How to reach AURLAND (via public transport) ?
The journey that we took to reach Aurland is in 3 parts,
Part 1: OSLO - MYRDAL
Train journey. The tickets to Myrdal can be booked online via NSB.
Tips: This route forms a part of Norway in a Nutshell tours. However if you are planning the tour by yourself then, make sure to book the tickets in advance online via NSB. This is at least 60% or more cheaper than booking the tickets after arriving in Norway.
Where to sit in the train? Both the side views are very panoramic and mesmerising. However if you get a chance, I would recommend you to choose left over right (while facing in the direction of travel). The occurrence of fjords and views are slightly more on left than on the right.
Part 2: MYRDAL - FLAM
The scenic train is a must visit and highly rated attraction. This train journey is rated one of the top in Europe and among the best in the world. For more details visit this.
Part3: FLAM - AURLAND
There are public busses every 2hrs from Flam to Aurland, or a short 20min drive away. If you were to take a taxi, it would cost about 300NOK.
Where to stay?
Firstly, let me clarify the naming convention of the places. The region is called Aurland, and Flam is a small part of it. However Flam is more widely known place in the tourist world. So the sub-regions are called as Flam - Aurland, Undredal - Aurland and Aurland, Aurland.
The number of hotels is very limited, there are also a lot of AirBnB stay options.
We chose to stay in Aurland - Aurland at the Vangsgaarden
The beautiful houses on the right were our stay in Vaangsgarden.
Room Tip: Choose to stay in the room facing the fjords, there is a room called "The View" which is like a water house in the fjords, choose a room with a view and won't be disappointed.
The wooden cabins, the cosy heating in the room, picture perfect views, mesmerising clouds perfect for taking you into a whole new world!
What to do?
Waterfalls Kjosfossen - Flam Railway
The scenic flam train stops at this waterfall and almost the entire train gets empty and this small sections is filled with so many people. This is understandable, the waterfall and its force is majestic and during the season months, there is a music that's played and a magical mermaid appears.
She is the Huldra, an elusive forest spirit from Norse mythology.
Tip: make sure to have a jacket and water proof your electronics, you'd be amazed at how drenched you get in few seconds.
Stegastein viewpoint
To get a birds eye view and the perfect picture postcard shot, this place is not to be missed.
Visit Flam organises trips to the view point. There are bookings for this both online or can also be purchased from the tourist centre in Flam.
Pro tip: The organised tour via the visit flam is a group tour, that picks up from Flam and Aurland. However the waiting time at the view point is only 30 minutes and gets packed with tourists. However to enjoy the serenity and have the place to yourself, I'd recommend to find your way up early in the morning.
There are interesting electronic car rental touristy options, checkout this.
Fjord cruise
Discover the magical fjords up close by the waters, the details and online bookings can be done here.
There are two cruise options 1) Classic and 2) Premium.
Tip: If you are staying in Aurland, the Classic ferries also stop at Aurland for pick-ups.
 |
| PREMIUM FJORD CRUISE |
Here are just a few of the photos along the way
The cruise finishes its course in Gudvangen.
Gudvangen is a lovely town with wooden bridges and ethnic wooden Viking longships calling for an insta moment.
There is an option to make it a round trip and return to Flam from Gudvangen via the bus.
Pro tip: If you are taking the bus, make sure to leave plenty of time to find the bus stop.
MAPS
Google Maps link can be found here
VIDEO
Many of the spots discussed in this page, are part of the video:
Hope you find the information useful to plan your trip to Norway. If you have tips or comments, we would love to hear them, and let us know in the comments section below!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment