The West Coast Fjord Country - Norway - page 309

deep include Esefjord herring “lip fish,” eels, and sharks. The exhibition consists
of a number of large and small aquaria, both indoors and out on the jetty. The
marine environments have been authentically re-created, including the tidal belt
at Munken and the sandy seabed around Staken. A man-made model of Sogne-
fjord shows the currents of the fjord and provides an impression of its depth.
There is also an audiovisual presentation. The admission of 25NOK ($3.55)
includes an hour of canoeing on the fjord. It's open from mid-April to May and
mid-August to October daily from 10am to 4pm; June to mid-August daily
9:30am to 6pm.
EXCURSIONS ON THE SOGNEFJORD
The reason most visitors base in Balestrand is to explore the mighty Sognefjord,
one of the greatest and most impressive—also one of the deepest—fjords in the
world, stretching for a total length of 205km (127 miles). It spreads its power-
ful “fjord fingers” as far as Jostedalsbreen, the country's largest glacier, and to
Jotunheimen, Norway's tallest mountain range. Its greatest depth is 1,308m
(4,291 ft.). The widest and most dramatic part of the fjord stretches from the
coast to Balestrand. After Balestrand the fjord grows much narrower.
If you have a choice, opt for a late spring visit when thousands upon thou-
sands of fruit trees can be seen in full bloom along both banks of the Sognefjord.
The entire district is ideal for skiing, sailing, mountain hiking, and other out-
door activities.
The best way to see the fjord is to take a boat from Bergen operated by
Fylkesbaatane ( & 55-90-70-70; www.fjord1.no/fylkesbaatane / ). Balestrand is
a stopover on the Bergen-to-Flåm line, with departures from Bergen leaving
once a day, taking 5 1 ⁄ 2 hours and costing 550NOK ($78) per person.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Dragsvik Fjordhotell Almost a kilometer ( 1 ⁄ 2 mile) from Balestrand and
270m (900 ft.) from the ferry quay at Dragsvik, this hotel is a bargain. Units are
comfortable and well maintained, if small. Tiny bathrooms come equipped with
tub/shower combinations; doubles in the new wing have the most up-to-date
plumbing. Some of the accommodations are in what management calls “fjord
cabins,” complete with kitchen, shower, and toilets. Since these might comfort-
ably house anywhere from two to five guests, these are often rented as family
units. The large dining room offers a panoramic view of the Fjaerlandsfjord. You
can rent bicycles and rowboats from the staff. Bikes cost 100NOK ($14) per half
day, 150NOK ($21) per day. Rowboats cost 200NOK ($28) per half day,
450NOK ($64) per day.
Dragsvik, N-6899 Balestrand. & 57-69-12-93. Fax [phone]. www.dragsvik.no. 19 units. Feb-May and
Sept-Oct 730NOK ($104) double; June-Aug 785NOK ($111) double. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free
parking. Closed Nov-Jan. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; limited room service. In room: Hair dryer.
Kviknes Hotel Built in 1913 as a summer retreat for Europeans, this hotel
was much enlarged in 1970. At its core it's an elaborately detailed building with
balconies opening onto the edge of the fjord. All but a few of the guest rooms have
fjord views. They vary widely in size and style. The most popular units are those
in the original structure, with old-fashioned Norwegian style, flowery fabrics, good
beds, and spacious bathrooms with tub/shower combinations. Some of these
accommodations are furnished with antiques. The less personal rooms are in the
annex, where a bland Nordic style prevails. Bathrooms tend to be very small.
Many of the accommodations are set aside for nonsmokers, and others are wheel-
chair accessible. The hotel has a large dining room, several lounges, and a dance

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