The 10 Best Things to do in Balestrand, Western Norway

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

Nature Trail - Kreklingen The trail starts from Belehalli sports hall in Balestrand and goes on to Sandstolen or Skasheim. This is an easy trail with an ascent of 90 - 250m. The first part goes along a nature trail marked with notices giving information about the plants and animals in the area. Further along the trail you get some very fine views over Balestrand. The trail is marked with yellow markings and signposted towards Granlia and Skasheim. From Granlia you can either follow the yellow markings further to Sandstolen (shorter route) or Skasheim (longer route). The trail consists of stone/gravel/grass and is approx 50 - 60cm wide. It can be used for off road cycling. The walk takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on which route you choose and your own condition. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55. For more information contact Balestrand.

The Waterfall Path, Gaularfjell The Waterfall Path goes from the Gaular mountains down to Viksdalen. Along its route are 14 waterfalls and 7 lakes. It is a relatively easy hike with a height difference of approx. 500m and a total length of 21 km. The hike goes from Gaularfjell to Viksdalen via Eldal, Likholefossen, Longstolen and Torsnesstolen. There are 4 different starting points. Eldal: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Likholefossen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Longstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Torsnesstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. You can choose to go the whole distance or just parts of it. The bus stops at all the start/finishing points. You can choose to walk between 2, 3 or 4 points. The path goes through a luxuriant landscape rich with wild animal and plant life as well as areas of active farming. The path goes over rough and rugged ground and crosses a number of wooden bridges. It is possible to fish along the river. Fishing licences can be obtained from local businesses / accommodation in the area. Getting there: During the summer you can get a bus (route14-210) from the centre of Balestrand to and from Gaularfjell. To get to Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or the express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

Balestrand Tourist Information is centrally located by the harbour in Balestrand. The office is open May - September. Here you can buy tickets for day tours, and for the express boat. Bike rental, hiking maps, books and postcards for sale. Information on accommodation, transport and attractions in the area.

The Cider House is located in Balestrand in an organic fruit orchard with more than 100 fruit varieties. We are situated a short 15 min walk along the fjord from Kviknes Hotel. Our restaurant is in a glass house with a panoramic view of the Sognefjord. In our cider cellar we use traditional methods to make "champagne-cider" and distill apple brandy. Join one of our family member interpreting on how how we make fruit and berries into juice, cider and brandy in 30 min ending with samples of cider or juice. We have interpretations from Monday to Saurday at 13 and 16. The Cider House has its own shop with approx. 20 types of Balholm-ciders, fruit juices and food souvenirs from the garden. In 2020 the shop is open from May 20th till 1st of September. You can also join our heritage walks, cider tastings, cooking classes, guided hikes to local viewpoint, other activities. In addition we are an event venue. Visit our homepage for more information.

The Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism tells the story of the growth of Norwegian tourism, in which the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian landscape played a major part. This is reflected in the construction of the museum, which is cut into the bedrock of Balestrand, a town that was a major destination in the early days of tourism to Norway. In the late 1800s, European and international elites, like Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, came from far and wide to visit Balestrand. The museum commemorates the local history in a national perspective. The museum consists of three antiquarian buildings and a spectacular new building opened in 2016.