An early rise to catch the 5 hour train trip to Myrdal (1000 m above sea level) heading west across Norway. When we got on the train, some Americans were getting into seats and saying there is no reserved seats, we knew otherwise. So when the people (Germans) with the correct seats arrived the Yankees were not happy. To the extent when one of them returned (from carriage 6 which was on their ticket as I helped to explain it to them, we were in carriage 1) to get a suitcase, he says to one of the Germans, "You German are you?" The man nods, to which the Yank says "That explains everything! ".
No wonder the Yanks aren't very popular.
We always point out that we are Australian as soon as we can in a conversation.
The first few hours of the trip passed through lovely lush green countryside of Norway, lots of rivers and lakes also.
Then the train started to climb and the landscape started changing rapidly. We began to see snow capped mountains (remember summer started here a few days ago), snow fields (piste), partially frozen lakes and snow falling.
The highest point the train reached was Finse, 1222m above sea level. It was snowing horizontally, very cold and very windy. Kristin was like a little kid! Some older Norwegian couples were giving us added information about the area. They seemed very proud of Norway.
The first leg of the journey ended at Myrdal (996m) and it was still snowing and very cold. We said goodbye to our new German and Norwegian friends. We had a 20 minute wait for the connecting train to Flam (pronounced Flom).
The Flam railway is 20 km long, has 10 stations, 20 tunnels and 1 bridge and finishes at sea level,at the Sognefjord at Flam. It takes about an hour, with a couple of sightseeing stops.Spectacular waterfalls and views.
Flam is a little harbour village. We only had an hour there before catching the boat to Balestrand.
The trip from Flam to Balestrand was spectacular along Sognefjord. This fjord is the largest in Norway. Over the next couple of days we'll see a lot more of it.
Balestrand is breathtakingly beautiful. Words don't do justice, so I'll let the photos try.
We had a lovely meal at the Pilgrim's cafe (there weren't many options in town). Kristin had Troll soup (allegedly no trolls were harmed in making it, but a lot of mushrooms were.) Andy had a mixed plate with Elk patties and reindeer sausage, very nice. Kristin had a famous Norwegian cake for dessert.
A long day of travelling but certainly not boring.
Cheers,
A & K.
What is Norwegian cake?
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