Balestrand, A Charming Village In The Norwegian Fjords
Balestrand is a small municipality in Norway of just over a thousand inhabitants. Its charm lies in the fact that it sits in a privileged place: the fjords of the county of Sogn og Fjordane. If you are planning a route through this country, it is a good starting point to fall in love with its landscapes, so different. Ready for an adventure?
Balestrand, a small town between fjords
Humble but closely linked to art, Balestrand has been the inspiration of many artists for his landscapes and his care for nature. In fact, agriculture and tourism are precisely the main activities on which this municipality lives.
Its origins date back to the 19th century, when it was born from the separation of three sub-parishes. Geographically, it is located between two fjords, Sognefjord (fjord of Dreams) and Fjærlandsfjord. The first of them is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and the second, one of its arms.
What to do once there?
Balestrand offers one of the most beautiful photographs that we can take from Norway, with the image of the fjords and the famous painted wooden houses. In addition, here you can do many more things than you might imagine. Pay attention!
1. Visit the Kvikne Hotel
Hotel Kvikne is one of the most famous places in Balestrand. It was built in 1877 by the Kvikne family. It was very popular in the early 20th century, as Wilhelm II, the last German emperor, visited it during his summer vacation.
It is still open, renovated, expanded and remodeled to adapt it to the times. However, the architecture of the building remains the original. Maintains a style typical of the tradition of Norwegian architecture.
If your budget allows it, maybe you could stay at this hotel. It has 200 rooms available and art collections that you cannot miss. We are sure it will be worth it!
2. A boat trip through the fjords
How not to enjoy the main attraction of Balestrand? Fortunately, you have the opportunity to ride a boat and cross the Fjord of Dreams . You will be able to admire unique landscapes, the height of the mountains that border the fjord, its almost wild nature or the changing tone of its waters.
In order to do so you will need to book in advance. The route lasts about 80 minutes and the price is about 60 euros, approximately. The boat leaves the Balestrand dock at 1pm. You also have the option of taking a boat from Bergen to here, with a duration of 4 hours.
3. Gaularfjellet viewpoint
If you want to fall in love with Norwegian nature and you haven’t had enough with your boat trip through the fjords, there are still options. This viewpoint was built relatively recently. A place from which you can contemplate one of the most impressive views of the Norwegian landscape.
You can get there easily, it is only a few kilometers from the town. A great idea is to do some hiking trail from it. At the end of the day, you do not stop visiting the Fosseheimen Natural Park.
4. Saint Olaf’s Church
It is also known as the Church of the English, since Anglican ceremonies are held every Sunday. It is a wooden church that was built in 1897 and has become one of the town’s attractions.
It is very close to the Kvikne hotel. It was built on the orders of an English lady who traveled to the village and fell in love with one of the members of the Kvikne family. And as a result, this beautiful church was born that we can still see.
If on your trip to Norway to visit cities like Oslo or Bergen you are looking for alternative plans, visiting Balestrand is a good option. Here you can get to know a different part of the country and admire part of its beauty. Why do Norwegians boast of having these landscapes and fight so hard to protect them? It’s more than clear, don’t you think?
