Best of Balestrand

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Balestrand

Balestrand is a quiet fjord village on the northern side of Sognefjord. Settle into a historical hotel and make this your relaxed base for exploring the area. Take a fjord safari on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or cruise to Fjærland village and admire the nearby Jostedalsbreen glacier followed by kayaking or hiking.

In the past, kimkim travelers have followed a local expert on a culture walk through the village, past its dragon-style villas and art both historic and modern, or a hike through the mountains. Then, sample area specialties at a food and cider tasting with cider made in Norway’s oldest fruit-growing region, where apples have been tended since the 1100s.

Plan your trip to Norway
Customize your trip with help from a local travel specialist.

Plan Your Trip

The Sognefjord, nicknamed King of the Fjords

Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 6 Days

This scenic six-day itinerary highlights some of Norway's most picturesque summer destinations. Settle into the historic port city of Bergen and use it as your base to explore the surrounding mountains and fjords. After discovering the city's colorful waterfront and character-filled cobbled streets, you'll set off into the countryside—climbing mountainsides on a steam train, sailing through the spectacular Sognefjord, and visiting the waterfront towns of Balestrand, Flåm, and Fjærland.

Take in the magnificent views from your kayak

Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 8 Days

This summertime adventure includes Norway's two biggest cities and its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure. Kick-off in Europe's fastest-growing capital before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Here, you'll day-trip to Fjærland for glacier views and an award-winning museum before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a colorful wharf city and home to a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic Bryggen district along Bergen's picturesque wharf.

Bergen to Oslo Fjord Adventure - 6 Days

Sample some of Norway’s infinite charms on this short 6-day jaunt through the country’s biggest cities and most dramatic landscapes. Sail through fjords, ride one of the world’s most scenic railways, and discover the modern architecture and innovative Nordic cuisine of Europe’s fastest-growing city. Starting in the historic port of Bergen, you’ll travel east through deep fjords and towering mountains to visit the picturesque towns of Balestrand, Fjærland, and Flåm, before ending your journey in the effortlessly cool capital of Oslo.

Switch from train to ferry in the village of Flåm

Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 9 Days

This active 9-day summer tour covers Norway's two biggest cities, as well as its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure. Start off exploring Europe's fastest-growing capital before taking a scenic train and ferry to the village of Balestrand. Spend a few days here kayaking and exploring nearby villages before getting on another boat—this time to the UNESCO-listed city of Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains.

Take in magnificent Sognefjord views from your kayak.

Norwegian Highlights: Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 8 Days

This active summer tour covers Norway's two biggest cities, as well as its longest and deepest fjord, using various means of transportation for a true Scandinavian adventure. After exploring Oslo, you'll take a train ride to Flåm — one of the most scenic in the world — followed by several ferries to fjord-side villages like Balestrand and Fjærland. There's also a guided kayaking trip and a longer ferry to Bergen, where you'll spend your last full day with a local who will show you the best of this charming city and its surrounding mountains.

The charming village of Flåm on Norway's Sognefjord.

Norwegian Highlights: Oslo, Balestrand & Bergen - 7 Days

Experience jaw-dropping scenery and cool Scandinavian culture on this 7-day Norwegian itinerary. Start in Oslo, where you'll have two days to revel in the rich history, trendy cafés, and summer festivals of Europe's fastest-growing capital. Next, you’ll head west on the famous Flåm Railway to explore Balestrand and its majestic mountains. From here, take advantage of the warmer weather with a kayaking tour of dramatic fjords. Finish the adventure in Bergen, with a wander around its colorful wooden houses and a trip up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the city.

Oslo to Bergen Fjord Adventure - 5 Days

This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country's two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A view over Bergen city in the afternoon

Norway Highlights: Oslo, Balestrand, Bergen, & Tromsø - 8 Days

After arriving in Oslo, you'll have an afternoon to explore this capital before traveling along the scenic Flåm Railway to the Flåm Village and then taking a ferry to Balestrand, and you'll spend the evening at this fjord-side town. You'll then take another ferry to Bergen, a culturally-rich city with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, where you'll enjoy a walking tour which includes heading to the top of Mount Fløyen for a view over the city. Your final destination is Tromsø, a charming seaside town, and from here you'll head out in the evening to chase the northern lights!

Best of Norway: Bergen, Balestrand, Aurland, & Oslo - 8 Days

After arriving, you can explore the cobblestoned wharf city of Bergen, hike to the top of Mount Fløyen for views over the city, and enjoy a fjord cruise to Balestrand. You'll then take a ferry, with fjord views, to Flåm where you'll spend two nights in a Riverside Farm Lodge in the Norwegian countryside before enjoying a Nærøyfjord cruise. You'll then take the steep and scenic Flåm Railway to Oslo, with a stop in Myrdal, and spend your final two nights in Oslo.

