Flam Norway
- Sal Schmidt
- May 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Our journey through the Norwegian fjords was a revelation. It captured our hearts and opened our eyes to the unparalleled beauty of this pristine landscape. We were sold on Norway.
Having cruised the stunning New Zealand sounds and the breathtaking Chilean Fjords multiple times, we were taken aback by the grandeur of the Norwegian Fjords, which truly stand in a league of their own.
The sheer scale and drama of the scenery went beyond what any camera could capture. Navigating the inner channels of Norway, we were met with mountains cascading and overlapping in a picturesque display that left us in awe.
Flam, Norway
We arrived at Flåm on the Celebrity Apex ship. Upon opening the blinds, we were deeply engulfed by the extraordinary scenery and pristine, tranquil green waters.
Flåm is a tiny little village, the perfect introduction to Norway. Fläm is nestled deep in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord, the 204-kilometre-long and 1308-meter-deep Sognefjord.
We scuttled off the ship to immerse ourselves in the raw, clean air, natural surroundings and roaring waterfalls.
You're in for a delightful surprise when exploring the charming small town of Flåm on foot. You can meander through its streets easily and enjoy free entry to The Flåm Railway Museum. This hidden gem takes you on a journey back in time, providing a fascinating look into the history and remarkable challenges faced during the construction of the world's steepest railway, the Flåmsbana.
As you enter the Flåmsbana museum, prepare to be transported to a different era. The exhibits offer a captivating insight into the ingenuity, perseverance, and sheer determination that went into creating such an engineering marvel. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles overcome and the expertise required to conquer the steep slopes and rugged terrain as you ascend with the Flåmsbana.
Naturally, we followed the museum with a majestic train trip, The Flåmsbana, where you steadily climb 2800m in vintage carriages to appreciate the Norwegian surroundings and landscapes.
The waterfalls here are on steroids. We thought Chile was the land of waterfalls, but Norway has taken the lead; they are mind-blowing everywhere.
The Flam railway is known as one of the best train trips in the world. Booking directly and not through the ship excursions, which cost only AUD 95, was about 50% cheaper. This train trip was a highlight of the day.
The two-hour train journey presented ever-changing terrain and a scenic photo stop at Kjosfossen Falls, providing a captivating experience accompanied by unexpected free entertainment, which added an amusing touch to our excursion. (A lady on a hill singing and dancing. However, after zooming in, you will get a chuckle as we are sure it was a man dressed up in his Sunday best. It was just above 0, so it's entirely possible!)
Insider tip: If returning from Flam, only get off on the return trip for a picture of the waterfall, as it is much less intense and offers better photo opportunities. We also recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the train and one of the first seats as they have a window that opens; being on the right, you can absorb the views on the return trip, too.
As we witness the breathtaking beauty of Norway's fjords, our souls are overwhelmed by the grandeur that unfolds before us. After indulging in a train trip surrounded by vast and awe-inspiring views, we embark on a sail away that takes us deeper into the heart of these magnificent landscapes, preparing us for the next destination on our unforgettable journey.
The train ride through Norway's picturesque terrain offers a unique perspective. Every turn reveals a new panorama that leaves us in awe of Mother Nature's artistic prowess. The sheer size and magnitude of the landscapes engulf us, reminding us of our place in this vast universe.
As we transition from the train expedition to our sail away, a sense of tranquillity and serenity envelops us as we navigate through the tranquil waters of the fjords.
We carry with us invaluable experiences, loads of captured moments (sorry for the spam), and insights gained from Flåm. We are eager for the adventures that await in Geiranger, the heart of this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
