flam railway day trip

Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): Norway’s Most Scenic Train Journey

The Flåm Railway or Flåmsbana is one of the main attractions in Southern Norway and is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe , even though it is just 20km long . This railway crosses a scenic landscape from Myrdal , on the high plateaus crossed by the Bergensbanen (the train from Oslo to Bergen), to the picturesque village of Flåm on the Sognefjord .

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) passes through lovely valleys, rugged mountains, and scenic tunnels and bridges, offering unparalleled views of waterfalls , tiny villages , and the stunning Flåm Fjord . Even though Flåmsbana is now purely a tourist attraction, it’s definitely worth a visit to explore the stunning surroundings, filled with hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking, cycling and leisurely fjord cruises.

What you will find in this guide to the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana):

Discovering Flåmsbana: Things You Should Know Before You Go

Traveling on the flåm railway: what to expect, traveling on the flåm railway: things to do & see, flåmsbana timetables, flåmsbana tickets.

The Flåm Railway or Flåmsbana is considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world , as well as being one of Norway’s top attractions. According to National Geographic Traveler Magazine, Flåmsbana is one of the best train journeys in Europe – a huge list of accolades for a railway line that’s only just 20 kilometers long.

What makes it so special is, first and foremost, its location: it is not just the railway, a splendid journey through the scenic mountain landscapes of Southern Norway , but everything around it, starting with the beautiful Sognefjord , where the town of Flåm is located, up to the fairytale station of Myrdal , which connects the Flåmsbana with another scenic railway, the one from Oslo to Bergen .

The Flåm Railway is a picturesque mountain railway, connecting the tiny village of Myrdal in the dramatic highlands of Southern Norway at nearly 1000 meters above sea level with the sea-level town of Flåm on the stunning Sognefjord , the second largest fjord in the world and one of the most beautiful in Norway, and the nearby Nærøyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The scenic route winds its way through a scenic valley squeezed between towering mountains and mind-blowing landscapes. The trains travel at an average speed of 20 km/h and cover the entire route in about 45 minutes , overcoming gradients of nearly 6%. The old-fashioned green trains of Flåmsbana make a few stops along the way, especially at the route’s main attractions: waterfalls and viewpoints . In fact, the railway has a purely tourist purpose.

The history of the Flåm Railway is closely linked to that of the Bergensbanen , the railway between Oslo and Bergen. The ambitious project included some short branch lines that connected the main line to the major fjords of Southern Norway. In 1909, a connection from Bergen and Oslo to the Sognefjord and the Flåm valley began to be planned.

It was decided to build the Flåm Railway as a branch of the main line, connecting Myrdal station with the village of Flåm , with the aim of facilitating the transport of people, mail and goods from Oslo and Bergen to the Sognefjord. Work began in 1923 and proved to be a significant engineering challenge due to the difficult weather conditions and harsh mountainous terrain.

It took 20 years to complete the Flåm Railway . The work had required 20 tunnels dug into the hard rock and only two of these could be excavated with the aid of machines. The remaining 18 tunnels were dug by hand : workers drilled holes up to 4.5 meters through the rock, filled them with dynamite and blasted, and so on until the end.

Inaugurated in 1940, the Flåmsbana was initially steam powered, but already in 1944 the line was electrified. Popularity came in the 1970s when the Oslo to Flåm railway became one of the most popular InterRail routes in Norway. Until the early 1990s a ferry service from Flåm continued to the village of Gudvangen , and from here it was possible to reach other cities on the coast, including Bergen . After the construction of the 11.4-km-long Gudvanga Tunnel in 1991 the ferry service was discontinued, and fjord cruises are now exclusively a tourist’s delight.

The Flåmsbana was in danger of being closed due to the low number of passengers, but the Norwegian railway company (NSB) made a visionary decision to transform it into a tourist railway. Today Flåmsbana is one of Norway’s top attractions and, although its tickets are a bit expensive, it has become the third-most visited tourist attraction in Norway .

The Flåm Railway is a tourist train, but the Norwegian Railways have done their best to keep its charm intact. The Flåmsbana is operated by the famous old-fashioned green trains . The carriages have wooden interiors, with comfortable seats upholstered in red leather, just like in the mid-1900s.

The romantic journey passes through one of Southern Norway’s most picturesque valleys , skirting rivers and waterfalls, climbing the mountains to the village of Myrdal . You will pass through coniferous forests and tiny villages, in summer and spring the colors of the vegetation and the warm sun will offer sensational views. Traveling in winter you will have the magic of a snowy landscape , while in autumn it will be a riot of colors ranging from dark green, to orange, red and brown, the best season for photography enthusiasts.

