The regular public ferry service to see the Fjaerland Fjord is only open June 1st to Sept 1st…read more Luckily this one-man owner-run boat company exists. For 1300kr($173) Lars will take two people for about 90 minutes to go anywhere you want on his highspeed RIB boat...its kinda like being a roller coaster in the water, but lasting 90 minutes instead of 90 seconds. Its cold, thrilling, can be wet, and 110% AWESOME. Yes its not cheap, but if you're traveling to Balestrand Norway, you're probably in a decent financial situation. (Note: At time of this review, the US dollar was up 50% against the Norway kroner...$1 = 7.5kr vs $1 = 5kr just a couple years ago)

And I was planning to nap (again) on the way back to Bergen from our Gudsvangen fjord tour. What a…read morepredicament. Points against a restful train ride were a dramatic valley, waterfalls, mountainsides, and tunnels including a stop at Kjosfossen with "SPOILER ALERT" a 5-minute Huldra dance by the Norwegian Ballet School This world-renowned journey through Flåm valley is a very scenic 20-kilometer (12.6-mile) Norwegian railway that runs from Flåm to Myrdal, one of the steepest railways in the world The carriages feature nostalgic wooden interiors and large windows for optimal viewing with comfortable seating and clean restrooms. It really doesn't matter which side you're seated for maximal viewpoints but a good tip would be to sit on the less occupied front cars (farthest to walk from the terminal) as one can freely move left or right for snaps. The Flåm railway is a popular attraction and it is highly recommended to book in advance online via the Flåmsbana or the Vy (Norwegian Railways) websites

A truly incredible experience. The old train is breathtaking, the stop at the waterfall is…read morebreathtaking, the scenery is breathtaking, the history is breathtaking. I have no more breath to say anymore words.

Our bus from Gudvangen to Voss stopped by the Stalheim Hotel to give the riders an opportunity to…read moretake in the views and use the restrooms. This review only covers the amenities accessible by us. The restrooms here were pretty awful smelling inside. Significant improvements needed. The views from the back of the hotel down into the Nærøydalen valley would've been nicer on a clear day. One could just make out the old winding road below us. Too bad as others have posted some beautiful photos on a clear day. We did a quick walk through of the hotel and found the decor was of an older style with a mixture of antique statues, furnishings and other items. A gift shop also sold drinks and snacks so it was good opportunity to grab a quick snack before continuing on the bus to Voss.

Came here as a coffee and pastry break during a tour…read more Highlights: * the back terrace is the place to sit back and relax as it has amazing views of the Nærøy Valley * there is a rather larger gift shop that is split into multiple levels * the restrooms are located on the lower lever, and there was an elevator for those who couldn't use the stairs * they was a mini museum that was made of of various items from the previous hotel owners collection *the did off a nice gluten free brownie ***the main road getting into the hotel is narrow and two way, though really wide enough for a single car in a section, so there might be a brief queue when tour buses arrive/depart

Three neat young people have purchased this hotel past year…read more It is a real diamond in the rough; clean, low key, down the road from the square. Very reasonable rate.:. We will be back.

Balestrand, Norway...population 2000 approximately...small but delight for a couple nights…read more Price: 1200kr/$155 night. As good as it gets in Balestrand with only about 4 hotel choices. Location: Awesome! Ok, its a short walk into "town", but its easy.If you came in by boat, the owners will pick up you and your luggage up at the boat dock. Cleanliness: Awesome! I think this is cleanest hotel I've ever stayed at. EVER! Staff: Wonderful! The Mom and daughters team. Not sure if Dad did much helping out. But it was the most personable hotel experience I've ever had. Room: Small for American standards, but normal for Europe. Cleanest hotel room I've ever stayed in. Quiet. Nice bed. No TV, but that was fine by us. I wish I had paid the extra $50 for a fjord view room. Breakfast: Good enough. Hard and soft boiled eggs. Various breads, jams, cheeses, juices, cereals, yogurts. No meats though. Free coffee and tea available all day, which is greatly appreciated in a country where a coffee or tea runs $3-5 a cup! Nice common living areas on the main floor with lovely fjord views. Board games and a small library available. No bar, but you can buy draft beer or glass of wine for 50kr or a wine bottle for 250kr. I would absolutely stay here again! (Note: At time of this review, the US dollar was up 50% against the Norway kroner...$1 = 7.5kr vs $1 = 5kr just a couple years ago)