Women only kayaking and hiking adventure in Norway
Beginner kayaking holiday - no previous experience required
Wild camp on the water's edge, we provide the camping gear!
Expedition adventure - be self-sufficient in the wilderness
Hike to Norway’s famous landmarks Kjeragbolten and discover beautiful trails with incredible views of the fjords.
Connect with nature in this wild and beautiful location
Meet new friends, adventures created for solo travellers
The Adventure
Join Gutsy Girls for our women-only, beginner friendly hiking & kayaking holiday on the incredible fjords of Norway, and make meaningful new friendships in the process!
Over 6 days we’ll be exploring spectacular Lysefjord by kayak, hiking unforgettable scenery with stunning viewpoints over the fjords, and the breath-taking Kjerag mountain, the highest peak in Lysefjord, wild swimming in the fjord and camping on the water's edge in some awesome wild and remote locations.
This adventure is perfect for beginners, and no previous kayaking experience is required. Led by passionate, supportive and qualified instructors, you’ll learn paddling skills and build your kayaking confidence.
Our Norway Fjords Hiking & Kayaking Holiday is the perfect opportunity to spend a week reconnecting with nature, learning new skills and meeting like-minded women this summer.
location
Situated in southwestern Norway, at 42km long Lysefjord is Norway’s largest fjord, nestled within majestic mountains that tower over 1,000m tall. We’ll encounter the most beautifully dramatic land and waterscapes on this week-long adventure – think crystal-blue expansive fjords, magnificent cliff faces, cascading waterfalls and picturesque mountain goats. It’s the perfect location to get away from it all and be awe-inspired!
Kayaking
We’ll be kayaking on Lysefjord every day on our week-long adventure, apart from the final day, paddling distances up to 27km. 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 kayaks. We’ll take things at a relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks to take in the captivating surroundings.
We’ll paddle amongst and explore enchanting islands and inlets, we’ll glide past tall, cascading waterfalls and we’ll take in some of the most spectacular fjordland scenery you could image – and there’s a good chance we’ll spot seals and sea eagles too. There’ll also be lots of opportunities for wild swimming in the clear fjord waters!
HIKING
For two days on this adventure, we'll be embarking on hikes along remarkable local trails, climbing hundreds of feet above sea level into the mountains flanking the fjord for a fresh perspective on our paddling routes. These hikes, rated from moderate to challenging, involve up to 8 hours of trekking with day packs, navigating through scrambles and exposed areas where a strong head for heights is essential.
A highlight is our journey to Kjeragbolten, where the challenge of the climb rewards us with unparalleled views and the thrilling sight of adventurers daring to step onto the iconic boulder suspended over a vast abyss.
On sections on our long day hikes 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.
CAMPING
During our adventure, we'll camp for 4 nights in remote locations with basic toilet facilities, but no showers or running water, immersing us fully in the wild.
We provide tents, sleeping mats and you can hire a sleeping bag from us too!
On our final night, we'll stay in a basic yet comfortable cabin, offering a cosy end to our journey.
No camping experience is needed for this adventure. While first-timers may find the continuous outdoor living a bit challenging, it's completely doable with a positive attitude. Plus, you'll have the support of your new friends and Gutsy Girls host!
FOOD
All your meals will be provided on this 6 day adventure - breakfast, lunch and dinner (including bubbling campfire dinners that we’ll cook together). Whenever possible we’ll eat freshly prepared food, some meals may be supplemented with expedition (dehydrated) meals. It’ll be simple but hearty meals to give you the fuel you’ll need!
All dietary needs can be catered for with a little advance notice, you can tell us at the time of booking.
Why Gutsy Girls?
We encourage guests to come alone and you’re guaranteed to meet likeminded women on our Norway Hiking & Kayaking Holiday – after all, everyone who joins has the same desire to have an awesome, empowering outdoor experience with other women.
Gutsy Girls is all about reconnecting with nature and gently pushing yourself in a welcoming and supportive environment, all within incredible surroundings. We promise there’s nothing to be nervous about – just excited!