The Flåmsbana stops at 10 stations and the journey takes just under an hour. The route is exactly the same in both directions. For those going from Oslo to Flåm , get off at Myrdal and from there take the green train of Flåmsbana.

From Myrdal the train begins its descent towards the fjord, passing through forests and some mountain villages until it skirts the Reinungvatnet Lake . From here you enter the first tunnel and at the exit you can see the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a short photo stop.

You will continue descending along the canyon to Berekvam , the station where the trains that go up wait for the connection with the trains that go down, as the railway is single track. From here the railway runs along the mountainside to Flåm , offering beautiful views of the 29-kilometer long Aurlandsfjord , which is a branch off of the main Sognefjord .

Flåm is a pretty town overlooking the Aurlandsfjord , which is a branch of the larger and more famous Sognefjord . Appreciated for its peaceful and pleasant atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Flåm has over the years become a popular tourist destination in Norway. The town itself does not offer much to see, but it is a good starting point for exploring the surroundings . A few kilometers away you will be able to see one of the most beautiful branches of the Sognefjord, the Nærøyfjord , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

From Flåm you can easily reach the Stegastein viewpoint , from which you have a crazy view of the fjord and the mountains. To the east of the town stretch the dramatic Aurland plateaus , which can be explored by car in the summer: here you can see dozens of beautiful mountain lakes, such as the Aurlandsfjellet .

Obviously the most famous attraction in Flåm is the Flåmsbana, to which a museum is also dedicated, but one of the must is undoubtedly also a nice cruise on the fjord : tours from Bergen to Flåm usually include the fjord cruise and the Flåmsbana ride.

Although many tourists visit Flåm in the day, arriving by train, car or cruise ship, the best way to enjoy the trip is to stay at least one night in Flåm . This way you can better explore the surroundings: there are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails , cycle paths and opportunities for kayaking or canoeing on the fjord.

There are a handful of good hotels in Flåm , such as the Flåmsbrygga Hotel , Fretheim Hotel and Flåm Marina , located a stone’s throw from Flåmsbana Station and the fjord. Those traveling on a budget will appreciate the budget accommodation at Flåm Camping & Cabins or the Flåm Ferdaminne apartments. However, especially if you travel in the months between May and September, it is advisable to book a few months in advance .

If you are traveling with your own car then you might also want to check out the accommodation in the quaint villages nearby, such as Gudvangen Fjordtell , which also has an excellent restaurant serving delicious local seafood specialties, and Visit Undredal , located in the nearby picturesque village of Undredal .

If you want to go to Flåm by car you could rent one in Bergen . Otherwise just north of the Sognefjord, on the opposite bank from Flåm, is the village of Sogndal , where there are also some car rentals. You can check availability and book your car on Rentalcars or Discovercars .

Flåmsbana Museum

The Flåmsbana Museum is located right next to the train station and is a small museum dedicated entirely to the Flåm Railway. Here you can discover its history and details of its construction, told with photos and illustrative panels (also in English). In the museum you will be able to see old machinery, wagons and carriages, including one of the legendary original El 9 locomotives , and tools used by railway workers.

The museum is open every day from 13.00 to 15.00. Admission is free. Inside the museum there is also a small shop that sells railway-themed souvenirs: kids (and adults too) will be delighted!

The Sognefjord is the second largest fjord in the world , over 200 km long and 1300 meters deep. It is surrounded by high mountains overlooking the calm waters of the fjord, and is divided into several branches, such as the famous Nærøyfjord , which is known as the narrowest fjord in the world. In fact, its name really means “narrow fjord” , and it is one of the most scenic in Norway, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site along with the Geirangerfjord .

Other famous branches are the Aurlandsfjord , where the town of Flåm is located, and the Lustrafjord , which goes further inland to the northeast. On the Lustrafjord is the Urnes Stave Church (Urnes Stavkyrkje) , the oldest wooden church in Norway . To get there you can take a ferry from the village of Solvorn , reachable by the F55 road from Sogndal (about 3 hours drive from Flåm).

You can explore the fjord on a fjord cruise or, for outdoor enthusiasts, you can rent a kayak in Flåm or nearby villages. From the fjord you can see dozens of tiny villages and traditional old houses, waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes.

Rallarvegen

Around Myrdal passes one of the most famous hiking routes in Norway, the Rallarvegen , also known as Rallar Road or The Navvy Road . This road was built as a construction road for the Bergensbanen , the Oslo-Bergen railway. Railway workers used it to transport construction materials and workers, and in some places it also runs alongside the Flåmsbana. Traverse beautiful landscapes, lakes and rivers, traversing some of the most remote and pristine areas of the highlands.

