It so happens that the tour that I booked is called “Splendor of Norway,” and today’s boat, train and bus travels showed us the spectacular natural scenery of this country. The morning started out a little forebodingly, with light rain sprinkles as we walked to the boat dock just a short distance from our hotel.

We boarded a small boat which had been specially chartered for our group of 40 people, and although it was cloudy, we were able to see the natural beauty of this landscape, with its green mountainous cliffs and low hanging clouds.

Along the way, we could see more and more waterfalls.

After an hour on the boat, we landed at Flåm, a small village surrounded by steep mountains, thundering waterfalls and narrow valleys. The weather was starting to clear up, which made for a very beautiful visit.

A HUGE cruise ship was in port, and we were told that the depth of this fjord is over three thousand feet and over a hundred miles long!

I liked the contrast of the orange flowers on these trees agains the backdrop of the steep mountains.

Then it was time to board the famous Flåm Railway, supposedly the steepest railway in the world, and one of the 20 best train rides. We saw picturesque houses nestled among the mountains and dramatic waterfalls. My husband Carl and I did this trip 25 years ago, but because I took few pictures (no digital cameras or phones in those days), I didn’t remember how totally beautiful this landscape was.

According to one website: the journey takes you from Flåm by the fjord to the top of the mountains, and during the 20-kilometre ride, you can see rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the sides of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging dizzily to steep hillsides.

We have stayed in some incredibly luxurious and beautiful hotels. My only complaint is that our stays are too short (!) before it’s time to move on to the next location. Sadly, we only stay in most of these hotels for only one night!

Tonight we checked into the Hotel Ullensvang, overlooking the Hardangerfjord and Folgefonna glacier, where supposedly the King of Norway stays when he is in this area.

And the sumptuous and plenteous food is served buffet style!

All of this is most deserving of the moniker, Splendor of Norway!”