Bergen City & Balestrand

From city to fjords

After breakfast, prepare for a journey that transforms your city break into something extraordinary. Board an early morning boat from Bergen to Balestrand, cruising through the majestic Sognefjord – Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

Upon arrival in Balestrand, check in to the historic Kviknes Hotel, an elegant wooden masterpiece that has welcomed travelers since 1877. With its Swiss-style architecture and spectacular fjord views, the hotel is an experience in itself.

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming village of Balestrand with its distinctive architecture and artistic heritage, or enhance your stay with one of our optional activities:

Finnabotn RIB boat tour
Hop on a RIB boat and explore Finnafjord — an untouched branch of the Sognefjord only accessible by water. This remarkable tour takes you into a shallow, narrow passage to witness the steep, high mountain walls of Finnabotn, a unique geological formation that appears like a fjord inside a fjord.

Cider tasting
In Norway’s oldest fruit-growing region, this 90-minute experience begins with a guided walk through an organic orchard by the Sognefjord. You'll learn how apple-growing traditions have evolved here since the 1100s — shaped by fjord light, rich soil, and generations of knowledge. After the tour, head into the glass Cider House for a tasting of five distinct ciders, ranging from sweet to sharp, dry to bold. Choose the lunch option to pair your tasting with a locally inspired lunch plank — designed to enhance the flavor journey even further.

Fjærlandsfjord and Bæyebreen tour
Cruise through the stunning Fjærlandsfjord to the charming village of Fjærland, gateway to Norway’s glaciers. Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum before heading to Bøyabreen—an awe-inspiring arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier. This full-day tour combines dramatic fjord landscapes, cultural insight, and a close encounter with one of Norway’s most accessible glaciers.

Return to Bergen

Savor your last moments in Balestrand before boarding the boat back to Bergen. As you cruise back through the fjord, remember to take it all in.

Back in Bergen, you have another day to delve deeper into this fascinating city. Perhaps visit some of the excellent museums like KODE with its extensive art collections, explore the hidden alleys of the old town, or simply relax at a café watching city life unfold around you. Check out our article about top 10 things to do in Bergen for inspiration.

For an unforgettable evening we highly recommend to add the optional dining experience at the seafood restaurant Cornelius. Reached only by boat (yes, another boat – welcome to Norway!), this extraordinary restaurant sits on its own island with panoramic sea views. Here, you'll feast on the freshest seafood, caught just hours before, prepared with creativity and deep respect for local traditions.

Wrapping up your city break

Depending on when you fly out, you might have time for some last-minute exploration. Take a stroll through the historic streets, or taste a final Norwegian coffee and cinnamon bun (or skillingsbolle as the locals say) before you leave.

If you want to get your pulse up before heading home, you can go for a hike up to Mount Fløyen. The trail winds through beautiful woodland and rewards your effort with one final, sweeping panorama of Bergen.

If you didn't get to experience it on your first day, you can add a fjord cruise on Mostraumen during checkout. It’s the perfect farewell to Norway’s "gateway to the fjords" — and a city break where culture and nature meet in the most memorable way.