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: From nature trails to spectacular summits
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?
With 90 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Balestrand include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Norway's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
