Balestrand Legacy Tour: Sognefjord Fishing Thrill – Family Bonding
Sognefjord fishing adventure: learn angling, trolling, and netting. A scenic trip for family bonding. Experience Viking pride and the thrill of the fjords. Your moment to embrace the challenge.
The perfect surprise gift for the kids, your spouse, or friends; it's time to trade screen time for authentic 'adventure time.' Join us for a hands-on experience where we combine traditional rod fishing and trolling with the exciting, unique challenge of checking our pre-set fishing nets. For families, this is the simple, high-quality immersion in nature you crave—a chance to truly breathe and disconnect from daily life. This is a rare, highly sought-after family expedition and a meaningful investment in shared moments and connection; opportunities to make memories like this are limited. It is always exciting to see what treasures we find in the net!"
THE ART OF MAKING SOMETHING: FJORD ACTIVITY
Captain Tor’s fjord solutions work time and time again. You are looking for an activity that’s a safe bet and guarantees a good time – aren’t you?
Q: What is unique about the fishing here in the Esefjord?
A: A fishing trip in the beautiful, legendary Esefjord is surrounded by high, picturesque mountains. This specific fjord arm is known for easy and fun fishing, perfect for all skill levels. As Captain Tor says:
“When I was a little boy, my mother used to send me out on the fjord to catch the fish called: Sand Whiting. They are fun to fish, bite easily on the hook, and taste great for lunch. Some call them ‘Fjord Chickens’ – that’s a brilliant name!”
The ‘Fjord Chicken’ Challenge: Easy & Fun Fjord Fishing in Esefjord
Q: How can I cook my catch and what ingredients do I need?
A: Imagine this happened to you: Catch some fish with Captain Tor and make your own dinner when you get home. We suggest butter-fried Sand Whiting served on a piece of seed-loaf with a homemade salad and a bottle of local made fruit drink: “Sprudlande Margaret” from Balholm.
- It tastes rhubarb and evokes nostalgic summer memories.
- If you light some candles and put on some bossa nova music in the background, you have a real dining experience you do together.
- Easily buy all necessary ingredients (seed loaf, salad, local drinks) in the grocery store next to the Balestrand Adventure house.
Q: Any easy cooking ideas for a quick meal?
A: How about a bag of fish soup, and add pieces of your fresh fish? It doesn’t get easier than that!
Treat yourself to a lunch menu at the Historic Kviknes Hotel - the Sognefjord sandwich, the taste of the Sognefjord!
CURIOSITY & WONDER: A VIKING EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY
Q: What different fishing methods are included in this tour?
A: Balestrand fjord angling & family expedition has the same basic program as our popular LIFESTYLE program. This “LEGACY TOUR” program has more focus on activity, and we have added a fishing net to the experience.
Q: What can we catch with the fishing net?
A: Pulling up the fishing nets, which are set out by us the night before, stimulates practical skills and is always an exciting moment! We can catch a wide variety of marine life.
With over 25 years of experience at the local nature school, where I’ve guided 30,000 students in exploring the Sognefjord, I guarantee an educational and exciting experience for the whole family. It is incredible how rich the life in the fjord is - we even found up to 50 different species in just one week! Join us and discover your own treasures. Here are some of the most common finds in the net:
| Cod |
|---|
| Pollock |
| Hake |
| Flounder |
| Crabs (Red, edible crab, etc.) |
| Lobster (Squat lobster) |
| Starfish |
| Sea urchins |
| Mussel shells and other shells |
| Shark (Dogfish/Spurdog) |
| …and many more! |
It is ALWAYS exciting to see what treasures we find in the net. But an empty net is not a failure; it is a lesson in patience and endurance. A Viking’s spirit is forged not in comfort, but in the face of the elements.
Q: What about sharks? Will we see a shark?
A: Imagine if we got a shark in the net, what would you do then? Dog Fish (a local, harmless shark species) come up from the depths and sometimes we catch them. The skin feels like sandpaper when you pat them.
The Fjord Awakens The Norse Soul: A Moment Of Quiet Pride
Q: What should we wear for the trip and how about the weather?
A: You choose the season and type of weather yourself. We have fishing suits for you and yours, which keep you warm and safe from rain and cold. If you have smaller children, I recommend bringing their own park suits and clothes that they are familiar with for maximum comfort.
