- Balestrand sits on the shores of the Sognefjord amongst beautiful scenery
- Enjoy this peaceful, scenic village
- Take on challenging hikes in the mountains surrounding Balestrand
Balestrand might be small, but its position is mighty – sitting on the northern shore of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The mountain vistas and dreamy light have drawn artists since the 19th century, when they set up an artist’s colony of Romantic dragon-style villas. On a walking holiday in Balestrand you can also take inspiration amongst the many footpaths around Balestrand, from family-friendly nature trails to summit scrambles. There’s a port too; jump on a ferry or boat trip to explore the fjord.
Walking holidays in Balestrand
You can take your pick of walking paths on a Balestrand holiday. Meander through farmland and forests to nature trails and picnic spots. Or follow the water’s edge between sandy shell-shaped beaches and benches strategically placed for marvelling at the mountains. After a challenge? Reach for the steep hikes to sky-scraping summits.
A little village with a lot going on
Balestrand is barely a kilometre across, gathering a small selection of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries within a 20-minute walk of each other. Kviknes Hotel is the showstopper – a grand Swiss-style hotel that has been run by the same family since 1877. St. Olaf’s Church is another architectural treasure. A Romantic recreation of a medieval stave church, it looks more like a Viking ship rising between the villas around. The Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism explains all about the history of hospitality here. Mull over everything from the café with widescreen views of Sognefjord.
The fjords are your oyster
Summer holidays in Balestrand are made for exploring. Boats and ferries depart from the harbour and journey through the Sognefjord. The village of Flam is less than a two-hour (and very pretty) boat ride away, there is usually only one departure per day so be sure to plan your return journey before travelling. A popular cruise ship stop and the beginning of the Flam Railway, it also lays out footpaths that wind between fjords, waterfalls, wooden churches and eagle’s-eye viewpoints. Back in Balestrand, there’s the option to explore the fjords on your own schedule by kayak or bike.
Why book a summer holiday in Balestrand with Inghams?
Experience the freedom of flexible walking holidays in Balestrand with Inghams. With no fixed itineraries and no moving around each night, you can simply unpack, settle in, and explore at your own pace.
- With 90 years of travel experience, we know how to take the hassle out of your holiday to Balestrand
- Flights, transfers, and accommodation are included in every holiday package
- We’re with you every step of the way with insider knowledge and tailored support from our Destination Experts over the phone during your holiday
- During your stay you’ll have access to our Digital Resort Guides, which are packed with self-guided walks, things to do and useful information for your Balestrand holiday
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