Welcome to Balestrand

Nestled along the enchanting shores of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, you find the picturesque and beautiful village Balestrand, renowed and famous for its stunning fjord scenery. 

Balestrand is a hidden gem in the fjords by many. 

Untouched by cruise ships, has it earned international acclaim for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Balestrand is the perfect location to soak up the area’s unique history, a number of cultural attractions, including the Kvikne's Hotel, a famous historic building dating back to 1877. With its own museum of old paintings and a direct connection to the Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism.  

Norsk Reiselivsmuseum, Balestrand .
Photo: Bickhardt Bickfoto
Norsk Reiselivsmuseum, Balestrand .
Photo: Bickhardt Bickfoto
Fjorbygda Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø
Fjorbygda Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø

Kviknes Hotel

Balestrand and Kviknes Hotel was one of the first major tourist destinations in Norway, and has become particularly well-known among famous painters and visual artists for its special fjord light and surroundings. 

Let this timeless village work its enchantment and wrap you in its magic. You find different accommodation option in Balestrand. 

Kviknes Hotel, Høyviksalen .
Photo: Kviknes Hotel
Kviknes Hotel, Høyviksalen .
Photo: Kviknes Hotel

Accommodation in Balestrand

From the old classy of Kviknes and Midtnes Hotel, to the urban and hip version of Balestrand Hotel, run by the next generation with its own club nights and big city chill vibe in late evenings. Or maybe across the Esefjord to Dragsvik Fjordhotel and their gastronomic dining experiences based on local ingredients in the hotels own garden room.

Kviknes Hotel .
Photo: Kviknes Hotel
Kviknes Hotel .
Photo: Kviknes Hotel

Flesje Gard

The hidden gems and popular Kringsjå Hotel to Sognefjord Cabins with their own fjord sauna, to cozy Baletrand Hytter(Cabins) or the high class fjord house of Flesje Gard. 

And this is just to mention a few. 

Flesje Gard, Balestrand .
Photo: Flesje Gard
Flesje Gard, Balestrand .
Photo: Flesje Gard

Fjord View

Balestrand is home to a variety of activities that blend in the beauty of the nature. Here you got a few highlights.

Famous hikes in the towering alpine peaks, always with a breathtaking fjord view. Alpine ski touring and snowshoeing during the winter and spring. 

Vindreken på Ski, Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø
Vindreken på Ski, Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø

Fjord Activities in Balestrand

Guided RIB-tours on the Sognefjord with Balestrand Fjord Adventure to visit the most secluded area of the Sognefjord.

Or the distinctive fjord fishing on board with Drip Fiske or Balestrand Fjord Angling.

The Sognefjord is over 3600 feet deep outside Balestrand, you never know what the deep water fjord fishing might gives you.

RIB Balestrand Fjord Adventure .
Photo: Vegard Aasen/VERI Media
RIB Balestrand Fjord Adventure .
Photo: Vegard Aasen/VERI Media

Dragon Style

Rent a E-bike or walk trough the famous streets of King Bele to see the old houses in dragon style, build in the 19th century surrounded with flowering gardens and apple trees.

The dragons style was an attempt to revive the old Nordic ornamentation who arose out of the romantic enthusiasm of the past. 

Villa Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø
Villa Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø

St. Olaf Church

The St. Olaf Church, a 17th-century wooden church. Build in 1897 is a unique Anglican church build as an imitation of a Stave Church.

It has also been used as an inspiration to the famous Disney movie Frozen. You know that part when Elsa was crowned queen. Inside the church is almost identically to the movie.

St. Olafs Church, Balestrand .
Photo: Trine Kanter Zervekh, Statens Vegvesen
St. Olafs Church, Balestrand .
Photo: Trine Kanter Zervekh, Statens Vegvesen

Ciderhuset

The fruit growing is a big industry in Balestrand, where the Ciderhuset (Ciderhouse) is famous for making high class  international award winning Cider. During the summer season Ciderhouse open it doors for visit, cider tasting and a perfect gastronomic experience in their restaurant.

Ciderhuset, Balestrand .
Photo: Ciderhuset
Ciderhuset, Balestrand .
Photo: Ciderhuset

Sognefjord Aquarium

The opportunity are so many. Oh, sorry we almost forgot to mention, drop by the Sognefjord Aquarium, grab a real good coffé  and experience the fjord life under the surface. 

You will even find small cozy restaurant and cafeterias, grocery store and galleries in the town center when you visit Balestrand. 

Sognefjord Akvarium, Balestrand .
Photo:
Sognefjord Akvarium, Balestrand .
Photo:

Welcome to Balestrand

Balestrand welcomes travelers from all over the world with a captivating blend of towering alpine peaks,  panoramic fjord views, architectural gems, and a heritage that traces its roots back to long before the Viking Ages.

It stands as one for its scenic splendor but also for the unique fjord light, a muse for famous painters visitors trough generations.  All things in between make Balestrand one for your bucket list.  Drive by your own, or by buss. 

The express boat from the city center of Bergen to the docks of Balestrand, makes it the easiest way of travel connected with international flights from Bergen. 

You are welcome.  

Raudmelen vandring, Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø
Raudmelen vandring, Balestrand .
Photo: Håvard Nesbø