| I stayed in Flåm for nearly a week and despite the small size of the town, there was no shortage of things to do. Granted, if you don't like hiking and physical activity, then this might not be the place to spend more than a day. |
Jun 2006 |
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Aurlands fjord from a small beach
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Flåm is located at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, which is a branch of the Sognefjord (there are many branches of this 200km fjord). As I found out during my time in Flåm, it is a popular day destination for cruise ships which, in my opinion, destroys the atmosphere in the town a bit because of all the people. However, one will not spend much time at all in the town with all these tourists because there is so much more to do outside the town, on the water, and in the mountains.
A bit of information on the Sognefjord: It is 204km long and up to 1308m deep in some places. A good site for more information on this as well as weather update is http://www.visitflam--.com/. We were lucky enough to have amazing weather the whole 4 days we were there with 25+ degree (celsius) weather the whole time! This was especially lucky since it is somewhat early in the season still (beginning of June).
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| Favourite spots: |
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View from Brekkefossen waterfall of Flåm and the fjord
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My favourite spot was at the Brekkefossen waterfall where you could sit and relax on the mountain side. From here you could admire the huge waterfall or admire the view of the Flåm valley towards the fjord and in the other direction towards Old Flåm. Since it is not the highest point on the mountain you cannot see Flåm town center (which is all there is..hehe) because there is a hill right after the town but it is still an AMAZING view. The hike, from the base of the mountain, took about 20min at a constant walking pace. It is not a hard hike but it is a little steep in some spots if you have a hard time with those conditions. Another notable walk, which I did not take but is worth mentioning, is to take the Flåm railway up to Myrdal and walk back to Flåm which is about 20km along a gravel road. There are many hikes around the area and you can pick up a brochure with maps and descriptions many places in Flåm.
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| What's really great: |
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On the last day I was there I took a FjordSafari tour since I really wanted to go on the water. The tour was in a good sized speed boat and went along the Aurlandsfjord stopping now and then to tell the story of an old farm, or town or to admire a waterfall. Then it continued around the corner to the Sognefjord where we see the small town of Undredal (population approx. 85) which has the smallest church in Scandinavia with 40 seats - so when there is a wedding, there has to be 2 ceremonies so everyone can attend! The last major stop is at the mouth of the Nærøyfjord. Since I took the shortest and cheapest tour (I couldn't afford anything longer!) it was only 1.5hrs long and we did not get out of the boat. The other two tours available from this company both take you on shore where you can taste local food specialties. I know you can also rent kayaks which you pay for by the hour and there might be more options to get out on the water during July and August.
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| Sights: |
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The view from Otternes and one of the farm houses
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1) The Flåm railway offers amazing view, and the train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall which allows everyone to get off and take some photos.
2) Otternes is a farm dating back to the 1600's. Today there are 27 buildings with either traditional handicraft techniques or cooking so one can experience what once was in this old farm.
3) Brekkefossen waterfall that I mentioned before is a must see, even if you do not plan to hike much it is easy to get to!
4) A fjord tour of some sort. There are a few different companies that offer different types of fjord cruises. There is the ferry which carries cars as well, then there are smaller passenger boats that go to Bergen, and then there are the FjordSafari tours that show the area closer to Flåm.
5) Old Flåm, there is not alot to see here but it is pretty and quaint. The Old Flåm church is located here which is interesting to see.
6) Just start walking in any direction and enjoy the nature!
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| Accommodations: |
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Our cabin in Flåm Camping
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I stayed at Flåm Camping which offers different types of accomodations including: a hostel, RV parking, tent space, small cabins and large cabins. There were four of us that shared a small cabin (which actually has 5 beds). The cabin had an eating area, hot plates and included everything needed to cook (pots, pans, utensils). You had to go to the main building to get water and go to the toilet and use showers (10nok/5min unless you can stand a cold shower). Our cabin was very well kept, clean and almost new looking actually. The toilets and showers are also kept extremely clean which I was very impressed with. The owners and employees are very kind and helpful and speak english very well. Flåm camping is located about a 5min walk from the town center and the water so it is in a very convenient location and still out of the way of the throng of tourists during the day.
There are also 2 other hotels Fretheim Hotel and the Heimley Pentionat (sp?).
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view of a part of Aurland from the fjord
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Aurland is a bigger town and is about 20km away. Since you are able to rent bikes in town it makes it easy to go to Aurland for a day trip or see more than you would if you were walking.
Check out all of my pictures from my trip to Flåm here: www.flickr.com/photos/lafalott, click on the 'Flåm, Norway' folder on the right side of the page if you scroll down a bit.
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Published on Saturday June 17th, 2006
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Thu, Sep 07 2006 - 06:11 PM
 by mrscanada
| You seem to have been to almost every place I haven't been. Great review. |
Sat, Jun 24 2006 - 11:55 PM
 by marianne
Katrina,
Excellent information and well-written. Your cabin looked very comfortable. I especially like the photo of the farmhouse. |
Fri, Jun 23 2006 - 04:07 PM
by karmapd
Very good report. I've been to Flåm quite a few times, and you are very accurat. The only error I really notices was the depth of the Sognefjord ;)
Very nice report. I enjoyed reading it. |
Fri, Jun 23 2006 - 09:34 AM
by mamielle
| Very good report, interresting and beautiful pics |
Wed, Jun 21 2006 - 06:46 PM
by downundergal
| Nice report and stunning pictures. Well done. |
Mon, Jun 19 2006 - 01:13 PM
by bear495
Mon, Jun 19 2006 - 02:45 AM
by ravinderkumarsi
Sun, Jun 18 2006 - 06:07 PM
by quikflikchiq
hi katrina - great report! will add this to my evergrowing list of places to see.
i think your photographs are lovely. |
Sun, Jun 18 2006 - 09:32 AM
by st.vincent
| Very good report Katrina, your words transport us to what looks like a wonderful place. The FjordSafari tours sound really great and the camping ground seems an ideal place to stay. |
Sun, Jun 18 2006 - 02:12 AM
by terje
| Hi Katrina! I am happy to give you 5* for this report. I have only been in Flåm 45 minutes myself, on a bus heading for Bergen. Your list of sights was good. You have captured the athomsphere of Fjord-Norway. Remember, this is chosen by National Geographic as the best tourist destination in the world! :-) |
Sat, Jun 17 2006 - 06:18 PM
by gloriajames
| Nice report! Some great pics too! |
Sat, Jun 17 2006 - 02:32 PM
by madness
| I could stay in Flam only two hours, your report remembered me that peacefull hours, thanks |
Sat, Jun 17 2006 - 10:06 AM
by davidx
What you have done is excellent but I have not put 5* because I wish you had put something in other sections, if only as an excuse for some more great photos!
I stayed at Heimly [Pensjonat] |
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