NORWAY EXCURSIONS & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

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1 NORWAY EXCURSIONS & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Norway offers a wide range of activities, from adrenalin-filled active pursuits to educational and environmental visits, set against the backdrop of stunning and dramatic fjords listed by National Geographic as the world s top tourist attraction. Why not enrich your visit with some extracurricular activities such as the incredible sights of the Norway in a Nutshell day trip, learn about the global food industry at a salmon farm or study Norway s impact and influence on developing hydropower. Remember, our experienced team are on-hand to offer their expert advice. Our aim is help you make the most of your time in Norway, ensuring you get the best value from your trip according to your budget and itinerary plans. CONTENTS Page 2-3 Hardangerfjord 4 Kinsarvik 5 Bergen 6 Important Information travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 1 of 6

2 HARDANGERFJORD Folgefonna blue ice glacier hike Take a guided hike on Norway's third largest glacier to experience the sheer size of this moving ice river. From the glacier you can see the Hargandervidda plateau, Hardangerfjord and the North Sea. The price includes boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and rope. Please note that this excursion is weather and season dependant, and is only available from 15 May until 1 October. Approximate price: 75 per person (max group size 55. However, the max coach size is 45 per coach. For groups of you will need to pay for two coaches.) Snowshoeing Take a guided snowshoe walk on the hills around Folgefonna National Park, offering spectacular views of the snow-covered countryside. The price includes mountain shoes, snow shoes, poles, harness and a helmet. Please note that this excursion is weather and season dependant, and is only available from 1 October until 15 May. Approximate price: 75 per person (max group size 55. However, the max coach size is 45 per coach. For groups of you will need to pay for two coaches.) Norway in a Nutshell See the very best of this spectacular region in one day. Explore the gorges of the Flam railway, voted one of Europe's top scenic rail journeys by Lonely Planet, brave the steep hairpin bends of the Stalheimskleiva by bus and see breathtaking mountain scenery on a tranquil fjord cruise. Approximate price: 104 for over 15s, 55 for children aged 4 15 Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry This exhibition illustrates not only the mechanics of generating hydroelectric power, but also the history and impact it has on the local community. Norway leads the way in HEP and has been influential in developing the industry worldwide. A great case-study opportunity! Approximate price: 8 students, 9 adults travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 2 of 6

3 Life on the Mountains workshop This activity is currently closed until further notice The 'Life on the Mountains' workshop at the Hardangervidda Nature Centre looks at how human inhabitation of the plateau was possible, and what the future holds for the people and area. Follow the workshop with a guided walk on the mountain plateau, one of Europe's largest and home to the continent s largest herd of reindeer. Approximate price: 7 for students, for adults Hardanger Aqua Centre Trace the journey of the salmon from smolt to the tables of the world's top restaurants. Walk on the floating fish farm to experience the salmon underwater, and learn more about the farm and its methods in the quayside exhibition centre. Price: Free entry for schools Steindalsfossen One of Norway's most famous sights, and the most visited waterfall, this remarkable spectacle is at its most powerful in May and June when the snow melts. A path leads behind the waterfall as it plunges 50m into the river below. Price: Free travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 3 of 6

4 KINSARVIK Canoeing on Hardangerfjord See Hardangerfjord from a different perspective with a guided canoe tour. Your expert guides will show you the basics of canoe safety and control on the lake, before leading you on the fjord to see the local area and wildlife. Duration: 4 hours (3 hours in canoes) Archery Enjoy a morning of archery at your accommodation. After a safety briefing and a practice session led by your instructor, a competition will establish who is your school's Robin Hood. Duration: 3 hours Orienteering Explore the local forests and countryside on an orienteering challenge. Teams will be issued with a map and compass to help them navigate their way from point to point, and finally back to camp. Guides are on hand to assist, and warm clothing is recommended. Duration: 1-2 hours Rock climbing and zip lining Learn to climb under the tutelage of expert instructors. The via ferrata is a 25m high climbing wall with metal hand and foot holds secured into the rock face. Students will work together to lead their team along the course. On reaching the summit, students can descend via the 130m long twin cable zip line. A safety briefing, harnesses and helmets are provided. Warm clothing is recommended. Duration: 3 hours Team building Teams compete in a series of skill-based timed exercises and challenges, designed to encourage team-work, critical thinking and planning. Duration: 2 hours Additional Kinsarvik activities to those included in your itinerary are available for approximately 15 per person. travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 4 of 6

5 BERGEN Bergen on Foot Bergen is a compact city easily explored on foot. Bryggen, consisting of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, is one of the best known urban settlements remaining from the Middle Ages and has a justified place on UNESCO S World Heritage Site list. Visit the fish market at Torget and witness the age old fishing industry that is so much of Norway s past, present and future. The market also features many souvenir and craft stalls, making this area the vibrant hub of Bergen. Price: Free Floibanen Funicular Railway This seven-minute journey up Mount Floyen takes you 320m above sea level for a fantastic panorama of Bergen and the seven mountains from the new viewing platform and cafeteria complex. Trains depart every 15 minutes from the base, just 150m from the Wharf. It is possible to take a one way ticket and walk down if you are feeling energetic. Open Mon-Fri and Sat and Sun Approximate price: 5.50 for under 16s, 11 per adult for a return ticket. 50% price reduction for single journey. Guided Tours of Bryggen & Hanseatic Museum With an expert guide leading you through this UNESCO listed site, unravel the mystery of Bergen s past in amongst the wooden building and galleries. Take a look at the Hanseatic museum and get an intimate picture of life in the Middle Ages. Entrance to the museum is free if booked in advance VilVite Science Centre More than 100 interactive exhibits, and science shows, also a fifteen minute film on the Northern Lights. (in English can be booked in advance) Various lectures are available in English Approximate price: Age , Age , teachers free travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 5 of 6

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Pre-booking the activities and excursions is highly recommended to ensure availability. Should you have any queries or require further information regarding any of the options available, then please contact us. Please note: Many activities are weather dependent. If an excursion is cancelled by the supplier you will receive a full refund. Early pre-booking is essential. There are no free places for staff on optional activities, unless indicated otherwise. For logistical reasons activities may only be available on specific days or times of the year. Prices shown per person unless otherwise stated. Prices are approximate dependent on the exchange rate at time of booking, and are subject to change until confirmed by our team. Transfers may be required for all optional extras, depending on your accommodation location. Please contact us for quotes, or for further information. We look forward to hearing from you regarding the exciting and educational activities and excursions that you would like to consider including in your trip travel@discover-education.co.uk Page 6 of 6