As we continued to cruise north along the Norwegian coast towards Flåm the days got longer until it was never dark outside. The sun did dip just below the horizon for a few hours in the middle of the night, but it remained dusk. For a moment I wished that we had an interior cabin so we could have darkness overnight. However, I quickly got over it as I stared at the stunning coastline taking us to Flam.
Flåm is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the world, and now we know why. On our way, we had a full day at sea and woke up on the third morning to exquisite views out the cabin window. It wasn’t until we went out on deck that the massive beauty took my breath away.
We typically do our own thing in cruise ports. Not today, not in Flam. There is too much to see, too little time, and an excursion that goes exactly where we want to go. Our excursion included a coach trip up the fjords with a stop at Tvindefossen waterfall (the fountain of youth) and two trains down, including the world famous Flam railroad. Interesting local guides joined us along the way, and they were all great – the crew from the MSC Opera are another story.
Our group was allocated a train car, and to our surprise the crew from our ship hoped on first, grabbing the best window seats for themselves. By the time we boarded, one of the crew members, who was sitting with his mate actually told my girls they had to sit with strangers as there were no more seats together. Makes you roll your eyes and wonder if MSC offers any customer service training to its staff.
Don’t worry, you know we got it fixed, and it didn’t spoil our day. Here are a few of my photos of this magnificent area of Norway that they call Flåm, none do this place justice:
Our first view of the Fjords, from the deck of the cruise ship.
Flåm, Norway and the Ride to Voss
In port at Flam, also shot from the ship.
This is one of the 13 hairpin turns on the road through Norway’s Stalheim Valley. We were on a bus tour from Flam to Voss.
From the bus window
Another shot from the bus
The Fountain of Youth
The fountain of youth – myth or reality? According to folklore and our extremely youthful looking Norwegian guide, Tvindefossen Falls is it. Located somewhere between Flam and Voss in Norway, we stopped, climbed and drank, using our hands to cup the water. Did it work? Maybe yes, maybe it’s just silly, but either way, it was one impressive waterfall.
A better-known legend regarding the fountain of youth gained popularity in the 16th century. It is said that the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, first Governor of Puerto Rico, was searching in 1513 (in the area that is now Florida) for a fountain that could restore youth to anyone. Is this another myth, or reality? Either way, he never found it. Maybe that’s because he should have been looking in Norway.
Is Tvindefossen waterfall the fountain of youth?
Our girls stop their climb for the photo.
Voss Norway and the Flamsbana Train back to Flam
A church in Voss.
A snowy landscape, seen from the train as we passed.
As we got lower in altitude, the lush green landscape returned.
The girls in front of the Famous Flam Railroad which climbs steeply up from sea level to 867 meters high over a distance of just 20 km.
The Myth of Huldra
Can you see the “Huldra” in orange on the lower ledge – she is a mythical creature that attacks men to either kill them or make them do work. You can identify her as she has a cow’s tail under her dress.
Kjosfossen Waterfall stop on the Flamsbana train from Voss back to Flaam.
Practical Information on Flam Norway:
- Flam was our first of three ports in the Norweigan fjords. It was the northernmost fjord we visited, followed by Bergen and Stavanger.
- Our cruise on MSC originated in Southampton, England. While I am not a big fan of MSC, I believe cruising in the best way to see the fjords.
- We cruised here in 2012. This article is part of a throwback series inspired by rediscovering my photos after moving 40k images to Lightroom.
- Norway is expensive. If you are planning to stay overnight, check Booking.com for the best prices.
Cruising is the best way to see the fjords. Before you go check out:
25 Tips for Cruising that Everyone Should Know
look at that waterfall!!1 it’s marvelous… the last capture is stunning
It’s even better live. The sound is so loud it really adds to the majesty.
Those are beautiful falls. I like how it just keeps splitting into smaller falls as it makes its way down. I think I’d drink from these falls but my hubby would be convinced he’d get some sort of illness from it. I would love to visit Norway sometime.
Funny thing is we never gave illness a thought. It turned out ok for us.