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Update on ferries from Balestrand to Vik (Hopperstad Stave Church) & Balestrand to Fjaerland

Just sharing what I've found as of April 2024, since the information in the Rick Steves Norway 5th Edition guide book is a bit outdated.

We're ferrying between Flam, Aurland, Balestrand and Bergen without a car. Staying 2 nights in Aurlalnd, 2 nights in Balestrand.

Ferry option from Balestrand to Vik to see the church is operated by Norled (https://www.norled.no/); look under "speedboat and ferry" link. Since the church is only open until 17:00, choose the 7:50 departure from Balestrand and the 11:35 return from Vik.

Ferry option to get to Fjaerland is Glacier Tour (https://www.glaciertour.no/). For a round trip from Balestrand to Fjaerland, there is 1 time option departing Balestrand at 12:10 and returning at 16:45. You can opt for just a round trip ride on the ferry and spend 2 hours exploring Fjaerland. About $88 USD for 1 person (less expensive option compared to the 2 options below.) There is also a tour that includes a bus up to the glacier museum.

Fjord Tours (https://new.fjordtours.com/en) is another option I found, but offers only a ferry-plus-bus-to-glacier tour (can't book just a round trip ferry ride.)

There are RIB boat tours operating out of Balestrand as well; found by searching online. You may have to opt for a private tour to go into Fjaerlandfjord.

Posted by
10236 posts

I did exactly what you mention on going from Balestrand to Vik (and back) to see the Hopperstad Stave Church in September.

That ferry gets you into Vik way too early for the church to be open, but it's the only option, so just stroll and make the most of it ! I met some nice people while waiting - saw them again later in the day back in Balestrand while they were waiting for the boat back to Bergen, and they were traveling with RS bags ! And heck one of them was even from Oklahoma.

Posted by
11 posts

Thanks Kim for the reminder about the church opening later. We can stroll around town.