This iteration of Norway in a Nutshell was a one day jaunt out of (and back to) Bergen. Things got underway early (around 8:40) at the Bergen train station. The trip went Bergen–>Voss–>Gudvangen–>Flåm–>Myrdal–>Bergen (through Voss). Arrival at home was 6pm.
Of course the day was perfect and the light was beautiful. Even the clouds of Bergen parted temporarily as we departed.
Norway in a nutshell vehicle 2 is a bus. pic.twitter.com/UPXDplAuzw
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 25, 2021
Norway in a nutshell vehicle 4 is an old train. The flåm train route is one of the best rides on the planet. (Paging @SteveBellovin) pic.twitter.com/Vf3jpQj39E
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 25, 2021
Here’s how the day went. After a delicious breakfast in Bergen at the Børs hosted by the delightful Dalia, we walked to the plastic-wrapped train station and found our place.
It was still early in Voss and the 15 minute connection wait for the bus was uneventful.
The bus to Gudvangen is roomy and nice. But no wifi this time (WTF?!). The trip took about an hour, leaving 45 minutes to have some cocoa and walk around in Gudvangen.
A crystal clear day with little wind left the Fjord a gigantic deep mirror.
Since we were touring on off season (and during a pandemic), snacks were harder to come by than on previous Norway in a Nutshell runs. Even the ferry (which usually has a nice snack bar with various food items) was limited to coffee and tea. Bring along some snacks.
The two hour ferry ride is nothing short of stunning.
These days, the ferry (which can comfortably hold 400) is a super modern, quiet boat with lots of room. It is also fast.
Just as we departed, some base jumpers blew in from on high. Check out this spectacular landing.
We called ahead to the Flåm for a pizza from the bakery. This is a good move! The pizza was delicious and it was great to walk in and have a hot pie waiting.
Then it was a 3 minute amble over to catch the Flåm–>Myrdal train (one of the steepest inclines in railroad) in an historical vehicle. Here we go.
The climb really is remarkable.
A short stop at the waterfall is always in order.
Romey also takes a video. (These bits are for Emily.)
And then on to Myrdal with some daylight remaining (remember, the sun sets around 3:30pm in late November).
After a few minutes at the top, the train to Bergen arrived. Then it was three hours back, arriving just in time for dinner with friends (including Vemen and Hovard this time).
Back home in Bergen.
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