Norway: Flam Railway

A train ride is usually not something to be missed. Especially when it travels through some of the world's most scenic wilderness. The track hugs the cliff wall as it follows a winding stream. Occasionally it crosses over the stream giving a full view of the valley below. Waterfalls abound. Such is the Flam Railway...

There are actually very few railways in Norway. Only about 3,000 miles of track in the whole country. That may seem like a lot, but don't forget that Norway is one of Europe's largest countries. If you could pivot the country around its bottom edge the tip would reach all the way to southern Italy. By comparison, Great Britain is only 2/3rds the size of Norway but has four times as much track...

It is hard to imagine how difficult it must have been to build this railroad. Its tracks climb steep slopes and burrow threw granite walls.

• Notice us all eagerly looking out the windows of the train. This was not a good place to be if you wanted to stay seated...
• The train stopped at the Kjosfossen waterfall and let everyone off. There was nothing else around. It was clear that one took this train for the scenery; not for the rapid transit times...