International Edition version 12 2019 PRODUCT MANUAL 2019 Welcome to Fjord Norway and the world s best fjord destination (The National Geographic Traveller Magazine)
CONTENTS VISIT FLÅM Presentation of Visit Flåm, our companies and products Page 3 & 4 News from Visit Flåm Page 5 FLÅMSBANA THE FLÅM RAILWAY Product information and facts Page 6 & 7 Rail fares 2019 Page 8 Timetables 2019 Page 9 FLÅM AS & THE FJORDS DA Fjord Sightseeing & Tours 2018 Page 10 & 11 New vessel Vision of The Fjords Page 12 & 13 Timetables, prices, facts and information Page 14 29 FRETHEIM HOTEL History, rooms, capacity, conferences, facilities and activities Heimly Pension, Togets Cafe & Fretheim Cultural Park Page Page 30 35 36 & 37 FLÅMSBANA MUSEET The Flåm Railway Museum & Visitor Center Page 38 AURLANDSSKOEN The Aurland Shoe Factory & Visitor Center Page 39 VISIT FLÅM Norway map Page 40 About Flåm and the Aurland region Page 41 46 Activities & attractions in Flåm and nearby region Page 47 50 Visit Flåm free photo service Page 51 Contacts and addresses Page 52 53 World map Page 54 2
COMPANY ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS 3
ABOUT US VISIT FLÅM This is our destination company for sales and marketing of the Flåm- and Aurland region on both national and international extent. Key elements in our marketing are the brand Visit Flåm and our Internet portal www.visitflam.com. The vision behind Flåm AS is to create the world s best fjord destination and its mission is to provide and sell excellent sustainable experiences. FLÅMSBANA - THE FLÅM RAILWAY As one of Norway s leading tourist attractions, the Flåm Railway runs daily all-year-round. From Flåm by the shore of the Aurlandsfjord up to Myrdal station on the Bergen Railway, 866 meters above sea level. The purpose and vision behind Flåm Utvikling AS is to maintain and develop the Flåm Railway as one of Norway s major tourist attractions and develop Flåm and its surroundings into one of the prime tourist destinations in Scandinavia. Flåm AS and NSB Norwegian State Railways, own the company 50% each. FLÅM AS The company Flåm AS offers regular sightseeing tours, activities, accommodation and package tours by boat and bus in the Flåm and Sognefjord area. In addition, Flåm AS offers a wide range of package tours combining boat, train and coach as well as charter. THE FJORDS DA The company The Fjords DA offers regular sightseeing tours and charter between Flåm Gudvangen, between Gudvangen Kaupanger (new from 2018), in other parts of the Sognefjord area, as well as between Geiranger Hellesylt and on the Lysefjord near Stavanger. Owners of The Fjords DA are Flåm AS and Fjord1 with 50% each. FRETHEIM HOTEL The Historical Fretheim Hotel is a beautiful building in the Swiss Style with 121 rooms in different room categories, among them 18 Historical rooms. The restaurant and lobby bar have magnificent fjord view and serves locally produced food. Explore the English inspired garden and the Lobby bar with outdoor serving. THE FLÅM RAILWAY MUSEUM The Flåm Railway Museum gives you an insight in the building of one of the world s steepest railway, the technical development and the people behind this unique engineering work. The museum is open all year and offers free entrance. AURLANDSKOEN ÉCONOMUSÉE The traditional Aurland Shoe are being produced in Aurland, at the only remaining shoe factory in Norway producing the traditional shoe. Meet artisans of shoemaking, follow the steps of the production process, and discover interesting elements of the historical craft at the factory visitor center. NOTE THAT ALL PRICES IN THIS PRODUCT MANUAL REFERS TO NORWEGIAN KRONER (NOK) DISCLAIMER WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE AND CORRECT ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PRODUCT MANUAL, DUE TO POSSIBLE CHANGES OF OUR OPERATING AND CONTRACT CONDITIONS DURING THE YEAR. 4
NEWS FROM VISIT FLÅM Launch of eco-friendly vessels on the UNESCO World Heritage site Nærøyfjord The Fjords has launched a new eco-friendly vessel in July 2016. It is the world s first hybrid carbon vessel. The design is spectacular and invites the passengers to enjoy a magnificent and silent fjord experience in the UNESCO World Heritage site Nærøyfjord. The vessel has been named Vision of The Fjords and will run all year. There will be several daily departures between Flåm and Gudvangen during the summer, each with a capacity of 400 guests. Our second and similar eco-friendly vessel, to be named Future of The Fjords and to be powered exclusively on rechargeable batteries, will be launched during late May 2018. The summer lasts longer on the Flåm Railway During the last years, the Flåm Railway has experienced a huge increase in number of guests during spring, fall and winter. This is a very positive trend, which also means that our high season capacity and frequency now last for 7 months, compared to previously 4 1/2 months. The summer service on the Flåm Railway for 2019 lasts from 1 April to 31 October, with 10 scheduled daily departures between Flåm Myrdal Flåm. The Flåm Railway Museum gets a new attraction The Flåm Railway Museum holds an exhibition about the building of the Flåm Railway and the people behind this masterpiece of engineering work. A new attraction is added to the museum collection; an authentic El-17 locomotive. These legendary locomotives were operational on the Flåm Railway from 1998 until the summer of 2014, and from then on replaced by NSBs standard El-18 locomotives. Fretheim Hotel welcomes guests throughout the wintertime Fretheim Hotel is open the whole year and delighted to offer its guests a pleasant stay in warm and hospitable surroundings also during winter. Experience the festive spirit of Christmas in November and December, where the hotel both inside and outside is nicely decorated, as well as admire the exotic and beautiful Norwegian winter by the fjord. City Break Booking System By connecting to Flåm AS in Citybreak you gain access to a variety of activities, such as the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises on the Nærøyfjord, Lysefjord and Geirangerfjord, bus sightseeing to Stegastein and lunch menus onboard the boats. Flåm AS is using the latest Citybreak booking client. You should therefore log in to agent.citybreak.com when booking Flåm products, not v2.citybreak.com - as you may be familiar with from other operators. 5
DISCLAIMER REGARDING THE FLÅM RAILWAY Flåmsbana / the Flåm Railway reserve the right to change and correct any information provided in this document due to possible changes in operating and contract conditions, meaning that we are unable to deliver services according to the descriptions. PRODUCT INFORMATION AND FACTS As one of Norway s few private railways, we can offer a train journey through the best Norway can display of beautiful, untouched and dramatic nature. Tickets for the Flåm Railway, solely or combined with NSB s (Norwegian State Railways) lines, may be purchased at all NSBs manned stations, on NSBs ticket machines, at www.nsb.no or www.visitflam.com, in our online Citybreak Agent Network, - or on the spot in our premises in Flåm Visitor Centre & Train Station. The Flåm Railway - idyllic and spectacular The journey from Flåm at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, up to the high mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, is a railway experience unparalleled in Europe; 20 kilometres long with a descent of 2,838 feet and a gradient of 1 meter in 18! The gradient is unique for this kind of ordinary gauge railway, and to cope with the enormous height difference, the track runs partly through tunnels, which spiral in and out of the mountainside. The journey through the steep and narrow Flåm Valley, with views of mighty waterfalls and mountain peaks, takes about 60 minutes. The train travels slowly and even stop at the most scenic spots. The trains from and to Flåm connect at Myrdal with most day-trains running between the capital city of Oslo and Bergen on the west coast. Combined and coordinated travels The Flåm Railway and NSBs Oslo Bergen Railway are cooperating on the same ticket system, which gives an opportunity to have a common and a general one-way train ticket for individuals (FITs) covering both lines. All rack rate one-way tickets for the Flåm Railway can be booked, ticketed and purchased from NSB. Booking from agents for both individuals and groups on net rates must however be made separately: The Flåm Railway section to be booked through our Citybreak Agent Network or occasionally by e-mail to flaamsbana@visitflam.com. Booking and tickets for the Oslo- Bergen Railway section are been handled by NSB Incoming (e-mail to nsb.bergen@nsb.no). Rail fares and payment Our prices for 2019 are listed on page no. 8. Note that the fares from Flåm to Vatnahalsen and Reinunga stations are the same as from Flåm to Myrdal. 6
