This Trip is Sold out!
Join me in Norway for a unique hut-to-hut backpacking adventure.
The first time I traveled to Norway in August 2023, I fell in love with the landscapes and fawned over the impressive backcountry hut system that we hadn’t planned to use. I remember wondering, did I plan this trip right?! That curiosity led me to craft the ultimate hut-to-hut adventure across the wild and wondrous Hardangervidda National Park — known for its vast plateaus, reindeer herds, and pristine natural beauty. So, that’s where we’re headed, folks. But this isn’t just any trek through Norway.
This 6-day journey has been meticulously designed to immerse you in Norway’s expansive wilderness, challenge your body, and nourish your spirit. We’ll hike across sweeping tundra, share stories in cozy huts, and hopefully marvel at the sight of reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. With every step, you’ll experience the magic of Norway’s rugged terrain and the camaraderie of a small, adventurous community. You’ll also explore the vibrant culture of Bergen and Oslo, adding rich layers of coastal color and connection to the experience.
There are a couple key attributes that are important to know about me — safety + creativity. As a NOLS Certified Wilderness First Responder, you can be confident you're in safe, capable hands for the entire adventure. What’s more, you’ll walk away with professional photographs capturing the epic landscapes and meaningful moments along the way. No need to worry about missing out or staying present — I’ll focus on documenting the journey so you can fully enjoy it.
Imagine being surrounded by unencumbered wilderness and a spirit of adventure. Let’s go!
Dates
July 21-31, 2025
Cost
$2,650
Size
8 Maximum
What’s Included
- All accommodations based on double occupancy
- All ground transportation in Norway once trip begins
- Dinner night two in Bergen plus all breakfasts in Bergen and Oslo
- All meals on the hike
- Luggage porter service to transfer bags from Bergen to Oslo
- Professional photographs of your entire trip
What’s Not Included
- Airfare to and from Norway from your home base
- Transfer to / from the airport in Norway
- Travel insurance (required, see below)
- Alcoholic beverages and meals other than those outlined in the itinerary
- Visas if needed
- Trail snacks - bring from home or purchase in Bergen
- Any personal items or souvenirs
KARI
"Truly being in the middle of wilderness was really empowering!"
"Hilary’s attention to detail is exemplary. Every detail, small and large, was anticipated. The planning was precise, but Hilary’s demeanor made it feel not so time-bound and rigid. The tips and tricks for traveling and backpacking were lined out in front of us before our trip and then reinforced when the information was relevant during our journey. She is patient and SO encouraging of all skill levels. We couldn’t have picked a more thoughtful, level-headed leader. She ensured everyone had space for their own experience whether it was laughing, crying, silence or encouragement that was needed. Truly an all-inclusive trip experience."
A Glimpse Into the Itinerary
This is going to be epic.
Day 1: Arrivals and Welcome Dinner in Bergen, Norway!
Once we arrive at Bergen Flesland International Airport (BGO), we’ll catch the $15 bus, Flybussen, into the city center! It's just 30 minutes to our 5-star hotel located in Bergen's historic and restaurant district. It’s a quaint district near the waterfront with a vibrant soul! We’ll check in to the hotel and have some free time to rest or wander. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel, Skostredet Hotel
Day 2: Free Day in Bergen!
Enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant heart of Bergen, a city where colorful heritage meets coastal charm. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with its iconic wooden buildings and rich maritime history. Wander the lively Fisketorget (Fish Market) to sample local delicacies or take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. From charming cobblestone streets to art galleries and cozy cafés, Bergen invites you to savor its culture at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll meet back up for a pre-trek briefing and group dinner.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel, Skostredet Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 3: Train to geilo
Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning! We'll pack up our bags and leave anything you don't want to take on the trek with our porter service. They will secure our luggage and have it waiting for us at our hotel in Oslo. We then catch the train to Geilo and enjoy a 3 hour ride through the Norweigan countryside. Once we arrive in Geilo, we'll check into our hotel for the evening and you can rest or wander. Dinner is on your own tonight. But be ready to wake up early! We have an 8 AM bus to catch in the morning to our trailhead.
Accommodation: Dr. Holms Hotel, Geilo
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4: Our Trek Begins!
