Things to do in Balestrand, Western Norway: The Best Hiking Trails

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.

Tjuatoten (1098m) Tjuatoten is a mountain peak towering over Dragsvik and Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Dragsvik to the top of Tjuatoten. This is a demanding hike. At the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, including out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Turn off the main road at Dragsvik in the direction of the housing area and Haukaas enamel workshop. The starting point of the trail is signposted and there is a parking area beside the road. The first 400m of the trail follows the forest track. The rest of the trail goes through forest and mountain terrain. The trail passes the electricity pylons which are visible from Balestrand where you will get a wonderful view down to Balestrand and over Esefjord. The trail continues winding its way up, becoming steeper towards the top. When you reach the top you are rewarded with exceptional views over Sognefjord and the surrounding mountains. You will also see an old suncross on the ground. This is a demanding hike and takes approx 7 hours. Good advice: Get a hiking 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 you can get to Dragsvik by car, bus or boat. (You can walk, though this will add an extra 9 km each way to the hike). To reach Balestrand you can take the express bus from Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen, or take 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.

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.