We accept payment by credit card or by invoice from well-known clients. Note that the invoices are been issued by our booking and invoicing partner Flåm AS, and preferably to be sent by e-mail. Agreements regarding due dates are made individually from business partner to business partner. For delayed payments, an interest is charged. Net fares are based on pre-booking and payment by credit card or invoice only, no booking in advance or payment by cash on the spot means a full regular rack rate price calculation. Seat reservations Our train sets have a total capacity of 525 seats divided into 6 carriages. We recommend making reservations well in advance, as some departures may be frequently fully booked on days with high demand. We recommend making these bookings as Group Bookings for organized groups of 10 people or more. Customers with group bookings will gain assigned seating, shown by reserved-sign stickers with the group s name on the train windows. Alternatively, you may make the reservation for a private person. Then the customer will not get assigned seating, but the possibility to choose any free seat in the free-seating carriages dedicated for individual passengers. When making a reservation it is important to fill in / inform the correct nationality of the guests. Such guest nationality information enables us to provide guiding in the correct language onboard the train for groups, both on LCD screens and by audio. For all bookings, it is important to inform us of any major changes in the number of travelers or possible cancellations as early as possible. For Flåm Railway bookings and reservations, we recommend requesting an agent login to Flåm AS booking site in our Citybreak Agent Network: agent.citybreak.com. If the agreed payment method is by invoice or by credit card in advance, you may download your travel document directly from the booking system. Welcome to Flåmsbana / the Flåm Railway an all year experience Tel: (+47) 57 63 21 00 E-mail: flaamsbana@visitflam.com www.visitflam.com & www.flaamsbana.no 7
RAIL FARES 2019 Flåm Myrdal or Myrdal Flåm (One way) Flåm Myrdal Flåm (Return) 01 January-30 April and 01 October-31 December One way Return Ordinary adult ticket 360 490 Ordinary child ticket (4-15 years) 180 244 01 May-30 September One way Return Ordinary adult ticket 410 590 Ordinary child ticket (4-15 years) 205 294 All prices apply to Norwegian Kroner (NOK) and includes 12 % VAT We reserve the right to adjust the prices due to new VAT rates or other public taxes Unless otherwise is booked or agreed, we will issue tickets for adult passengers. For largescale group series we are open for negotiations on fares and conditions. Both when you book and buy tickets for a group, we need to know the total number of persons including tour leader and / or guide. Please as well inform the country your customers are origin from, as this information will be used on board the train for guiding purposes. Local travels on the Flåm Railway Flåm-Myrdal-Flåm Reservation and tickets for groups and individuals (FITs) for the Flåm Myrdal Flåm go-andreturn alternative are been offered solely by our office in Flåm; available on the spot, online at www.visitflam.com, in Citybreak Agent Network or by e-mail to flaamsbana@visitflam.com. The Flåm Railway offer a return-discount for adult full fare and groups on the sections Flåm- Myrdal-Flåm provided that the return occurs with the next subsequent departure. Please note that fares and discounts on the Flåm Railway by this may differ from the regular NSB fares and conditions. Combined travels and tickets for the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana AS) and the Bergen Railway (NSB AS) Reservation and tickets for groups and individuals (FITs) for the Flåm Myrdal or Myrdal Flåm portion (in combination and in connexion at Myrdal station with the Oslo Bergen Railway) are been handled by our office in Flåm, - available for booking online in our Citybreak Agent Network or by e-mail to flaamsbana@visitflam.com. Valid for individuals (FITs) only, note that NSB as well will be able to book and issue combined and coordinated tickets for both lines together, such as tickets Flåm Myrdal Voss / Bergen / Geilo / Oslo or vice-versa. For the Flåm Railway this is valid when it comes to regular rates and public prices, note that no agent rates for the Flåm Railway are provided through NSB. Reservation and tickets for the NSB Oslo Bergen Railway section of combined and coordinated groups travelling together on both lines must be booked through and been handled by NSB Kundesenter (NSB customer service) or NSB Incoming. NSB Contact information Tickets, timetables and booking for NSB - Oslo Bergen Railway NSB Incoming Bergen Tel: (+47) 23 62 11 11 - E-mail: nsb.bergen@nsb.no NSB Kundesenter / Customer Service Tel: (+47) 815 00 888 www.nsb.no 8
TIMETABLES 2019 09 December 2018 31 March 2019 Daily departures Train no. 1870 1872 1874 1876 Dep Flåm 08:50 11:45 14:40 16:50 Arr Myrdal 09:40 12:35 15:30 17:40 Train no. 1871 1873 1875 1877 Dep Myrdal 10:05 13:05 15:45 18:00 Arr Flåm 10:55 13:55 16:30 18:45 01 April 2019 28 April 2019 Daily departures Train no. 1852 1854 1856 1858 1874 1876 Dep Flåm 08:35 09:45 11:05 12:20 14:40 16:50 Arr Myrdal 09:28 10:42 12:01 13:15 15:30 17:40 Train no. 1853 1855 1857 1859 1875 1877 Dep Myrdal 09:40 10:58 12:13 13:27 15:45 18:00 Arr Flåm 10:35 11:55 13:10 14:25 16:30 18:45 29 April 2019 30 September 2019 Daily departures Train no. 1850 1852 1854 1856 1858 1860 1862 1864 1866 1868 Dep Flåm 07:30 08:35 09:45 11:05 12:20 13:35 14:50 16:05 17:25 18:40 Arr Myrdal 08:12 09:28 10:42 12:01 13:15 14:30 15:45 17:02 18:17 19:36 Train no. 1851 1853 1855 1857 1859 1861 1863 1865 1867 1869 Dep Myrdal 08:26 09:40 10:58 12:13 13:27 14:42 15:59 17:15 18:35 20:05 Arr Flåm 09:20 10:35 11:55 13:10 14:25 15:40 16:55 18:10 19:30 20:55 01 October 2019 31 October 2019 Daily departures Train no. 1852 1854 1856 1858 1874 1876 Dep Flåm 08:35 09:45 11:05 12:20 14:40 16:50 Arr Myrdal 09:28 10:42 12:01 13:15 15:30 17:40 Train no. 1853 1855 1857 1859 1875 1877 Dep Myrdal 09:40 10:58 12:13 13:27 15:45 18:00 Arr Flåm 10:35 11:55 13:10 14:25 16:30 18:45 01 November 2019 14 December 2019 Daily departures Train no. 1870 1872 1874 1876 Dep Flåm 08:50 11:45 14:40 16:50 Arr Myrdal 09:40 12:35 15:30 17:40 Train no. 1871 1873 1875 1877 Dep Myrdal 10:05 13:05 15:45 18:00 Arr Flåm 10:55 13:55 16:30 18:45 9
