Midtnes Hotel

The enchanting little village of Balestrand lies on a scenic promontory of orchards and farmland on the northern shores of the famous Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord stretching over 200km. Balestrand’s mesmerising backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains and panoramic vistas has been captivating travellers for over a century. With buses and express boats operating in all directions, Balestrand is a perfect base for exploring and the Flåm railway, Fjærland ferry and Jøstedal Glacier are just some of the notable attractions. There is also much opportunity to simply relax amidst the peaceful surroundings or enjoying the superb scenery from a bicycle or row boat. Balestrand also gives you access to spectacular walking territory with trails rising behind the village to the peaks and lakes of the plateau beyond.

Why not try the Fjord Explorer or Taste of Norway multi-centre holidays that stop in Balestrand? Or Highlights of the Fjords for an escorted tour. Our brand new escorted tour, Bergen to Oslo Fjord Experience, has a scenic journey to Balestrand.

• Sognefjord Aquarium with fjord fish and wildlife 
• Travel and Tourism museum now open in Balestrand centre
• Boat trips and fjord cruise along the Sognefjord to Flåm, Vik plus more 
• Kayaking and lake swimming 
• Gentle walks from the village 
• Several Stave Churches at Vik and Urnes 
• Cycling with bike hire available from the tourist office 
• RIB boat trips 
• Cider farm in Balestrand 
• Local public buses run to outlying villages such as Dragsvik and Sogndal 
• Cinema 
• Arboretum and enamel workshop in Dragsvik 
• Quaint cafes and cake shops in the village 

• Longitude: 6.5317601
• Latitude: 61.20747
• Distance to Station: 61
• Distance to City Centre: 7

For more information on travel and transport visit our Balestrand page

Explore the local area independently, at your own pace, with these recommended day trips that can be booked at the local Tourist Office:

(All prices shown for guidance)

Fjærland Ferry and Jøstedal Glacier 

£79 - full or half day - daily

The glacial arms of the Jøstedalsbreen, Europe's largest ice plateau, can be visited from the Nordfjord and Sognefjord - the Kjenndal, Bodal Valley and Briskdal glaciers are featured from Loen, and the Supphellbreen and Boyabreen from Balestrand as part of this excursion. Visit these areas of awe-inspiring natural beauty and get up close to the dramatic ice-blue landscapes. 

Enjoy a highly scenic return boat trip along Fjaerlandsfjord to this small community of great natural beauty including a visit to its fascinating Glacier Museum and to the foot of the Supphellbreen and Boyabreen Glaciers. A shorter half day version visiting only one glacier is available daily.  

Vik by Boat 

£29 - twice weekly - partially guided

Travel by express boat across the majestic Sognefjord to the village of Vik. This excursion includes a guided tour of the beautiful Hopperstad Stave Church.

Sognefjord and Flåm Railway  

£99 - full day - daily - (high season) mid-June to mid-August

This excursion combines a majestic return cruise up the Sognefjord and a trip on the spectacular Flåm railway which takes you through fantastic scenery - steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and 20 tunnels. There are also stops at viewpoints along the way, in this one hour journey to Myrdal. Taking the Flåm railway back down to the town of Flåm, there will be another cruise journey along to Sognefjord to get back to your hotel.

Flåm railway via Vik & Voss

£99 - full day - daily - (low season) mid-May to mid-June & mid-August to end of season

Travelling by boat, bus and train through Voss and the Vikafjell mountains, to arrive at Myrdal ready to catch the infamous Flåm railway down to Flåm. Returning to Balestrand by an express boat along the gorgeous Sognefjord.

Sognefjord Aquarium 

£7 - daily

Norwegian Tourism Museum 

£8 - daily

• Several nice, homely lounges in the traditional wing, one with open fire and views of the fjords
• Breakfast and dining room
• Panoramic fjord view sun-terrace
• Garden with bathing jetty
• Lift to all floors

• Lounge area
• TV room
• WiFi
• Garden