Today we will continue our travels through Norway into the Sognefjorden to Flam. With the pilot on board, Queen Victoria began the long trip into the longest and deepest of the Norwegian fjords. This fjord is 115 miles inland and is 3,700 feet deep. It is also very narrow and is seldom 2 1/2 miles wide. The mountains rise 2,000 feet at the entrance and climb to 6,000 feet at the head of the fjord.
We pass by many waterfalls that plunge into the glacial waters below. The reflective waters are stunning as the ship glides effortlessly and quietly along the fjord. This peaceful ride fills my soul with awe!
As the ship passes Vadheim on the northern shore we see sheer cliffs and farms dotting the landscape.
At the head of the fjord we reach the small village of Flam. This lovely community rests between two mountain peaks. With only 350 inhabitants, Flam is a favorite spot for tourists.
There are local shops and eating establishments in this small, but lovely village.
The Queen Victoria lines are held fast and we are ready to go ashore and explore. Again we chose a bus tour of the area and over to Osterbo. Join us as we travel about the area of Flam and Osterbo.
Grayden and I chose to wear our London Fogs as the sky looked a little threatening. We were lucky as it proved to not be needed on our tour that day.
Our darling Italian tour guide immediately makes us feel ready for our adventure through the mountain tunnels. This particular tunnel was very narrow and our bus driver came upon another bus as we entered the tunnel. He carefully backed out and then allowed the other bus to continue and we did as well!
Though taken from the bus window, the above photo shows the mirrored image in the lovely still water.
As we rode up the mountain our bus stopped to allow us to view the beauty around us without the confines of the bus. Our guide reminds us that our view is not afforded everyone. The day before she bought a group to this overlook and because of low lying clouds, there was no view for her tour that day. We are so thankful the fog cleared for us!
We stopped at Osterbo Fjellstove. Osterbo sits nestled in th Aurland mountain valley. Our guide wanted us to have a taste of Norway and mountain life. Here we were served Norwegian waffles with sour cream and raspberry jam.
They served these along with your choice of tea and we all sat around a long table family style. We also walked about the area inside and out to view the surroundings of this interesting area.
A lot of exposed wood and darling trolls and sheep adorned the shelving above our table.
There are bear that used to roam this area on display.
Walking outside and taking in the lovely views was a favorite of mine. Notice the grass roof tops. This style of roofing was popular as a way to keep the cold out and the warm inside.
Inside of this grass roof hut you could sit with the fire roaring inside. Beyond the hut is a popular place for camping.
The valley is quite remote and the sounds of silence were wonderful! Norway really gives your senses a workout, a wonderful one!
Our guide tells us it is time to get back on the bus as we continue our tour.
Passing waterfalls on our way, the peaceful landscape delights us.
Riding along the byways the still glacial water comes into view as we approach Flam and the end of our tour.
On the way back to the ship we notice the clever viking carving in the tree stump.
Back on board the Queen Victoria sailed away from Flam. As we reflected on our day, our hearts are full of joy and gratitude for the privilege of seeing the beauty that surrounds this area. I do hope you will continue with us on our journey as we continue our trip in beautiful Norway.
Though taken from the bus window, the above photo shows the mirrored image in the lovely still water.
As we rode up the mountain our bus stopped to allow us to view the beauty around us without the confines of the bus. Our guide reminds us that our view is not afforded everyone. The day before she bought a group to this overlook and because of low lying clouds, there was no view for her tour that day. We are so thankful the fog cleared for us!
We stopped at Osterbo Fjellstove. Osterbo sits nestled in th Aurland mountain valley. Our guide wanted us to have a taste of Norway and mountain life. Here we were served Norwegian waffles with sour cream and raspberry jam.
They served these along with your choice of tea and we all sat around a long table family style. We also walked about the area inside and out to view the surroundings of this interesting area.
A lot of exposed wood and darling trolls and sheep adorned the shelving above our table.
There are bear that used to roam this area on display.
Walking outside and taking in the lovely views was a favorite of mine. Notice the grass roof tops. This style of roofing was popular as a way to keep the cold out and the warm inside.
Inside of this grass roof hut you could sit with the fire roaring inside. Beyond the hut is a popular place for camping.
The valley is quite remote and the sounds of silence were wonderful! Norway really gives your senses a workout, a wonderful one!
Our guide tells us it is time to get back on the bus as we continue our tour.
Passing waterfalls on our way, the peaceful landscape delights us.
Riding along the byways the still glacial water comes into view as we approach Flam and the end of our tour.
On the way back to the ship we notice the clever viking carving in the tree stump.
Back on board the Queen Victoria sailed away from Flam. As we reflected on our day, our hearts are full of joy and gratitude for the privilege of seeing the beauty that surrounds this area. I do hope you will continue with us on our journey as we continue our trip in beautiful Norway.
A beautiful adventure you folks enjoyed. It is such a rugged beauty there. How different life would be if you lived in that corner of the world. Not sure what I think of the grass roofs.
ReplyDeleteVee, it's so interesting to see our world in all of its glory! Grass roofs are not unique to Norway as they are seen all over the world. I'm sure their uniqueness requires careful building and upkeep.
