Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand

Pros  

• Enjoy a fourth-generation, family-run hotel with elegant common spaces, a private art collection, and memorable fjord views.
• The hotel is within walking distance of Balestrand's passenger ferry terminal with express service to Bergen, as well as galleries and a small aquarium.   
• Most rooms on either side of the hotel have balconies with fjord views.
• A grand dining room serves international buffets and multicourse menus, while a bistro provides casual lunch and dinner options.

Cons

• Guests with limited mobility should request a room in the newer section, which has elevators, rather than the historic wing, which does not.
• The unattractive exterior of the newer wing might be a turnoff, but as of 2022, most rooms have been renovated. 

Authenticity

History buffs will appreciate that the Kvikne family took over the hotel in 1877 and still owns it today. And while they have made significant modern updates to the rooms in the annex over the decades, they take visible pride in preserving the hotel's heritage, from the classic architecture and art-filled historic wing to the way staff actively share the property's story with guests. The contrast between the original building and the modern addition underscores just how carefully that history has been protected. It's also entirely inseparable from its setting: mountains rise on all sides, traditional Norwegian dishes anchor the menus, and partnerships with nearby producers—like the local cider farm—root the experience firmly in the hotel's place along the Sognefjord.

Location

Located in the small town of Balestrand, Kviknes Hotel fronts the Sognefjord and is surrounded by forested, snowcapped mountains. Guests can arrive by car on a scenic route that includes a 20-minute car ferry in Dragsvik if arriving from the east. There's also a 3-hour express passenger ferry in Balestrand with daily crossings to and from Bergen (the hotel is a short walk from the ferry terminal). Balestrand itself can be experienced in a day with its walkable core offering art galleries, a museum, an aquarium, and a traditional stave church. Most guests choose to stay a few days to enjoy the area's natural beauty with challenging hiking trails and fjord adventures. Free parking is available at the hotel. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Most guest rooms (160) are in the newer building, which opened in 1965, though it's an easy walk to the historic wing. Some might be turned off by the austere exterior of this building, but comfortable rooms have seating areas and private balconies with a glimpse of the mountains and/or fjord. Many floors were renovated in 2018, with updated decor. In the historic wing, there are 30 rooms with old-world furnishings, including patterned wallpaper—and many come with balconies facing the fjord. Sizes range from single rooms to family rooms with pullout sofas that can sleep four. 

Amenities

Fjord views are available from various common spaces in the hotel, including the historic Balhom Bar and lounge, and the outdoor terrace. Complimentary breakfast and dinner buffets, or multicourse menus, are served in the grandiose dining room every day, and guests can peruse a wine list with more than 300 bottles. Lunch can be ordered at the bistro near the front desk, where a small menu is served from 1 pm to 9 pm. There's a small fitness center on-site and a souvenir gift shop.

Family-Friendliness

While Kviknes Hotel offers spacious rooms that can accommodate families, it doesn't have specific amenities tailored for children, such as kids' areas or babysitting services. However, the hotel's location and the range of activities available in Balestrand, such as hiking and water-based activities, can make it a suitable choice for families looking to explore the outdoors together.