Top 5 Balestrand Classes & Workshops: Your Creative Escape

Balestrand, Norway is often known for its jaw-dropping scenery and tranquil vibes, so too it’s an outstanding place to get involved in some cool creative outlets. It’s almost like there’s a spark in the air that makes you want to create something, anything! Very often, visitors find themselves captivated by this cute village and want to take something away with them – it could be a photo, or maybe even new skills from a workshop. These opportunities are a fabulous way to add an extra dimension to your travels, plus it means you’re actually supporting the local community, which, in my opinion, is seriously nice. This guide gives you, like your personal treasure map, a few of the very top Balestrand classes and workshops.

1. Frida Kahlo Painting Class

Want to connect with your inner artist? Very, very popular in Balestrand is the Frida Kahlo-inspired painting class. You might be asking what Frida Kahlo has to do with Norway, yet she really speaks to anyone keen to check out self-expression and look into some art that goes against the grain. This is the sort of class that seems to work for pretty much all skill levels – absolute beginners find it liberating, plus those already fairly decent with a brush often gain, seemingly, fresh inspo and some clever techniques. It often takes place in some extremely picturesque studio that looks over the Sognefjord (major bonus!). It’s such a fantastic way of just chilling and learning a completely new skill and letting your creativity flow in such beautiful surroundings. So, it’s rather inspiring. Read our full review: Frida Kahlo Painting Class Balestrand Full Review and Details

Why Pick This One?

You, like many, are possibly asking why you would choose a class with a niche like Frida Kahlo over all the others? In some respects, it’s possibly because Kahlo really challenges conventions with her art – and doing things a bit differently tends to inspire everyone involved to think and work a little bit outside the box. At the end of the day, what a cool way of grabbing that Norwegian beauty in your very own personal, creative project?

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2. Traditional Norwegian Knitting

Then you get to one of Norway’s most cherished crafts. Is that even up for discussion? Like your nan probably knows already, knitting is actually a proper, proper art form, which has a fantastic cultural past. Typically, in Balestrand, they tend to focus on some rather timeless techniques and designs, usually those cool Selbu mittens or maybe something with classic Norwegian star patterns. It is so nice, apparently, to learn from local pros. These masters often share anecdotes and stories associated with knitting, too, it’s almost like teaching you to knit becomes much more of a culture-filled occasion than just learning some random skill. Plus, you’re creating something that will actually keep you cozy when you’re back home. You know? Read our full review: Traditional Norwegian Knitting Balestrand Full Review and Details

Good for What Skill Level?

Arguably, this is an awesome option for just about anyone. Got no idea what a knitting needle even is? Not to worry! Lots of classes are totally cool with bringing total newbies on board, taking the time to run through the simple stuff before even touching anything more intricate. If you’re already very able, often you can tackle, very, very easily, some extra involved projects to refine what you can already do. It’s very nice because the teachers seem so well prepped for pretty much all levels.

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3. Fjord Photography Workshop

Let’s face it, if you happen to find yourself in Balestrand, then it seems kind of wrong not to grab at least some snapshots of the amazing fjords. Still, a fjord photography workshop shows you ways to up your photo game. It’s often run by pretty amazing local photographers, showing everyone how to get a hold of just what goes into grabbing a breathtaking shot, it could be the light or composition or the overall setting. You get out and about to some super recognizable viewpoints and, very often, learn to play around a bit with, seemingly, new camera settings that’ll really give your shots a special oomph. This class might be of interest if you like the sound of nailing how to properly capture the stunning beauty all around. Very handy! Read our full review: Fjord Photography Workshop Balestrand Full Review and Details

What Do You Learn?

So you could discover a bunch of really neat stuff about photography. It could well range from simple stuff like framing your shot the way a pro would to maybe messing around a little bit more with light, finding amazing vantage points, plus, yeah, loads more of those neat little things the photographers tend to hold so close to their chest.

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4. Local Cuisine Cooking Class

What about properly digging into Norwegian cooking? Is that something you feel inclined to give a go? Classes typically get hands-on with those truly classic dishes using all sorts of locally produced bits. So you might be trying out your very own skills on stuff from scratch, right down to mastering preparation tricks and tasting something totally amazing that you, you know, helped make. This one may possibly be of interest to you if you are pretty into meals, especially the idea of finding a recipe or two that you can, you know, recreate later when you are back in your own kitchen. So rewarding. Read our full review: Local Cuisine Cooking Class Balestrand Full Review and Details

Why is it very cool?

One, the flavors tend to be seriously authentic; plus you get to, you know, find ways that culture comes together using edibles. And hey, what better souvenir is there, you know, than finding skills that will last longer than your trip. It is what it is. It’s one of those super tasty mementos from your Balestrand vacation.

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5. Wood Carving Workshop

Ok, so if you want to try some serious artistry, so carving wood happens to be a longstanding tradition that is closely linked to Norwegian craftmanship. This wood carving workshop typically teaches you to transform blocks of wood into pieces of something, which, it is fair to say, may be amazing depending on your natural skill level. Often they get started by explaining what some simple, but cool methods look like and using all the proper tools. Plus, you get to create some nice decorative bits and, if anything, just sort of properly get your hands messy. Apparently it really relaxes some people; it feels a bit like sculpting and art meets self-expression. You might well, quite rightly, find it a satisfying venture. Very impressive, apparently! Read our full review: Wood Carving Workshop Balestrand Full Review and Details

Will I be alright as a beginner?

Often you don’t need to already be Leonardo da Vinci to apply. Generally, these workshops focus on total beginner types, leading them by the hand to see some simple concepts and give them ways of playing around with their craft. These often make a relaxed atmosphere; so, that you do not think there’s just a little pressure that you will make some amazing creation from Day One.

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