It’s been almost a year now since I had the pleasure to come to Balestrand for the first time. I had my EVS arrival training here, so it wasn’t by choice. Yet I’m glad I came. Together with forty other young people from Europe, I spent a week here learning about EVS, Norwegian culture and traditions.
like swimming in a 4°C water…
We were hosted by Gard and Tuba, two amazing trainers which are also the owners of the Cider house. And yes, they make cider, and a very good one.
Even though back then I thought I would never have reasons to return, here I am again. I got a summer job in Balestrand, which means I had plenty of time to enjoy nature and take some awesome shots.
or to make friends…
The village of Balestrand is a famous summer attraction, being visited every year by people from USA, Germany or England. It seems a bit strange to me that a place like Balestrand, which is bringing more and more tourists from abroad every year, is not that known by Norwegians.
By the way, regarding booking a place to stay, Kringsjå hotel is the best deal!
PS: St Olaf’s church was an inspiration for the Disney film Frozen
You may be wondering why people come in such great numbers in such a small place. Well, it’s all because how reconnected with nature one can feel here. Balestrand stands where the mountains meet the fiord, in Norway’s largest fiord, Sognefjorden (also the second longest in the world). Having high mountains with amazing views so close by, it cannot come as a surprise to anyone that hiking is the main activity here.
Or swimming!
Speaking of hiking, I once walked 20 km and hiked 10 more just for this view.(Photo by:Jonathan Thorstensson)
If you want to enjoy Sognefjord I advise you to take the ferry to Bergen. It’s a long journey, taking four hours, but I promise you, it’s worth it! Something else you could do is rent a boat or a canoe, whichever one suits you, on Sognefjord Akvarium. And you can also have a nice meal there.
PS: I go there for the cakes:X
I haven’t been in Lofoten yet, but some people think it has similar views to Balestrand. Unfortunately, Lofoten is too crowded during the summer while Balestrand is quite peaceful.