Today it is purely a hiking and cycling route , and goes from Haugastøl to Finse , for a total length of about 83 km. From here you can continue to Flåm , which takes an additional 50km. The route to Flåm starts from Finse (easily reachable by the Bergen-Oslo train) and goes towards Hallingskeid : it is 21 km, most of it uphill, and you reach an altitude of 1343 meters, the highest point of the route. From here you can see the Hardangerjøkul glacier. The route continues for another 15km to Vatnahalsen , near Myrdal, and is mostly flat. You will pass by the Kleivagjelet Canyon and the scenic Kleivabrua Bridge .

From here you can continue to Voss , or go to Flåm . The trail to Flåm is 17km long and runs through the scenic valleys of Flåmsbana. You will be able to see the famous Myrdalsberget waterfall and visit some tiny mountain villages and farms. Near Kårdal you can visit the Rallarrosa Cheese Farm ( Rallarrosa Stølsysteri – GPS: 60.75099, 7.10894 ), a beautiful summer mountain’s goat farm located not far from the arrival of the Flåm Zipline (which starts near Myrdal). It is a fabulous place, surrounded by nature, which sells excellent local dairy products: try the tasty Norwegian pancake “Svele” , with goat cheese. The hiking route is well signposted, but is only accessible in summer.

The Rallarvegen is not to be confused with the Rallarveien of the Ofotbanen , located near Narvik, which was once the construction road of the Arctic Circle Train , and which today, similar to the Rallarvegen of the Bergensbanen , is a famous hiking route.

Flåmsbana is active all year round. In summer, the peak season, there are more trains in both directions.

From Flåm to Myrdal

From November to March there are four trains a day from Flåm to Myrdal:

Flåm 09.00 – Myrdal 09.45 Flåm 11.45 – Myrdal 12.30 Flåm 14.35 – Myrdal 15.16 Flåm 16.55 – Myrdal 17.36

In April and October there are six trains a day from Flåm to Myrdal:

Flåm 09.00 – Myrdal 09.45 Flåm 10.15 – Myrdal 11.10 Flåm 11.35 – Myrdal 12.31 Flåm 12.50 – Myrdal 13.46 Flåm 14.10 – Myrdal 15.09 Flåm 16.55 – Myrdal 17.36

From May to September there are ten trains a day from Flåm to Myrdal:

Flåm 08.00 – Myrdal 08.42 Flåm 09.00 – Myrdal 09.55 Flåm 10.15 – Myrdal 11.10 Flåm 11.35 – Myrdal 12.31 Flåm 12.50 – Myrdal 13.46 Flåm 14.10 – Myrdal 15.09 Flåm 15.25 – Myrdal 16.22 Flåm 16.40 – Myrdal 17.35 Flåm 17.55 – Myrdal 18.52 Flåm 19.25 – Myrdal 20.20

From Myrdal to Flåm

From November to March there are four trains a day from Myrdal to Flåm:

Myrdal 10.15 – Flåm 11.05 Myrdal 13.22 – Flåm 14.10 Myrdal 15.41 – Flåm 16.29 Myrdal 19.18 – Flåm 20.05

In April and October there are six trains a day from Myrdal to Flåm:

Myrdal 10.07 – Flåm 11.05 Myrdal 11.28 – Flåm 12.26 Myrdal 12.43 – Flåm 13.41 Myrdal 13.58 – Flåm 15.01 Myrdal 15.41 – Flåm 16.29 Myrdal 19.18 – Flåm 20.05

From May to September there are ten trains a day from Myrdal to Flåm:

Myrdal 08.54 – Flåm 09.50 Myrdal 10.07 – Flåm 11.05 Myrdal 11.28 – Flåm 12.26 Myrdal 12.43 – Flåm 13.41 Myrdal 13.58 – Flåm 15.01 Myrdal 15.21 – Flåm 16.18 Myrdal 16.34 – Flåm 17.31 Myrdal 17.49 – Flåm 18.47 Myrdal 19.20 – Flåm 20.17 Myrdal 20-32 – Flåm 21.22

Timetables may be subject to change, so it is best to check them at the station.

The Flåm Railway requires a special ticket , which can be purchased online or at Flåm and Myrdal stations. The price of tickets varies according to the season. Interrail pass holders get a 30% discount on the regular one-way ticket.

