We entered the Norwegian fjord Songefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world; 204 kilometers long (126.8 miles) and up to 1308 meters (4,291 ft) deep). As our huge ship zigzagged through narrow gorges, we were flabbergasted at the beauty around us.
The snow-capped mountains were 5,000 feet above sea level. The depth of the water below was about 4,000 feet. We marveled at the skill of our captain and crew to keep us on the narrow little ribbon of water winding through the fjords. It took us 5 hours to get to the charming little village of Flam located at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of Songefjord.
The name "Flam" means "little place between steep mountains," and indeed it is. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, the journey to the Flam Valley was a dramatic and peaceful voyage with its magnificent surroundings, from fertile farmland to crystal-clear streams to perfect snow-capped mountains. And we were charmed by the beauty of the picture-postcard scenery.
We learned later from the residents of Flam that we were very fortunate for such good weather. Usually, Norway's fjord mountains are covered with clouds and the mist filters down to the villages, so visibility is not good. But on our fjord days, the sun shown brightly and the temperature hovered around a warm 60 degrees.
POPULATION
Flam has a population of roughly 400 inhabitants and is situated in Aurland municipality, which consists of Flam, Aurland, Gudvangen and Undredal. In 1980 most of the people in Flam were farmers, today most of the inhabitants work in the tourism industry or with the railway. Today Flam is one of the most popular cruise harbors in Norway.
Aurland municipality Village of Aurland
HISTORY
The origins of the flourishing tourist trade in Flam, dates as far back as the end of the 19th century, when large numbers of English tourists, also called "salmon lords," came to fish in the Flam river. These travelers laid the foundation for hotel operation and a steady stream of visitors were transported in two-wheeled buggies to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
After the Bergensbana Railway was opened in 1909 Flam became a crossroad for passengers, mail and freight traveling between Oslo and Bergen on trains, along with steamships on the fjord.
A large anchor can be seen in the little park just beside the ferry quay. It dates back to World War II, when a Polish ship sought refuge in Flam. After a while it was bombed and sank. The anchor was later salvaged and placed in its present location in Flam.
Flam Fjord from mountainside. This is our first view of Flam from the top deck.
Our ship docked in Flam
Large cruise ships docked in the harbor are a daily site throughout the spring and summer months, and it is only a short walk from the Flam Port to a trip on the Flam Railway - or a visit to the little village where you will find a food store, souvenirs and art and craft shops. Here also, are cafes, restaurants and a nearby micro-brewery that looks like a stave church. The documentation centre for the Flam railway is open all year and the Tourist information is open during the summer.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO AND SEE IN FLAM?
The
Flam Railway is one of the worlds steepest railway lines with
twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain. It
rises almost 3000 feet straight up the mountains to the little village of
Myrdal, where it links to the Bergen-Oslo Railway. The train ride from Flam
to Myrdal has 10 stops and takes about an hour, which includes 20 tunnels
and panoramic views of the Norwegian mountains. You will see an old
stave church, waterfalls, goat farm, and the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall.
There is no other place on earth where rail travelers have the chance to see
such an impressive waterfall as from the 280-foot platform at
waterfall Kjosfossen. High up on the horizon you see the white water
cascading off the steep mountain side. The rushing river of water dissolves
into foam with a thunderous roar as it hits the mountain on its way down.
The Flam Railway was completed in
1944 after a construction period lasting 20 years. Eighteen of the line's 20
tunnels were built by hand. Trial operations started in 1940 with small
steam locomotives, but the line was not fully electrified until 1944.
The
train from Flam to Myrdal takes 55 min. and costs NOK 190,- (about 30$). The
Railway runs 9-10 daily departures in the high season from May to September
and 4-5 daily departures the rest of the year.
Take time to consider how you will purchase your train ride. You can purchase your tickets in Flam, but you will probably have to stand in a long line--and then all of the seats may be taken by cruise ship excursion passengers. Find out how many cruise ships will be in on the day your arrive. Cruise passengers are allowed on first; and sometimes you must wait for the next train because all of the seats are taken.
Remember, too, the trip you book with the ship excursion is usually a longer trip involving 2 trains and a coach in a circular trip. Comparing the price is difficult.
It is possible to book this Flam-Myrdal-Flam round-trip ticket through the website or by calling them. You can book with them two months ahead of the travel date and they will ship the paper tickets directly to you, BEFORE the start of your cruise. This would avoid needing to stand in line with others waiting to pick up your ticket.
SHIP ARRIVAL CALENDAR
for 2010 HEREBUY FLAM RAILWAY TICKETS ON LINE HERE
