Fjærland Legacy Tour: Exclusive Scenic Boat & Fishing Expedition
Sognefjord's hidden gem: The ultimate heritage tour. Authentic angling, net fishing & history with Captain Tor. A premium, bucket-list experience for your family
Captain Tor greets guests personally at Fjærland Marina for an exclusive journey to Balestrand and back. This is an experience designed for those who value unique, authentic travel experiences and desire a little something extra. The tour elevates a standard excursion into a hands-on adventure. In addition to traditional angling and trolling, the experience focuses on learning new, authentic skills and the historical context of fjord culture along the pristine Fjærlandsfjord. This is an experience that can build lasting memories.
THE ART OF AUTHENTIC FJORD EXPLORATION
Captain Tor provides a seamless fjord adventure solution. You are likely seeking a reliable activity—a curated experience that guarantees quality. Am I right?
Q: What unique historical sites will we see on the tour?
A: From the boat you will witness unique homesteads such as Lidal and Teigen. Time for wonder and reflection as we travel beyond the Fjærlandsfjorden. Captain Tor tells the stories and local sagas of these isolated farms while you participate in the authentic tradition of checking fishing nets near Balestrand.
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 (Sandflyndre). 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: “Sprudllande 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!
CURIOSITY & WONDER: A VIKING EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY
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.
“MY HANDS ARE STILLED BY THE FJORD’S BREATH, BUT MY HEART BEATS WITH NORSE PRIDE. I AM SOGNEFJORD.”
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 Fjærland 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?
YOUTUBE: ANNIKEN & JOSTEIN EXPLORING THE FJORDS WITH CAPTAIN TOR!
Perfect for anyone looking for travel inspiration in Sognefjord => YouTube link here
THE VIKING SPIRIT: Mastering the Fjord
Q: Why is the fjord experience so special and historically relevant?
A: The fjords were the “highways” of the past. The word “fjord” originates from an Old Norse term meaning “to travel,” and Vikings set out by boat from Balestrand in search of adventure and new discoveries. Our tours channel this spirit of exploration and mastery.
Q: What is the local historical context of the areas around the Fjærlandsfjord?
A: “Gardingane” is a local name for the people who lived on the rugged farms along the 26-kilometer-long Fjærlandsfjord. Since the 19th century, the area has attracted discerning travelers. This is where the glacier arms reached furthest down to the fjord—a truly unique heritage from when the village was called “Fjordland” in Norse times.
Q: How do we experience this heritage today?
A: Our boat, “Miss Fjords,” is the Sognefjord’s contemporary answer to both the resilient Fjord horse and the agile Viking ship. It is built for stability, safety, and an almost silent passage through these iconic waters, channeling that ancient spirit of exploration. The adventure never fades.
“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!”
ENHANCE YOUR STAY: Discover More in Fjærland
Q: Where can we have a lunch in Fjærland?
A: At The Norwegian Glacier Museum is an interactive museum for the whole family or Brevasshytta The restaurant under the Bøyabreen Glacier
Q: Are there other activities available in Fjærland?
A: Yes, immerse yourself in nature further. For paddling, sauna, and guided activities, please visit the Fjærland Guiding website.
Q: Can we book a day trip to Balestrand if we stay in Fjærland?
A: Absolutely. If you are staying in Fjærland and desire variety with a day trip to inspiring Balestrand, you can drive there and send a booking request for our programs starting at 12:00 or 15:00. View the travel route on Google Maps here.
BALESTRAND FJORD ANGLING: Featured in “People of the North”
Q: Is there any video inspiration available for these tours?
A: Yes, you can see Captain Tor and the fjord experience in the TV series “People of the North”. Watch the teaser video here.
Pictures
Practical information
- The duration of this tour is 5h . 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.
- PARKING Free parking (and toilet) at Fjærland marina or Fjærland Fjordstue Hotell if you stay there
- DO YOU NEED ACCOMMODATION? - Contact or google Fjærland Fjordstove Hotell for booking accommodation on no.+47 48237844 (additional)
- COMPLETED HOTEL PACKAGE, RENTAL CAR AND FISHING TRIP, INCL. FLIGHT FROM OSLO? - CONTACT TORIL or ROLF IN WONDERLUST.NO OR ON MOBILE 92408940 - THEN THEY FIX THIS. Both have actively participated in product development and are well acquainted with local conditions and needs.
- SAUNA: For reservation of floating sauna DAMPEN, google Fjærland Guiding for reservation (additional)
- We make reservations about frozen fjords, then we can not fish by boat in the late vinter/spring season. Otherwise, we keep going even though it is both rain and snow showers. That's how it is to be a local viking
Included
- ABU Garcia suits and rubber boots and life jackets. REMEMBER to state size (S-XXL). You take this equipment on top of your own shell/gore-tex jackets and trousers.l
- 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 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!