Scandinavian Discovery - Balestrand, Norway 23/7
Friday 23rd July
Balestrand, Norway
Balestrand is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Sogn. The administrative center is the village of Balestrand.
The municipality is situated at the junction of the Sognefjord and Esefjord, the major industries are tourism and farming. Balestrand became popular early due to the interest of artists, such as Hans Gude, Alfred Heaton Cooper, Hans Dahl and Johannes Flintoe. Their paintings of the scenery around Balestrand inspired visitors, and Balestrand maintains its connection with art.
Besides tourism, farming is one of the traditional sources of income. Other industries include made-to-order kitchen interiors, local apple juice, and Nesseplast which produces industrial plastic.
Built in the 19th century, the Kvikne's Hotel is one of the most famous buildings in Balestrand. The Kvikne family, who own the place, took it over in 1877. Since then the establishment has undergone constant development which continues to this day. There are many new buildings and remodelling and expansion projects have been carried out without diminishing the distinctive architecture and charm of the Swiss chalet-style complex.
Today, the hotel is a highly modern facility resounding with tradition and culture. With 200 rooms, it is also one of Norway’s largest fine hotels catering to tourists. An impressive collection of art and historical pieces is a central feature of the hotel's interior, and one of the elements of its distinct personality.
Kviknes Hotel was made popular for European visitors in the early part of the 20th century by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who often visited there during his summer vacations prior to World War I. The hotel still possesses the chair he used in their restaurant. The Kaiser is accompanied on the list by a number of emperors, kings, presidents, Prime ministers, film stars, and artists from many countries.
St Olaf's Church, also known as the English Church, is an Anglican church built in the style of a Stave church. The church was completed in 1897 as a memorial to Margaret Green. Margaret, an English lady, came to the fjords as a tourist to hike the mountains. She met, fell in love with and married Knut Kvikne who was an avid mountain man. Being a very pious woman, she wished for an Anglican church in Balestrand. She started the church with her husband, but died before its completion. Sunday services are held during the summer months, being conducted by rotating vicars from England.
STRYN
Stryn municipality lies innermost in Nordfjord where the mountains ascend to the glacier. It has a population of 6,842, roughly 3,000 of whom live in Stryn town centre. Stryn covers an area of 1.382 square kilometres.
Agriculture and fishing, small-scale industry and tourism are the most important means of making a living in Stryn.
The municipality comprises several separate communities. At the far end of the fjord lie Loen and Olden with their valleys leading towards the Jostedalsbreen glacier. If you travel further out along the fjord you come to Innvik and Utvik. Straight across the fjord from here lie Nordsida and Markane.
There are lots of activities on offer, many of the most exciting ones linked to the glacier with its summer ski centre and glacier walks. Tourists have been coming to these communities since the 1860s and there is a long tradition of looking after visitors. The linden leaves in the municipal crest are there because of the fact that Northern Europe's largest linden wood is situated in Flostranda in Stryn.
Agriculture and fishing, small-scale industry and tourism are the most important means of making a living in Stryn.
The municipality comprises several separate communities. At the far end of the fjord lie Loen and Olden with their valleys leading towards the Jostedalsbreen glacier. If you travel further out along the fjord you come to Innvik and Utvik. Straight across the fjord from here lie Nordsida and Markane.
There are lots of activities on offer, many of the most exciting ones linked to the glacier with its summer ski centre and glacier walks. Tourists have been coming to these communities since the 1860s and there is a long tradition of looking after visitors. The linden leaves in the municipal crest are there because of the fact that Northern Europe's largest linden wood is situated in Flostranda in Stryn.
The Journey
Leaving Geiranger and climbing out of the valley travelling towards the Strynfjellet, once at the top of valley entering into a serious of mountain tunnels as be descend towards Stryn, close to us today are a number of glaciers, our morning stop is in Stryn, there are banks here for those that may need them, we continue the journey round a number of fjords towards Skei, initially we pass through and continue to the Boyabreen Glacier before returning to Skei for lunch (self service). Later we continue towards Balestrand, the weather determines the route this afternon, if it is clear we shall use the mountain pass, but if foggy we shall use the Fjord route, arriving to Balestrand.
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