This is Flam, Norway.
The morning comes quickly once again as the midnight sun lives up to its name. Here in the fjords of Norway, the sun dips below the horizon for a mere five hours during the end of June, so it’s never fully dark. Since staying up 20 hours straight for many consecutive days isn’t exactly advisable, I have no other choice but to choose strategic times to photograph as we slowly pass through the fjords aboard the Celebrity Apex. I wake up at sunrise, and I would shoot for most of the day as long as there was good light.
The mornings very first light allows the warmth to shine through the beautiful fjord seascape.
As the morning sun reveals the cloudy skies, it also casts a beautiful even glow in the fjords. Countless waterfalls cascade down as we make our way to Flam. This was the first time we were deep into the fjords of Norway, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The fjords present me with waterfall after waterfall along the fjord walls.
The clouds become heavier but the cool colors made for an other-wordly and beautiful landscape highlighting the fjords.
As I walk around the ship looking to see what scene captivates my attention the most, it was sure to change one minute to the next. I often wonder how many steps I put in curiously looking from one side of the ship to the other as the massive fjord walls around us would present different visual treasures along the way.
Time flies by and suddenly I notice the ship is slowed to a halt. The back where I stand slowly creeps forward as I notice the ship is beginning to turn around and back into the pier. I realize I am conveniently moving in prime position to catch the port town of Flam, Norway.
Flam is a town of 250 residents (and no, this is not a typo), and it is surprising to think that this cruise ship of 3,000 people would land to visit where so few people dwell. The ethereal atmosphere is incredible, and the thin wispy fog curls around the walls of the fjord, creating an other-worldly and best case scenario for photography. The misty fjords experience is exactly what I wanted.
The gangway opens and I am one of the first visitors off the ship. I can’t wait to make my way around the marina and harbor to explore this beautiful port town. I would learn I didn’t have to go too far to be completely consumed with the spirit of Flam. What an amazing place this was and it far exceeded my expectations.
Immediately, these famous four red cabins, called Fretheim Fjordhytter, demand attention on the shoreline. They soon became my obsession.
As I made my way around the shoreline, this boat in the marina presented a perfect foreground for the amazing fjord backdrop.
I was amazed by how lush the shoreline was with grasses and wildflowers.
The four red cottages present a fairy tale-like scene.
This amazing view was made for a wide panorama picture of Flam.
The shoreline was abundant with beautiful pink flowers.
After exploring the area for several hours, it was time for the famous Flam Railway train, the Flamsbana, a beautiful ride to Myrdal. As researched, I sit on the right-hand side of the train and witness the beautiful waterfalls and mountainside gems that lay beside the railroad tracks. I was able to capture some beautiful scenes as they whizzed by. I notice compelling scenes on the opposite side, so I decided to ask the lovely couple to switch with us on the way back and they gladly obliged. The scheduled two-hour train ride was delayed by about 30 minutes which left us a little nervous about getting back to the ship in time, but we made it in plenty of time.
The Flamsbana is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
One of the most captivating scenes of the train ride displayed the waterfall and flowing river.
I needed to grab a few more pictures of these amazing red cabins, cottages, villas, or whatever you want to call them. I just love the mesmerizing reflections.
As we boarded, the light sprinkles fell a little heavier in Flam, and it was about as perfect timing as it gets. There was not a minute wasted and not a minute to spare.
