People of the North - Welcome to Sogndal and the villages around
Experience the Fjord Villages of Sogndal, Kaupanger, Balestrand, and Fjærland
The first visit People of the North had in the Sognefjord region was to Sogndal and Sigrid’s farm. Sigrid takes them to Anestølen, located at the far end of the valley. You can park at Selseng and walk to Anestølen, or pay a toll to drive all the way. The company Explore Sogndal offers guided hikes, bike tours, SUP, and kayaking trips to Anestølen. "By cooking outdoors, you stay outdoors longer," says Sigrid, who serves venison stew and freshly baked bread, made over the bun fire.
Just a 15-minute drive from Sogndal, you reach Kaupanger and Ramnereiret, the Raven’s nest, where you can stay like a true Viking in a treetop cabin. The cabin is inspired by the Stave Churches of Urnes and Borgund, and the family has put great effort into intricate carvings and artistic details to create the perfect atmosphere.
Welcome to Fjærland
Follow in the footsteps of People of the North as Arne and Stig join Sigrid on a trip to Balestrand, where they meet Captain Tor and Balestrand Fjord Angling. On a guided fishing trip, guests get to haul up traps and nets filled with the finest culinary treasures from the fjord. The journey continues into the stunning Fjærlandsfjord, with a stop at the charming white wooden hotel by the fjord—Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel, which welcomes the fresh catch and prepares it for the day's special dish.
In Fjærland, they visit The Norwegian Book Town, where manager Randi proudly shares how thousands of books are available for purchase both indoors and outdoors throughout the town center. After a stroll through the book town, the journey continues to Fjærland Guiding’s sauna, Dampen. Arne and Sigrid take a refreshing plunge into the cold Fjærlandsfjord before warming up inside Dampen.
Next, they visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum, where director Anne Mundal Skjelten gives Arne and Sigrid insight into the museum’s history and Jostedalsbreen National Park. How have the glaciers shaped the landscape?
Welcome to Balestrand
Arne, Stig, and Sigrid meet local expert and forest manager Jørgen Hundseth, who takes them on a guided ski tour to Raudmelen in Balestrand. The Guardian has ranked Raudmelen among the Top 10 ski touring destinations in the world—a must-experience, offering breathtaking fjord views of the mighty Sognefjord.
Back at the quay in Balestrand, the RIB boats from Balestrand Adventure and Vik Adventure are ready for a guided tour into the beautiful and tranquil fjord branch, Finnafjorden. Here, you will see the small farms Finden and Finnabotn.
After the RIB tour, they meet Eli Grete and Åge from Ciderhuset. At Ciderhuset, they are served cider paired with different types of food, and manager Tuba shows Sigrid how to make chocolate infused with dried fruit from Ciderhuset’s own orchards.
At the historic Kviknes Hotel, they meet hotel manager Sigurd Kvikne, who shares the rich history of the hotel and Balestrand. This area has long been a destination for artists, Kaiser Wilhelm, royalty, and distinguished guests who discovered the magic of this fjord many years ago.
The journey continues to Dragsvik Fjord Hotel, beautifully located in Dragsvik near the ferry dock. Hotel manager Anne Randi talks about the hotel, which sources its meat, fruit, and vegetables from local farmers. Chef Daniel serves Arne and Stig a delicious taste of Norwegian cuisine.