Trip Level
Moderate to Challenging
WHAT TO EXPECT
This active adventure offers the opportunity to explore one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords while learning how to kayak! You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join us, however, you’ll need a good to high 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 5-18 km by double kayaks.
Kayaking Considerations: Adjusting to the kayak's seating may feel unusual at first, but it becomes more comfortable with time.
Hiking: Our hikes cover 5-10 km with up to 600m ascents, including one challenging 8-hour day hike. These are rated as moderate to challenging.
Scrambling: Some parts of the hike will involve level 1 scrambling, which requires using your hands and feet to navigate the terrain.
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.
Camping: Prepare for 5 nights of camping in remote, wild locations with basic facilities. First-time campers might find it challenging due to the continuous outdoor living, but it's entirely manageable with the right mindset.
Self-sufficient Expedition: We'll pack all the essentials in our kayaks for 5 nights. Pack light and be ready for adventure with minimal comforts.
Chipping in: This journey is a true team effort, involving everyone in setting up camp, meal preparation, and cleaning up.
Mindset: A proactive and positive approach will enhance the experience. When challenges arise, dig deep and lean on the group spirit.
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.
THE PLAN
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Your adventure starts at Stavanger airport, followed by an hour's transfer to our expedition's launch point. Our kayak guide will brief you and help pack for 5 nights in the wild.
With no prior experience needed, you'll learn kayaking skills during a 7km paddle to our first campsite, using stable double kayaks. Upon arrival, we'll set up camp and enjoy dinner around a campfire.
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Rise early for an optional wild swim in the fjord before breakfast. Today's adventure is hiking Vikastakken, a 7km trek with a steep climb through forests, gaining 600m to reach panoramic views of fjords and mountains. After, we'll head back to camp for another wild swim and enjoy dinner together around the campfire.
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After a hearty breakfast and coffee, we'll pack up our camp, load up our kayaks and prepare for today's journey. We're setting off on an 18km paddle, delving deeper into the fjord and embracing the awe-inspiring views of waterfalls and towering mountains. Upon reaching our next campsite, we'll set up for the night, take time for a refreshing wild swim, and gather around the campfire for dinner, enjoying the tranquillity of the wild.
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Starting the day with a hearty breakfast and coffee, we'll dismantle our camp and set our kayaks on the water for today's 12km journey. Our path leads us past the historic farms of Kallali, nestled on the south side of the Lysefjord, offering a glimpse into a cultural landscape dating back to the 1600s. As we paddle through this serene oasis, we'll be surrounded by the fjord's wild beauty. Arriving at our next campsite, we'll unwind with a wild swim and enjoy dinner by the campfire, soaking in the peacefulness of our surroundings.
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We'll begin with a 5km paddle, followed by a challenging hike to Kjeragbolten. Despite being just 5km round trip, the hike takes 5-7 hours, involving steep scrambles through valleys before reaching the breathtaking flat terrain atop. This hike includes level 1 scrambling, offering an exhilarating experience and the sensation of standing on top of the world.
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On the final day, we'll enjoy a leisurely morning to rest and pack before boarding the noon ferry. This scenic cruise through the fjord offers a reflective journey back to our starting point. Once there, we'll repack our bags for the trip to Stavanger airport, marking the end of our adventure.
Price PER PERSON
Shared tent £1265 (we will pair you up with another Gutsy Girl)
Private tent £1315 (only two available, please select private tent when booking)
DATES
Tue 13 Aug - Sun 18 August
What’s Included
5 days of guided activities
3 days kayaking
2 days hiking
Qualified kayaking guide
Gutsy Girls host
Kayak equipment and safety kit
Paddling clothes (jacket)
Tent and sleeping mat
4 nights camping / 1 night in cabin (shared room)
Ferry ticket
Breakfast, lunch and dinners
Airport transport
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal gear
Sleeping bag - available to hire (see packing list)
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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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This trip is more challenging physically than some of our others. We’ll be paddling distances of up to 27 km and hiking some steep mountains!
