Riding the Flåmsbana

Flåm, and the world-famous Flåmsbana, were the next highlight of the Best of Norway tour.

The Flåm Railway, with its steep climbs, numerous tunnels, and breathtaking views, is hailed as one of the most beautiful and unique train journeys in the world.

After a disappointing experience with Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train, I was initially nonchalant about the Flåm Railway. Little did I know, this journey would be a stark contrast and a true adventure.

Despite my initial nonchalance, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation as I prepared to embark on the Flåm Railway. After all, every experience is part of the adventure.

But first, a nice meal and a good night’s rest were needed after the Borgund Stave Church journey.

FRETHEIM HOTEL

Surrounded by stunning nature, the historical Fretheim Hotel was a nice place to rest for the night. Customer service was phenomenal, and the room was clean and functional.

I was surprised to be allocated a room with a bathtub. My poor legs needed a good soaking.

The tub was a little high, so I had to take care when getting in and out. However, my body welcomed the hot, steamy water filled with relaxing lavender oils.

The seafood-inspired buffet was scrumdiddlyumptious. The crab claws, shrimp, salad, corn — everything was sublime and delicious. This was the best dinner of the tour!

FLÅM RAILWAY MUSEUM

I checked out the Flåm Railway Museum while my tourmates experienced the Nærøyfjord fjord cruise. I’m not a boat person, so the cruise did not interest me one bit.

Also, it was an optional €100 excursion. I would have braved the journey if it had been included in the tour price. Alas, paying an extra €100 for something I wouldn’t enjoy is not smart. I may splurge on my adventures, but I won’t piss away money.

The small town of Flåm had plenty to keep me entertained for the rest of the day, including a museum and a variety of stores to get my shop-alcoholic on.

The highlight was the Flåm Railway Museum. It was a small museum, but it was pretty cool. Better yet, it was free!

The small museum told the stories behind the construction of the Flåm Railway. You can download a free audiovisual guide that conveys tales from the people who built the railway. I learned how constructing the railway was a technical feat and how it helped shape a community.

FLÅM RAILWAY

The time had come to embark on one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines. Boarding the train was a little chaotic. The train is a top attraction, and many people were rushing to get on and find a good seat.

Fortunately, our tour group had its own train car away from the loads of people. Following a quick safety briefing, the train slowly left the station. A few moments later, we were churning up the steep railway.

The journey is about 12.6 miles and lasts only an hour. The interesting aspect is that 80% of it is an uphill rise from sea level at the Aurlandsfjord in Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station, which is situated 2844.49 feet above sea level.

Once again, Norway’s beauty was on display as the train choo-chooed through agricultural landscapes and the old Flåm village centre. A video guide informed passengers as we churned along that 18 of the 20 tunnels on the Flåm Railway were constructed by hand. That’s quite impressive.

KJOSFOSSEN WATERFALL

We reached Kjosfossen Station about 48 minutes into the ride. The station is about 2,200 feet above sea level.

Although the video guide would never admit it, but the station only exists to allow tourists to step off the train and see Kjosfossen, the mighty waterfall.

Okay, I admit to getting a bit excited to see the waterfall up close — a little too excited.

Kjosfossen Waterfall

Sorry for the shaky camera work. I was trying not to slip and fall.

I was also intrigued to see the Huldra. Our tour director explained that Huldra is an elusive forest spirit from Norse mythology. According to local folklore, she lures men into the woods to seduce them.

Since all the men in our tour group returned to the train, I guess they didn’t meet the Huldra’s standards. 🤪

The remainder of the ride was peaceful and tranquil. We disembarked at Myrdal Station, which is 2,844 feet above sea level.

One of the reasons I journeyed to Norway in the summer was to enjoy the friendly, warm weather. When that blast of Nordic Cold hit me, my whole body couldn’t stop shivering. I could barely hold my camera to take a few photos.

Our Flåm Railway ride ended in Myrdal. We boarded a train to Voss, where we’d meet the bus and continue to the next hotel for the evening.

CONCLUSION

The Flåm Railway journey was much more fun and appealing than the Jacobite Steam Train. Of course, this is mainly due to Kjosfossen and the video guide. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this train ride and recommend it to my fellow explorers.