On a holiday in Balestrand, you will experience everything from giant waterfalls to elongated fjords and magnificent views. There are plenty of activities to choose from for lovers of Norwegian nature. Balestrand lies in the heart of Sognefjorden where three fjords meet as they stretch inland – the perfect base for experiencing nature at its best!
Balestrand is a small town in Sogn og Fjordane county with just 1,000 inhabitants. The main industries here are tourism and farming. Balestrand quickly became popular thanks to artists such as Hans Gude, who painted beautiful pictures of the area. The name Balestrand was given to the area by the Norwegian writer and linguist Henrik Wergeland in 1832.
Balestrand offers plenty of excellent opportunities for hiking. Choose the Kreklingen route, or head up to Buråsi for magnificent views of Balestrand and Sognefjorden. Fossestien is another hike just outside Balestrand where you can see several waterfalls and mountain streams. Visit Sognefjord Aquarium with its 24 different aquariums and plankton exhibition. Or how about a boat trip to discover the delights of Fjord Adventures?
Hikes vary in length and difficulty here, so pick a route that suits your fitness level. Sightseeing tours of the fjords usually take a couple of hours. You can also hire bikes from the tourist information office if you haven’t brought your own. After an active day, relax and enjoy a meal at Ciderhuset, reputedly the best place to eat in Balestrand.
The easiest way to travel to Balestrand is to drive. Riksvei13 goes to Balestrand. Balestrand is 130 miles from Bergen, 225 miles from Oslo and 290 miles from Trondheim, all of which have international airports. The nearest local airports for domestic flights are Sogndal Airport and Førde Airport. Daily bus departures leave from both Oslo and Bergen.
A weekend trip to Balestrand offers many unforgettable experiences for both young and old. There is no better place to discover the Norwegian fjords than here!