Our trek begins! Our team will wake you up by 8:30 AM. After breakfast, we have a bus to catch by 10:15 AM. We have about an hour bus ride to our trailhead. As soon as we're dropped off, there's a charming hut that we can drop in for lunch and restrooms before hitting the trail! After a 2 mile descent, the trail stays close to the Bjoreio river for about 2.5 miles until we cross into Hardangervidda National Park boundary. We then have a short 3 miles to our destination, Stigstuv. Approximate altitude gain of 500 ft.
Trek time: 4-5 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 4,040 ft.
Accommodation: Stigstuv Privately Owned Cabin
Meals: Full Board included
Day 5: Trek to Rauhelleren
Today’s trek is short and easy! We have just a couple very gentle, gradual uphill climbs before eventually heading down to our second hut, Rauhelleren. Today’s a day to soak in the views of the wilderness that surrounds you. We'll find a spot to stop and enjoy lunch on the trail. And then when we arrive at Rauhelleren, we'll be situated right on Langejøen Lake. Approximate altitude gain of 800 ft.
Trek time: 4-5 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 4,000 ft.
Accommodation: Rauhelleren DNT Managed Cabin
Meals: Full Board included
Day 6: Trek to MArbu
Today is our longest hiking day of the entire trip covering 13.5 miles. We'll depart Rauhelleren and walk along the lake until we hit a water crossing at Djupa River. We hike 3 relatively flat miles until our next river crossing. After a gradual 1.5 mile ascent, we head back downhill toward Lake Mår. We'll be staying at Mårbu tonight. There are horses, a beach and incredible lake views! Approximate total elevation gain of 750 ft.
Trek time: 7-8 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 3,715 ft.
Accommodation: Mårbu DNT Managed Cabin
Meals: Full Board included
Day 7: Ferry to Synken Then Hike to Kalhovd
Today is our built in rest day. However, we will still have a short hike in the afternoon. Feel free to wake up slow, enjoy breakfast in our cabin and depending on weather, maybe try your hand at wild Norweigan fishing in Lake Mår! Once we're ready to roll, we'll catch the ferry at the dock and ride the length of Lake Mår cutting off 7 miles of hiking today! Once we arrive at Synken, we'll have an easy 4.7 mile hike to our accomodation for the evening, Kalhovd.
Approximate altitude gain of 520 ft.
Trek time: 2.5 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 3,610 ft.
Accommodations: Kalhovd DNT Managed Cabin
Meals: Full Board included
Day 8: Trek to Helberghytta
Our hike today starts in the morning after breakfast! Don't forget to grab your packed lunch! We have a 12.5 mile hike today. 3.5 miles in we'll begin walking alongside Haraldsjå Lake. We continue across the plateau keeping our eyes peeled for grazing reindeer before reaching our final hut of the trip! Tonight we'll stay at our only self-service hut of the trip which also means our sleeping situation is a bit cozier. But don't worry, we'll each have our own bed! For tonight's dinner and tomorrow's breakfast, we'll eat out of the stocked provisions in the cabin OR you can bring a couple freeze-dried camp meals to heat up with boiling water. Approximate altitude gain of 1,200 ft.
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 3,770 ft.
Accommodations: Helberghytta DNT Self Service Cabin
Meals: Full Board included
Day 9: Finish our Hike to Rjukan
After breakfast, we pack up and have an easy 6.5 mile hike downhill to the village of Rjukan. Once we get off the trail into town, we have a 2 mile walk to our lodging. We have 4 well appointed private cottages awaiting us alongside the Måna River and not far from Rjukan Station where we'll catch our train to Oslo in the morning! Dinner is on your own tonight. But our accommodation has a lovely restaurant onsite so you won't have to wander far if you prefer to stay in! But feel free to walk around Rjukan. There are plenty of pubs and cafes in this mountain town! Approximate altitude descent 2,800 ft.
Trek time: 4-5 hours
Sleeping Elevation: 950 ft.
Accommodation: Rjukan Hytteby Cottages
Day 10: Train to Oslo
This morning we catch our train to Oslo! We'll venture 3.5 hours by rail then check in to Norway’s 2024 Leading Hotel as voted by World Travel Awards! Enjoy Oslo on your own this evening. Breakfast is included with your stay.
