FLAM, NORWAY

We will start ascending the “Goat’s Back Mountain” from which we have breathtaking views of the Aurlandsfjord and its surrounding mountains. Proceeding through several tunnels we reach the highest point on this road – 1,158 metres (3,800 feet) above fjord level.

We shall leave Flåm by coach to Aurland – a charming little village and community centre for the region. We also find one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in Western Norway. We will start ascending the “Goat’s Back Mountain” from which we have breathtaking views of the Aurlandsfjord and its surrounding mountains. Proceeding through several tunnels we reach the highest point on this road – 1,158 metres (3,800 feet) above fjord level. We will continue through majestic mountainous scenery, along lakes and rivers, until we reach Hol with its characteristic red church, before we proceed to Geilo where we will have a buffet lunch at Dr Holm’s Hotel. In the afternoon we board our train bound for Myrdal and Flåm. The first part of the journey will be on the Oslo – Bergen Express across the vast, barren Hardangervidda mountain plateau (we will have a good view of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier). Arriving in Myrdal we change trains to go on the spectacular Flåm Railroad. The train takes us from 867 metres (2,844 feet) to sea level in a mere 50 minutes, with a descent of 1:8 over a distance of 20 kilometres (12 miles) – a true masterpiece of engineering. The line winds its way through the steep and narrow Lansdale with several viewpoints where the train slows down for us. Waterfalls plunge down the almost vertical rock faces and narrow paths wind up the mountainside. On arrival in Flåm we will go by coach to our awaiting ship in Gudvangen.

This tour involves little walking – there is a five minute walk from the restaurant to the train station. We would, however, like to point out that there is a high step to board the train. Not suitable for wheelchair passengers, due to the boarding of the train, and the changing from platform to platform. It should be noted that this tour may operate in reverse order.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 NORWAY CRUISES