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If there is one place that really captures the
essence of a Fjords cruise it is Flam. This tiny village lies at the end of Sogesfjords, a fjord that projects some 115 miles into the interior of Norway. The mountains that line the fjord rise from 2,000 feet near the sea to some 6,000 feet at the head of the fjord. Often they are sheer cliffs rising straight out of the water. At Flam, the fjord resembles a mountain lake. At some points, there are the sheer cliffs towering above. At other points, the land slopes more gently into the water, covered in grass or trees. A paved walking trail winds around one side of the fjord so that visitors can see the spectacular scenery from a number of angles. There is also a small park near the cruise ship pier, where one can sit and look at the water. The fjord, however, is not Flam's only attraction. The Flam railway takes visitors up into the mountains. It travels up a steep and winding path through tunnels and along the edge of cliffs looking over mountain valleys. It pauses at the Kjosfossen Waterfall, a 305 foot cascade for passengers to take photos and admire the view. It then proceeds to Vatnshalsen, a rural area that is a ski resort in the winter and which has spectacular view over the valleys below. In Flam itself, there is a museum devoted to the story of the railway. In addition, there are a few stops and cafés that cater to the tourists that arrive on the 120 to 180 cruise ships that call during a four month season. Despite this slight commercialization, the village is clean and attractive. |
Ventura is a tall cruise ship. However, she is dwarfed by the
mountains that surround Flam. 
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Above left: A traditional style Norwegian Church.
Above right: A café in Flam.
Below left: The Flam Railway Museum.
Below right: Passengers can ride around the village on a tractor train.
Above right: A café in Flam.
Below left: The Flam Railway Museum.
Below right: Passengers can ride around the village on a tractor train.
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The park next to the cruise ship pier has a gravel beach. Nearby, horses graze.
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Around one side of the fjord is a pathway that takes visitors past picturesque boat houses and cottages on the shore of the fjord.
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Flam's other major attraction is the Flam Railway.
One can purchase tickets at the Flam railroad station. However, sometimes all of the tickets for a particular train have been purchased in advance for the ships' shore excursions. The train climbs up into the mountains, past green valleys and waterfalls. The scenery is so perfect that one would think
that one was riding through a model train display. Cruise ship guests often leave the train at Vatnahalsen. Walking its trails, one is frequently confronted with awesome natural displays. |
Cruise destination profile - Norway - Norwegian Fjords - Flam