We ask that you have a strong base fitness and good stamina as we’ll be active on back to back days.
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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 shared tent, you’ll be sharing with another Gutsy Girl.
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This trip has a maximum of 11 guests. You’ll have 2 highly experienced kayak guide and Gutsy Girl host leading this trip.
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Flights aren’t included in this adventure. The nearest airport is Stavanger.
JULY
We will collect you from Stavanger town centre at 12pm.
Drop off back at Stavanger town centre at 4:30pm on your departure day.
AUGUST
We will collect you from the airport at 4pm
Drop off back at the airport/town at 4:30pm on your departure day.
You may find you’ll need to stay one night in Stavanger at the end of the trip, this is a great chance to explore! You’ll be connected with the other guests on your trip, so you can arrange sharing rooms!
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For the first four nights of the trip you will be wild camping in tents on the side of the fjords. Due to limited space on the campsites and in the kayaks we only have two private tents available, the rest are shared. If you would like a private tent please select this option when booking.
You stay in a dormitory-style cabin on the final night. The cabin has showers, Wi-Fi, and a kitchen.
QUESTIONS & WAITING LIST
Check out our FAQ before dropping us a message, it’s likely we’ve already answered your question! If not, we’ll try to get back to you within 48 hours (Monday - Friday)
You can join our waiting list for sold out trips below.
PACKING LIST
Below you’ll find the minimum gear required for this trip. You will need to pack your equipment in smaller bags in the kayak – you shouldn’t bring more than you can fit in a 60litre hiking backpack, as we will also need space for common equipment in the kayaks (food, water, cooking equipment, etc.).
WE PROVIDE
Dry trousers / pants (these are waterproof trousers made of breathable fabric, with built in feet that allow them to be used like flexible, lightweight waders. They have jacket compatible waist bands to create a two-piece drysuit)
Paddling cag / jacket (compatible with the dry pants)
Neoprene wetsuit boots (worn on top of the built in feet of the dry pants to protect them)
Neoprene gloves if needed
Buoyancy aid
Spray skirt - a spray skirt is a flexible waterproof cover for a kayak with a hole for the paddler's waist. They are used to prevent water from entering the kayak.
Lunch box
Plates, cutlery, mug
Tent (shared with another Gutsy Girl unless you choose a private tent)
Sleeping mat
Dry bags
YOU WILL NEED
Personal
Credit/debit card and some cash (most Norwegians like contactless, but you might want a little cash in NOK)
Travel documents (& travel insurance)
Passport / Personal ID
Facemasks for transport (plane, train & bus)
Water bottles (we recommend taking between two and three litres of water - you can fill up en route)
Purification tablets if you feel necessary (water top-ups will be from fresh streams) (optional)
3-season sleeping bag & compression sack
Inflatable/camping pillow (optional)
Toilet accessories - including toilet roll etc (please ensure any soap is biodegradable) and personal hand sanitizer
Personal medication
Personal toilet kit (paper, hand-sanitizer, matches)
Small backpack for storing lunch and water during the hikes
Tupperware/lunch box for packed lunches
Sitting pad (optional but recommended)
Mosquito net & spray
Paddling
Sunglasses & a floating strap
Sunscreen (waterproof)
Cap to protect your eyes
Clothes
Hardshell jacket (waterproof)
Waterproof trousers (optional but recommended)
Trousers & shorts for wearing in camp
T-shirts
Thermal/wool long john underlayer (not cotton!)
Thermal/wool long-sleeve shirt (not cotton!)
Underwear
Socks (wool)
Beanie
Buff
Wool / fleece mid-layers
Down / insulated jacket for chilly evenings
Hiking boots
Travel towel
Swimwear for swimming in the fjord (optional!)
Electronics
Headtorch (and spare batteries)
Phone & charger (note there will not be electricity on the wild camp sites)
Powerbank (optional - you could go phone-free while out on expedition!)
Camera (optional but recommended)