What to do and see in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) is one of Norway’s most renowned and beloved artists. He distinguished himself as a painter and printer and is above all known for his wild and lush landscapes and depictions of traditional life in Vestlandet (west Norway). Astrup helped shape the way we view Vestlandet and, in fact, the whole country. Astruptunet, was Nikolai Astrup’s home for 15 years. The artist purchased the old smallholding in September 1912. The farmstead, which was situated along a steep slope, was in a very poor condition. Astrup nonetheless decided to make this place a future home for himself and his growing family. Astrup created a magical home, and by the 1920s he began to feel contented with “what these hands made”. During the 1920s the new home at Sandalstrand also became a central motif in his art. The museum at Astruptunet opened in 1986. In the gallery you may see Nikolai Astrup's original prints, woodcut blocks, paintings and textiles.

Swimming center located in Gaupne. The sports and family facility offers a 25 m lap pool, diving boards/platforms, glass climbing wall, water slides, baby pool and children`s pool. The wellness facility has a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere with recreation pool, relaxation cave, sauna and steam room and shower. Outdoor patio with 2 plunge pools (warm and cold). Cafeteria and swim shop.

Unique and exclusive stand up paddling adventures in the most magnificent nature Norway has to offer. The best equipment, the most experienced guides in the most beautiful UNESCO protected areas in the world. Our guests often report life changing experiences on our expeditions and our reputation for excellence is spreading fast. National Geographic lists the fjords of Norway as the number one unspoiled travel spot from a list of 115 destinations around the world! If you are going to SUP, then why not do it in one of the most beautiful Edens on earth? SUP Expeditions, guided tours and Instruction, novice to advanced. Book your 'bucket-list'adventure with us today.

WELCOME TO OUR FARM Come and visit an old farmstead that clings to the mountain-side and enjoys splendid views over the fjord and surrounding mountains. Skaldegard invites small groups to come and learn about the local area’s natural environment, history, agriculture and way of life, both past and present. Your visit will include a guided tour of the historic farm buildings. Inside the lovingly restored barn you get to try home-made lefse, a traditional Norwegian flatbread. Then we take you on a journey through Norwegian folklore to a world where trolls and huldra live. Welcome!

The Norwegian Glacier Museum is an award-winning hands-on museum, situated in Fjærland next to the Sognefjord. The museum is the leading centre in Norway of knowledge with regard to glaciers and climate. Do not miss the unique and staggering panoramic film about Jostedalsbreen – the largest glacier on mainland Europe - and its National Park. In an entertaining and exciting manner, you will get answers to questions like ‘Why is glacier ice blue?’, ‘Why is the fjord green?’ and ‘How were the fjords formed?’. You can even perform your own experiments with 1000 year old ice from the nearby glacier Supphellebreen. Another 'must do' is the exhibition about climate changes! The museum is also a visitor centre for Jostedalsbreen National Park, and was designed by Professor of architecture, Sverre Fehn, who received the 1997 Pritzker award. The museum opened in 1991.

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.

The Cider House is located in Balestrand in an organic fruit orchard with more than 100 fruit varieties. We are situated a short 15 min walk along the fjord from Kviknes Hotel. Our restaurant is in a glass house with a panoramic view of the Sognefjord. In our cider cellar we use traditional methods to make "champagne-cider" and distill apple brandy. Join one of our family member interpreting on how how we make fruit and berries into juice, cider and brandy in 30 min ending with samples of cider or juice. We have interpretations from Monday to Saurday at 13 and 16. The Cider House has its own shop with approx. 20 types of Balholm-ciders, fruit juices and food souvenirs from the garden. In 2020 the shop is open from May 20th till 1st of September. You can also join our heritage walks, cider tastings, cooking classes, guided hikes to local viewpoint, other activities. In addition we are an event venue. Visit our homepage for more information.