Balestrand is famous for the many artists who came here to summer since the 1800s. The Kviknes Hotel has great examples of very old art as well as modern paintings in it's new wing.
There are various art installations around town. This one is very close to our hotel.
Another interesting thing we've noticed is the chimneys. Many have a flat piece of slate over the top and then a rock on top like the two in these photos. There are many explanations for why the rocks are on top including keeping the slate from blowing away and scaring birds. We think they are little art pieces in and of themselves.
We took the ferry this morning to a town called Vik with a Stave Church. The Hopperstad Stave Church is one of only 28 remaining in Norway. This one was built in 1140. Although the Viking era had come to an end, most of the people were still seafarers and made the ceiling like an overturned boat. It was really an amazing building.
There were intricate carvings.
We also found out that there was medieval graffiti on some of the walls. Not sure whose "tag" this, but we sure liked seeing it.
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