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel, Hotel Bristol
Meals: Breakfast is included with your stay in Oslo
Day 11: Return Home from Oslo
This is where we begin our individual journeys home. Some folks need a day to process and take it all in and others just want to head on home. Whatever you choose, know that our week in the Norway together was magical and it wouldn’t have been the same without you! Here’s to the first of many adventures together!
Investment: $2,650
Single Occupancy Surcharge: $500
LET'S GO!
Hardangervidda På Langs (Lengthways) is one of the Hardangervidda National Park's treks that does not have constant big climbs and descents. This particular trek is slow and steady across the Hardangervidda Plateau. Considered an easy trek for the region, it's a perfect introduction to backpacking and hut culture! Especially because we don't need to carry tents, sleeping bags, or food! We'll be comfortable with lighter loads.
"Hilary, your patience is amazing. You are a natural teacher. Thank you for sharing your love and outdoor experience with us. Your guidance gave me the confidence to say yes to backpacking. Planning is very difficult for me and I appreciate all the work you put into the planning. The execution was impressive. Thank you Hilary!"
"You greatly exceeded my expectations!"
Megan, Glacier National Park '24
“The hours it took to put a trip like this together and be on top of all the details at all times can't be applauded enough! I was confident within hours of meeting you that I could fully trust your capabilities. I will carry many learned golden travel and backpacking nuggets with me on future adventures. And you know, you can only see what your eyes see, but being in a group with so many people you have so many more eyes. Watching the other women see cool things and see what caught their attention on the trail was really cool.”
"Your skills, tips, and demeanor unlocked a release and relaxation inside of me that was brand new!"
Laura, Iceland '21 and Glacier National Park '24
"Hilary was a great resource for understanding how to prepare, what to pack, and even how to pack. And I think that made me feel a lot more confident when I hit the trail. Every twist of the path was this incredible new view that inspired me. I love taking that back with me. There’s such a filling up that nature does for me. I’ve never been truly out in the middle of nowhere like we were on this backpacking trip. The feeling I had in the middle of this wilderness area was unlike anything I've experienced."
"This experience confirmed just how awe-struck I am by nature."
BRittany, Glacier National Park '24
Don't Wait
Your Adventure Is Calling
Click to apply. Applicants are interviewed and offered spots on a first-come, first-served basis. A $550 deposit secures your spot!
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Travel With Intention
I do all the necessary planning ahead of time, so you don’t have to.
Holistic Planning
From a mindful retreat in a Ghandruk tea house to an action-packed day on the bike, I partner with guides on the ground to ensure our trip serves you, all of you – mind, body, and spirit.
Local Connections
I’ve traveled a lot, and with that comes countless cherished relationships with individuals across the globe.
Professional Travel Photography
The good news is – you don’t have to bring your camera! I’ll document the trip so you can stay in the moment.
Happy Campers
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another travel crew as calm and flexible as mine (this is a big deal when exploring!).
But First, FAQs
“frequently asked questions”
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This trek is an excellent starting point for beginner backpackers and is great for those that do not have much experience in the mountains. Our trek is easy over the course of 6 days and includes a rest day. We also will not be in altitude so there will be no risks of Acute Mountain Sickness. No prior backpacking experience is required.
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This is not a photography workshop. Our main focus is small group adventure. BUT I’m always happy to answer any photography questions and provide feedback on your work.
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Not at all. Our trips are for people who value purposeful and intentional experiences. We love what happens when community and friendships develop and deepen on adventures such as these. Bring along a friend or spouse that you’re comfortable with and be open-minded about the friendships that are awaiting you once you arrive!
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We like to keep our trips small and intimate. We want you to be able to get to know your fellow travelers more deeply (whether friends, family or new acquaintances) and we want to get to know you! For this reason, we keep our trips to a maximum of 8 guests, plus staff.
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All are welcome but our trips are geared towards adults. If you’re looking to plan or do the trip with your family, let’s talk about designing a custom itinerary that will accommodate everyone!