DeleteI think that its interesting about these roofs. I was reading something about them a while back, about how they used to build these roofs. Not many around today probably so it's good to see them here on your visit. You have traveled to so many interesting places. I don't like flying that much, so I know I would love to go by sea like you and your husband travel. Such a nice comfortable way to travel. Now to convince my husband.
ReplyDeletebetsy
Betsy, the living roof is so interesting. I loved seeing wildflowers grow on them. Traveling by ship is a love of our's, Betsy. It's so comfortable and so much more civilized than flying. We are hooked! At this stage of our life we have the time which is wonderful.
DeleteI loved seeing this wonderful area! What is interesting is I felt at home seeing that place as it really reminds me a lot of our Columbia River Gorge! I will definitely be here foe your next installment.
ReplyDelete((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I'm so glad you felt at home, Teresa. I'd love to visit your beautiful area one day! So glad you are traveling with us.
DeleteSeeing this majestic fiord on your visit, I wonder if they ever get rough water, or are they sufficiently sheltered? And, I wonder if it freezes over in winter? You certainly had a good day, and very often views are interrupted in Wales, too, by low lying clouds, so you were lucky. The turf roofs remind me much of Iceland, where the walls of houses are also built from sods of turf and not of brick.
ReplyDelete~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, we wondered the same thing about the fjords. We learned that the inner lakes of the fjords used to freeze hard in winters past. Our Norwegian guide mentioned that as a child the lakes always froze, but hardly ever do now. This was alarming to us as it is to them. Global warming is affecting our planet. I don't think the waters get rough in the fjords. It sounds like Iceland and Norway share a lot! We didn't see walls made of sod, though. xoxo ♥
DeleteWow that was quite an adventure! Your photos captured the beauty very well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz, but Norway is more lovely than my photos! ♥
DeleteOh my, these tours just keep getting better! Wow! The views are just spectacular. The mountains are so tall and the fiords are so deep (ouch!) Talk about reflective water! I love that picture! I also love those darling trolls and sheep!
ReplyDeleteNorway certainly is spectacular, Mary! The reflections on the still glacial waters was stunning. ♥
DeleteA Nordic Adventure! Such a breathtaking place, I feel that a Viking may appear at any moment. Love the Bear keeping you company... a bit unnerving though. I'm glad that you and Grayson are having the time of your life!
ReplyDeleteOf course the bear was stuffed, Jeri! Lol Grayden's grandfather name is Bear, so I couldn't resist the photo, though menacing with those terrible claws.
DeleteIt would be interesting to spend some time with the people who live in such a remote area. I wonder how many young people move away but eventually come back to the peace and beauty.
ReplyDeleteCathy we met many young people working in shops and in Osterbo that was quite remote. We were surprised that our tour guide that day was a young lady from Torino, Italy. She told us she works there every summer because she loves the peace and solitude of Norway.
DeleteThis country's landscape is so very dramatic. I can see why you would love it. And the cruise looks fantastic. They treat you well!
ReplyDeleteDramatic is right, Jeanie! A study is beautiful contrasts. We were spoiled beyond our dreams.
DeleteOh wow! I love your photos from your trip, they are beyond fantastic! That scenery is stunning and I thought the carving of the Viking in the tree stump was so clever. Thank you for sharing Martha Ellen, I love my armchair traveling with you :)))
ReplyDeleteDenise we almost missed the carving on the tree stump. As we were looking at the mountains and the surroundings, there it was. A little treat for us to view. I'm so glad you traveling with me.
DeleteThis area is one of the loveliest sceneries I've seen, Martha Ellen. The mountains and the water and the greenery, it's all so amazing. Oh my, Norwegian waffles with sour cream and raspberry jam sound Yummy - and it looks like a big serving! Look at all the Trolls - is there a story behind them when you visited this place? I've never seen grass roof tops, how interesting. How creative is that Viking carving in the tree. That last picture looks so peaceful, Martha Ellen. Such a wonderful trip you had. You look so happy in these pictures.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, Norway is really stunning! I have no words to describe the beauty we viewed. The plate of waffles was for the whole table, but they would bring more if we wanted more. The grass rooftops were quite lovely and I must look for the photo with the wildflowers growing on it--right out of a fairy tale. Thank you so much for joining us.
DeleteAgain, I find these views absolutely stunning!! I am learning a great deal as "we" travel. I did not know that the fjords were so narrow and so deep. Visiting the small villages must feel almost like a different world. Oh, and I am glad that the fog lifted for you!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I'm so glad you are traveling along with us. There is so much to learn in this big old world, isn't it? ♥
DeleteAnother lovely post, and reading through all the comments and your replies, I can quite understand why your (Italian) tour guide works there every summer. It does look a place of peace and solitude. I would like to visit Norway, but in all honesty I think the closest I will get is seeing its beauty in the wonderful narration and photographs you are sharing. It is one of the joys of blogging … friends share such wonderful adventures.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy September, the year is flying by so quickly.
All the best Jan
Jan, I am so happy you are enjoying our adventure to Norway. It truly is a spectacular country. I feel the same about you when you share wonderful recipes and ideas for healthy living. Blogging opens up so many new friends to us. Happy September to you as well, my friend.
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