Today we enjoy two scenic journeys by rail, beginning with the
Bergen Railway. The train makes its ascent into the rugged
mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through
numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock before arriving at
Myrdal, where we board the famous Flåm Railway for an unforgettable
ride along one of the steepest lines in the world. A branch line of
the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a
wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway
lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the
innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates
horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were
drilled by hand. The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and
waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the
window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m). This
evening we enjoy a Viking plank feast, with a selection of local
beers, in the atmospheric Ægir Brewery, a traditional Norse-style
building set beside Aurlandsfjord, its focal point an imposing
central fireplace.
We set out by coach into the rugged landscapes of Fjord Norway
on Day 5, making our way to Geiranger. En-route we
visit the rare Kaupanger Stave Church and the Dalsnibba
viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view at a staggering 4,500ft
elevation.
On Day 6 we enjoy the beautiful scenery of
Geirangerfjord by boat, cruising the calm waters of this
UNESCO-listed site. Acclaimed for its stunning, unique landscape
this nine-mile-long branch of the Storfjord (meaning 'Great
Fjord'), the magnificent Geirangerfjord boasts towering walls that
overlook some of Europe's finest scenery. Along Geirangerfjord's
shores, a number of high waterfalls - including the Seven Sisters
and the Suitor - plunge straight from the lofty forests to the
smooth waters below. There are also a scattering of abandoned farm
buildings dotted along the steep shores. In sunshine, this UNESCO
World Heritage site is alive with colour and contrasts - the lush
greens of the trees clinging to the rock contrasting with the deep
blue water and the brilliant white of the snow-capped peaks in the
distance. When it rains, countless waterfalls appear from nowhere,
flowing majestically and crashing down into the water below. After
disembarking, we take a scenic drive from Hellesylt to
Geiranger.