BALESTRAND

'Balestrand' is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway.
Balestrand was separated from Leikanger in 1850. The annex of Kvamsøy was transferred from Vik to Balestrand January 1, 1964 - and the annex of Vangsnes was transferred from Balestrand to Vik the same date. The annex of Fjærland was transferred from Balestrand to Sogndal January 1, 2000.
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.
Buildings in Balestrand include the 19th century Kvikne's Hotel, built in the ''Swiss Chalet'' style and St Olavs Church, also known as the English Church, which is an Anglican church built in the style of a Stave Church. 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.
Other tourist attractions in Balestrand include the ''Songnefjord Aquarium'' and the ''Museum of Tourism''.

Contents

The name

Coat-of-arms

The name

The compounded name was created in 1849. The first element is the name of the old farm Bale (Norse) ''Bali'', the last element is ''strönd'' f 'strand, beach'. The name of the farm is identical with the word ''bali'' m 'hillside along a beach'.

Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from modern times (1989). It shows the hilt of a Viking sword.