Which side of train on Norway Nutshell?
 

Hi, I'm doing this trip from Oslo to Bergen.

Looks like the first bit to Myrdal is boring.

Then comes Myrdal to Flam. I did a search of old posts and it looks like Bjorn has recommended the left side of the train for this. Is this right? (Obviously it depends on which direction the train is going, I guess -- I'm going from up to down.)

Then Flam to Gudvangen, which I guess is the fjord cruise. This I'd have to imagine is the other highlight?

I assume the side of the train matters only for the Flam railway? I assume that the rest is not very interesting?

Thanks for any pointers.

I guess the bus trip sounds interesting:

"Now the coach journey continues up the steep and spectacular hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva*. The road up to Stalheim Hotell has 13 steep turns. After enjoying the wonderful views of the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls, there is a short stop at the hotel to enjoy the views before the journey continues to Voss."

Source: http://www.norwaynutshell.com/default.asp

I guess I forgot to ask another obvious question -- does it matter which side of bus?

Thanks again.

ttt, anyone?

i made the same journey last year and i sat on the right hand side. it is a fabulous journey. keep your camera ready. also, on the boat i went to the top deck for great photo oppotunities, assuming the weather is good.
when you get to bergen, make sure you get up early and watch them set up the fish market. take samples of everything. it was wonderful.

Thanks xman. You sat on the right side of the train going downhill from Myrdal?

ttt for Bjorn or anyone else

To me the best side of any vehichle always is the one that gives most sights, i.e. you have to know the landscape's topography.
1) The Flam Rail mainly sticks to the eastern hillside ot the Myrdal-Flam Valley. Hence being seated on the west side, which means left hand side when going downwards, is "best". There is a stop during the ride, thhough, for photographing, with exit on the right side. Might get crowded....
2) The Gudvangen-Stalheim Bus: Right hand side definetly is the most airy, since the valley and great views are north of the steep hillside. People that don't fancy heights should be seated to the left upwards, or wait for a bus that drives the new road.
3) The Oslo-Myrdal train: The rail moves mainly thru valleys with lots of river crossings. Hence the side of the wagon does not matter very much until you reach the last leg from Geilo via Finse to Myrdal. Here you'll be close to a mountain massive at your right, hence the views will be much nicer to the left.

OK?
Happy travel
Bjorn, Oslo

Hey, thanks very much for writing back, Bjorn! I just arrived in Stockholm and we'll do the train ride on Saturday.

I'll be putting your tips to good use!

I do want to thank you again, Bjorn.

Oslo to Myrdal has seat reservations -- we were on the right, but I agree that the left is generally preferable (weren't there some glaciers near Finse -- we liked this part the most), though we couldn't switch sides because most of the seats were taken.

Myrdal to Flam -- yes, left is better.

As for the bus, I was too tired to tell -- I didn't think that it mattered very much because of the hairpin turns (the view from one side would come around again on the other side anyway), and you've the nicest view after you get off the bus at the rest stop at the Stalheim terrace.