flåm railway – the most beautiful train journey in the world

the tagline of the flamsbana says it all: the most beautiful train journey
in the world! my face was pressed up against the glass the entire ride,
and i wish i could take this journey a million more times in my life.
i’m pretty sure it’s how the train rides in heaven will be.
the panoramic views offer some of the greenest & most stunning
fjord landscapes in norway. the train hugs the mountain through the
journey, and the steep inclines and curves have you wondering
how on earth this railway was built right into the mountainside.^^ first picture i took out our train window! WHAT?!
this map of the train route gives a sense of how incredible it is ^^
every few turns a major waterfall comes into view, and the only
word i can describe them as is breathtaking. truly! i would gasp!
you also go through 20 different tunnels, and that is the best part
because the dark tunnels suddenly open up into unbelievable views.
just a casual stop on the train ^^ at this huge waterfall!
it’s misty and loud and pounding and amazing. the train
conductor talks about norway’s mythical creatures & trolls
that have been spotted in the hills in the past, and when you get
out here some music starts playing and you just might spot one! :)
in just a one-hour ride, the train goes from ocean level at the sognefjord
in flåm, to the mountaintop at myrdal mountain station where there’s snow!
blurry greenery zipping past all of the beauty! ^^
as the ride winds down, you start to descend into flåm:
this incredible town on the water & tucked against the fjords
makes you feel okay with the pretty train ride ending. i loved
it here the second we stepped off the train! it’s tiny but beautiful.
we walked off the train and straight into the rail museum
because we were wanting to learn more after that journey! ^^

then we sat for a while to take in the beauty all around.
the color of the water + mountains here is unlike anywhere else.
it was straight to toget cafe on the dock for a cozy meal after our trip.
i went straight for the fresh norwegian salmon + potatoes :
two things that they have mastered in this country.
chase went for the burger and fries, something he hasn’t had
for quite some time :) this cafe is great because it’s international
and offers something for everyone in this tiny town. everything
we had was so comforting and hit the spot on a chilly night!
i ended with my favorite steamed milk + a brownie.
am i a little kid with this combo? maybe, but it tasted SO good.
we hung out in this cozy cafe for a while enjoying the views.
we ran into this gorgeous pup after dinner, can you believe
those blue eyes?? i told you i make dog friends everywhere i go! :)
definitely schedule in some time to enjoy the grounds and lobby
of the famous fretheim hotel set right against the mountain here.
after soaking in flåm, we headed to the next town over to get
some rest before coming back for our fjord safari the next day!
can’t wait to share that! (get a sneak peek here)