FLÅM AS FJORD SIGHTSEEING & TOURS Flåm has a lot to offer in culture, history, tradition and spectacular nature experiences. Please contact us for further information or booking. Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord Fjord cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen. Experience the spectacular Nærøyfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord. The Nærøyfjord is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be among the most scenic fjord area in the world. Its outstanding natural beauty is derived from its narrow and steep-sides crystal line rock walls that rises up to 1400 m straight from the fjord. One-way tours or roundtrips including shuttle bus one-way. Tour facts: Season: All year Duration: 2 4 hours Departure from: Flåm and Gudvangen Departure time: Several, see timetables. Price: From NOK 335 /adult one way 10
Stegastein Viewpoint A popular sightseeing tour with bus from Flåm, via Aurland, to the spectacular viewpoint Stegastein, 650 meters above sea level, over-looking the Aurlandsfjord. From here you get panorama view of the fjord landscapes. The roundtrip has several daily departures. Audio guide system included Tour facts: Season: All year Duration: 1,5 hours Departure from: Flåm Departure time: Several daily departures Price: NOK 295 /adult Fjord Cruise Fjærlandsfjord Enjoy a fjord cruise between Balestrand and Fjærland, passing waterfalls and steep mountains. Daily departures during the summer. You can add a half/full day trip in Fjærland Tour facts: Season: 01 june to 15 september Duration: 1-2 hours, half/ full day trip Departure from: Balestrand and Fjærland Price: from NOK 315 /adult The Viking Village Njardarheimr Explore the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen! You will experience the authentic life the Vikings used to live when they were not busy at sea. Tour facts: Season: All year Duration: 1-2 hours, All days Departure from: Flåm Departure time: Several daily departures Price: from NOK 195 /adult Winter program 2018/2019 TBA 11
VISION & FUTURE OF THE FJORDS Premium vessels on Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord The two vessels Vision and Future of the Fjords defines a brand-new standard in design and technology. They are designed to maximize the tourist experience in any weather, with large windows and walk ways inspired by the winding trails of steep mountain terrain. Passengers are encouraged to go out on the top deck and enjoy a very different experience compared to traditional passenger vessel. Inside you will find Nordic inspired interior design with high level of comfort. These are environmentally friendly vessels, where Vision is a hybrid and Future is fully electric. Both vessels travel in the most vulnerable and spectacular area of the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord, only on battery power and keeps to less than 10 knots. 12
VISION OF THE FJORDS 13
Period 01.01-30.04 01.05-30.09 01.10-31.12 Departure code Winter Winter Classic Premium low Premium Classic Premium Premium Premium low Winter Winter Dep. Flåm 09:30 15:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 13:30 14:00 16:00 19:00 09:30 15:00 Arr. Aurland 09:50 15:20 08:30 09:20 - - - - 19:20 09:50 15:20 Dep. Aurland 09:50 15:20 08:30 09:20 - - - - 19:20 09:50 15:20 Arr. Undredal 10:05 15:35 08:55 09:45 - - - - 19:45 10:05 15:35 Dep. Undredal 10:05 15:35 08:55 09:45 - - - - 19:45 10:05 15:35 Arr. Dyrdal 10:50 16:20 09:35 10:30 - - - - 20:30 10:50 16:20 Dep. Dyrdal 10:50 16:20 09:35 10:30 - - - - 20:30 10:50 16:20 Arr. Styvi 11:00 16:30 09:45 10:40 - - - - 20:40 11:00 16:30 Dep. Styvi 11:00 16:30 09:45 10:40 - - - - 20:40 11:00 16:30 Arr. Gudvangen 11:30 17:00 10:15 11:00 13:00 15:30 16:00 18:00 21:00 11:30 17:00 Period 01.01-30.04 01.05-30.09 01.10-31.12 Departure code Winter Winter Premium low Classic Premium Premium Classic Premium Premium low Winter Winter Dep. Gudvangen 12:00 17:30 08:30 10:30 11:30 13:30 15:45 16:30 18:30 12:00 17:30 Arr. Styvi 12:30 18:00-11:00 - - 16:15-19:00 12:30 18:00 Dep. Styvi 12:30 18:00-11:00 - - 16:15-19:00 12:30 18:00 Arr. Dyrdal 12:40 18:10-11:10 - - 16:25-19:10 12:40 18:10 Dep. Dyrdal 12:40 18:10-11:10 - - 16:25-19:10 12:40 18:10 Arr. Undredal 13:25 18:55-11:50 - - 17:05-19:55 13:25 18:55 Dep. Undredal 13:25 18:55-11:50 - - 17:05-19:55 13:25 18:55 Arr. Aurland 13:40 19:10-12:15 - - 17:30-20:10 13:40 19:10 Dep. Aurland 13:40 19:10-12:15 - - 17:30-20:10 13:40 19:10 Arr. Flåm 14:00 19:30 10:30 12:45 13:30 15:30 18:00 18:30 20:30 14:00 19:30 Rates Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord - boat only Valid period Departure code Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.05-30.09 Premium adult 495 Premium low adult 405 Classic (agents only) adult 405 01.10-30.04 Winter adult 465 Rates Nærøyfjord Roundtrip - boat & bus Valid period Departure code Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.05-30.09 Premium adult 595 Premium low adult 505 Classic (agents only) adult 505 01.10-30.04 Winter adult 565 General info: FJORD CRUISE NÆRØYFJORD 2019 Preliminary Flåm - Gudvangen Children 4-15 years old: Children less than 4 years: Return ticket Kayak / bicycle: 50% discount based on adult rate 100% free of charge 50% discount on the return. Must be used within the same day. 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle 14
SHUTTLE BUS GUDVANGEN- FLÅM 2019 Shuttle bus 01.01-30.04 01.05-31.05 Dep. Flåm 11:00 17:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 Arr. Gudvangen 11:20 17:20 08:20 10:20 11:20 12:20 13:20 15:20 16:20 17:20 18:20 Dep. Gudvangen 11:35 17:30 08:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 Arr. Flåm 11:55 17:50 08:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 15:50 16:50 17:50 18:50 Shuttle bus 01.06-31.08 Dep. Flåm 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 Arr. Gudvangen 08:20 10:20 11:20 12:20 13:20 14:20 15:20 16:20 17:20 18:20 Dep. Gudvangen 08:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 Arr. Flåm 08:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 14:50 15:50 16:50 17:50 18:50 Shuttle bus 01.09-30.09 01.10-31.12 Dep. Flåm 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 11:00 17:00 Arr. Gudvangen 08:20 10:20 11:20 12:20 13:20 15:20 16:20 17:20 18:20 11:20 17:20 Dep. Gudvangen 08:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 11:35 17:30 Arr. Flåm 08:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 15:50 16:50 17:50 18:50 11:55 17:50 Shuttle bus 01.06-31.08 DID YOU KNOW? Dep. Flåm 09:00 12:00 17:00 YOU CAN COMBINE OUR SHUTTLE BUSSES Arr. Aurland 09:10 12:10 17:10 WITH OUR BOAT AND TRAIN DEPARTURES & MAKE YOUR OWN FLEXIBLE ROUNDTRIP! Dep. Aurland 07:15 09:15 12:15 Arr. Flåm 07:25 09:25 12:25 Rates shuttle busses 2019 Valid period Departures Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.01-31.12 All, Aurland-Flåm, v.v. Adult NOK 65 Flåm-Gudvangen, v.v. Adult NOK 100 General info for all boat and bus products: Children 4-15 years old: 50% discount based on adult rate Children less than 4 years: 100% free of charge DISCLAIMER REGARDING THE FJORDS AND FLÅM AS PRODUCTS The Fjords & Flåm AS reserve the right to change and correct any information provided in this document due to possible changes in operating and contract conditions, meaning that we are unable to deliver services according to the descriptions. 15
FJÆRLANDSFJORD BOAT 2019 Balestrand - Hella - Fjærland 01.06-31.08 01.06-15.09 Dep. Balestrand 08:00 12:00 Dep. Hella 08:10 12:10 Arr. Fjærland 09:40 13:40 01.06-31.08 01.06-15.09 Dep. Fjærland 09:45 15:20 Arr. Hella 11:15 17:10 Arr. Balestrand 11:25 16:50 Correspondence with express boat from Bergen arr. Balestrand 11:55. Passengers to Hella after correspondence with express boat in Balestrand. Correspondence with express boat to Bergen dep. Balestrand 16:55. Rates Fjærlandsfjord Sightseeing Cruise 2019 Valid period Departures Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.06-15.09 All, Adult 315 Balestrand-Hella-Fjærland, v.v. Return adult 540 Full day tour 845 Half day tour 805 General info for all boat and bus products: Children 4-15 years old: Children less than 4 yea Kayak / bicycle: 50% discount based on adult rate 100% free of charge 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland 16