Flåmsbana Ticket Prices from January to April:

• Normal: one way 370 NOK – return 500 NOK
• Reduced: one way 185 NOK – return 250 NOK

Flåmsbana Ticket Prices from May to September:

• Normal: one way 430 NOK – return 630 NOK
• Reduced: one way 215 NOK – return 314 NOK

Flåmsbana Ticket Prices from October to December:

Prices are indicative and may be subject to seasonal changes or increases.

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The Flåm Railway

• August 3, 2020

The Flåm Railway is one of the ‘musts’ when you come to Norway, and it’s easy to see why. It has repeatedly been named the “most beautiful train journey” in the world by travel magazines and appears on endless lists of Norway’s highlights.

Information on the Flåm Railway is mixed and oftentimes confusing. Norway in a Nutshell? Cruise ships? Which side is best? And when you see the price tag for a ticket, you want to make sure you’re doing it right.

Fear not! I’ve done the Flåm Railway dozens of times in my four years of guiding in Norway, so I’ve put together an overview of what exactly the Flåm Railway is and how it works.

In this article...

What is the flåm railway.

The Flåm Railway is a train journey between the villages of Flåm and Myrdal in Western Norway. It is one of the steepest railways in Europe, rising from 2m above sea level to 864m above sea level over a distance of 20.2km (12 miles). It has a gradient of 1 in 18 (5.5%) throughout 80% of the trip.

The journey takes 55 minutes, starting by the fjord and travelling through the valley towards the top of the mountains. As you can imagine, it’s incredibly scenic.

National Geographic Traveller Magazine called the Flåm Railway one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe, while in 2014 Lonely Planet went further and named it the best train journey in the world.

Brief history of the Flåm Railway

In the early 20th century, as the Bergen to Oslo Railway (or Bergensbanen) was being built, it was decided that a railway was needed to connect Norway’s two largest fjords – the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord – to the Bergen Line to help with the transportation of goods from the farms to the big cities.

The train link to the Hardangerfjord was completed first and then work began on the Flåm Railway. At the time, Flåm was a tiny farming village that had an occasional cruise ship but wasn’t the popular attraction it is today. it was just conveniently located for the building of a train line.

Construction

Work on the Flåm Railway began in 1923 , and as you can imagine it was a major challenge for the workers. To start there were 120 men working on the construction, though the number generally fluctuated between 80 and 280 people. Barracks were constructed to house the employees.

The local economy was stimulated by farmers being paid for transport. Using horses, they transported tourists by day and materials by night.

18 of the 20 tunnels were carved out by hand. On average, it took between 116 and 180 man hours per metre (35-55 hours by foot).

By the time Norway was invaded by Germany in April 1940, the railway wasn’t complete. It was the Germans who expedited the completion of the railway. It opened for steam trains on the 1st of August 1940 purely for cargo. The line opened for passenger trains in February 1941. In November, regular operation began.

Shift to Tourism

After the war, the tourism potential of the Flåm Railway was soon realised. With the construction of roads, the train was no longer needed to transport cargo. The Flåm Railway was transformed for tourists, with the Kjosfossen Waterfall stop opening in 1951. At that time, the Flåm Railway was taking 115,000 passengers per year.

The Flåm Railway has since earned a reputation as a ‘must-do’ when in Norway. In 2007, it was the third-most visited attraction in Norway, carrying 547,000 passengers in 2010. That number has ridden considerably since then.

Flåm has transformed itself from a small farming village to one of the busiest tourist areas in the country. As late as the 1980s almost all of the residents were farmers. Today, almost all of the 400 people who call Flåm home work in tourism. Flåm is one of the busiest cruise ports in Norway, receiving 150+ cruise ships in the summer months.

If you want to learn more about the history of the Flåm Railway, there’s an excellent museum in the old station that’s free to visit and open all year.

What time of year is best?

The Flåm Railway runs all year, and it is completely different depending on the season. If you travel in the early months of the year, you’ll see lots of snow. With May comes bright green trees and plants, and there are large waterfalls from the melting snow. In October you get the lovely autumn colours. There is no right time of year to do the train – it’ll fit in with your travel plans whenever. The only thing to consider is the high season.

If you are travelling in the high season, which lasts from May to September, you are going to encounter many other visitors. Flåm is one of the busiest cruise ports in Norway, and there are cruise ships almost every day in the summer. As you can imagine, almost everyone on a cruise ship wants to do the Flåm Railway. If there’s a cruise ship with 3,000 people in, you can expect the train to be busy that day. That doesn’t even include visitors travelling through Flåm by coach. In 2019, there were 159 cruise ships between April and October, carrying 297,673 passengers.

