Eidfjord excursions

[Ditzy Dreamer]

We will be booking our excursions next week for the Viking Homelands.  Has anyone done the Voss, Geilo, Bergen Rail or the excursion to Gudvangen from Eidfjord?  I am looking for the most scenic tour.  The Flåm railway will probably be sold out and from video I’ve seen I felt it was not worth the price.   If there any other can’t miss excursions, please share.  

Thanks!

[ropomo]

We just got back from the Viking Homelands and did the Flåm railway and thoroughly enjoyed it.  FWIW on our cruise it was not sold out all the way up 'til embarkation. The bus ride after the rail and stop at lunch at a very scenic spot (pic below) was very good.

 

[Ditzy Dreamer]

Thank you!  Flåm Railway was originally my first choice but some of the reviews scared me off.  I will definitely reconsider.

[ropomo]

Just one more note.  We had an excellent guide with our group.  On the train, pax from other groups were tuning into our groups channel on the quiet vox to hear her commentary vs. no commentary from other guides.  Guides may make the difference of opinions.  Ours was very knowledgeable, personable and helpful.  A few minutes before we got back to the ship she serenaded us with a traditional Norwegian folk song (beautiful voice) and told us the story that went with it.

Edited June 14, 2019 by ropomo

[Ditzy Dreamer]

Sounds wonderful.   Was it a problem getting seats on the right side of the train (which I read has the best views?)

[ropomo]

We were on the "wrong" side of the train, but there is a fairly large open area near the doors/passage to next car that you can get up and get good photo ops as the train generally is going slow enough to allow prep.  The view is still good from either side, it only really matters for photos.  Very good maps are provided also to assist you in knowing what is coming up.  Again, our guide gave us very good notice via the quiet vox as to what was approaching.  You take the initial train from Voss and change to the Flåm train in the mountains.  The transfer is somewhat chaotic with only about a 5 minute window to get from one to the other.  For us it was more a grab a seat that is available.  If you do this excursion, a tip is that when you stop for the waterfall, if you go to the downhill side of the viewing platform, you will experience much less spray than the uphill side.  Stay near the train until then and you will stay dry.

[geffric]

We did the Flam Railroad too.. definitely worth it 

[Ditzy Dreamer]

Thank you for your replies and tips.   We have decided to take the Flåm and can’t wait to see Norway.