7 Free Things to do in Balestrand That You Shouldn't Miss

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

Nature Trail - Kreklingen The trail starts from Belehalli sports hall in Balestrand and goes on to Sandstolen or Skasheim. This is an easy trail with an ascent of 90 - 250m. The first part goes along a nature trail marked with notices giving information about the plants and animals in the area. Further along the trail you get some very fine views over Balestrand. The trail is marked with yellow markings and signposted towards Granlia and Skasheim. From Granlia you can either follow the yellow markings further to Sandstolen (shorter route) or Skasheim (longer route). The trail consists of stone/gravel/grass and is approx 50 - 60cm wide. It can be used for off road cycling. The walk takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on which route you choose and your own condition. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55. For more information contact Balestrand.

The Waterfall Path, Gaularfjell The Waterfall Path goes from the Gaular mountains down to Viksdalen. Along its route are 14 waterfalls and 7 lakes. It is a relatively easy hike with a height difference of approx. 500m and a total length of 21 km. The hike goes from Gaularfjell to Viksdalen via Eldal, Likholefossen, Longstolen and Torsnesstolen. There are 4 different starting points. Eldal: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Likholefossen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Longstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. Torsnesstolen: Marked with a signpost. Parking area. The path is marked with red F’s, and direction signs. You can choose to go the whole distance or just parts of it. The bus stops at all the start/finishing points. You can choose to walk between 2, 3 or 4 points. The path goes through a luxuriant landscape rich with wild animal and plant life as well as areas of active farming. The path goes over rough and rugged ground and crosses a number of wooden bridges. It is possible to fish along the river. Fishing licences can be obtained from local businesses / accommodation in the area. Getting there: During the summer you can get a bus (route14-210) from the centre of Balestrand to and from Gaularfjell. To get to Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or the express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

The respective galleries of Balestrand´s artists in residence Bjørg Frøisok Bjøberg and Arthur Adamson are located on the Quay area in the centre of Balestrand. Their art gallery house is easily recognisable because of the spectacular glass dome on top (known as the crystal dome) and is actually one of the art installations you can visit. These 2 artists, who came from 2 very different worlds, met in 2003 and fell in love. Although their art is very different, their view of art was identical and so they decided to combine their creative energies and in 2004 they purchased and converted an old building into a house packed with their dynamic art. Bjørg, who originally comes from Hallingdal, is a natural watercolorist, with the focus of her work based on her deep love of nature Arthur emigrated to Norway from the UK when he met Bjørg. His work is based on translating the mysteries of consciousness. The arthouse contains 2 galleries, 2 art installations, an art store and an art cafe.