Flåm, Norway

June 10, 2012

Flåm is at the head of another fjord, Aurlandsfjord. Like Geiranger it is a tourist town. The attraction for us was the scenic railway.

Flåmsbana

This 20 km train ride goes through 20 tunnels and provides spectacular views while outside of the tunnels. We took this train for 17 km to Vatnahalsen with a net vertical ascent of 809 meters.

From the VisitFlam website:

The Flåm Railway is one of the world's steepest railway lines on normal gauge tracks. Nearly 80 percent of the route is on a 55% gradient, ie: a rise of one meter per 18. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are testament to the most daring and skillful engineering in the history of Norwegian railway.

No kidding.

Flåmsbana
Flåmsbana The train makes a 5 minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen. This waterfall has a 225 meters drop.

Vatnahalsen

At the Vatnahalsen Hotel, they served us waffles with fresh-made jams. After eating, we explored the area and checked out the souvenir shop. Then we returned to Flåm and our ship by the same train line.

Flåm We arrived at our destination, Vatnahalsen.
Flåm Our trip leader. Despite the snow, it was quite comfortable out - light jacket weather.
Flåm The Vatnahalsen Hotel
Flåm
Flåm Reindeer hides for sale
Flåm