Adventures by Disney Norway: Day Five

The agenda for day five was one we’d been anticipating since we first read the itinerary, but in keeping with theme of our trip, we had no idea how amazing our experience would be. It blended two things Norway does best—hiking and deep-rooted traditions—and offered a personal thread back to our own family story. Our ancestors were farmers here before they journeyed across an ocean to homestead in Montana, and today felt like stepping into a chapter of the life they once lived. I’m sharing the highlights of our day on the mountain below and make sure you check out day one, day two, day three and day four of our adventures in Norway!

Westeras Farm

Our morning eventyr (adventure) started with a hike from our hotel up to Westerås Farm, a picture-perfect mountainside homestead overlooking the fjord. The same family has cared for this land since 1603, and standing there—surrounded by hayfields, goats, and sweeping views—it felt as though time stretched in both directions. We were glimpsing both the past and the future: centuries of tradition behind us, and the family’s evolving efforts to keep their legacy alive.

The views were breathtaking, but what moved me most was imagining the generations who carved out a life here—raising goats, cutting hay, and enduring long winters on this mountainside. It was humbling and inspiring all at once. We even got to try our hand at traditional farm work, from testing out a sickle to cut hay the old-fashioned way, to bottle-feeding baby goats. Relay races down the hillside (riding chokecherry branches like makeshift sleds) also sparked a little friendly competition.

Lunch was in an historic, restored hay barn adorned with family photos and old farm relics, with views of the soaring landscape. As we enjoyed our homemade soup and freshly baked bread, the farmer shared tales of his family’s history and resilience–everything from tales of devastating avalanches, to long climbs up the mountain to milk their cows, and nights spent sleeping beside mountain streams so the milk could chill in the pools. Now, the farm is embracing a new chapter by diversifying into ecotourism, a path to preserve their heritage by sharing these stories with visitors from around the world. It’s their way of keeping the family history alive—passing it down to the next generation, and to travelers like us who are lucky enough to hear it.

Right to Roam

If you like to hike, you will love Norway. They have a “right to roam” policy which allows people access to most land, even private. The rules are leave no trace and stay 300 feet from houses. In addition to introducing farming practices and sharing a bit of history, we got to enjoy two hikes during our time on the Westeras farm. It was quite unexpected to discover that two incredible trailheads were found on the family’s private farm land-and all hikers are welcome.

The first hike was to the amazing overlook of the Naroyfjord, another UNESCO world heritage site. I would say this is one of the more famous Norway photo stops and our trail wound us through the family’s goat pasture before greeting us with this view. And it’s even more jaw dropping in person.

After lunch, we ventured to the Storseterfossen waterfall and similiar to our hike in Flam, we got to make our way on the stone path laid out by sherpas from Nepal. The views along the hike were absolutely beautiful and we could walk behind the waterfall, to see the rare backside of water that Disney fans will appreciate. Our guides also made sure to reward our efforts with a favorite treat of Norwegians, the Kvikk Lunsj, which is similar to a Kit Kat. 

We put some miles on today and the kids were ready for some pool time! Dinner was on our own in the lovely village of Geiranger and then it was off to bed as we were up bright and early to experience more of the fjords and a glacier lake. Pinch me! Day six of our adventure is coming soon!

Tips from Day Five, Adventures by Disney Norway

• The hiking is a bit challenging, but Disney offers alternative transportation if you choose not to hike. I highly recommend doing the two afternoon hikes to the fjord overlook and the waterfall, but if you only choose one, don’t miss the fjord overlook. It’s shorter and an easier walk, plus the views will stay with you forever!
• Pack layers and dress comfortably. Quality footgear is essential and bring a small backpack if you have one to carry water and snacks. Your Adventure Guides will also help you prepare based on the day’s forecast.
• We enjoyed our lunch at Westeras Farm and you can also make dinner reservations here if interested in supporting this amazing family while taking in the fjord views one more time. Either way, make sure you have dinner reservations lined up somewhere in Geiranger and your guides will have the best recommendations for you!

Are you ready to plan YOUR Adventure by Disney vacation? Do you know the difference between a vacation and a trip? A vacation is something where the entire family can relax and I’d love to help you experience one of these epic adventures. Do you have questions on Adventures by Disney or other companies that I work with to make your vacation seamless with flights, transfers and all your favorite excursions bundled in? I am an Certified Travel Advisor and would love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.