The Power of Water, the Fjords of Norway

Bestefenn and Griffy are excited to

be on the train.

Our Conductor

On Wednesday we packed a snack and headed to Bergen via Myrdal, Flam, Gudvangen, and Voss. We took two trains, a ferry, and a bus to our final destination.

On the way we witnessed the incredible force that melting ice caps can bring with them. The first to take advantage of this renewable energy source was the lumber industry. The Norwegian loggers used this energy to move large numbers of logs from the mountainous forests to the ports to be processed and sold. Then it was harnesses and channeled into dams to produce hydroelectricity which is still a major energy source in that country. In fact, Norway and Denmark trade renewable energy. You now know what Norway sends to Denmark. What do you think Denmark sends to Norway?

This is where waterfalls begin., At the
top of the mountain.

Ready to board the old time train
for Flam.  Notice all the snow!

The Flam Railway was quite different
but very quaint.

At Myrdal, we exited the NSB train and boarded the Flam Railcar that took us on an incredible journey to Flam.  From our train we saw beautiful waterfalls and rapidly moving mountain streams that reminded us of the mountains in Colorado.  The air is so fresh and clean.

On the Fjord cruise learning about the
power of water.

Another of the many waterfalls

Even in the rain the fjord is beautiful!

Our boat trip was on the most beautiful fjord. In fact it is on the UNESCO world heritage list, and we totally agree. Everywhere you looked you could see the waterfalls orginating from the tops of the mountains we had just crossed on our train ride. We saw where they waterfalls begin.  It was definitely the right time of the year to experience the majestic beauty of the fjord. The only thing that would have made this better would have been a clear day. Because it was raining and windy, it was also quite cold so we warmed up with some hot cocoa and coffee. You probably wonder if it really is that cold as you look at how we are bundled up.  Yes it was!!!!

Bergen is on the opposite side of Norway
than Oslo.

What a fun way to get around!

We got to the old fishing town of Bergen that evening, but no worries there was plenty of light to find our tiny bed & breakfast for the night. It was located in the oldest part of town where the streets are so tiny, and very short and winding. We felt like we were in a fairy tale story, or a nursery rhyme.

Boarding the train back to Oslo

Our visit to the fisherman's wharf reminded us of all the human energy it takes to put food on the table. Spending the day out on to open ocean, then hauling it in, cleaning it and then getting it to the market ( that would be an open market, not a grocery store)so it can be shipped to other places makes for a long and smelly day. Our return trip to Oslo was faster, but not quite as colorful. We saw that all walks of life used the train on a daily basis, and not just for vacations, like us. It was fun seeing dog, cats, and babies get on and off the train. Then we were back in Oslo and glad to visit with our friend Renate again and share all our funny stories.