Balestrand is a true Norwegian gem, known for its stunning nature and cultural attractions such as the Swiss chalet style Kviknes Hotel and St. Olaf’s Church from the 1600s. Balestrand is also home to the Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism, which tells the story of how Norway became one of the world’s best-known destinations, as well as local culinary experiences at places such as Ciderhuset or the Bistro at Kviknes.
The tour starts outside the Tourist Information office in Bergen and continues by bus to Voss, then across the spectacular Vikafjellet mountain road to Vik. From Vik, we cruise through the Sognefjord, Norway’s deepest and longest fjord, arriving in Balestrand at 11:50.
About the tour:
Departure: The day trip starts at 07:30 outside the Tourist Information office in Bergen city center.
First stop: After about 1.5 hours, we take a short break in Voss to pick up more travelers.
Tvindefossen: Around 09:20, we stop at the impressive Tvindefossen waterfall. There is also a souvenir shop here.
Break at Vinje: A short stop at a gas station by the river, a magical and peaceful little break, perfect for a cup of coffee and a restroom visit.
Onward into the mountains: We continue across the spectacular Vikafjellet, where patches of snow often remain even in mid-summer — a beautiful meeting of several seasons.
Photo stop: Around 10:40, we stop at the Storesvingen viewpoint, with panoramic views down toward the charming village of Vik. Here you can get off the bus and take photos.
Arrival in Vik: In Vik a boat trip across the Sognefjord awaits, an experience that brings you close to the area’s powerful natural scenery.
Boat trip to Balestrand: Arrival at approximately 11:50.
Balestrand: Once you arrive in Balestrand, you will have approximately 5 hours for free exploration of the village and its attractions, such as cider tasting with a lunch platter, the Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism, the Sognefjord Aquarium, St. Olaf’s Church, and more.
Boat back to Vik: At 16:50, the boat departs back to Vik from the quay in Balestrand. Please arrive in good time.
Departure from Vik: At approximately 17:25, we continue by bus from Vik, with a short photo stop at the beautiful Hopperstad Stave Church. Please note: we do not go inside the church on this visit.
Return to Bergen: After dropping off passengers in Voss, we return to Bergen at around 20:35.
Driver / guide: Your driver and guide speak English and Norwegian. The guide accompanies the tour to and from Balestrand.
Online booking:
You can book this tour here
The tour must be booked no later than 16:00 on the day before departure.
Cancellation:
If cancelled up to 2 days before departure, the full amount will be refunded. No refund is given for cancellations after this. Cancellations must be made by sending an email to booking@lustrabaatane.no.
Tickets:
Your email confirmation is your ticket for the tour. Please show your ticket confirmation on your mobile phone at the start of the tour or bring a printed copy.
Please note: There are limited opportunities to buy food on board the bus. It may therefore be a good idea to bring some snacks for the bus journey.
Children:
Booster seats for older children are available in the vehicle. The minimum age is 4 years. The bus has a limited number of child seats for children under 135 cm.
Travelers with special needs
Our boats are classic fjord vessels with limited access for wheelchairs and strollers. Passengers with special needs are asked to contact Lustrabaatane at post@lustrabaatane.no to clarify this further.
Tour operator:
Lustrabaatane AS
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