18.06-17.08 Dep. Flåm 06:00 Dep. Aurland 06:15 PLEASE NOTE! Dep. Undredal 06:25 Not operated on Saturdays & Sundays Dep. Leikanger 07:30 Arr. Balestrand 08:00 Dep. Balestrand 08:30 Dep. Leikanger 09:00 Dep. Undredal 09:55 Dep. Aurland 10:15 Arr. Flåm 10:30 Valid period Departures Category Ord.rate (Nok) 18.06-17.08 Weekdays. Not on Saturdays & Sundays. Adult *) 290 Flåm-Balestrand, v.v. Return *) 580 *)Guideline rates. Rates will not be confirmed until january 2019 Children 4-15 years old Children less than 4 ye Kayak / bicycle: FLÅM EXPRESS 2019 Flåm-Balestrand Rates Flåm Express Boat 2019 General info for all boat and bus products: 50% discount based on adult rate 100% free of charge 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle Express boat service between Flåm and Balestrand. A great opportunity to access both sides of the mighty Sognefjord. Season: Summer Departure: from Flåm, Aurland, Undredal, Leikanger, Balestrand Duration: 1-2 hours Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 17
BUS STEGASTEIN 2019 Stegastein bus 01.01-31.03 01.04-30.04 01.05-31.05 Dep. Flåm 12:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 Dep. Aurland 12:15 10:15 12:15 14:15 10:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 Arr. Stegastein 12:30 10:30 12:30 14:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 Dep. Stegastein 13:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 Arr. Aurland 13:15 11:15 13:15 15:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 Arr. Flåm 13:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 Stegastein bus 01.06-31.08 Dep. Flåm 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 Dep. Aurland 09:15 10:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 Arr. Stegastein 09:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 Dep. Stegastein 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 Arr. Aurland 10:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 Arr. Flåm 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 Stegastein bus 01.09-30.09 01.10-31.10 Dep. Flåm 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 Dep. Aurland 10:15 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 10:15 12:15 14:15 Arr. Stegastein 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 10:30 12:30 14:30 Dep. Stegastein 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 Arr. Aurland 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 11:15 13:15 15:15 Arr. Flåm 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 Rates Stegastein Viewpoint 2019 01.11-31.12 12:00 12:15 12:30 13:00 13:15 13:30 Valid period Departures Category Ord.rate 01.01-31.12 All, Adult NOK 335 Flåm-Aurland-Stegastein, roundtrip General info for all bus products: Children 4-15 years old: Children less than 4 years: Kayak/bicycle: Car package: 50% discount based on adult rate 100% free of charge N/A N/A 18
FJORD CRUISE SOGNEFJORD Frønningen Sognefjord in spring 19
Dep. Kaupanger 09:00 15:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 Arr. Gudvangen 11:30 17:30 11:30 14:30 17:30 20:30 Dep. Gudvangen 12:00 18:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 Arr. Kaupanger 14:30 20:30 11:30 14:30 17:30 20:30 Dep. Kaupanger 09:00 10:30 12:00 15:00 18:00 Arr. Gudvangen 11:30 13:00 14:30 17:30 20:30 Dep. Gudvangen 09:00 12:00 13:30 15:00 18:00 Arr. Kaupanger 11:30 14:30 16:00 17:30 20:30 Dep. Kaupanger 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 09:00 15:00 Arr. Gudvangen 11:30 14:30 17:30 20:30 11:30 17:30 16.08-31.08 01.09-30.09 Dep. Gudvangen 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 12:00 18:00 Arr. Kaupanger 11:30 14:30 17:30 20:30 14:30 20:30 Rates Kaupanger-Gudvangen ferry 2019 Valid period Departures Category (Nok) 01.05-30.09 All departures except 18:00 dep. Adults 375 Only 18:00 dep. Adults 315 Return 575 Motorcycle 580 Vehicles up to 6 m 790 Vehicles 6-10 m 1,275 Vehicles 10-14 m 2,095 Vehicles 14-17 m 2,900 Car package *) 1,340 General info: FJORD CRUISE SOGNEFJORD 2019 Kaupanger - Gudvangen 01.05-31.05 01.06-14.07 01.05-31.05 01.06-14.07 15.07-15.08 15.07-15.08 16.08-31.08 01.09-30.09 Children 4-15 years old: 50% discount based on adult rate Children less than 4 years: 100% free of charge Return tickets must be used within the same day. Kayak / bicycle: 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle Car package: 5 persons, incl. car up to 6 meters & driver 20
FJORD CRUISE HJØRUNDFJORD 2019 Ålesund - Øye 01.06-31.08 Dep. Ålesund 09:15 12:45 16:30 Arr./Dep. Trandal * 10:30 14:15 17:45 Arr./Dep. Urke * 10:40 14:25 17:55 Arr. Øye 10:45 14:30 18:00 01.06-31.08 Dep. Øye Arr./Dep. Urke * 11:00 14:30 18:15 11:05 14:35 18:20 Arr./Dep. Trandal * 11:15 14:45 18:30 Arr. Ålesund 12:30 16:00 19:30 *) Arr./Dep. times are approximate. Rates Hjørundfjord 2019 Valid period Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.06-31.08 Ålesund - Øye v.vs Adult 410 Return 585 General info for all boat and bus products: Children 4-15 years old: 50% discount based on adult rate Children less than 4 years: 100% free of charge Discover the majestic Sunnmøre Alps from the magnificent and 35 km long Hjørundfjord in Møre & Romsdal between Ålesund and Øye. Fjord Cruise Hjørundfjord is an excellent hub when exploring the region; whether you are traveling to or from Geiranger, city hiking in the beautiful Jugendstyle city of Ålesund or check in for a few days at the historic and legendary Øye Hotel Union. 21
FJORD CRUISE GEIRANGERFJORD The Geirangerfjord is one of the most famous fjords in the world, and it is on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Explore the mighty waterfalls, "the Seven Sisters", "the Bridal Veil" and "the Suitor", which thrown from dizzying heights, to shatter the surface of the dark fjord. Homesteads are a continued presence on the steep sides of the mountains, where farms have been in use for centuries. Fjord cruise from Geiranger to Hellesylt The fjord offers archetypal scenery, encircled by high mountains, where abandoned farms cling to the hillsides. The trip between Geiranger and Hellesylt takes in the Knivsflå waterfalls, known as the Seven Sisters and Friaren (the Suitor). You will also sail close to the Brudesløret (Bridal Veil) falls. 22
FJORD CRUISE GEIRANGERFJORD 2019 Geiranger-Hellesylt 01.04-30.04 01.05-19.05 Dep. Geiranger 09:30 13:00 16:00 08:00 11:00 14:00 17:00 Arr. Hellesylt 10:35 14:05 17:05 09:05 12:05 15:05 18:05 01.04-30.04 01.05-19.05 Dep. Hellesylt 11:30 14:30 17:30 09:30 12:30 15:30 18:30 Arr. Geiranger 12:35 15:35 18:35 10:35 13:35 16:35 19:35 20.05-10.09 Dep. Geiranger 08:00 09:30 11:00 12:30 14:00 15:30 17:00 18:30 Arr. Hellesylt 09:05 10:35 12:05 13:35 15:05 16:35 18:05 19:35 20.05-10.09 Dep. Hellesylt 08:00 09:30 11:00 12:30 14:00 15:30 17:00 18:30 Arr. Geiranger 09:05 10:35 12:05 13:35 15:05 16:35 18:05 19:35 11.09-30.09 01.10-31.10 Dep. Geiranger 08:00 11:00 14:00 17:00 09:30 13:00 16:00 Arr. Hellesylt 09:05 12:05 15:05 18:05 10:35 14:05 17:05 11.09-30.09 01.10-31.10 Dep. Hellesylt 09:30 12:30 15:30 18:30 11:30 14:30 17:30 Arr. Geiranger 10:35 13:35 16:35 19:35 12:35 15:35 18:35 Rates Geirangerfjord ferry 2019 Valid period Departures Category 01.04-31.10 All, Adult All year Return Motorcycle Vehicles up to 6 m Vehicles 6-10 m Vehicles 10-14 m Vehicles 14-17 m Vehicles 17-19 m Car package *) General info for all boat and bus products: Children 4-15 years old: 50% discount based on adult rate Children less than 4 years: 100% free of charge Return ticket must be used within the same day. Kayak / bicycle: 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle Car package: 5 persons, incl. car up to 6 meters Ord.rate (Nok) 295 445 475 610 1175 1650 1800 2900 1175 23