Drive through some of the most scenic roads in the western fjords

Western Norway Fjord Road Trip - 13 Days

This 13-day trip covers some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities in under two weeks. Start in Oslo and check out the capital's new architecture and restaurant scene before traveling west (by train and ferry) to pick up a rental car. From here, drive at your own pace visiting charming towns and stunning fjords while enjoying a variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking. Finish the adventure with a fjordcruise to Bergen—famous for its UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf.

Take a local trail with views of the Aurlandsfjord

Family Hiking in Oslo, Bergen & the Sognefjord - 7 Days

This fast-paced itinerary covers three popular destinations with plenty of local twists for a unique family adventure. Start in Oslo where you'll have a few days to explore the capital's forests and rivers. Then head west to catch trails and views around the Sognefjord as you travel by train, ferry, and rental car. Finish with a fjord cruise to Bergen and pick between many hikes within its seven surrounding mountains.

Look for waterfalls as you sail through the Geirangerfjord on the Hurtigruten.

Norway Fjords Summer Tour - 14 Days

There are nearly 1,200 fjords along Norway's western coast and this trip covers the cream of the crop — Lysefjord, Sognefjord, and Geirangerfjord — using a mix of fun travel modes to amp up the adventure factor. These majestic gems provide the setting for activities like hiking, biking, and sea kayaking. You'll explore everything from tiny fjord-side villages to diverse cities like Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim.

Take in Norway's stunning coastline from the water.

Southern Norway's Fjord Coast - 8 Days

Trace the impact of the sea and the country's maritime heritage across Norway's fjord coast on this weeklong journey. From charming Bergen, set sail for modern-day fishing villages and remote islands where you can not only sample the day's catch, but also dive into pristine environments now home to diverse aquatic wildlife and numerous seabirds. Urban and rural outdoor pursuits from hiking to cycling to kayaking are daily highlights of this active trip.

Ferry through the Sognefjord to Bergen to finish the trip

Norway's Sognefjord Road Trip - 9 Days

This 9-day itinerary combines some of Norway's prettiest cities, villages, and mountains surrounding its biggest and most famous fjord: the Sognefjord. After a few days in Oslo, you'll travel by train, ferry, and rental car through several villages boasting scenic hikes, waterfalls, and UNESCO-listed architecture. Finish with a half-day cruise to get to 16th-century Bergen, a seaside city oozing with history and charm.

Norway Fjord Road Trip - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary combines some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities. You'll kick off in Oslo with a few days to explore the up-and-coming capital before taking one of the most scenic trains in the world to Flåm. Then, ferry across the Sognefjord and begin a road trip with several days of UNESCO-listed sites, hiking trails, and boat rides to get to Bergen—a seafaring city surrounded by seven hills.

End the adventure with three nights in the Lofoten Islands

Best of Summer in Norway Tour - 12 Days

Check off a number of stunning summer gems in southern and northern Norway with this 12-day adventure. After kicking off in Oslo, you'll take a train and ferry to Balestrand to kayak in the Sognefjord. From here, ferry to Bergen and visit a glacier before boarding a Hurtigruten cruise for several days of fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under long days of sunshine. Finally, make your way to the Lofoten Islands and explore a series of gorgeous islands by rental car at your own pace.

Summertime adventures stay golden above the Arctic Circle

Summer Road Trip: Midnight Sun in Norways Arctic - 14 Days

This two-week adventure is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of Norway's summer. Start off exploring southern Norway (Oslo, Bergen and the Sognefjord) before flying to the Arctic Circle. From here, you'll rent a car and head to the rugged island of Senja for an active two days of cycling and kayaking before ferrying to smaller Andenes for whale watching. The adventure ends in lively Tromsø and Oslo for festivals and outdoor restaurants.

Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord & Sognefjord - 11 Days

If seeking relaxation and exposure to some of Norway's most spectacular fjords, this trip is for you. After arriving in Norway's 2nd largest city, begin your self-guided drive to Stavanger where you'll boat through the Lysefjord for the activity of your choosing. Then, continue to the Hardangerfjord through a series of national parks, waterfalls, mountain towns, and fjord-side villages—eventually heading north where you'll wrap around the Sognefjord to get back to Bergen for one more night on the town.

Other popular travel destinations in Norway
Fjord Region · Oslo · Bergen · Northern Norway · Tromsø · Flåm · Aurland · Mountain Region · Alta · Lofoten Islands · Ålesund · Trondheim · Lusterfjorden · Geilo · Stavanger · Vesterålen · Åndalsnes · Reine · Senja · Svolvær · Kalvåg · Bodø · Odda · Geiranger · Røros · Florø · Karasjok · Finse · Sørlandet · Honningsvåg · Haugastøl · Værlandet · Kirkenes · Gudvangen · Dovrefjell · Voss · Valldal

Plan Your Trip