Fjord Explorer: Flåm, Balestrand and Bergen | Norway Guide

Balestrand in Norway

Visiting Flåm, Balestrand & Bergen in Norway

Long before the Northern Lights grabbed the top spot on everyone’s wish-list, Norway was most famous for its fjords. In particular, the Western Fjords.

I remember coming into the Geirangerfjord on the Hurtigruten ship a few years ago from Ålesund and thinking to myself that nature had never looked so good.

Since then I’ve fallen in love with so many other places in Norway, it’s difficult to pick a favourite. However, I do love the little known gem of Balestrand a lot.

Unlike Geiranger, Flåm and Bergen which can get busy in the height of the summer season, Balestrand remains relatively quiet and peaceful. In fact, there isn’t much to do there apart from enjoy the nature and sense of tranquility. That might sound boring to some, but just wait until you see the nature!

Train journey from Oslo to Flåm

My trip began in Oslo where I embarked on the 5 ½ hr train journey to Flåm. It turned out to be the perfect way to take in the Norwegian scenery. Just looking out of the window gave me immense joy as the unfolding views kept getting better and better.

What I found really interesting about the journey was the vast change in the weather. The train line between Oslo and Bergen reaches 1,222 metres above sea level and when I saw all the snow I really knew about it. It looked like a winter wonderland in the middle of May!

But, as it descended into Flåm shortly afterwards, the snow had completely gone and the sun was back again. Incredible, eh?

NSB train, Bergen Line, Norway

Arrival in Flåm

The charming village of Flåm is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil fjord views. Surrounded by towering mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and serene waters, Flåm is worthy of being on the front of any Norwegian postcard.

However, due to the relative ease of getting here, the place does get busy in the summer, so I’d try to plan a trip out of season if you have flexible dates.

Flam, Norway, Western Fjords

I only spend a night in Flåm which gave me enough time to go for a little hike, wander around the village and enjoy a delicious seafood platter at my hotel. 

One of its most famous attractions is the Flåm Railway, a marvel of engineering that winds through steep valleys and offers panoramic vistas, making it one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Accommodation in Flåm

I stayed at the lovely Fretheim Hotel which is probably the most famous hotel in Flåm due its panorama across the fjord. It’s a lovely hotel and is equipped with all the modern facilities to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

However, if you’re looking to stay in somewhere more alpine style, I recommend staying at Flamsbrygga Hotel or Flåm Marina

Boat from Flåm to Balestrand

After spending the night in Flåm, I caught the 3 ½ hr journey by boat to Balestrand. Just like the train journey from Oslo to Flåm, the scenery managed to continually excel itself, passing mountain peaks and tiny little cabins in the middle of nowhere.

Sognefjord in Norway

The ascent into the idyllic village of Balestrand was nothing short of extraordinary, passing along the Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

Arrival in Balestrand

After hearing so many stories from my friends about this small village surrounded by indescribable scenery, without visiting for myself it had begun to take on a mythological presence in my imagination. But as I approached Balestrand, the brightly painted houses came into view and it looked just how I had imagined it to be – dwarfed by enormous mountains coated in glacial remnants.

From the fjord I could see Kviknes Hotel where I was staying the night, it sits just a few steps from the ferry terminal. If ever there were a hotel boasting a fjord-view then it doesn’t get much better than the Kviknes. After I checked in and brought my luggage up to my room, I raced onto the balcony for the pièce de résistance!

→ Search more hotels in Balestrand

Balestrand landscape, Norway

It was the 1st of May, and I could hardly believe my luck with the weather, it felt like summer was in full swing as I tore off my jacket and headed out for a walk.

Nature in Balestrand

The centre of Balestrand is tiny with just a couple of shops before it disperses into more residential land in the form of grand wooden houses, cute cabins, rowing boats and jetties.

Cabin in Balestrand, Norway

Attractions in Balestrand

One of the most interesting buildings in Balestrand is St. Olaf’s Church. This church was completed in 1897 and is built in the same style as a Stave Church.

The church was built in memory of Margaret Sophie Green Kvikne, who came to Balestrand as a mountain climber and married Knut Kvikne, the then owner of Kviknes Hotel.

Margaret was the daughter of a priest in England, and the story is that she never got accustomed to the Norwegian church with its Lutheran rituals. When she passed away in 1894, her last wish was that an English church should be built in Balestrand. Her husband made this happen, and the church was completed 3 years later. Interestingly, St. Olaf’s Church belongs to the Church of England, and is governed by the bishop of Gibraltar. 

