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- Jun 7, 2024
- ☁️ 8 °C
- Altitude: 4 m
- NorwaySogn og Fjordane FylkeAurlandFretheimFlåm60°51’47” N 7°6’52” E
Day 12
June 7 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
This morning when we opened our curtains, we were greeted with the beautiful sight of the Norwegian fjords on our approach to Flåm. We continued to enjoy this view at breakfast as we sailed into port. We didn’t know what to expect with Flåm but we were surprised to see how small it is, compared to previous towns like Ålesund and Geiranger. As it turned out, that was a real blessing, as it really felt like we were among nature with fresher air and beautiful scenery.
Ted and I were among the first passengers to disembark as we were eager to see the town. Weather wise, this has been the coolest port so far (about 2 degrees) but truthfully we don’t feel cold at all, which we assume is because there is no wind or humidity. Flåm is a very beautiful place, which we enjoyed just walking about and appreciating the peace and quiet. Originally we thought it would be too low key but we ended up loving it.
Since our tour to Stegastein Lookout wasn’t until 10am, we considered hiring a mini electric vehicle like we’d seen in Geiranger but the price was way too exorbitant. While waiting for our tour, we met two guys from Brisbane whom we hadn’t met earlier so it was good to see some fellow Aussies. Our driver was so obnoxious! Not only did he talk down to the passengers, but he was aggressive on the road with other drivers.
Fortunately the viewpoint was worth it, and we were also given reasonably good weather. The drive up took us past the beautiful village of Aurlandsvangen before driving for 20 minutes up a very winding road. Not only were the oncoming drivers a hazard, but so were the many mountain goats that would wander onto the road.
Thankfully we had pretty decent weather at the viewpoint, which provided an amazing vista 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord. Once again, we took plenty of photos which we will have to cull later! After another hair-raising drive back to Flåm, we headed back to the cruise ship for lunch. One of the waitresses whom we’ve befriended recommended a Viking Bar in Flåm so we thought it seemed like a good excuse to go exploring again.
The place in question was the Ægir Bryggeri (brewery), which was fully decked out in Viking lore, including a carving of a Norse god’s face in a tree trunk (which may have represented Yggdrasil, the central sacred tree). It seemed like a great place to enjoy the atmosphere, so I ordered an ale, and were joined shortly after by Blaine and Suzanne.
After returning to the boat, we enjoyed our dinner with some of our American friends as we were treated to beautiful fjord scenery whilst departing. Ted was feeling under the weather again, so he went to bed early whilst I stayed for a few drinks in the Schooner Bar. Tomorrow we visit a new destination, Stavanger!Read more