Snow-clad
granite peaks compete for my attention with lush meadows, ribbons of silver
rivers and crashing waterfalls as the train zig-zags in and out of the darkest
of mountain tunnels.
I defy even
those with the hardest of hearts not to be touched by the sheer beauty of this
wild and rugged landscape. It is everything that you imagine Norway to be, only
better.
Reputed to
be one of the most astounding train rides in the world, the Flåm Railway
the steepest standard-gauge in Europe, has to be top of the list for anybody
visiting the Norwegian Fjords.
After
arriving on the Saga Sapphire in Bergen on my Nordic Delights cruise, I
get myself on to one of the ship's tours so that I can discover the charms of Norway.
 |
| View from the train |
At
Voss, a pretty town in Fjord heartland, we board the train to Myrdal, a small
station nestled into the mountains, where we change trains to start our 12-mile
journey to the tiny village of Flåm, deep-seated into the corner of the
Aurlandfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord, the country’s longest.
 | |
| Tvindefossen waterfall |
We stop at
the impressive Kjosfossen waterfall so that we can take photographs and breathe
in the wonderful air. This bold engineering feat took approximately 20 years to
build and was open for
electric trains in 1944. It takes about an hour to do the journey.
Once in
Flåm, our special tour guide who manages to inject humour into his spiel so
facts are easily digestible, has some more surprises up his sleeve. We
enjoy a delicious lunch at the Stalheim Hotel and are now being whisked
off to the Tvindefossen waterfall via the Stalheimskleiva. This mountain
road is precipitous to say the least. Going round its hairpin bends is not for
the faint-hearted. No wonder it is billed as one of the one of the steepest
roads in Northern Europe.
 |
|
Bryggen, the
old wharf of Bergen
Øyvind Heen - Visitnorway.com © Innovation Norway |
We are now
back in Bergen, which claims to be the “gateway to the fjords” and I cannot
resist exploring this town before setting sail. Engulfed by mountains and
fjords, it is supposedly always raining here. Luckily, for me the sun is
shining as I saunter along in Bryggen. The city’s old wharf, on the eastern
shore of the harbour, is dotted with colourful wooden buildings. It is
undeniably charming.
As I roam
the cobbled streets. I am already turning my mind to dinner and hope there is
some fresh fish from Begen’s renowned 300-year-old Fish Market on the
menu.
Getting
there
Saga
sapphire has a similar cruise departing Dover June 23 2016 http://travel.saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises/where-we-cruise/norway-and-scandinavia/the-fabulous-fjords-2016.aspx
prices from £1,663pp for 7 nights (Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £40, if not required)
Price includes:
All meals on board, including 24-hour room service
prices from £1,663pp for 7 nights (Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £40, if not required)
Price includes:
All meals on board, including 24-hour room service
- A choice of table wines at lunch and dinner
- All on-board gratuities
- Entertainment and activities
- Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner
- Optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if not required
- All port taxes and visas
- UK mainland travel service to and from Dover
Ports of
call include:
Stavanger, Norway
Flåm, Norway
Olden, Norway
Bergen, Norway
To book visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30
Stavanger, Norway
Flåm, Norway
Olden, Norway
Bergen, Norway
To book visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30
