Norway self guided cycling holiday, Hardangerfjord

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Our cycling trips are designed to have a low environmental impact. While flying to and from Norway can account for a significant share of a trip’s carbon footprint, we make conscious choices to reduce the impact of the journey itself. By using local accommodation and services, choosing sustainable transport where possible, and exploring Norway by bike, we aim to offer memorable experiences that bring you closer to nature while treading lightly on the environment.
The Hardanger Fjord cycling trip is a self-guided tour designed to minimize its environmental impact. Cycling produces no direct emissions while you ride, and where other transport is required as part of the tour, we use public transport whenever possible. Air transport is not included in the tour package, and guests are not accompanied by a support vehicle.

The tour operates on fixed departure dates, allowing us to coordinate luggage transfers efficiently and make the best possible use of transport resources.
We also encourage our guests to make conscious choices throughout their journey, such as reducing waste, using resources responsibly and supporting local businesses.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The cycling route follows established roads and avoids deliberately taking guests through vulnerable natural areas. Parts of the tour follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger, where designated rest areas provide opportunities to enjoy the landscape while limiting the need for additional infrastructure. These facilities include toilets and waste disposal points.
Plastic pollution is a major challenge along the Norwegian coast. We encourage all our guests to help keep the shorelines clean by taking their litter with them, using designated waste disposal facilities and participating in local clean-up initiatives whenever possible.

Norway's Nature Diversity Act provides a framework for protecting biological, geological and landscape diversity and maintaining ecological processes. We encourage our guests to travel responsibly and respect the natural environment throughout the tour:
- Leave no trace. Take all litter with you and never leave waste in nature.
- Respect wildlife and observe animals from a safe distance.
- Follow local rules and restrictions, particularly in protected areas.
- Respect private property, cultivated land and the needs of local residents.
- Use designated facilities and treat the landscape with care.

By travelling responsibly, we can all help preserve the fjords for future generations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Discover Norway is a small, privately owned Norwegian company based in Lillehammer. Our office is located in FABRIKKEN, a shared workspace bringing together around 30 small businesses within the arts, culture and adventure industries. The community encourages cooperation, resource sharing and the development of creative local businesses. The premises are close to public transport, and the businesses share a focus on responsible resource use and recycling.
Whenever possible, we choose locally owned accommodation in smaller communities. This helps direct tourism revenue to local businesses and supports jobs and services that contribute to vibrant, year-round communities.
Our tours generate business for accommodation providers, restaurants, bicycle rental companies and luggage transport services along the route. We also encourage guests to explore local galleries, museums, arts and crafts, and to take part in guided excursions and activities offered by local operators.

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We believe that tourism should create positive experiences for both visitors and the communities they encounter. As a self-guided tour, this trip allows guests to explore at their own pace, enjoy nature and discover local culture independently.
We value cooperation across different businesses and industries and recognize the importance of diverse local communities. By working with a range of accommodation providers, restaurants and activity operators, we help guests experience the different people, traditions and ways of life that make the Arctic coast unique.
We encourage our guests to approach local communities with curiosity, consideration and respect, helping create welcoming encounters and a positive experience for everyone.