Three day trips in Balestrand you must experience
The high mountains reward you with an incredible view.
Balestrand is a pearl on the Sognefjord, surrounded by the beautiful Esefjella mountains. The small town has been the first choice for emperors and kings, artists and photographers. A painting of the mountain range hangs in both the Royal Palace and the National Gallery, and is said to be the most painted mountain range in Western Norway.
Majestic mountains offer experiences and tours where you can hike from zero to well over 1000 meters above sea level. These tours require that you are used to walking in the mountains and are prepared to be out all day.
1. Vindreken (1273 m above sea level)
Vindreken is perhaps the most spectacular mountain in Balestrand. The hike is well marked, starting from Ese in Balestrand, and is said to be the steepest marked route in Balestrand. However, it is still safe to hike this route.
The foremost peak is at 1259 m above sea level. You then pass a few cairns before reaching the back peak at 1273 meters above sea level. Here you get a formidable view of the wild mountains and fjord arms around Balestrand. The hike takes seven to eight hours, depending on your fitness and pace. You should avoid the hike in bad weather.
2. Saurdal - Balestrand (1136 m above sea level)
The hike goes high above the Sognefjord and offers fantastic views in all directions.
Start at the end of the road at Saurdal ski arena, just over 14 km from Kviknes Hotel. Drive seven km towards Høyanger, before turning off towards Saurdalen. The trail runs through mountain valleys, watercourses and to mountain peaks. The entire route is well marked with rough markers. From the top you go down the same way, but head north-east to Raudmelen. From here, the trail runs along the ridge all the way down to Balestrand. This is a hike of around seven hours, where you can book transportation to the starting point.
3. Chuatoten (1098 m above sea level)
Tjuatoten is a peak that gives you a fantastic view of the Sognefjord, both towards Stølsheimen and inland towards Fjærland and Leikanger. Here you can get a real buzz in your stomach.
The hike starts at Dragsvik, about nine kilometers from Kviknes Hotel, and is a relatively difficult and demanding hike. The hike up is rewarded with an absolutely stunning view, and on the summit plateau you can find an old sun crusher. From Balestrand you can get to Dragsvik by bus, boat, car or on foot. We can help you with transportation if desired. The trip takes about seven hours.
Book our "walking package"
Please contact us and we will help you with transportation and good tips for the trip. We also have a "hiking package" where we offer good hiking opportunities with a two-day stay at Kviknes Hotel. Breakfast and dinner in our magnificent dining room are included, and of course a packed lunch and tour map for the tour.
Read more about our "walking package".
See also: Three shorter walks in Balestrand you must experience
