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Stegastein Viewpoint [A Local’s Guide]
I grew up in Aurland and am often asked questions about the most popular tourist attraction/sight here; The Stegastein Viewpoint. I live so close to it that you can actually see my house from the viewpoint! So, it’s about time I write a post sharing all the information I have, so you have an in-depth guide to this popular attraction. The Stegastein Viewpoint (or Stegastein Lookout or Stegastein Viewing Platform as some call it) is a part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes – Aurlandsfjellet (one of the 18 most beautiful road stretches in Norway). These routes combine nature with architecture and design in the most spectacular way. The ‘Snow Road’…
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Ferry Flåm Gudvangen: Nærøyfjord Cruise [A Local’s Guide]
The fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, or simply the ferry from Flam to Gudvangen is one of the highlights of the area. Together with the Flåm Railway, the fjord cruise is an absolute must for anyone visiting Flåm, Gudvangen or any of the other villages here. The Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed on the list together with the Geirangerfjord further north. It is a road-less fjord, so the only way to see it all is from the water. Therefore, taking the ferry between Flåm and Gudvangen needs to be on your list if you are visiting Flåm for the fjords. And I hope you are, as it’s…
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The Flåm Railway: A Local’s Complete Guide
The Flåm Railway, known locally as Flåmsbana, is one of Norway’s most breathtaking train journeys, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the country’s dramatic natural landscapes. Winding its way through 20 kilometers of sheer mountain scenery, the railway descends 867 meters from the mountainous station at Myrdal to the quaint fjord village of Flåm. As a local who grew up in the area, this railway was more than a tourist attraction; it was a vital connection to the world beyond our picturesque village. I remember my time working in the ticket office, where I witnessed firsthand the Flåm Railway’s growing popularity among tourists from around the globe, all eager to…
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Flåm Railway vs Fjord Cruise: Do you Need to Take Both?
If you’re planning a trip to Flåm, you’ve probably already heard about two of its biggest highlights: the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise to Gudvangen. Both are often featured in the iconic Norway in a Nutshell route, and both promise jaw-dropping scenery. But do you really need to do both? Is it the same landscape? Could you just pick one and still feel like you’ve seen the best of what Flåm has to offer? My short answer? Yes – if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I highly recommend doing both. Even though they’re often grouped together in the same itinerary, these two journeys are completely different experiences. The Flåm…
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Myrdal to Flam, Norway [A Local’s How To Guide]
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you’ve probably seen Myrdal to Flam mentioned in itineraries and transport guides – but what does it actually mean? Many travelers come across Myrdal while researching how to visit Flåm and wonder why it keeps appearing as an important stop. The short answer is that Myrdal is just a train station. Not a town, not an attraction, just a remote railway junction in the mountains. Its only purpose is to connect the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the world-famous Flåm Railway, which takes passengers down to Flåm at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. So, if you’re wondering how to get from Myrdal to Flåm, this…
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Aurlandsfjord vs. Nærøyfjord: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Visit?
If you’re planning a trip to Flåm or the surrounding area, you’ve probably come across the names Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. These two breathtaking fjords are part of the same waterway, both offering stunning landscapes and unique experiences. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you decide how to explore them? As a local who grew up in Aurland, I want to clear up a common misconception: you don’t have to choose one over the other! When you take a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, you’ll experience both – starting with the wide, open beauty of the Aurlandsfjord before gliding into the dramatic, narrow passage of the Nærøyfjord.…
