Across Norway by Train

12 & 13-06-24

Bergen-Flam-Oslo

Over the next two days we are heading across Norway by train, bus, cruise and train to reach Oslo. (P:-With some scenic walks thrown in). We are just taking hand luggage as we have one night in Flam so the remainder of our luggage will be transferred to Oslo by Porter Services. Departing Bergen at 8.30am after a short brisk walk to the train station we find seats and settle in for the next hour. We are quickly out of the city and into rural areas, climbing through mountain tunnels, past waterfalls and small villages. After changing from Train to bus at Voss we stop to check the view at the Stalheim Hotel where we visit the scenic lookout over the Naeroy Valley. Absolutely stunning views over the valley below. Back on the bus and we drive on to Gudvangen where we board a cruise boat “Future of the Fiords” for the 1 1/2 hour trip down the fjord to Flam. 400 people on the boat, all wanting a seat as it’s rainy outside. Cosy!!. But it’s well worth the trip. The Naeroyfjord is one of the worlds most beautiful boat trips and is one of only two fjords in Norway on the UNESCO world heritage list due to its stunning nature. It’s gorgeous, sheer cliffs either side, multitudes of waterfalls, farms and summer farms literally hanging onto the mountainsides. We turn onto the Aurlandsfjord towards Flam where we disembark and walk up to our hotel for the night.

(P:- The “Future of the Fjords” boat was extremely well designed for accessibility and for viewing – Manufactured from Carbon Fibre. Advertised as the GO GREEN ZERO EMISSIONS cruise boat of the future! How gullible are people? It is all but fraud and is false advertising! This boat has approx 2 hours battery capacity and yet does 4 return trips a day. They don’t have enough shore power or time to charge whilst at port but amazingly it still operates all day? Oh how silly of them they forgot to mention in any publications that there are a couple of semi silent diesel generators installed in the hull working 20 hours a day charging the huge battery packs. Diesel to Electrical generating inefficiency means it costs and uses 25-35% more diesel than if they threw the electric motors away and just ran diesel engines and marine transmissions). Stepping off the boat the diesels are clearly heard (as they were at 10pm and 5.30am when I was wandering around)

The Fretheim Hotel dominates the Flam foreshore along with the usual tourist spots and the Flam Railway Museum.

After settling in we walk up to the lookout point above the hotel. Philip and Ian continue on to the Brekkefossen Waterfall, climbing many steps up to view it. (P:- A very pleasant walk along rural roads and up approx. 650 Sherpa built steps to the water fall view point). Helen and I enjoyed a cuppa at the cafe near our hotel before a walk around the waterfront. Dinner tonight is a Buffet at the hotel.

The Flam Railway

This is an incredible train journey from Flam to Myrdal, on the Bergen Railway. There is no where else in the world on this type of track with a steeper climb. The mountain line had to be laid along steep slopes and around sharp bends to enable the train to snake its way up and down the sheer inclines. Almost 80% of the railway lines have a gradient of 5.5%. The trains takes an hour to cover the 20 kilometres, through 20 tunnels, eighteen of which were excavated by hand. To avoid areas at risk of avalanche the train crosses the river and the bottom of the valley three times. Stunning scenery, ravines, river, waterfalls and mountain farms keep our eyes glued to the windows as we climb our way to Myrdal.

The one stop that this journey makes is at the Kjosfossen Waterfall, with a free fall of 93 metres.

At Myrdal we change trains for the trip to Oslo. Again we pass through some stunning scenery, mountain lakes, snowy peaks, villages and as we near Oslo, agricultural land with crops of brassicas, salads, grains and hay. A short walk from Oslo station and we are at our hotel. Then a wander around the waterfront and onto the roof of the Opera House. Some interesting architecture that has ramps and steps leading to the roof giving good views over the city.

(P:- Omitted from today’s story- Judith’s bag was a “lost in transit” escapee again. We could see by the tracing tag where it was holidaying in a Hotel on the other side of Norway! Philip has visions of more clothes being purchased ready for the next part of the adventure if we can’t get the bag in time)!

14-06-24

With walking shoes on and no real plan we head out to explore Oslo city. Firstly through the city centre towards the Royal Palace where we sit an people watch for a while. Also watching a dozen official cars enter the palace gates. (P:- Dr Google tells me the King was hosting the Norwegian Prime Minister and his cabinet, All arriving individually in seperate Shining Black Limousines ( could a saved a few Tax payer Kroner by car pooling)!

Down through town to the Nobel Peace Museum. A very interesting museum with information about Albert Nobels life and the legacy he left for the Peace Prize. We watched the Peace dove being released at 12 midday, which happens daily. They also had an exhibition about Yoko Ono and other of Women Peace Activists.

(P:- the Moose sausage in fresh crusty roll was delicious for lunch). After lunch we walked around the old Akershus Fortress. Stopped to listen and watch the military band playing for a couple of minutes. The building of this fortress was started in 1299 and completed in 1300. It has withstood a number of sieges through time. King Christian (1588-1648) had the fort and castle modernised and converted to a Renaissance Castle and Royal Residence. After this we walked back to the hotel where we picked up our luggage and walked to the train station to catch the AirPort Express to the Airport. Tomorrow we fly to Svalbard for the last part of our trip.

(P:- Judith’s luggage arrived 2 days late but in time to save me from another shopping spree)!