We headed out of our flat around around 6:00 am to walk to the Bergen train station, backpack and baby in tow. As we settled in on a bench in the train station, I spotted and cafe and Marco reluctantly agreed to go grab us some lattes. "Rebecca, they are going to be like $10 apiece." "Just go check please, I said" knowing full well he wasn't going to say no to a sleep deprived Mama. He walked back with a grin on his face and two cups in hand. They were only a fiver.
We boarded the train with all the backpackers fashioned in the latest gear and boots. I was envious. It would have been cool to be setting off on a multiple day fjords adventure, but I looked down at my sweet and fussy eight month old and was just as happy to be setting out on the full day we had planned - despite being up all night with her.
Our journey started with a train journey from Bergen, through the countryside to Myrdal. In Myrdal we changed trains. We boarded what looked like a Wes Anderson film set. The Flåmsbana, an old fashioned yet mint looking train has a British racing green exterior. "One of the World's most beautiful train journeys" was painted down the side. The interior was wood paneled with brass fixtures and huge windows.
The train took us through mountains and small towns, stopping at waterfalls, to the base of Sognefjord - the village of Flåm.
Flåm is the setting off point for many different fjord excursions. Ferries, speedboats, kayaks, cruise liners. We had a few beers at the brewery and then enjoyed a picnic. I decided to focus on the unreal natural surroundings and ignore my urge to hit the shops to purchase matching Norwegian sweaters for the family.
We boarded the ferry and took a spot on the sunny side of the deck. We cracked some of our grocery bought Beavertown neck oil beers and basked in the sun. Simone finally passed out on me and slowly but surely everyone around mestarted moving to explore different vantage points from the ferry. Marco periodically checked back with me, camera in hand, "Babe! The views on the other side are insane!" I felt a bit cheated having to stay put but was happy to enjoy my one-side-of-the-boat views as long as the rascal was finally sleeping. (We were vindicated on our journey home that day when I discovered that her first, razor sharp, tooth cut through.)
We were able to enjoy the views as a family once Simone awoke from her slumber. The Sognefjord ferry tour was about 3 hours. Again, while we were envious of the kayakers and hikers we saw along the way, I think the ferry was more our speed at that time.
We debarked in Gudvangen and enjoyed the viking boats for a few before boarding a bus that was about to take us on a death defying road journey through steep mountains full of cliffs and switchbacks. Marco did not mention nor prepare me for such a ride. Passed out teething baby on my lap, I tried to laugh it off as I shot him, "Are you kidding me with this?" glares.
A long day, but well worth it for the epic scenery. I try to do it justice with the photos below. Norway is an incredible part of the world.
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