Backroads does an exceptional job curating its trips. The hiking level is accurately advertised, so there’s little guesswork about what you’re getting into each day.

Colorful wooden buildings lined the harbor, mountains disappeared into mist, and church bells echoed across the waterfront. Even before our hiking adventure through Norway’s fjords began, I knew this city deserved more than just a stopover.

Seven days, two countries, sixteen women, countless steps—and a lifetime of memories.