Most of us spend nearly the whole day with some sort of technology- in front of a computer, an app on our cell phones, watching the TV to unwind- and that might be why our minds and bodies crave time outdoors so badly that we find ourselves edgy, depressed, agitated. Just in general out of sorts. When you feel nature calling, answer it.
The natural beauty of Norway is stunning, with stunning views everywhere you look. (This is a bonus for the less-then-professional photographers among us, who will find themselves unable to take a bad photo.) Some of the most amazing sights in Norway revolve around fjords (long, narrow arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs: usually formed by glacial erosion- dictionary.com definition for anyone not familiar with the term). What you might not know is how naturally beautiful Norway is. The pristine, unadorned loveliness around every turn is both stunning and even a bit startling. There are certainly not many places as pleasing to the eye as Norway.
Take the famous Flam Railway, which begins at the the mountainous Myrdal station on the Bergen railway, all the way down to the Flam station. This is easy to get to from major cities like Oslo or Bergen as the Flamsbana or Flam Railway corresponds with the trains along the Oslo-Bergen route. Along the way, you will be greeted with some of the most amazing scenery that you will ever have had the pleasure to gaze upon. Books will stay unopened in your backpack, and even your precious smart phones and tablets will be at rest- except perhaps to take a few photos of the memorable landscape. The train stops along the way, letting passengers on or off at several locations- but also it stops for your viewing pleasure. There are points that the train will allow you to get off just for photo ops- which is not only fantastic for shutterbugs, but should also give you an indication of just how glorious the scenery truly is.
One such “photo-op-stop” was in Kjosfossen. This waterfall (one of the most visited attractions in Norway) is larger then most others you will pass, and it has a deck or platform for viewing and photos to be taken. It also is used to help power the Flam line, how’s that for using your natural resources? In our excitement to take the best photo, we nearly missed an amazing, quite surprising spectacle- in the middle of the waterfalls appeared a woman, dressed in red, dancing as music played- then she jumped behind the rocks- seemingly into the waterfalls. We learned later that she is an actress from the Norwegian ballet school, portraying the legendary Huldra (part woman, part animal seductress who lures men to certain doom in Scandinavian folklore) for the summer season. After the “show”, climb back on board the train to your destination of choice. (Tip- save yourself the stress- let the “more pushy” passengers snap selfies first, then you can get a decent photo. No point pushing, the train does give ample time.)
Should you take the train all the way to Flam, you would disembark onto a storybook setting. Flam looks to be right out of a picture book or painting- quiet, idyllic, and unspoiled. Located on the most inner part of the Aurlandsfjord, you will find yourself surrounded by tall mountains and deep fjords. Outdoor enthusiasts and families will love this nature’s paradise, where you can not only get your fill of the outdoors, but steep yourself in local history, culture, and traditional foods as well.
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