The Fairy Tale Castle by the Sognefjord
Quality, Tradition and Atmosphere
You can always find something beautiful to rest your eyes on in Balestrand. It might be the landscape, the fjord, the mountains, or the ever-changing sky. It is among the best that Norway has to offer.
This majestic wooden building is idyllically situated by the Sognefjord and exudes a very special atmosphere. In 1973, the hotel was expanded with 165 rooms in a new, modern wing. The large common areas are filled with original artworks that show the great attraction Balestrand had for the great artists of the National Romantic era. Today, the fourth generation of the Kvikne family welcomes you here.
« We want our guests to appreciate Kviknes as a great place to be, all year round. Our identity is built on tradition and history, combined with quality and good service. »
Balestrand is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. The unique combination of alpine peaks, panoramic views of the fjords, architecture and rich history and tradition dating back to the Viking Age.
It was one of the first major tourist destinations in Norway, and has become particularly famous among painters for its special fjord light. Balestrand is the perfect place to soak up the area's unique history, culture and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
The Destination Balestrand
The area around the hotel offers all kinds of hiking trails. From gentle paths over forested hillsides, to demanding hikes up the steep mountain sides.
Balestrand is located on the shores of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The village of Balestrand is known for its fantastic nature.
Our History
History has always been an important part of the experience at Kviknes Hotel. For generations, antiques and works of art have been carefully preserved, giving the hotel its distinctive charm and atmosphere today.
Our rooms
Kviknes Hotel is modern, but full of soul and atmosphere. With 190 rooms, it is among the Norwegian hotels with the most history to tell.
The Kvikne family has preserved the original wooden hotel, but as more and more guests found their way here, new expansions became a natural step forward.
Most of our rooms are located in the "modern" building from 1954. Here you will find newly renovated and comfortable rooms.
Most of them have a balcony and a great view.
In the historic building are our demi-suites and rooms with fjord views. Some of the rooms are in the east-facing wing, others in the front of the Swiss building. Most have balconies and all offer spectacular views of the Sognefjord.
Your Perfect Base by the Sognefjord
Balestrand is located in the middle of Sogn, which makes Kviknes a perfect base for a variety of experiences.
Balestrand Fjord Adventures
Balestrand Fjord Adventure offers guided RIB boat trips on the Sognefjord. Their goal is to give guests the best possible experience of the fjord and nature. Welcome aboard – and have a good trip!
Cider house
Fruit growing has a long tradition in Balestrand, and the industry is strong in the area. In the middle of this you will find Ciderhuset – known for producing high-quality ciders, with several international awards behind it. Here, traditional production methods are combined with modern craftsmanship, which gives ciders with a distinctive, deep and authentic taste of the Sognefjord.
Glacier Tour
This great trip starts in Balestrand. Along the way, the experiences come like pearls on a string – so have your camera ready and head up on deck! The package offers a number of highlights: an exciting visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, a shuttle bus to the mighty Bøya Glacier, and an atmospheric fjord cruise on the Fjærlandsfjord.
Norwegian Travel Museum
A distinctive and modern building stands side by side with several of the historic houses in the village, and together they create an exciting holistic experience. The distinctive rock walls inside the main building create a unique atmosphere to convey the fascinating history of tourism and travel in Norway.
Fishing and Fjord Experiences
Get a tailor-made private fishing trip in the local fjord arms – with views of both glaciers and waterfalls. Along the way, you will hear Captain Tor tell stories and share local knowledge, so you get up close and personal with life along the Sognefjord. Let yourself be inspired – and experience the Sognefjord at its very best!
Flåm and the Nærøyfjord
The Nærøyfjord is perhaps the most magnificent and majestic branch of the Sognefjord. The fjord is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in summer you can experience it up close on a fjord cruise.
Jostedalsbreen
Jostedalen is a small village full of great experiences. Here, you can explore the majestic blue ice on guided tours in summer, go rafting on the river, or set out on beautiful mountain hikes in the surrounding landscape.
Read more about experiences and accommodation in Jostedalen.
Urnes Stave Church
Urnes Stave Church, the oldest of Norway’s stave churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church represents a unique meeting of Viking Age ornamentation and early Christian building traditions, and it is beautifully situated with a view of the Lustrafjord.
Book City Fjærland
Books on the quay, bookshelves at bus stops, book cafés – and even a book hotel! In addition, there are second-hand shops full of books in many different languages, as well as exciting literary events and festivals. This is just one of many good reasons to visit Fjærland the next time you come to Western Norway.
A Delight for the Eyes and Palate
You can't live on beautiful views and a good atmosphere alone. Food is an important part of your stay, and at Kviknes we emphasize sensory experiences that you will remember for a long time. The chef bases his gourmet menu on the freshest ingredients – with the fjord as an excellent pantry.
Hospitality Through Four Generations
Kviknes Hotel's hospitality traditions stretch back to 1752. The Kvikne family, who still own the hotel, took over operations in 1877. The hotel was built in the Swiss style, and has retained its distinctive character even after several renovations and expansions.
Now a new generation is carrying on the legacy of the Kvikne family. Sigurd Kvikne is responsible for the daily operations, together with his siblings, Marta and Kari. Feel free to take a stroll through the salons and enjoy everything that this art-loving and international hotel family has collected over generations. Come here to enjoy a little respite.
Plan a trip you'll remember for the rest of your life
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Here you will find the contact information you need to plan your next stay in Balestrand.
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How to Get Here
Balestrand and Kviknes Hotel are the perfect base for experiencing the Sognefjord and the villages around us.