Holidays in Balestrand

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking holidays in Balestrand

Being right on the Sognefjord means you’re in for a treat when it comes to hiking in Balestrand. There are some great walking trails on offer that are well-marked and most offer fantastic views. You’ll find walks to suit a range of abilities, however with the mountains surrounding the fjords, it does lend itself to be a slightly more challenging area for hiking. We love to spend a few days hiking here, just for those epic panoramas and peaceful trails.

Buses

There is a very limited bus service in Balestrand to nearby villages. It’s important you plan your journey carefully and check schedules as buses don’t run frequently.

Boats

There are ferries that journey to and depart from Balestrand – again, the services are not that frequent so you’ll need to plan your journey carefully and check schedules. Some services go as far as Bergen whilst some operate more locally.

Nature Trail

• Takes approx. 2 – 4 hours depending on the route you choose
• Difficulty: Easy

This is a great walk for anyone after an easier path with plenty of interest, you pass by information points that give details on the local wildlife - it's great to pick up some local knowledge. The trail is around 50 cm wide and is mainly stone, gravel or grass and as you continue on the walk you’ll get some great views towards Balestrand.

Raudmelen (50-972 masl) i Balestrand

• Duration: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging

This demanding hike begins just on the edge of Balestrand and you’ll climb to the top of Raudmelen where you’ll be greeted by fantastic views over the Sognefjord. There are steep and narrow parts to the walk.

Orrabenken

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ascent: Approx. 370 metres

There are a couple of different routes you can take for this one so it’s best to chat to the Kviknes hotel first to decide which route is best for you. Depending on the route you take, it can be challenging in places but the views are spectacular.

Recommended Equipment

Comfy walking boots, sun cream, insect repellent, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Balestrand.

Walking Guidelines

The mountains, lakes and fjords are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate your self
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Retreat into nature

Being a small village, Balestrand’s activities tend to be more focused on it’s location. It’s about taking the time to enjoy the scenery and explore this area within the fjords. Wander to Gamleheimsfjøra to sit by the shores of the fjord or get into the mountains on foot for views from above. You may also wish to do a day trip so you get to see more of the area, this includes trips by boat so you get to be out on those fjord waters – see our excursion tab for more information.

Sognefjord: the cider fjord

The green sweep of Sognefjord is farming country – and apples are the speciality. You’ll see cider varieties all over the menus in Balestrand. For the best experience, go right to the source, where the town orchard and cider house serves juice, wine and brandy, as well as tasting tours. Elsewhere, you can dine well on regional specials like salmon, dumplings and (of course) apple pie.

Look out for unique architecture

There are some unique buildings on these shores often referred to as being built in the “Swiss style”. The Hotel Kviknes is one of these buildings and is a statement on Balestrands shores. Another building to keep an eye out for is St. Olaf’s Church which was built in 1897, its a small church and is said to belong to the Church of England.

Norwegian Travel Museum

This museum is just next door to the Kviknes hotel and great to wander. It details the history of travel and tourism and shows how tourism has developed in Norway. You can also purchase tickets for guided tours or pop into their little cafe.

Festivals

In May, Balestrand is often host to a Jazz festival, this takes place over a couple of days and is a great celebration of Jazz music and generally brings more people into Balestrand. The festival dates vary year to year so if you're interested in attending be sure to check the festival dates prior to booking (tickets may also need to be purchased in advance).

Call our sales team to add these to your holiday or book on the phone

Fjord & Glacier Tour from Balestrand from £94 per person

In Fjærland, Norway's largest fjord, the Sognefjord meets the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Many consider this idyllic fjord village of Fjærland to be the world's most beautiful place from which to explore the glaciers. Join in on a magical cruise through a fantastic fjord landscape and look out for some of the 100 different bird species as you pass through the Bøyaøyri Nature Reserve. You'll experience the Bøya Glacier up close and visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum (by bus) then hop on the boat back to Balestrand. 

Departs Daily

Cider Tasting in Balestrand from £42 per person

Visit the oldest fruit-growing region in Norway on the banks of the Sognefjord. The cider tradition in Sogn is really exciting and their innovative cider making process means they come up with some really unique drinks. The Cider House in Balestrand offers cider tastings where you can try five ciders with snacks and learn about the local traditions, history and cider production of Sogn. Each cider comes with a snack, and you'll even have the chance to try the Cider House's homemade chocolate.

Departs Daily. This tour also offers non-alcoholic options.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.