FJORD CRUISE LYSEFJORD One of the most famous fjords in the Stavanger region is Lysefjorden. The fjord is 42 km long with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1000 m into the water. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Norwegian nature. With nature and tourist attractions like The Pulpit Rock and Kjærag among others, a journey on the Lysefjord will give you a long lasting experience of Norwegian nature and highlights. Dep. Lauvvik Dep. Forsand Dep. Songesand Dep. Flørli Arr. Lysebotn Dep. Lysebotn Dep. Flørli Dep. Songesand Dep. Forsand Arr. Lauvvik FJORD CRUISE LYSEFJORD 2019 Lauvvik-Forsand-Lysebotn 01.06-15.09 09:30 15:00 09:00 15:10 10:10 16:20 10:45 16:45 11:30 17:30 01.06-15.09 12:00 18:00 12:45 18:45 13:10 19:10 14:20 20:20 14:30 20:30 General info for all boat and bus products: Photo: Terje Rakk/Nordic Life/regionstavanger.com Children 4-15 years old: 50% discount based on adult rate Children less than 4 years: 100% free of charge Kayak / bicycle: 100.00 per item, transported separately from vehicle Car package: 5 persons, incl. car up to 6 meters 24
Rates Lysefjord ferry 2019 Valid period Departures Category Ord.rate (Nok) 01.06-15.09 All, Adult 360 Lysebotn-Lauvvik/Forsand, v.v. Return adults 540 Motorcycle 565 Vehicles up to 6 m 845 Vehicles 6-10 m 1210 Vehicles 10-14 m 1700 Vehicles 14-17 m 2225 Vehicles 17-19 m 2900 Car package *) 1365 01.06-15.09 All, Adult 325 Lysebotn-Songesand/Flørli, v.v. Return adults 490 Lauvvik-Songesand/Flørli, v.v. Motorcycle 520 Forsand-Songesand/Flørli, v.v. Vehicles up to 6 m 585 Vehicles 6-10 m 835 Vehicles 10-14 m 1695 Car package *) 1195 01.06-15.09 All, Adult 160 Songesand-Flørli, v.v. Return adults 400 Motorcycle 520 Vehicles up to 6 m 585 Vehicles 6-10 m 835 The Pulpit Rock at Lysefjord 25
MAP THE FJORDS 26
VESSEL ON LYSEFJORD EID Car ferry. Capacity: 23 cars (incl. 4 busses) Total capacity: 194 passengers Wheelchair access and facilities Wheel chair lift to upper level Salon with seats inside on the upper level & below deck VESSEL ON NÆRØYFJORD VISION & FUTURE OF THE FJORDS Passengers only Total capacity: 400 passengers Wheelchair access. Two large salons with seats inside Plenty of space in and out. Café with hot/cold drinks, small meals and snacks, beer and wine SKAGASTØL Passengers only Total capacity: 385 passengers Wheelchair access and facilities Salon with seats on the lower level Salon with seats inside and outside on the upper level Café with hot and cold drinks, small meals and snack 27
FANARAAKEN Passengers only Total capacity: 385 passengers Wheelchair access and facilities Salon with seats inside and outside on the upper level Outside seating on the upper level Café with hot and cold drinks, small meals and snacks LADY ELISABETH Passengers only Total capacity: 160 passengers Limited wheelchair access Two salons with seats inside Outside seating on the upper level Café with hot/cold drinks, small meals and snacks. VESSELS ON FJÆRLANDSFJORD RD LADY Passengers only Total capacity: 97 passengers Wheelchair access on lower level Salon with seats inside Outside seating on the upper level Café with hot and cold drinks and snacks VESSELS ON GEIRANGERFJORD BOLSØY Car ferry - Capacity: 42 cars (incl. 6 busses) Total capacity: 345 passengers Wheelchair access and facilities Salon with seats inside on the upper level Outside seating on the upper level Café with hot and cold drinks and snacks 28
VEØY Car ferry - Capacity: 32 cars (incl. 5 busses) Total capacity: 393 passengers Wheelchair access and facilities Salon with seats inside on the upper level Outside seating on the upper level Café with hot and cold drinks and snacks VESSELS ON SOGNEFJORD HARDINGEN & SKÅNEVIK MF Hardingen Sr. and MF Skånevik are typical Norwegian classic fjord ferries. Both listed by the Norwegian Directorate for Culture Heritage. VESSEL ON HJØRUNDFJORD FJORD MOLDE Passengers only Total capacity: 90 passengers Wheelchair access on lower level Outside seating on the upper level 29
MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY At the end of the 19th century, Fretheim Hotel was a large farm, which accommodated rich English lords who came to fish for salmon in the Flåm River and to enjoy the scenic landscape. Originally, the hotel was constructed in the Swiss style, but has evolved throughout the years in line with the increase of tourists and travelers on the Oslo - Bergen Railway and more recently the Flåm Railway. Today, the hotel is an exciting building both architecturally and historically, with the distinctive, stately old part of the hotel harmonizing perfectly with the more recent part of the building built in 2000. The history of Fretheim Hotel is carefully preserved and you can still see how the hotel used to be. The old part of the hotel has is beautifully renovated, with open fireplaces and antique furniture in the lounges, library, conference rooms, and not least, all the historical guest rooms. You can walk around the corridors, discover new things at every corner, and enjoy the atmosphere of a glorious past. Fretheim Hotel became a proud member of the Historical Hotels of Norway in January 2012. Fretheim Hotel has a close cooperation with local farmers and welcomes their products of high quality. The hotel is widely known for its cuisine and use of local ingredients. The area surrounding Flåm is rich in local producers of unique foods, such as the Undredal cheese, small-scale producers of top quality lamb, venison and reindeer and, not least, the organic vegetables from Sogn Jord og Hagebruksskule, the local agricultural college. Fretheim Hotel is located in Flåm, which is the perfect base for excursions in the unspoiled, beautiful and wild scenery of West Norway. Since we are a certificated Eco-lighthouse, we truly care about the environment, our history and traditions. Every room has a view of the fjord, a beautiful garden or towards the mountains, which guarantee a unique stay. 30
GENERAL INFORMATION Rooms in total: 121 + Stabbur / Storehouse Beds in total: 239 Seats in restaurant 200 20 Standard room -rooms facing the mountains/backside/garden STD twin beds, bathtub, water boiler, coffee/te, TV 46 Rooms with balcony or exit to the garden DLX twin beds, bathtub, water boiler, coffee/tea, TV 14 Single rooms DLQ Queen-size bed, bathtub, water boiler, coffee/tea, TV 6 Junior Suites JST Double bed, bathtub, coffee machine, TV, sofa and chairs 1 Historic tower suite two floors, steep staircase HST Double bed, Jacuzzi, sofa and chairs, radio. coffee machine 17 Historic rooms HIST Double bed, antique furniture s, bathtub, radio, coffee machine 12 America wing rooms STG Double bed, shower, coffee machine, TV 2 Handicap room HCP Double bed, shower, water boiler, coffee/tea, TV 3 Family room TRP Twin beds and bunk bed, bathtub, water boiler, coffee/tea, TV 1 Stabbur/Storehouse/Cottage STABB 4 rooms with single beds, 1 room with twin bed, 1 shared bathroom with shower, water boiler, coffee/tea. 31
USEFUL INFORMATION 24 hours reception and lobby bar Check in at 16:00 and check out at 11:00 Breakfast is served in the restaurant between 06.30 10.00 (May -September) 07.30 10.00 (October -April) Lunch is served in the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 02:00 PM for pre-booked groups. 2 and 3 course menus will be offered. The hotel offers free wi-fi for all guests In our lobby bar, we serve sandwiches, cakes, different types of coffee and other cold beverages. The restaurant is open for dinner between: 18.30-21.30 (May-September) 19.00 21.00 (October-April) Between 1th of May and 30th of September, we have buffet included in HB. Outside this period, we offer a 3-course set menu. A la carte menu is available all year. Fretheim Hotel is a proud member of The Historical Hotel of Norway and Worldwide. Fretheim is a member of the Norwegian Eco lighthouse. We received a re-certification again in 2012. The hotel has sustainable tourism as a goal. We have reduced the use of electrical power and are recycling all garbage. We have 5 rooms for conference / banquets / private dinner. All kinds of technical equipment s is available. 32
