Norway 10 Nights (EXP-NOR-10-1)

NORWAY - SETESDAL VALLEY, RIVER OTRA & OSLO (10 NIGHTS)

WORLD DIFFERENTLY! SEE THE

KRISTIANSAND

We believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. They allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our confidence, independence and resilience.

10 NIGHT EXPEDITION NORWAY

Trek through the wilderness, paddle down the River Otra, camp in the wild and experience Oslo. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this once-in-a-lifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.

OSLO

RIVER OTRA

START

HERE

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN KRISTIANSAND

Sleep: Camp

Travel: Transfer 1.5hrs to base camp

DAY 2 TREK FROM BASE CAMP

Sleep: Camp

Trek: 1 day

Touch down in Kristiansand, on the tip of Southern Norway, and travel to base camp. You’ve made it to Norway – a land of Alpine wilderness, worldclass trekking and the midnight sun.

Make sure you get some rest after your flight. You’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Rugged mountains, deep fjords and sparkling rivers – they’re all here, waiting to be explored.

TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY

REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.

Fuel up with a typical Norwegian breakfast – try rye bread with salami, smoked salmon or pickled herring. This trip is all about adventure, so why not start with a culinary one?

Dive into expedition life, assign some team roles and start planning your campfire menu for the week. You’ll need to buy some food supplies, so make a shopping list and get your head around the local currency –Norwegian kroner.

Time to trek. You’ve got a choice of local trails, so gather the team and make a plan. You could explore the foothills, or summit one of three local peaks – Eagle Mountain, Fennefoss, or Bertesknapen (the highest).

Get to grips with your gear as you enter this wild region of rugged terrain, rushing streams and tranquil forests.

Chat with your guides and learn a few words in Norwegian – try to greet locals in their native tongue. Start with ‘hei’ or ‘hallo’ – simple!

PLANNING TIP!

YOU’LL BE SELF-CATERING FOR MOST OF THE TRIP, SO COME PREPARED WITH YOUR FAVOURITE CAMPFIRE RECIPES, AND TRY OUT SOME LOCAL DISHES.

DAYS 3-5

SETESDAL VALLEY TREK

Sleep: Camp

Trek: 3 days

Still buzzing after yesterday’s trek? You’re ready for something bigger now. Pack your gear for a three-day adventure in the Nordic wilderness.

Take it in turns to lead the team as you trek through ancient woodland, past glistening lakes and onto huge granite ridges. Beavers, deer and moose are in their element here, and the mountains above you are roamed by wild reindeer.

Trekking with your camping gear is tough, so keep each other motivated and schedule plenty of breaks to soak up the scenery – prepare for epic views over fjords, forests and valleys.

DAYS 6-7 CANOE THE RIVER OTRA

Sleep: Camp

Canoe: 2 days

Swap your trekking poles for a paddle – you’re about to canoe along the beautiful River Otra. Upskill with safety training and paddle techniques, then push off from the shore.

Paddle beneath dramatic mountain scenery while salmon swim beneath your canoe. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers along the banks and golden eagles overhead.

Set up camp on an island or the riverbank – you’ll be a pro at wild camping by now. With your tents pitched, clothes drying out and the campfire lit, you can sit back and chill while dinner bubbles on the stove. When the light fades, listen for moose as they feed in open glades.

At night, you’ll be camping wild. Pitch your tents, then fire up your Trangia stoves and get some food on the go. The long daylight hours mean you’ve got plenty of time – during summer, the sun doesn’t set until 10pm.

CAMP WILD

WILD CAMPING IS LEGAL IN NORWAY, SO LONG AS YOU RESPECT NATURE AND OTHER PEOPLE. BASICALLY, LEAVE IT AS YOU’D LIKE TO FIND IT.

DAYS 8-9

RAFT, CLIMB, ZIP, SUP

Sleep: Camp

Raft: ½ day

DAY 10 EXPERIENCE THE CAPITAL

Sleep: Hostel

Travel: Transfer 1.5hrs + fly 45mins to Oslo

DAY 11

TRAVEL HOME FROM OSLO

Now you’re at one with the water, it’s time to add some adrenaline. The Otra has some of the best white water rafting in Norway, and you’re about to experience it first-hand.

Test your teamwork and paddle hard as you navigate the rapids. Take a breather in the calmer stretches and soak up the Alpine wilderness, then dig deep and surf the surging water. Next, you could head out for more trekking or dip into your own funds for one final adventure. You could join a beaver and elk safari, go paddle-

boarding or try out the zip line, highropes course and climbing wall. There’s also the option of laser tag or the Escape Room.

Wave the wilderness goodbye and prepare for an urban adventure. Wedged between the mountains and sea, Oslo is one of Europe’s greenest capitals.

Check in at the hostel and make a team plan to get the most from your time here. Check out the free attractions, like Akershus Fortress and the famous Opera House –one of Scandinavia’s most iconic buildings, you can climb on the roof for panoramic views over Oslo.

You could also use your spending money to visit the Ski Museum, which reveals 4,000 years of ski history and polar exploration. Or how about the Fram Polar Ship – climb aboard one of

the strongest wooden ships ever built, learn how to survive in the Arctic and experience the polar simulator. Finally, it’s time to celebrate everything you’ve achieved with a big team meal.

After the best ten days of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport.

Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Norway has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life.

These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.

Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.

Students will be immersed in different cultures and experiences, growing to understand their role within our global community.

Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.

Students will be empowered to build on their self-care strategies, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.

Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience.

Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity & personal values, developing their independence and sense of self.