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We will need a copy of your passport information and in some cases a copy of the passport photo page. Your passport needs to be valid and not expire for at least 6 months past your return date. We’ll also need a copy of your airline itinerary and a copy of your travel insurance policy sheet. We will provide Visa information depending on the destination, but you are required to obtain your own Visa if the destination country requires it.
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Yes! We highly recommend World Nomads insurance. It’s easy and quick to obtain a quote for the trip and respectively purchase the plan you prefer! We’ll need proof of insurance to finalize your trip.
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You should consult with your doctor first and foremost! But the CDC Travel website has a recommended list of immunizations for all countries.
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We will send you an electronic invoice for the $550 non-refundable trip deposit as soon as you agree to the trip via email response. We accept ACH payments or checks written out to Hilary Lex Treks LLC. Credit card payments can be accepted for an additional 3% fee. We will send a final invoice 45 days prior to departure at which point your trip is fully booked. Don’t forget to let your credit card companies know the dates you’re traveling and all the locations so that you don’t run into any freezes!
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All our trip itineraries are priced based on double occupancy. If you’d like your own room for an additional cost, let us know when you book and we can absolutely accommodate you.
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Yes! We know that determining what and how much to tip can be a stressful thing while you're on vacation. For this reason, all tips for local guides, hotel staff, and drivers is included in the cost of your trip. If someone goes above and beyond, you're welcome to tip them extra, but it is not expected. As for any free time, we will provide information on local tipping customs so you're comfortable while out on your own.
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We typically build in one free or rest day on each trip itinerary. Half your evenings or afternoons are typically also free for you to explore or rest. Our standard trip will include trekking, hiking or biking in the mornings and the first part of the afternoons with the remainder of the day left for resting, exploring the mountain villages or learning about the local culture and customs.
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Depending on the trip, hikes are moderately challenging to difficult. We’ll do multi-day treks lasting between 3-8 days in elevations that range from 4,000-18,000 feet and we’ll typically be hiking about 4-12 miles per day. If you do not hike regularly at home, we recommend training for this trip by doing some kind of cardiovascular activity a few days a week at a minimum. Those with injuries or other health concerns should consult their doctor.
Based on what you’re interested in and looking to do, we can hone in on the best trip for you. We can also connect you with our trip doc who can complete a risk assessment with you to ensure you’re in the right physical condition for the respective demands of the trip.
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Altitude sickness most commonly affects people above 8,000 ft. elevation. There may be days of our treks where we will be above that elevation. Your specific itinerary will clearly indicate sleeping elevations by day. You may experience some effects of altitude such as fatigue, headache, nausea, and sleeplessness. Hydration is KEY to preventing altitude sickness. There is a prescription medication called Diamox (Acetazolamide) that can help prevent symptoms by helping you adjust more quickly to higher altitudes. You start taking it 1-2 days BEFORE you begin trekking. It’s something your doctor can prescribe. It’s also available at local pharmacies in Kathmandu.
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We will be sending out a custom packing list for your trip well in advance of your departure.
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At the end of each day, we will email you a selection of five or more photos from the day's activities. Within four weeks of the trip ending you will receive a larger album of images to view on our website. It's important to us to have a photographer along so you can worry less about documenting every moment, allowing you to be more engaged and present in your experience. We take pride in capturing the moment so that you can stay in it.
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A non-refundable $550 deposit is due at the time of registration. The deposit is the only thing that secures your spot! The full trip cost is due 45 days prior to the itinerary start date.
-Cancel more than 45 days prior to start date: full refund minus the $550 deposit
-Cancel less than 45 days prior to start date: no refund unless we can fill your spot, then full refund minus the $550 deposit.
We recommend taking out an all-inclusive travel insurance policy so you are protected in case of anything. If you need to cancel but want to come on a different trip in the same calendar year, we can apply your deposit to another trip.
Resources Worth a Second Look
The Global Adventure Packing List
This comprehensive packing list outlines everything, yes everything, you’ll need for your next expedition – from clothing and packs to gear recs.
take me to it
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Nepal Travel Guide
A blog post breaking down everything bright and beautiful about Nepal – including all of the must-see destinations.
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Nepal Told Through My Lens
Take a look through my documentary-style photography of Nepal throughout my years of travel.
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