ROOMS DESCRIPTION Rooms in the new wing (from the year 2000) Standard room, rooms with balcony and partly fjord view. Standard rooms, rooms with balcony and view and rooms with exit to the garden have all the same design. They are located in the new wing of the hotel. Standard rooms do not have balcony and are located on the back- side of the hotel facing a hill, or the garden. All these rooms have twin beds, wooden floor and all the bathrooms have bathtub. All of our single rooms are on the top floor in the new wing. They have one queen sized bed and a bay window with view towards the fjord. They also have bathroom with bathtub. Standard single room We have junior Suites with twin beds, sofa and chairs, dining table and balcony or exit to the garden. Bath room with bath tub. Junior Suite All bathrooms in the new wing have the same design. They have white tiles, big sink, bathtubs and all amenities. Bathroom in standard rooms, with balcony and view, single rooms and junior suites 33
Rooms in the historical part All of our 17 historical rooms have double king size beds. These rooms have different size, colors and style and they all have a unique historical atmosphere. The rooms have antique furniture s and it is like staying in a museum. The rooms do not have TV. The historical rooms have a nice view towards the beautiful garden. All bathrooms have bathtubs with lion feet s, bathrobes, slippers and a selection of amenities. We have 12 rooms in our America wing. This part of the hotel was built in 1960, when the Americans started coming as tourists to Norway. These rooms were completely refurbished in 2012. They all have twin beds, big balconies and shower, bathrobes and slippers, as well as all amenities in the bathrooms. These rooms are the only one in the hotel with carpet flooring. Our historical tower suite has two floors with a steep staircase between. The tower suite has a smaller double bed, beautiful view and a jacuzzi. This suite is the perfect choice for honeymooners. 34
CONFERENCES TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT Free Wi-Fi Projectors Mobile TV Possibility for video conference DVD player Microphones Loudspeakers with Hi-Fi quality High-End stereo- and program of lights Touch panel for light, sound, curtains and projector Laptop LOCATION Meeting Rooms Size U-Table School Standard Cinema Banquet Flooring Fretheim 1 81 m² 24 56 24 70 70 Parquet Fretheim 2 74 m² 24 48 24 70 70 Parquet Fretheim 1+2 155 m² 80 120 50 170 160 Parquet Flåmsdalen 1 44 m² 16 20 16 30 20 Parquet Flåmsdalen 2 53 m² 16 20 16 30 20 Parquet Flåmsdalen 1+2 97 m² 36 40 36 60 40 Parquet 120 30 m² 9 Carpet 220 30 m² 9 Carpet 320 30 m² 9 Carpet. Flåmsdalen 1 + 2 Marte Stova Fretheim 1 + 2 Sivle Room 35
HEIMLY Location with one of the best fjord view in Flåm! Quiet and charming lodgings, 400 meters from Flåm station. The guesthouse has 22 rooms, all with private bathroom / shower. All rooms has been renovated in 2018. Breakfast and dinner room with a wonderful fjord view. Opening period: June - September Check inn: 16.00 / Check out: 11.00 Prices includes: breakfast and dinner Contact info T: + 47 57 63 23 00 E: post@heimly.no W: www.heimly.no TOGET CAFÉ Enjoy light dishes, home made pizza, hot and cold beverages. Centrally located in Flåm. For more information, please contact Fretheim Hotel: booking@fretheimhotel.no Open from April October 36
FLÅM BAKERY Flåm Bakery offers visitors from all over the world and locals delicious freshly baked pastries all year round. Enjoy homemade breads, pastries, sandwiches, ice cream and coffee. You will find the bakery next to the station building. Open daily all year FRETHEIM CULTURAL PARK & BAKKASTOVA CAFÉ The trail starts behind Fretheim Hotel and follow a 1600-meter circular trail in natural surroundings, facilitated with art, viewpoints and benches. Fretheim Cultural Park is open for everyone all year and admission is free of charge. The treasure of the park is Bakkastova Café, an old cotters farm from the early 1800s, typical for the Sognefjorden-area building traditions. Today Bakkastova is a café and an exhibition of locally produced food, open during the summer. 37
THE FLÅM RAILWAY MUSEUM Visit the Flåm Railway Museum and learn more about the exciting history of the Flåm Railway, the technical development and the people behind this unique engineering work. The Flåm Railway Museum offers an authentic El-9 locomotive, an old electric range locomotive, several rail tricycle and exhibitions with text, pictures, sounds and objects, as well as video presentation of a journey on the Flåm Railway. In front of the museum, you will find a shop with Flåm Railway logo items and souvenirs. You can for example buy books and videos about Flåm and the Flåm Railway and the shop do carry the traditional Aurland Shoe. Open daily - all year round Free entrance Telephone: (+47) 57 63 23 10 - Fax: (+ 47) 57 63 32 11 www.flamsbana-museet.no - post@flamsbana-museet.no 38
THE AURLAND SHOE The Aurland Shoe, as it appears today, have been in production since the mid 1930 s. On its peak, 19 different shoe factories where located in Aurland, and at most nearly 100 people were employed as shoemakers. Today the Aurland Shoe Factory is the only remaining factory that still produces the traditional Aurland Shoe. In summer 2009, the Aurland Shoe Factory opened a visitor center in the same building as the shoe factory, in order to learn more about the history and the traditional craft of shoe making. The shoe factory in Aurland is one of the few remaining shoe factories in Norway where you can experience working artisans. Furthermore, the visitor center offers informative exhibitions and a factory outlet where it is possible to purchase the Aurland Shoe and other leather products. The visitor center is based on the Canadian model of Économusée. The purpose of an Économusée is to promote and keep alive traditional crafts, skills and knowledge. An Économusée is not a traditional museum but designed for small-scale businesses specialized in arts and crafts who want to provide the visitors with information about the production process, skills and techniques. Opening hours All year: Monday - Friday 08:00 16:00 June August: Monday Friday 09:00 17:00 / Satuday 10:00 16:00 September: Monday to Friday 09:00 17:00 / Saturday 10:00-15:00 Aurland Shoe Factory Odden 13 B 5745 Aurland Tel. (+47) 57 63 32 12 Fax: (+47) 57 63 33 85 post@aurlandskoen.no www.aurlandskoen.no 39
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FLÅM AREA AND PORT INFORMATION Fjord arms cutting through the landscape are a common sight along the Norwegian coastline. After the last ice age, the wild and beautiful scenery of the western Norway was formed by water melting from glaciers and rivers that carved their way through rocks from the earliest period of the earth s history. When the ice receded, the landscape was complete transformed into high mountains, narrow walleyes and deep fjords you can admire if you visit our area. Flåm The Aurlandsfjord The Flåm and Aurland area consists of four ports; Flåm, Aurland, Undredal and Gudvangen, nestling securely in the innermost part of the famous Sognefjord. Large cruise ships squeeze through the narrow fjord arms surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. The 204 kilometres long and up to 1308-metre-deep Sognefjord is the second longest and the deepest fjord in the world, and has for decades been a highlight and a main attraction for tourists visiting the West Norwegian fjord region. 41
