Norway Day Five- Norway in a Nutshell

Day 5 was full of sights and adventures. We wheeled our bags back through Bergen to the car park where Kenneth’s father’s car was parked, and then headed off to the train station. Here we caught a The BergenRailway which runs from Bergen to Oslo. We met some lovely people heading out into the country who were very helpful. It is in itself a wonderfully scenic line. But even more awaited us. At Myrdal we disembarked and awaited our next rain and the beginning of Norway in a Nutshell.

At Myrdal we waited for our next train - The Flåm Railway, or the Flåmsbana in Norwegian. It is often named one of the world's most beautiful train journeys and is also one of the world's steepest railway journeys. Our journey down to Flåm was in the original carriages – with a very modern eco-friendly engine. Our journey took us through tunnels, and views looking back on the track below, and of mountains, waterfalls and quaint farms and villages. We stopped at the impressive Kjosfossen falls for a photo opportunity.

Eventually we arrived at Flåm at the end of the Nærøyfjord. We had some time to wait so gave the local tourist gift store a good going over, and I left with a new beanie and snood, also known as a headtube, neck gaiter, or necktube. I wasn’t intending to use either of these anytime soon. About an hour later I was incredibly glad to have them as Rebekah and I stood outside in the freezing wind, on the fjord cruise.

Eventually it was time to board our modern zero emission fjord cruise as we set off up the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. This narrow arm of the Sognefjord is astoundingly beautiful, surrounded by mountains towering up to 1700 metres above us. The boat was amazingly comfortable – too comfortable. I was amazed by the number of tourists sleeping, talking, paying no attention to what they were gliding through. 

Rebekah and I rugged up with all we had to wear and went outside for much of the trip. I was glad to be able to double beanie and to have my snood. Bonnie came out for a photo and then headed straight back inside. She doesn’t do the cold much. The ferries are designed with sloping walkways around the outside, inspired by the winding trails going up the steep mountains next to the fjord, making them very accessible for everyone. They are very quiet and even those inside have wonderful views through the panoramic windows, if they choose to look.

After two stunning hours we arrived in Gudvangen where Kenneth met us. I was expected a long road trip back to Flåm, but this is Norway, and they have a very efficient network of tunnels, and in no time were back where we began.

For dinner that night Kenneth had booked us into Ægir BrewPub with it’s Viking inspired décor and wonderful brews. The style of the building is inspired by Norse mythology and the exterior is reminiscent of a stave church. Inside we were embraced by 9-meter-high fireplace surrounded by dragon heads and driftwood walls. A great way to finish our grand day.

We were staying in a holiday house in the first stop on our cruise and were able to watch the later cruises sail past.

The day finished with board games, much to Rebekah’s delight.

You can find my Facebook post from this day here, with all my photos.