Balestrand: the hidden gem in the Norwegian fjords
Do you want to walk in the shoes of emperors, Vikings, artists and rappers? If so then Balestrand is for you. Situated in Western Norway, along the shores of the ‘King of Fjords’ Sognefjord, this is the Norwegian gem we've been hiding.
Whether you’re an artist, a hiker or a history lover, Balestrand has it all. Gorgeous Mountain views, quaint wooden houses, scrumptious cider and a Viking history that dates all the way back to 800AD. In short, Balestrand is blinkin’ beautiful, so get it on your bucket list immediately.
Step into Balestrand’s historic beauty
Balestrand is heaped in history, the time travellers in you will not be disappointed.
Why not start with a stay in Kviknes hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the whole of Norway. Opened in 1742, the traditional interiors have been well preserved.
If you love cultural heritage and local storytelling, a night at Kviknes will give you a unique historical experience. We love Balestrand so much we have included a night here on our city break in Bergen, and on our longer fjord tour on the Sognefjord.
Ornate, Swiss-style houses surround Balestrand and St. Olaf’s Church built in 1897 is a must-see inspired by traditional Stave churches, with its Norwegian wooden craftsmanship and stunning stained glass windows.
Unleash your inner viking
For the Viking lovers (and let’s admit it we’re all at least 1% Norseman) jump on a Fjord cruise or a Viking hike. Take in the mountains and tranquil water and channel your inner Thor as you travel the same routes that Viking traders would have taken hundreds of years ago.
For the true nature enthusiasts, explore our guide to 7 mountain hikes featuring spectacular trails with panoramic fjord views and unforgettable summit experiences
Something about the scenery tells us the Balestrand Vikings were a little more chilled than their cut-throat cousins.
From fjord cruises to rugged hikes, adventure awaits
Situated in Western Norway, along the shores of the ‘King of Fjords’ Sognefjord, Balestrand is the perfect gateway to explore the fjords. Here you find plenty of trails for nature lovers of all abilities. If you enjoy a challenge why not take a mountain trip or climbing trail. Or soak up the scenery from a fjord cruise.
If you have joined the Paddle Board craze this is one of the most beautiful places you could choose to do it, surrounded by majestic peaks. Kayaking, boating and fishing are also popular here.
Enjoy scenic cider and nordic nibbles
Whether you enjoy a cultural snack or traditional dining, we have you covered.
If you’re from England you have probably tasted some good Somerset cider in your time. But have you tasted a cider made from Norwegian apple trees grown around the Sognefjord, whilst taking in stunning mountain views?
For a true Norwegian food experience in a unique setting try the Cider House in Balestrand, surrounded by an organic fruit orchard. It is a great way to take in the flavours of the region. They hold a local festival in late August, a perfect excuse to enjoy a scenic Cider.
Our top choice though of course is the Kviknes Hotel where tradition, history and beautiful food compliment breath-taking panoramic views. Why not try some local seafood sourced from the fjords, followed by a ‘Kvæfjordkake’ dessert– the ‘Worlds Best Cake.’ YUM.
Where royalty, rappers and Disney collide
Kaiser Wilhelm II
The famous German Emperor Wilhelm II LOVED Balestrand. They say he visited frequently and he enjoyed the views so much that he took up a bench as his own, now called the ‘Keiserstolen’ – the ‘Emperor’s Chair’.
When Wilhelm was in town the local people were too scared to sit on it but you won’t have that problem these days. Who wouldn’t want to sit in an Emperor's chair?
Kjartan Lauritzen
If you are a young Norwegian and you haven’t heard of rapper and shirt-less dancer, Kjartan Lauritzen, you must have been living under a rock. He is a proud Balestrandian and his lyrics and fame have helped people discover the village.
As the son of the owner he spent his childhood years in the Kviknes Hotel but now owns his own, the super cool Balestrand hotel, find him in there and you never know, he might serve you a Balholm Cider.
Frozen
Did you know that St Olaf's Church in Balestrand inspired the Disney film Frozen? In fact the church where Elsa’s Coronation took place was based on it.
When you go in and are mesmerised by the architecture, remember what Elsa said "You feel what you feel and those feelings are real”. Indeed.
Hans Dahl (1849 - 1937)
Hans Dahl was a celebrated Norwegian painter known for his vibrant, romanticized landscapes of the Norwegian fjords, particularly around Balestrand where he built his summer villa "Dahl's Villa" in 1893.
His idealized paintings of rural Norwegian life, featuring people in traditional dress against dramatic fjord landscapes, captured the national romantic spirit of the era.
Dahl became one of the most commercially successful Norwegian artists of his time, though his work was sometimes criticized by modernists for its traditional style and idyllic portrayal of rural Norway.
So there you have it, plenty of reasons for you to book a visit, whatever your interests. One thing is for certain, this is a special place that will stay with you forever.
And as local rapper Kjartan says ‘Time moves fast, so I gotta just enjoy it’.
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