AURLAND MUNICIPALITY Introduction Aurland Municipality owes its popularity to the dramatic natural landscape and the wide range of activities available. By car, bus, train and boat you can easy get access to the beautiful nature that the villages of Aurland, Flåm, Gudvangen and Undredal can offer. Tourism, service, electricity production and transport are the most important commercial activities in the area. Population: 1780 (2016) Area: 1519 km² Vegetation The Aurlandsdalen Valley and the mountains surrounding the valley has for a long time been known as botanical diversity, which has something to do with the bedrock containing calium-rich phylite. In addition, the summer temperature is high in the valley. There is also very little rain and a moderate temperature during winter. This is the reason why there are so few of the typical coast plants, but several coastal plants from the east are well represented. The Flåmsdalen Valley is particular rich in flora; more than 500 species of flowers are been registered in the river basin. Of these, 128 are mountain species, which means half of the mountain flora in Norway. One main reason for this abundance is strata of phyllite in the ground, providing soil rich in limestone. Wildlife Bird life is rich and includes many rare species. More than 100 species are been registered along the watercourse. With luck, golden eagle as well as sea eagle may be observed hoovering above the fjord. You might even spot some seals and small whales on our way. The mountains surrounding the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord are the realm of the wild reindeer. Elk and roe deer may be spotted. Seasons Winter The fjord and mountain is the perfect backdrop to unique and family-friendly winter adventures. A boat trip on the Nærøyfjord or a trip on the Flam Railway is particularly thrilling in the winter, when the mountains are snow-covered and waterfalls freeze to ice. Spring Spring comes early to Flåm. The waterfalls are in full flow and the snow-capped mountain peaks contrast beautifully with green of the hillsides. Especially beautiful is the blossom of fruit orchids in May. Summer This time of year, is full of adventure, long and light evenings, outdoor activities for young and old. Enjoy the silence of nature by hiking in the mountains or just along the fjord. Autumn From September, the landscape displays its gorgeous autumn colours. The mountains call with their beautiful colours and abundance of blueberries for you to enjoy! 42
The village of Flåm Flåm & the Aurlandsfjord 43
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THE MAGICAL SNOW & FJORD EXPERIENCE Discover the heart of Fjord Norway s stunning winter landscape. This package combines Myrkdalen Mountain Resort, one of the largest and most snow-safe ski resorts in Norway, fjord cruise on the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord and Historical Fretheim Hotel in Flåm. A unique combination of fun activities in the mountains and the ultimate kick-back adventure by the fjord. Suggested package: Shuttle bus from Bergen Airport to Myrkdalen 2 or 3 nights Myrkdalen Hotel, including half board Shuttle bus from Myrkdalen to Gudvangen Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord from Gudvangen to Flåm on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord 2 nights Flåm Fretheim Hotel, including half board Shuttle bus from Flåm to Bergen Airport Arrival days: Wednesday or Sundays See our package and itinerary online for more details 45
THE MAGICAL SNOW & FJORD EXPERIENCE 46
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE FLÅM AREA THE FLÅM VALLEY The Flåm Valley is a typical west Norwegian fjord valley, cutting through the mountains. Through millions of years, melting water, stones and gravel from the glaciers have formed the Flåm Valley and the Aurland Valley into the beautiful landscape you see today. You have easy access to the nature in the Flåm Valley. The Flåm Railway is widely recognized as a masterpiece of engineering as well as one of the world s most spectacular railways. Almost 80% of the 20 kilometres line has a gradient of 5.5% or 1:18. One of the highlight on the journey is a stop just by the mighty Kjosfossen Waterfall. You might combine the Flåm Railway and a walk in the Flåm Valley. Take the train to Myrdal or Vatnahalsen station and walk the 20 km back to Flåm. It takes approximately 5 hours with easy walk. For a shorter walk, you can leave the train at Blomheller Station, 11 km from Flåm. The road you walk is the old Navvy Road, which was built for transporting of goods and materials when building the Bergen Railway in the beginning of the 1900 s. The Flåm Valley Kjosfossen Average time needed for visit: 2 hours roundtrip on the Flåm Railway. VATNAHALSEN Vatnahalsen is located at the top of the Flåm Valley and is a popular place to visit. The area is undisturbed by traffic since the only means of access is by train. The breath-taking scenery and the wonderful landscape invites to outdoor activities such as walking and biking, and amateur photographers will be thrilled by the abundance of exciting photo shots. Vatnahalsen Hotel is a family run hotel and located close to Vatnahalsen station. Allow yourself a break in peaceful surroundings and enjoy a cup of coffee or waffle. Vatnahalsen Hotel Distance from Flåm to Vatnahalsen: Average time needed for visit: 20 km, take the Flam Railway to Vatnahalsen station 3 4 hours, train only: 2 hours. STALHEIM VOSS Experience the exciting and steep road from 1835 to Stalheim, once North Europe s steepest road! The road has 13 hairpin curves and an impressive view towards Stalheim, the Stalheim Hotel and Sivlefossen Waterfall. On your journey towards Voss, you will experience lakes, waterfalls and small villages. Voss offers several museums and a lively shopping centre. Stalheim Start / Distance from Flåm: Average time needed for visit: Stalheim 30 min. - Voss 1 hour 4 hours (including stop at Voss) 47
LÆRDAL The road from Flåm to Lærdal takes you through the world s longest public road tunnel. In Lærdal you can visit the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre, with its salmon observatory, exhibitions and film. Afterwards you may walk among the 160 authentic wooden buildings in the town centre called Old Lærdalsøyri. When returning to Flåm, we recommend you drive the mountain road Aurlandsvegen. You will experience snow all year and a panorama view towards the fjord. Close to Lærdal you will find the Borgund Stave Church from year 1150. The church is the most preserved stave church in Norway. In 2005 a new stave church visitor centre opened nearby, which displays the history of the Norwegian stave churches, architecture and religion through many centuries. It is possible to buy a combined ticket for the Norwegian Salmon Centre and the Borgund Visitor Centre. Norwegian Salmon Centre observatory Borgund stave church from 1150 Distance from Flåm to Lærdal: Average time needed for visit: Tunnel 42 km (Driving time 35 minutes). Mountain road Aurlandsvegen 55 km. (Driving time 1½ - 2 hours). 4 5 hours. LÆRDALSTUNNELEN - THE WORLD S LONGEST The world s longest public road tunnel, 24.5 km, between Aurland and Lærdal were opened in 2000, after a building period of 5 years. Modern technology, knowledgeable and skilled workers have made the planning process and the construction of such a long tunnel possible. The tunnel is one of the world s most modern and safe tunnels, with its own special design. Lærdalstunellen is an important link on E16, which is the main road between Bergen and Oslo. Free - no toll to pay. Special tunnel design GUDVANGEN Gudvangen is a beautiful small village with 120 inhabitants, situated in the innermost of the wild and beautiful Nærøyfjord, the most narrow fjord in Europe. When you take the boat from Flåm to Gudvangen you will experience small farmhouses clinging to the mountainside, as they have done for hundreds of years. On the quayside, you will find Gudvangen Fjordtell, built with inspiration from the Viking age. The hotel has its own restaurant and Vikingshop. Distance from Flåm to Gudvangen: Bus 25 min or boat 2 hours Average time needed for visit: 2-4 hours including transport Gudvangen 48
