group of teen girls hiking and backpacking in jotunheimen national park during a summer teen outdoor adventure camp

Norway Expedition

Trip Summary

For Norway Expedition, all students must be enrolled by April 1, 2026. 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in magical Norway. Hike through lush forests and pristine valleys. Launch your kayak on a multi-day trip in the Norwegian fjords, gliding through glacier-fed waters surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Scandinavian mountain range. Harness up for a via ferrata on Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff, before popping on a PFD and helmet to raft the Otta River. Then head north for a multi-day trek on the ridgelines and in the valleys of Jotunheimen National Park and a summit hike of the famous Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak! Offering a perfect blend of physical challenge, natural wonder, and outdoor fun, don’t miss out on this action-packed itinerary and discover the magic of Norway’s great outdoors!

Itinerary

We’ll spend three days gliding along the smooth green waters of the Nordfjord, fed by glaciers and surrounded by craggy peaks soaring to 5,000 feet above sea level, carved by ice ages long ago. Tumbling waterfalls dot the sides of the cliffs. We’ll paddle to pristine campsites may spot puffins, seals, porpoises, white-tailed eagle, otters, and maybe even reindeer!

Get ready to tackle Europe's highest sea cliff on a via ferrata adventure! This is no simple walk in the park. Hike up the mountainside before roping up to traverse and ascend the cliff faces. Need a breather? Take a break on a hanging bench and take in the views of the fjords, waterfalls, and surrounding villages. Nowhere else in Europe will you find views and climbing like this!

A trip to Norway wouldn't be complete without learning about the country's famous Viking history. On our way to Jotunheimen National Park, we'll stop at Sagastad to see one of the world's largest Viking ships, the Myklebust. We'll tour a few more stave churches and some of Norway's unique architecture, and then continue heading into the mountains!

Rafting is always a highlight! The Otta River is known for its bright glacial water and splashy rapids that wind through a stunning Norwegian valley. Paddle through rolling whitewater, laugh your way through wave trains, and soak in beautiful mountain scenery between rapids.

Welcome to one of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes! Home to the country’s highest peak, Galdhøpiggen, Jotunheimen offers some of the world’s most incredible outdoor adventure. We’ll kick off this adventure with a summit hike on Galdhøpiggen. Part hike, part technical trek (where we’ll get to rope up and trek across the Styggebreen glacier), we’ll make our way to its 2469m (8,100 feet) peak! Even though it’s summer, it’s not uncommon to have fresh powder on the mountain. Snowball fight in July?!

Let's continue our adventure in Jotunheimen as we traverse the park's valleys and ridges, surrounded by emerald-colored lakes, mossy cliffsides, and uniquely shaped, snow-capped peaks. This national park is truly magical; you’ll feel like you’re living in a blockbuster fantasy movie.

*Depending on weather, we may either tent camp or stay in mountain cabins.

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Bergen (BGO) and Oslo (OSL)

Grades

10th, 11th, 12th

Length

16 days

Dates

6/30 - 7/157/19 - 8/3

Tuition

$7,895

Activities

Backpacking
Mountain summit
Sea kayaking
Via ferrata

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More InfoReviews

We recommended that all new students applying to Norway Expedition have outdoor experience; they will also attend a conversation with an Adventure Treks director to ensure a mutually good fit.

Students need a valid passport whose expiration date is valid for six months past the start of their travel to Adventure Treks. For non-US citizens, please confirm your country's requirements for traveling to Norway.

Included in tuition:
  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
  • Airfare to and from Bergen and Oslo
  • Program, travel, and medical insurance
  • Personal clothing and items
Travel information
  • Arrive in BGO on opening day between 10 am and 5 pm (be advised that there are currently no direct flights from the US into BGO; we will happily help coordinate students' travel to get as many students on the same flights as possible)
  • Depart from OSL on closing day between 8 am and 2:30 pm
  • Find more travel information here
Camping

Sleeping arrangements include "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service; "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities; and mountain cabins.

Challenge/fitness level

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, as noted above, Norway is one of our most challenging trips—we will have lengthy, strenuous hiking trips in variable weather. Because we’ll be highly engaged in backcountry activities throughout trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness can severely impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate to high level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Why choose Adventure Treks?

Adventure Treks stands out for its intentional, close-knit communities where experienced instructors create a welcoming, supportive environment that helps teens build lasting friendships and grow into capable, happy young adults. We have the highest staff-to-student ratios in the industry and include necessary gear so every student feels prepared. Our programs emphasizes real growth—confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership—through meaningful outdoor challenges, with a thoughtful risk management mindset woven into every trip. Trusted by families for more than three decades, the experience often becomes a turning point during a critical age that leaves a lasting impression for life.

"Adventure Treks has been such a great experience for LeeLee! We always want her to have fun, make friends, increase her confidence, and have amazing experiences—she's achieved that every time. She's seemed more relaxed this year about things that went not to plan, meaning her resilience is increasing. I love the communication and student-written blogs, it was very helpful to talk to Ro [the trip leader] before she left, and the itineraries are always appealing." — Meredith Calhoun, Hendersonville, NC

"My kids have a blast on Adventure Treks trips. This was Nathaniel's 5th year with Adventure Treks; he traveled solo to Europe/Norway, which was a challenge for him to do on his own for the first time, but it is a valuable experience to know where to go and what to do when traveling outside the U.S. I think it maybe a bit too early to tell about positive changes or outcomes just yet. My kids have embraced their outdoor adventures and have terrific memories, not only about the trips but about the people that they meet and quickly make a community of while their on their short sojourn away from parental involvement." – Bob Emerson, Piedmont, CA

"This is a great experience for students to gain confidence and to have a break from their devices. Adventure Treks has been an incredible gift for my child. During the school year, the pressure can be intense, and this experience offers a much-needed break. Instead of screens and stress, she is fully immersed in nature while hiking, kayaking, climbing, exploring, building outdoor skills, and forming new real friendships. The time away from devices is not just refreshing, it is a relief. Every time she returns from an AT trip, she is more confident, proud of what she has accomplished, and excited to share what she has learned. It's amazing to see them discover hidden gems in our national and state parks, and even in parks abroad. Adventure Treks is truly a reset in the best possible way." – Emanda Lenet, Owings Mills, MD

"This was our third year of adventurous wonder. AT is consistently well planned, communicated, and executed. Great people. I came to AT a few years ago and found the small feeling every parent wishes for when sending their teen away, with the dedication, planning, and diligence of a well-run, service-oriented business—with a generous touch of kindness, flexibility, and empathy. Arthur has spoken with great regard about his leaders, at every session." – Sara Read, Florence, Italy

"Excellent communication and customer service that assured me the trip would be safe and well run. Reilly loved the instructors and the culture developed with the group. It was a reset in every way; the break from school work, stress, technology the allowed her to remember what's important to her. Unbelievably special trip and location." – Ashley Doyle, Summit, NJ

Read more parent and student testimonials here!

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