July 13, Flam "In a Nutshell"

Another 4:30 am morning and a perfect opportunity to take pictures as we sail to Flam, Norway through the passageway of Sognefjord the largest single fjord in Norway. Before Flam became accessible by rail and road this was the only route to and from the village. Today Flam is best known as the terminus of the 12 mile Flamsbans railway which began construction in 1923 and opened in 1940. The mountain line had to be laid along steep slopes and round sharp bends to enable the train to snake it's way up and down the sheer inclines. Almost 80% of the railway has a gradient of 55% the equivalent of 1:18. There are 20 tunnels, 18 were excavated by hand from granite taking one month to crave through one meter. The trip exploring this area is referred to "Norway in a Nutshell" which makes an upside down U that includes traveling on the Sonefjord, the train, and bus through the towns of Flam, Aurland, Gudvangen, Stalheim, Voss, and Myrdal. Our ship docked in the tiny town of Flam where we walked to the nearby Flamsbana to begin our amazing journey of the pristine, natural beauty of Norway. Our pictures do not do justice to this magnificent natural masterpiece.

Sailing on the Sognefjord to Flam

Flam population 500

Kjosfossen waterfall the train is traveling to Myrdal 2800 feet above sea level

Our guide Roman, from Spain & now living in Voss

In Myrdal many people have cabins accessible only by train and hiking. In the winter avalanches often block the rail line so people are stranded until the tracks are cleared.

In Voss we visited the Viking farm from the 1200s. Notice the roofs, some made of grass & birch trees while others are made from slate. Today Voss is a farming community (sheep & cows). 

Voss has an annual extreme sport festival for river rafting, kayaking, ski jumping (even in the summer), and long boarding. Many winter Olympic athletes come from Voss.

This is the view from the historic Stalheim hotel that dates from 1885. 

Leaving the hotel on the road called the Stalheimkleiva, it's corkscrew series of switchbacks flanked by 2 dramatic waterfalls. With its 18% grade it's the steepest road in Norway. It is the location for the annual extreme sport long boarding event. I can't imagine flying down this road on a long board, there is No room for error!

Leaving Flam sailing on the Sognefjord.