off on our next full day tour. Before we set off, we’ll learn the most efficient ways to pack a kayak for a longer tour and the equipment needed for sea kayaking expeditions. Along the way we’ll learn how to navigate while paddling our kayaks, using charts and compass.
We’ll try our hands at fishing from our kayaks - hopefully there will be fresh line caught fish for dinner this evening! - and practise our buddy and self rescue techniques.
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Today we’ll take a rest day from the kayaks and 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”.
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We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast in the cabin and before consolidating the week’s learning to group-plan a long day tour. Today we’ll extend ourselves into paddling at night, taking in the peace and tranquillity of the fjord under the stars.
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Today, after breakfast, we’ll take a hike around the Solifjell and relish our final views over the Lysefjord and the iconic Pulpit Rock.
We’ll then take the transfer together back to the airport in Stavanger, well exercised and well rested; taking with us new friends and stories of our sea kayaking prowess!
PRICE
Twin Room* £1400
Private Room £1550
* We’ll pair you up with another Gutsy Girl!
Dates
Mon 17 June - Sun 23 June
Mon 1 July - Sun 7 July ⚡️ 3 SPOTS LEFT
Mon 8 July - Sun 14 July
Mon 15 July - Sun 21 July SOLD OUT
Mon 5 Aug - Sun 11 August
Mon 12 Aug - Sun 18 August
Mon 19 Aug - Sun 25 August SOLD OUT
Mon 26 Aug - Sun 1 September
Mon 2 Sep - Sun 8 September
Mon 16 Sep - Sun 22 September
Mon 23 Sep - Sun 29 September
What’s Included
4 days kayaking course and tours
2 days guided hikes
6 nights accommodation in cabin
Qualified kayak guide and Gutsy Girls host
Kayak equipment, neoprene long johns or dry suit, dry bags and safety kit
All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport transfers at set times
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal gear
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This trip has a maximum of 7 guests. You’ll have a highly experienced kayak guide and Gutsy Girl host leading this trip.
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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 week.
Activity Duration: Each day on this holiday involves 6 to 8 hours of activity.
Kayaking Distances: We'll be covering distances of 10-15km each day by kayak.
Kayaking Considerations: Adjusting to the kayak's seating may feel unusual at first, but it becomes more comfortable with time.
Hiking: Our hikes range from 5-10km, with ascents up to 600m, with one long day hike of up to 8 hours. The hikes are rated as moderate.
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 5 days of back-to-back activities. The week is action-packed and can be quite demanding.
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Flights aren’t included in this adventure. The nearest airport is Stavanger.
We will arrange a transfer to and from Stavanger Airport at the following times
ALL TRIPS RUNNING FROM 3RD - 30TH JUNE AND 19TH AUGUST - 29TH SEPTEMBER
Arrival day pick up: 3:45pm
Departure day drop off: 5pm
Norwegian | London Gatwick to Stavanger
Arrival: Norwegian DY1335 | LGW 12:15 ✈ 14:55 SVG
Departure: Norwegian DY1336 | SVG 19:30 ✈ 20:35 LGW
ALL TRIPS RUNNING FROM 1ST JULY - 18TH AUGUST:Arrival day pick up: 2:30pm
Departure day drop off: 5pm
Norwegian | London Gatwick to Stavanger
Arrival: Norwegian DY1335 | LGW 11:00 ✈ 13:40 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.
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The Gutsy Girls community is filled with bold and badass women from 18-70+ years old, we never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years olds, with around 60% in their 30s-40s.
We can’t stress enough that your age doesn’t matter for our adventures! You’ll leave our trips with a group of great new friends, whatever your age.
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Over 95% of our guests join our trips solo. With activity-filled days and group dinners you’ll be in great company throughout the trip.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll be invited to a WhatsApp group, and many guests arrange to meet at the airport before flying to us, some choose to share a hotel at the airport.
If you book a twin room, you’ll be sharing with another Gutsy Girl.
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30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
Remaining balance due 45 days before travel. If your trip is less than 45 days away, full balance is required at the time of booking.
Questions?
You can secure your spot on this adventure here
PACKING LIST
During this trip you will get wet and unless it’s unusually warm, things do take some time to dry, even indoors. Please take the weather forecast into account when deciding what to pack! You can find the weather forecast here.
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
Swimwear - you may want to wear under the neoprene suit you are provided with
At least two sets of thermal/wool long johns and long sleeved baselayer top (not cotton). These will get wet under the neoprene wetsuit you are provided with.
Socks (wool is warmest) - you’ll wear these in your neoprene boots 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
FAQs Norway Kayaking Adventure