Balestrand

Balestrand is a small charming village on the northern shore of the Sognefjord in Sogn og Fjordane.

Understand
Balestrand has long history as a tourist resort. This little village was one of the favorites of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. For more than 20 years the Kaiser on his «Hohenzollern» and a flotilla of naval ships, including several hundred staffs and troops, "invaded" Sognefjord. Days after the fatal shots in Saravjevo 1914, the Kaiser again headed for vacation in Norway. On July 25th 1914 the Kaiser left Balestrand, war broke out July 28th and he never returned.

By plane
The closest airport is either Sogndal or Førde. The closest international airport is Bergen.

By bus
There are express buses three times a day from Oslo. There are local buses five times a day from Førde, and five times a day from Sogndal.

By boat
Express boat two times a day from Bergen, in the summer. Only once daily during winter, 1 Sep-30Apr. Once daily from Flåm, 1May-30Sep. Twice daily from Flåm, 21Jun-17Aug. These routes are operated by Fjord1. The ferry terminus is in located in the centre of Balestrand, less than ten minutes from any of the hotels.

By car
There are two roads into Balestrand:
 * Route 55 from Sogndal and across the Sognefjell mountain area between Luster and Lom. It is the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe (highest point 1430 meters), and it has been awarded the status of National Tourist Route because of the spectacular and wild mountain scenery it passes through. From the west route 55 connects to E39 at Vadheim.
 * Route 13:
 * From the south connections to Hardanger and Bergen through Voss and Vikafjell pass (ferry from Vangsnes)
 * From the north connections E39 through Gaularfjell mountain pass which is also a national tourist route.

Get around
Balestrand is small so it takes no longer than 15-20 minutes to walk from one side to another.

Do

 * There is a nature trail up the hill from Balestrand and numerous other marked hikes go through the woods and along ridges up to the tops of mountains with plenty of great views of the fjord. Some can be turned into very long circular routes (about 8 hours). Maps and more information for these can be obtained from the tourist information office or your hotel reception.
 * There are some trips on small boats out into the fjord as well as the regular large daily ferries to Fjærland Glacier and Vik stave church.
 * Cars can be rented from Kviknes hotel in Balestrand or from one of the larger towns nearby. One of the National tourist routes of Norway runs from Balestrand along some smaller fjords and up into the Gaularfjell mountains a truly beautiful road and landscape. Bicycles can also be rented from Balestrand tourist information.

Buy
For groceries, there are Coop and Joker shops both less than 5 minutes walking distance from the ferry terminal.

Eat
Most people eat in their hotels, which have excellent restaurants or meals included.

Go next

 * Route 13 towards Førde via Gaularfjellet mountain pass, national tourist route.
 * Route 55 to Sogndal is a scenic drive along the fjord.
 * By boat to Fjærland to see the glacier. This is a beautiful voyage in the narrow fjord, surrounded by high mountains. Advanced booking is recommended, but not necessary. The route is operated by