Balestrand lies between towering, snow-covered mountains and the majestic Sognefjord in a beautiful and lush fjord landscape. The Swedish poet Esias Tegner writes of Balestrand in his well-known saga on Fridtjof the Brave, Ingebjørg and the Viking King Bele (1825). The book was very popular in Europe and inspired the romantic painters to visit the area in the mid-1800's. It was not just the saga but the impressive scenery and the constantly changing light that brought many painters here to capture the fascinating play of light on canvas. Names such as Hans Gude, Alfred Heaton Cooper, Hans Dahl and Johannes Flintoe have captured the landscapes and village as they were at that time. The artists travelled around Europe showing their works, and many who saw them were fascinated and came to see all this natural beauty for themselves. In the mean time many of the artists had built themselves summer reidences along the fjord, and strange houses in "dragestil" (Dragon Style) and the European "Swiss Style" were built, giving the district its special characteristics. The historical Kvikne's Hotel was built and took in an ever increasing stream of tourists that arrived on the large steamdriven tourist ships. Art is still a major factor in today's Balestrand. Artists either live here permanently or visit the parish to exhibit their works. You can see artists at work, visit the galleries, swim or fish in the fjord, take a fjord cruise or simply take things easy and experience the many history-steeped attractions along the "cultural trail". Here you will find among other attractions St. Olav's Church, also known as the English Church locally. Balestrand is visited every summer by English clergymen who hold sermons and preach for English speaking visitors in this century-old "dragon style" church. Over the unique fjord arm, Esefjord, you can enjoy a trip on a small boat that runs from Holmen (Balestrand Centre) to Tjugum. During the trip you will be able to study the mighty Vindreken, the most painted mountain in Europe. From Tjugum you can walk the short distance to the Arboretum at Lunde, an exotic collection of trees from the middle of the last century. You are now in Dragsvik where, if the weather is good, you can enjoy an open air Viking meal, visit the enamel workshop to see how the beautifully enamelled work of art are produced, or set off on a walk up to the viewpoint at Tjugatoten. When you return you could either walk, cycle or (more relaxing) take the bus around the Esefjord to Balestrand. Another alternative is to make the Esefjord-boat take you to Kvamsoy and its old stone church. Kvamsoy offered good shelter and was used as a resting place by vikings on their travels. Starting from the centre you can follow footpaths through forests and pasture and up the mountain side. The walks range from easy to demanding. Balestrand is the natural starting point for tours and day trips. The express boat from Bergen arrives and departs twice daily and communications to Voss, Oslo and the north are also good. There are daily departures to Flåm. A memorable boat trip on the green waters of the Fjærlandsfjord is an excellent start to a walk on the glacier or a visit to the book town. Only 14 km from Balestrand centre lies Saurdalen, a viewpoint 650 m above sea level with several marked footpaths to the mountain. You get a birds-eye view of the Sognefjord - and in really clear weather you can see the peaks of the Jotunheimen range! The Sognefjord Aquarium is a first class aquarium situated on the banks of the fjord in the centre of Balestrand and exhibits marine life from the deeps and shallows of the world's deepest fjord. You can see a wide variety of animals at Naustvoll Gard (farm), living in harmony with nature and each other - and the kids can take a ride on a pony while you relax with a cup of coffee and home-made.