Balestrand and the Sognefjord

We arrive in Bergen in the morning. After a scenic four-hour journey, we reach Balestrand, arriving right at our hotel. We check in at Kviknes Hotel, an iconic fjordside retreat with a rich history.

Our guide takes us on an orientation walk, introducing us to Balestrand’s charming surroundings. Within a short walking distance, you’ll find the Sognefjord Aquarium, the Tourism Museum, and several cozy cafés and restaurants.

Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before enjoying a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. After the meal, the hotel owner will share fascinating stories about the hotel’s past and the early days of tourism in Balestrand.

This morning, we take a scenic 1.5-kilometer walk along Balevika to Ciderhuset, passing a small beach and charming gardens on the way.

At Ciderhuset, founder Åge Eitungjerde welcomes us and shares the story of how the famous Balholm apple juice brand was established, as well as the family’s passion for cider production using apples from their own orchards.

From the terrace of Ciderhuset, we enjoy breathtaking views of the orchards and fjord, while sampling a variety of local ciders. A light lunch is served before we head back to the hotel.

Today, we embark on an epic road trip of approximately 200 kilometers, passing through some of Norway’s most stunning landscapes. With frequent stops, we ensure a comfortable and enriching journey.

After breakfast, our first stop is the breathtaking viewpoint at Gaularfjellet. Completed in 2016, this accessible platform offers a spectacular view of the valley, where Route 13 winds its way up the mountainside. Sitting 700 meters above sea level, it provides an awe-inspiring perspective of towering peaks and deep fjords.

We then drive along Jølstravatnet on the E39, stopping at Skei, where you can visit Audhild Vikens Vevstove, a traditional weaving store, or simply enjoy a coffee break at a local café.

Next, we continue along Route 5 to Fjærland, home to the Norwegian Glacier Museum. This picturesque fjord branch, Fjærlandsfjorden, is one of Sognefjord’s most stunning arms. Fjærland is also Norway’s book town, with around four kilometers of secondhand bookshelves, scattered across unique locations such as a former bank, ferry waiting room, barn, and post office. The town is a paradise for book lovers, offering a wide range of literature in different languages.

Continuing through Svidalen, we reach Sogndal, the “capital” of the region, with 5,000 inhabitants. From here, we drive along Sogndalsfjorden, another magnificent arm of Sognefjord, before crossing the fjord by ferry and returning to Balestrand in the late afternoon. A delicious dinner awaits at the hotel.

Our day begins with a ferry crossing to Vangsnes, home to the famous Fridtjof the Bold statue.

This imposing 10.5-meter-tall bronze statue, standing on a 12-meter-high pedestal, was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II and was unveiled in 1913 with prominent guests, including King Haakon and Prime Minister Michelsen, in attendance. The statue pays homage to Fridtjof, a legendary Norse hero from an Icelandic saga, whose story was translated into Norwegian Nynorsk by Ivar Aasen.

Although the Kaiser’s close ties with Norway faded after World War I, the statue remains a powerful symbol of a time when Balestrand was a favored retreat of Europe’s most powerful figures.

Next, we travel to Vik, where we visit two of Norway’s most remarkable medieval churches:

• Hopperstad Stave Church (c. 1130) – One of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved stave churches, showcasing intricate wood carvings and Viking influences.
• Hove Church (c. 1170) – A rare stone church from the Middle Ages, which was nearly dismantled for restoration work on Håkon’s Hall in Bergen but was saved by architect Andreas Blix, who also played a key role in preserving Hopperstad Stave Church.
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We enjoy lunch at our leisure in Vik, before returning to Balestrand in the mid-afternoon.

We begin our journey with a breathtaking drive from Balestrand to Flåm, another of Norway’s picturesque fjord villages. Along the way, we stop at the stunning Stagastein Viewpoint, where you can take in an awe-inspiring panorama of the deep Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountain peaks. This is a perfect spot to capture postcard-worthy photos and breathe in the crisp, fresh mountain air.

Upon arrival in Flåm, we have time for a short sightseeing tour of this charming fjord village, known for its craft breweries and traditional Norwegian culture, before continuing towards Bergen. Along the way, we stop in Voss, a town famous for its adventure sports, stunning landscapes, and local cuisine. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or taste the traditional Voss sausage, a local delicacy.

In the evening, we arrive in Bergen, where we check in at a centrally located hotel. Surrounded by cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant restaurants, this is the perfect setting for a relaxing night in Norway’s gateway to the fjords.

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a walking tour through the heart of Bergen, a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. We explore the iconic UNESCO-listed Bryggen, with its colorful wooden buildings and narrow alleyways that tell the story of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire in medieval times.

We also visit the bustling Fish Market, one of Norway’s oldest outdoor markets, where you can experience the authentic flavors of Bergen with fresh seafood, local specialties, and lively Nordic charm. For those who wish, there is an option to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains.

After an incredible journey through Norway’s most spectacular fjords, we conclude our adventure with a transfer to Bergen Airport for departure. With memories of majestic fjords, charming villages, and historic cities, we bid farewell to Norway’s most beautiful coastal city – until next time.