My husbIand and I are currently spending three nights at the Balestrand Hotel in Balestrand, Norway. It's wonderful! We have a double room with a balcony overlooking the fjord; couldn't be more beautiful. The hotel has its own sauna right on the fjord! The vibe here is casual but guests feel well cared for. Fun artwork all over, comfy common areas with board games, free coffee and tea all day. A little slice of heaven in a magnificent setting.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12431 posts
Heidi, thanks so much for the review! My daughter and I will be staying at the Balestrand Hotel in July when we're there. Sadly, it's only for one night, but it's nice to know that you enjoyed it so much. I'm looking forward to it!
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2355 posts
I stayed there for two nights in 2016 and recommended it a few times on this forum. Then I heard it was closed. So glad to know it's open again. I also had a fjord view with a balcony, and it was just perfect.
It may be under different ownership now, but it seems to have the same character, and still family owned and run.
Here's the website: https://www.balestrand.com/
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12431 posts
Lane, I didn't know that you'd stayed there, too. I should have checked the form before I booked. I just wound up looking for something at the last minute because I had a slight change of plans and found this place, and it looked nice, so I'm glad that it has good recommendations. 😊
We also have a room with a fjord view. I'm excited about staying here. And my daughter will be loving the fact that they have a sauna!
What is the town like? We'll only be here for one night, so we won't have a lot of time, but we'll probably get there by mid-afternoon and we'll have some time the next day.
Posted by
Paris
11467 posts
The town is tiny but the views are gorgeous.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2355 posts
I rented a car for the day I was there and did a big loop drive and saw some spectacular glaciers, impressive waterfalls, and stunning views.
I understand there are some hiking trails in Balestrand to some great viewpoints, but I didn't have a chance to do them.
I did the buffet dinner at the Kviknes Hotel one night. It was just okay.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
22 posts
Another recommend for this town: Ciderhuset. I wrote a review about it here https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scandinavia-reviews/ciderhuset-in-balestrand-norway