Making the most of Balestrand
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The town is within comfortable walking distance of the quay.
Bring printable maps with you on the cruise.
Snow-capped mountains rise above luxuriant fjord scenery stretching to the horizon, making it easy to see why Norway's fjords were voted the "World's Best Travel Destination" in 2004. Kviknes Hotel stands peacefully at Balholm in Balestrand, on Sognefjord's northern shore. Its hospitality tradition began in 1752 and it has drawn tourists since the mid 19th century, helping Balestrand remain one of Norway's most renowned resorts.
Sognefjord Aquarium has closed permanently, although the building has since served as an art gallery and event space.
Getting around
Daily ferries leave Balestrand for magnificent Fjærlandsfjord, followed by a brief bus journey into dramatic scenery. Fjærland is a welcoming small village whose distinctive architecture and mountain and glacier views make it a favourite with artists. Visit the award-winning glacier museum, then explore a community known for arts, crafts and second-hand bookshops.
Money
The Norwegian crown (Norske krone), abbreviated kr, is Norway's currency, with an øre equal to 1/100th of a krone. The stated conversion is 1.00 EUR = about 9 NOK. Norway is among the world's most expensive nations.
Norwegian ATMs are called Minibank.
Nearly every retailer accepts leading cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Take a passport or driver's licence, as identification is required when using a credit card.
Staying connected
Norway's official language is Norwegian, which is closely related to and mutually understandable with the other two Scandinavian languages. English is widely spoken.
Widespread household internet, often broadband, leaves too small a market for cybercafés outside major cities. Most public libraries offer free access, and Wi-Fi can be found in many places, although it is not free.
Opening Hours and
Trading hours in Norway have improved, but many small shops still close early on Saturday, typically at 1 PM or 3 PM, and almost everything shuts on Sunday. A sign reading "9-21 (9-18)" indicates 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday.