23 May 2022.
We awoke to a light rain; nothing serious just slightly annoying. Rumor online is there is rain in our future as we plan to head to the west coast of Norway. But head west we must.
This morning we slept in (again). Our train doesn't leave Flåm for Myrdal until 11:30 so we had plenty of time to finish packing, having coffee and a bite of breakfast before the next leg of our journey.
It was a quiet morning in Flåm.
We checked out of the hotel a little before 11:00 and walked to the visitor center/train station where we awaited the Flåmsbana to Myrdal. There were far fewer people on the trip back to Myrdal than came down with us on Saturday. That comes as no surprise since many travelers use Flåm as a transit point and, once off the train, often move on via bus or boat. There is really little here except the quiet of the fjord - something we've come to appreciate.
The train pulled in on time and left on time.
The journey back up was just as incredible as the journey down last Saturday. We certainly did not tire of the views. . .
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| note the hairpins turns, part of the old construction road, now a biking and hiking path |
Like the trip down, the train stopped at the Kjosfossen Falls allowing all who chose to do so to get out and take photos. The mist from the falls lightly sprayed everyone on the platform and this time we both thought the falls were unusually dramatic.
The typical 5 minute photo-op stopping time was a bit longer than usual so as to enjoy the woman-in- red performance.
The train eventually started off and before long we pulled into Myrdal station. Most of the passengers were connecting with the Bergen train already at the station. Susie and I went inside the warm cafe, found a table to settle and had our sandwiches with a cold beer. At one point we could've sworn we saw snowflakes.
The cafe and indeed the little station remained empty but for two or three others awaiting a connection somewhere. Soon the train from Oslo pulled in and, like our train last Saturday, a large number of people disembarked and flooded the cafe and station waiting area with their luggage in search of something to eat and drink. But before long they left aboard the next Flåmsbana down to Flåm. The cycle of tourism is alive and well in Norway.
Our train arrived on time. We found our car and our seats. The first thing we noticed was we were the only passengers in the car. This remained a constant until we reached Voss about an hour or so into the trip. The trip would take us about about 2 hours 15 minutes. I texted our host to let him know we were on board and on time.
The train from Myrdal took us through stunning scenery, first along frozen lakes dotted with small homes, then along raging rivers that seemed to roil forever downward. For the first hour or so we were treated to more breathtaking views of Norwegian nature.
Eventually civilization took over and at the various stops along the way humanity trickled on and off the train until we reached the lovely little station at Bergen. As our train came to a stop I checked email and since it was raining our host asked if we would like him to come and pick us up at the station! Of course we said yes. We had no sooner walked out of the station than he pulled up. A few minutes later we were at the apartment and settled in.
For more details on our apartment in bergen: https://abnb.me/jtjO5pi4dpb
After our host left we unpacked a few things, grabbed the umbrella and headed out to find the grocery store and wine shop (remember only state-owned stores can sell wine and spirits). Bergen is an incredibly manageable city on foot. Within just a few minutes we found the wine shop and on our way back in the direction of the apartment came across one of the two grocery stores recommended by our host.
That evening I fixed a simple meal of broccoli and potatoes (a staple it seems).
Tomorrow laundry and explore Bergen, in that order!
