Just returning from a traintrip I wanted to do in a long time: the Flåmsbana or Flåm line in southwestern Norway. Leading from the (once) small dwelling Flåm on Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal station, a junction to the also well known Bergen line.
As Flåmsbana is assumed to be Norway’s most spectacular train trip I was glad to have booked a ticket months in advance. Why? Because when arriving there by ferry on last week’s thursday, July 28, I was rather shocked to see a huge cruise ship in the harbour and a second close by. And hundreds of people ashore. But then: what should I have expected from a place like this?
Entering the museum – crowded, free of charge, but well worth a visit – I was rewarded with a nice exhibition on the construction of this line during the years of 1924-1940, equipment, a historical locotmotive, and a couple of draisines. Outside and just between the museum and the tracks there is another historical train to be seen:
But now it was time to queue up to what seemed an endless line of passengers, no seat reservations possible for individuals. I was lucky to get one of the seats on the left side, one with a window that could be opened, too!
Leaving Flåm about half an hour late, we first followed the valley in slopes and then started our ascend having wonderful impressions:
In Berekvam station, about halfway up (343m above mean sea level AMSL), and the only place with a second track, we have to wait for the oncoming train from Myrdal station to pass by:
After moving on, we soon reached Kjosfossen waterfall where the train stops and we are asked to leave the train and look and listen to a dancing Huldra, a seductive forest creature in scandinavian folklore, here to be seen on the right in a red dress:
But now we’re heading for the most spectacular curves and tunnels of the whole line, offering some more great views before stopping by shortly in Vatnahalsen station and reaching our final destination Myrdal station:
All in all a trip I can only recommend! But remember to book your tickets well in advance, as trains are booked out quickly in high season.
