Kayaking in Sognefjord

Flam and Sognefjord

From Oslo, we caught one the rail services westward to the small town of Myrdal.  From there, we hopped on a smaller line called Flamsbana.  Ever since researching for my first Europe trip, I had heard of this train ride as it is consistently listed as one of the most scenic in the world.

Justin on Flamsbana, the scenic rail line from Myrdal to Flam
Justin on Flamsbana, the scenic rail line from Myrdal to Flam

Our destination was the small town of Flam, which is at the base of an inlet to Sognefjord – the biggest fjord in Norway.

Overlooking Flam valley from the train
Overlooking Flam valley from the trainFlam valley
Katie walking through Flam to our rental house
Katie walking through Flam to our rental house
Matt enjoying the valley
Matt enjoying the valley

We didn’t have much time here – so we made the most of it with a guided kayaking tour of the fjord that started early in the morning.  It kind of reminded us of our last trip

Everyone on a kayak in Sognefjord
Everyone on a kayak in Sognefjord
Matt and Chris kayaking
Matt and Chris kayaking

The kayaking excursion included a short hike along one of the cliffsides to the base of a hidden waterfall.  Apparently the locals swim here, but we passed because it was too cold.

Matt, Chris, Katie, Justin, and Lyle on hike to waterfall
Matt, Chris, Katie, Justin, and Lyle on hike to waterfall

Immediately following the kayaking tour, we boarded an express ferry to Bergen.  Similar to Flamsbana, this route is famous for its scenic views of Sognefjord.

Katie on ferry to Bergen, passing through Sognefjord
Katie on ferry to Bergen, passing through Sognefjord

Since this fjord is the third largest in the world (and the longest non-ice covered) we got several hours of Norwegian landscape to admire.  Some of us couldn’t handle it though.

Lyle and Matt sleeping on the ferry to Bergen
Lyle and Matt sleeping on the ferry to Bergen