Balestrand (Sognefjord, Norway)

Balestrand is a municipality located in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is situated on the northern shore of Sognefjorden in the traditional Sogn district. The administrative center is Balestrand village and other villages in the municipality include Kvamme, Lane, Ese, Sæle, Vetlefjorden, and Tjugum.

The municipality of Balestrand is situated at the confluence of Fjærlandsfjorden/Esefjorden and the major Sognefjorden. The primary industries in the municipality are farming and tourism. Balestrand became popular due to the interest of artists like Hans Gude, Hans Dahl, Johannes Flintoe and Alfred Heaton Cooper. Their paintings of Balestrand's scenery inspired visitors, and the town maintains its connection with art. Other industries include local apple juice, made-to-order kitchen interiors, and Nesseplast producing industrial plastic.