Picture yourself on a trip with us. This is more than just an excursion; it’s a chance to disconnect from screens and connect with nature—and each other.
Feel free to share this unique opportunity here in Balestrand with friends, and be the first in your circle to experience the authentic fjord lifestyle.
Don’t miss out! Secure your spot on this year’s most memorable family adventure today.
Q: Is there any video inspiration for this tour?
Perfect for anyone looking for travel inspiration in Sognefjord:
“We Went Fishing in Norway’s Longest Fjord – WOW!” (Episode 1) ( Episode 2, coming :)
A VIKING JOURNEY IN THE FJORDS WITH CAPTAIN TOR
Q: Why is the fjord experience so special and historically relevant?
A: The fjord was the “road” in the old days. Rowing boats were used because steep mountains of granite made it difficult to build roads on land. Fjord means “To travel” from olden times. The Vikings set out by boat from Balestrand into unknown fjords in search of adventure and new discoveries.
Our boat, “Miss Fjords,” is Sognefjord’s contemporary answer to both the resilient Fjord horse and the agile Viking ship. The Fjord horse is Norway’s national symbol, famous for its strength and ability to navigate this rugged terrain for thousands of years. Just as those sturdy horses and ships carried our ancestors safely through the elements, “Miss Fjords” is built for stability, safety, and silent passage through these iconic waters, channeling that ancient spirit of exploration.
“To me, this sense of adventure never fades. After decades of guiding these waters, I find it just as fun and exciting every time.”
“Ready to ‘Go Viking’? Join us!”
Pictures
Practical information
- The duration of this tour is 3h . The tour only allows groups of 1-6 peoples
- POSSIBLE DEPARTURE TIMES: 09:00 - 12:00 - 15:00 - 18:00 - Sunday Closed. Private only, tours OPEN ALL YEAR => Use booking form. I check for booking in the morning 8 am and evening 10 am. On daytime i am on adventure with guests, please use SMS. Sunday Closed.
- NOTE: Show up 15 min before departure at Balestrand Adventure House / Tourist Information
- TOTAL PRICE => Enter number of people on the booking form to see the total price. Card payment on trip day before departure.
- We offer a highly sought after, entertaining and authentic boat experience in a part of the Sognefjord's unique, pristine fjord nature. Fishing is part of the program you choose and which has interactive, fun and educational elements for the whole family/friend group. Our, open, unique, specially built boat is made for this type of local fjord experience. Together we create your story.
- WHAT TO WEAR (Packing List)? Go by the 3-layer rule: with an outer, water resistant shell jacket (and pants), an inner fleece jacket and a woolen base layer all seasons. It is always colder at sea than on land, even though it is the height of summer it feels cool.
- GUIDES LANGUAGE: English and Norwegian
- LIFE JACKETS: Suits and boots included in price and can be borrowed in cold and rainy weather
- FISHING EQUIPMENT AND LICENSES: Included
- FREE PARKING outside Balestrand Adventure House and around
- "Coolcation" / Rainy weather, waves, vind etc - We run as normal even if it rains. We operate in fjords which rarely experience significant wind and waves. We have jump-in-suits and boots that keep you warm and dry. The changing weather on our tours is exactly what makes our tours in the Sognefjord so unique.
Included
- Note: This is an open boat experience. Rain is a luxury. Suits and boots are available for you here. If smaller children,please bring your own boots and park-suits if they have it.
- No experience required. Fishing equipment included. Life jackets
- Captain Tor has fjord experiences in his genes. He is from Balestrand. His family is from Balestrand. His personal stories are from growing up is from Balestrand, and you as a guest get a clear understanding of this, with everything you experience in the boat and the program. Balestrand Fjord Angling is the boat that continues this cheerful pioneer spirit and life in Balevika where he grew up - Welcome to a real, local fjord experience!
- This is a world-class 4 in 1 Scandinavian family trip with a focus on participating activities. Here you create your own family story. Here we also add fishing nets and the highlights of all our products. Captain Tor's guidance is one of the best things you can experience here in the Sognefjord. Rain is no obstacle. As a parent or grandparent, this is a tour experience you choose because it brings people together through experiences in a REAL experience. For those who seek unity - A state of harmony. Perfect for those of you with children and teenagers. A love letter from us to the Sognefjord!
- Captain Tor guides and ensures that this will be a simple and pleasant and not least developing experience for all of you. It works every time!