Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hove Stone Church
CHURCH
(adult/child Nkr50/40; 11am-4pm end Jun-mid-Aug)
The region's oldest stone building, dating to the late 12th century, this church retains its
original form beneath Peter Blix's elaborate makeover. This includes the abstract wall
painting of nave and chancel, the wooden figures from Norse legend in the roof beams and
the external gables.
Balestrand
Pop 1337
Balestrand sits facing out into an impressive stretch of fjord, at its rear an impressive
mountain backdrop. So genteel as to feel lost in time - it has been a tranquil, small-scale
holiday resort ever since the 19th century - it can sometimes out-twee itself.
Sights
Balestrand waterfront is home to the new
Norwegian Museum of Travel & Tourism
(Norsk Reiselivsmuseum; museum 57 69 14 57;
reiselivsmuseum.no
)
, housed in a beautiful
piece of architecture that reflects the surrounding rocky landscape.
Church of St Olav
CHURCH
This charming wooden church (1897), in the style of a traditional stave church, was built
at the instigation of English expat Margaret Green, who married a local hotel-owner. It's
just up the hill; should you find it closed, the owner of Midtnes Hotel has the key.
Viking Age Barrows
BURIAL MOUNDS
Less than 1km south along the fjord, excavation of this pair of barrows revealed remnants
of a boat, two skeletons, jewellery and several weapons. One mound is topped by a statue
of legendary
King Bele
, erected by Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II. Obsessed with Nordic
mythology, he regularly spent his holidays here prior to WWI (a similar monument, also
funded by the Kaiser and honouring Fridtjof, the lover of King Bele's daughter, peers
across the fjord from Vangsnes).
