12th March Oslo to Flam Norway

Neither of us thought we were tired but we slept well and 6.00am came about very quickly.  We showered and dressed and were downstairs by 7.00am for an enjoyable breakfast.

We checked out from the Comfort Hotel after 2 great days and a lovely meal at Olivia last night. 

Our weather to date has been perfect with clear blue skies, but it is forecast to change with a strong change arriving mid morning and there is a sharp wind. As we leave the hotel it is 1 degree Celsius.  But we are told to expect a whole set of wintry weather.

We arrive early for the 8.25am train from Oslo to Bergen but our station is Myrdal arriving at 12.58 and then we are to take the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam. 

This is a very comfortable intercity express train. We are in carriage 7 seats 11 and 12 and the first hour is relaxed and quite pleasant with the sun trying to shine through the clouds, but by 9.45 am we start to run into a very strong storm which only gets stronger with blizzard conditions and a heavy snow storm.

Suffice to say it is spectacularly beautiful, we get a range of amazing photos, but it threatens our afternoon on the world famous Flam Railway. It is getting heavier as we approach Myrdal where we are required to change trains.

We left the warm shell of our train to drag our cases 76 metres through snow and a snow storm and boarded the Flam Railway in atrocious conditions. 

The train travels slowly over the 45 miles and 28 hairpin bends.. We stopped on 2 occasions to alight the train for spectacular photo opportunities not sabotaged by the inclement weather.

It has been a wonderful Train trip from Oslo, but we are naturally disappointed that the snow storm has shielded us from the majestic beauty of the Flam Valley.

We reach Flam, the snow storm has diminished, we stop at the Information centre get directions to our hotel. We walk with our luggage through the sludge and snow, check n and we are delighted.  The hotel is just lovely, functional, comfortable etc. 

Jeanette unpacks our gear for tomorrow, we then go to Flam Bakery for a coffee, biscuit and muffin. We then go for a pleasant walk around the end of the Fyjord but the snow recommences. 

Dinner tonight is at the Pub restaurant next door. 

It has been a day of stunning scenery which has been enhanced by the snow storm and blizzards. 

The meal at the Flam pub brewery is very special. The building is a unique timber structure with the brewery out back of the bar area.  There is a sunken area with a roaring fire then upstairs is a stylish restaurant.  We enjoy a main course of burger followed by delicious desserts.

We then depart the pub brewery in a heavy snow shower, walk 75 metres through the sludge. 

We have enjoyed a very special day. Disappointed that the beauriful Flam  Valley was hidden in the snow storm, but exhilarated by the wonderful scenery.