UNDREDAL Undredal is a charming village at the Aurlandsfjord. The village has 80 inhabitants and 350 goats. Explore the many hiking trails in the mountains in unspoiled nature, or visit The house of cheese for an introduction of maturing goat cheeses. Highly recommended is a guided tour in Undredal stave church, Scandinavia s smallest stave church. The church dates back to 1147 and the original decorations and inventory are from the 14 th century. Undredal stave church Distance from Flåm to Undredal: Average time needed for visit: 12 km / one-way (Driving time 20 minutes). 2 hours. THE AURLAND VALLEY The well-known and historical valley was once one of the main routes between the eastern and western part of Norway. The road from Aurland to the Aurland valley winds its way up the steep mountainside, and gives a fantastic view towards Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord. The Aurland valley is an ideal starting point for hiking, and it is your choice if you want to walk for a few hours or for several days from mountain lodge to mountain lodge. Hiking in the valley Distance from Flåm to Aurlandsdalen valley: Average time needed for visit: 40 50 km / one-way (Driving time 45 60 minutes). 3 hours bus excursion AURLAND Visit the community centre of Aurland by bus or by boat. You will find the local historical centre, an art gallery, a collection of the poet Sivles belongings and a local knitwear design. The beautiful Vangen church from 1202 and the Économusée are both also worth to visit. Between Aurland and Flåm you will find Otternes Farmyard, a cluster farm with 27 different buildings dating back to the 1600 s. Today the farmyard is a living museum showing old traditional handcraft and local traditional cuisine. Otternes Farmyard Distance from Flåm to Aurland: Average time needed for visit: 10 km (Driving time 10 minutes). 1 1 ½ hours. 49
THE OLD NAVVIES ROAD RALLARVEGEN Rallarvegen (The Navvies Road) is widely known as the most spectacular cycling route in Norway. This bike path starts at Haugastøl on the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, passes through Finse and Hallingskeid and ends in Flåm. The total length between Haugastøl and Flåm is 82 km. The Rallarvegen road origin from the 1890 s, built for transportation of equipment and materials during the construction of the Oslo - Bergen Railway. Finse, which is located 1222 meters above sea level, is Norway's highest situated railway station. Here you find the Rallarmuseet (The Navvy Museum), which is well worth a visit. SKIING Fretheim Hotel and Flåm are located right in the middle of four big ski destinations. One-and-a-half-hour drive from Flåm you find the ski resorts Hemsedal, Geilo and Filefjell, and it takes just 40 minutes to get to the new ski resort Myrkdalen. Fretheim Hotel offers a ski package that includes hotel, breakfast, dinner, transportation and s Myrkdalen. The surrounding area is also ideal for cross-country skiing. Skiing equipment for rent. Relax in the hotel s sauna or enjoy our outdoor hot tub after a day in the slopes. FJORD SAFARI In comfortable RIB boats, you will get the best opportunity to experience the beautiful west Norwegian fjords and its rich wildlife at close range. Wildlife like seals, porpoises and eagles are frequently encounter. You will be close to nature, culture and wildlife. The guide will tell you about the fjord landscape, local history, wildlife, tales and legends from the places that you will pass by through the journey. One of the tours will make a stop in Undredal, a small village with 85 people and about 450 goats. You will have the opportunity to taste the famous goat cheese. The company provides you with suits in order to keep warm and comfortable. PADDLE THE SOGNEFJORD Experience waterfalls, bird watching and seals from a kayak on the Sognefjord! This is a great opportunity to explore the Norwegian wildlife - alone or with a guide. You can join trips lasting from three hours or up to two days! The guides will tell you about the history of the kings of Norway as well as the nature surrounding you. Either you are here with your family on vacation or on a conference; this is a fantastic experience, which is not to miss! 50
FREE PHOTO SERVICE AT WWW.VISITFLAM.COM The purpose of Visit Flåm Photo Service is, to promote national and international marketing of Flåm (Visit Flåm) as a travel destination to the press and tour operators. You are welcome to use the pictures, free of charge, given that it is in accordance with the objective. All pictures used should be credited, for example "Photo Visit Flåm / Photographer Morten Rakke". The Flåm Railway Photo stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall 51
CONTACT INFORMATION Flåm AS Visit Flåm Director of Sales & Marketing Øyvind Holsen Phone: (+47) 90 76 19 12 E-mail: oyvind.holsen@visitflam.com Director of Sales B2B Stig Johnny Buvik Phone: (+47) 90 76 19 12 E-mail: stig@visitflam.com Sales-& Key Account Manager Asia & Oceania Bengt Hammer Phone: (+47) 91 12 18 34 E-mail: bengt@visitflam.com Sales- & Key Account Manager North America & Northern Europe Gry Steine Mundal Phone: (+47) 47 61 94 91 E-mail: gry@visitflam.com Sales-& Key Account Manager South Europe & LatAm Fabiola Salmoran Phone: (+47) 48 19 47 39 E-mail: fabiola@visitflam.com Sales-& Key Account Manager Central- & Eastern Europe Alexander Hillerich Phone: (+47) 90 18 75 53 E-mail: alexander@visitflam.com Sales Manager Meetings & Events Connie Konglevoll Phone: (+ 47) 99 20 26 13 E-mail: connie.konglevoll@visitflam.com Sales Manager Helle Bakkeland Phone: (+47) 90 17 68 67 E-mail: helle@visitflam.com Sales & Operations Maira R. Andresen Phone: (+47) 98 90 32 12 E-mail: sales@visitflam.com Marketing Coordinator Anne Hirth Mæland Phone: (+47) 99 75 41 12 E-mail: anne.hirth@visitflam.com Flåm AS The Fjords DA - Flåm Visitor Centre Reservation Ticket office Phone: (+47) 57 63 14 00 E-mail: reservation@visitflam.com Internet: www.visitflam.com Switchboard Phone: (+47) 57 63 14 00 E-mail: info@visitflam.com Internet: www.visitflam.com 52
CONTACT INFORMATION Flåmsbana the Flåm Railway Sales & Marketing Manager Bengt Hammer Tel: (+47) 57 63 14 03 Fax: (+47) 57 63 23 50 E-mail: bengt.hammer@visitflam.com Product Manager Sindre H. Orvedal Tel: (+47) 57 63 21 00 Fax: (+47) 57 63 23 50 E-mail: sindre.orvedal@visitflam.com Tickets & Booking Dept. Tel: (+47) 57 63 21 00 Fax: (+47) 57 63 23 50 E-mail: flaamsbana@visitflam.com Internet: www.flaamsbana.no Fretheim Hotel Booking & Revenue Manager Ingvild Åsvang Tel: (+47) 99 20 26 05 Fax: (+47) 57 63 11 19 E-mail: ingvild@fretheimhotel.no Reception Contact Tel: (+47) 57 63 63 00 Fax: (+47) 57 63 11 19 E-mail: mail@fretheimhotel.no Internet: www.fretheimhotel.no The Flåm Railway Museum & Documentation Centre Managers Kate & Espen Ottersen Tel: (+47) 57 63 23 10 E-mail: post@flaamsbana-museet.no Internet: www.flaamsbana-museet.no Aurlandskoen Économusée Manager: Mette Bakketun E-mail: post@aurlandskoen.no Tel. (+47) 57 63 32 12 Fax: (+47) 57 63 33 85 Internet: www.aurlandskoen.no Postal Addresses Flåm AS Visit Flåm Flåmsbana the Flåm Railway The Fjords DA Fretheim Hotel The Flåm Railway Museum Aurlandskoen Économusée P.O. Box 42 - NO-5742 Flåm Norway P.O. Box 75 - NO-5742 Flåm Norway P.O. Box 42 - NO-5742 Flåm Norway P.O. Box 63 - NO-5742 Flåm Norway P.O. Box 42 - NO-5742 Flåm Norway Odden 13 B - NO-5745 Aurland Norway 53
54 Updated 29 October 2018 / NEL