Hi all. We will be in Balestrand this summer as a family of five. Seeing this buffet restaurant (smorgasbord) on the Rick Steves Norway video we are thinking of trying it, but I cannot find out anything about the menu/offering. It looks like lots of tour groups go there (not a turn on), but it still gets rave reviews. Anyone know about how much it is per person? This would be a clerbation meal for our 30th anniversary. Also is the buffet more than just lots of fish? We have some non fish eaters who are going to have some adjustments while eating in Norway. Any recommendations or advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1865 posts
When we stayed at Kviknes several years ago there was an option to also order a non-buffet ( I hate buffets) meal which was served to you at your table. Much nicer, especially for a celebration, than a buffet. We did the buffet the second night since the set-meal option was lobster (allergy problem). The buffet food was also excellent and there were several choices.
Kvikne's hotel has two parts. The older historic portion faces the fjord and is a very elegant place. You might want to consider it as an option for your 30th, since the hotel offers a half-board option. The newer part looks like a huge college dorm and caters to tour buses.
Posted by
1598 posts
We stayed in the historic portion of the Kviknes in 2015. Given that there are not many restaurant choices in Balestrand it's probably your best and maybe only bet for a celebratory dinner. The buffet is extensive, although I do not specifically recall what the individual offerings were I'm pretty sure there were non-fish options. As Cynthia mentioned, the newer institution-like portion of the hotel is mostly for the tour groups and they were seated well away from the independent travelers. We stayed several nights there and each time we were seated in an atrium area which was partially separated from the central dining area by a glass wall.
I just looked at the hotel website and the page for the restaurant shows a beef dish in the buffet area.