St Olafs Church in Balestrand

The following day after an extremely good seafood buffet and sleep, I woke up early to explore more of the area. I was recommended to walk the leisurely 2 km Heritage Trail which passes a selection of unique villas, originally built by resident artists during the years 1890 – 1900s. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more physically challenging, I recommend hiking up into the mountains.

Since I was content with the amount of squats I had done in the morning whilst brushing my teeth (anyone else?), I was more than happy to take the Heritage Trail to discover the village’s artistic side.

I fell in love with a cornerpiece in a wooden window frame and decided it was a carving of a dog, but I think it’s open for debate!

Balestrand Heritage Trail

Artists houses in Balestrand

Some of the villas have a Gothic appearance, with jutting roofs, verandahs and decorated gables often with dragonhead ornaments.

These were a symbol taken from the Nordic Sagas and the prechristian world of mythology. The amount of craftwork that has gone into the buildings is astonishing. and the

The view each one of them has of the Sognefjord is what must make living here truly special. Utterly charming!

Balestrand-houses

Sognefjord, Norway

Despite wishing to stay for eternity, I was on a tight schedule so I had to bid farewell to Balestrand in the late afternoon as I embarked on the 3 hr boat trip to Bergen.

Arrival in Bergen

I had already heard and read so much about Bergen. It almost felt like I was going to see an old friend.

When I arrived in the harbour with a clear view of Bryggen, with its charming old wharf buildings, I thought this is one heck of an attractive friend I have.

Bryggen waterfront, Bergen, Norway

Despite arriving in the early evening, the sun was still shining, surprising me somewhat because Bergen is known as being the rainiest city in Norway. Well, not today!

Wharf buildings in Bergen, Norway

Over the next couple of days, I basked in more wonderful sunshine, strolled around the city, weaved through the backstreets, took the funicular up Mount Fløyen for incredible city views, enjoyed boat trips, and ate like my life depended on it.

Bergen panorama

Don’t miss either hiking up to Mount Fløyen or getting the funicular. The views from the top are sensational. The panorama really puts into perspective how close people live to the mountains and fjords in Bergen!

One of the best way to explore the local nature and wildlife in Bergen is on a boat trip. There are plenty departing from the harbour, but make sure to book in advance.

Bergen fjord boat cruise

Accommodation in Bergen

I was staying in the Clarion Hotel Admiral overlooking the fjord and opted for a rather early evening after a scrumptious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Table & Kitchen. The menu has been designed by the famous Swedish chef, Marcus Samuelsson. It’s all pretty contemporary stuff, so if you’re after some stodgy Norwegian food with boiled potatoes you won’t find it here I’m afraid.

I do, however, recommend getting mussels whilst you’re in town. Head to the seafood market for the catch of the day.

If you’re looking to say somewhere quirky, take a look at the Hanseatic Hotel. It has bags of character. I took a look inside and loved how it combined moderne featured with olde-worlde charm.

Wooden houses in Bergen, Norway

Though I’m ending this post in Bergen, my actual journey carried onto Stavanger. I took a 7-hour bus ride to get there but you could also take the Hurtigruten ship.

If you have more time, I definitely recommend visiting Stavanger as well. It’s one of my favourite cities in Norway. To understand why, read my blog post: 13 Best Things to do in Stavanger

Are you planning a trip to Flåm, Balestrand or Bergen?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

8 Responses

  1. This place is extremely beautiful!! Now I really wish like being there. As you may probably know, I love to jog and I would love to jog there sometimes! 🙂

    1. When you get out into Norway’s nature, it becomes impossible to take a bad photo Katie. I hope you visit one day… and let’s hope the Norwegian Kroner will drop!

  2. Oh my god Shing, these photos are incredibly stunning! And I cannot believe your luck with the weather! I mean, I was in Oslo in AUGUST and it was raining! I so want to do this trip now, but knowing Norwegian prices, 3 days of this would probably pay for 7-10 days in Eastern Europe… 🙁

    1. I couldn’t believe my luck with the weather too Wesley! I feel your pain, Norway isn’t cheap by any means but public transport doesn’t seem to be anymore expensive than the UK and the standard of service is way higher. If you’re looking to see some of the fjord regions on a budget I would recommend flying into Bergen and using it as your base for a couple of activities or over-night trips elsewhere.

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