If you have the flexibility, try to do the Flåm Railway either as the first thing in the morning or as the last thing in the evening. Most cruise ship passengers and tour groups go in the middle of the day.

You can check the cruise ship schedule here: https://www.aurlandhavn.no/ (select cruise and click on the year you are visiting – it only shows the current year).

Norway in a Nutshell vs. Doing it Yourself

Norway in a nutshell.

Norway in a Nutshell provides you with the convenience of organising all the public transport for you.

Norway in a Nutshell is done in two ways: either a round trip from Bergen or as part of a Bergen – Oslo (or vice versa) journey.

The day trip from Bergen starts with a train to Voss, then a public bus at Gudvangen. At Gudvangen you board a two-hour ferry cruise on the fjords to Flåm. At Flåm, you take the Flåm Railway up to Myrdal, where you then board the train back to Bergen. The trip generally takes around 10 hours.

The Bergen – Oslo trip is similar , except at Myrdal instead of taking the train back to Bergen you take it to Oslo. If you’re doing the trip from Oslo to Bergen, you get off at Myrdal, take the train down to Flåm, the ferry to Gudvangen, the bus to Voss, and then the train to Bergen. The journey takes a little over 12 hours.

There is no right direction or way to do Norway in a Nutshell. You see the same things. The only suggestion I have is that the Bergen – Oslo trip is very long, and I’d recommend breaking it up with a night in Flåm.

Doing it Yourself

Doing it yourself simply means booking all the tickets individually. You do the exact same thing as the Norway in a Nutshell people; you ride the same public transport at the same time, and the Norway in a Nutshell people do not get priority or anything like that.

The only difference between the two is the convenience of booking all the tickets and working out the itinerary.

You do have to book well in advance. In the summer season, parts of the trip may be sold out – especially the Flåm Railway.

How it works

Boarding the train.

If the train is leaving Flåm, you can typically start boarding the train 10-15 minutes before departure. If you are taking the train from Myrdal, sometimes you only have minutes.

Your ticket will either be free seating or assigned seating. Pay close attention to this – if you have free seating, make sure you don’t sit in someone else’s seat. They don’t put stickers on the actual seats that are reserved, so it can be tricky to work out. To know what’s a reserved seat, there’s an A4-sized sticker on the door you enter through. It says which seats are taken by groups. Pay attention to it, because if you sit where a group is supposed to sit, the trip leader will tell you to move. I’ve had to do it so many times!

From experience, the individual travellers sit towards the front of the train and the groups sit towards the back.

Information on board

Television screens are in each carriage providing images and general information about the train. The languages depend on who is in the carriage, and that’s another reason to make sure you sit in the right spot. For example, if you somehow end up in a seat reserved for a Chinese group, you will get all the information in Mandarin.

In the general seating area they have the information in German, Norwegian and English. There are speakers that announce the information, but they can be very quiet.

If you look up and down the carriage, there are cardboard boxes with maps you can take for free – you can also get them from the information centre in Flåm. It’s not always guaranteed that the maps will be onboard, so it’s best to get one beforehand.

The noise on the tunnels

There are some small windows on the train that can be opened (though half the time I find them stuck!), and it’s great if you want to take photos, but bad if you don’t like the screeching of the train. And who doesn’t? The sound can be pretty unbearable.

You also need to be very quick with the photo taking. A good portion of the journey takes place in tunnels – after all, there are 20 of them on a 55 minute trip. The television screen will announce a point of interest, what side it’s on, and then you have seconds to get the photo!

Highlights on the train

After leaving the station in Flåm, you make your way through the valley and pass the original Flåm village. You will see farms with sheep and goats as well as the Flåm Church, which was built in the mid-17th century. If you are staying in Flåm, it’s easy to walk here – it takes around 40 minutes from the town centre.

You will be alongside the river for the first part of the journey. This was a famous salmon river, and you can still see all the platforms the fishermen built for optimal salmon fishing (again, you can walk back here on your own – they have signboards along the river with historical photos and information). The Flåm Railway crosses the river three times. Instead of building bridges for the train, the engineers opted to run the river through tunnels under the railway line.

At Berekvam station your train may stop and wait for the train coming in the other direction to pass. This is a great time to open a window and take a photo of your train against the landscape – you can also get a good photo of the train coming in the other direction.

Along the trip, you see traces in the mountainside left by avalanches and rockfalls that show the forces of nature. The landscape shows boulders that have been pushed down by glaciers, as well as rocks that have broken away from the mountainside. You can also see green pastures and historic traces of rock fences and cabins.

A popular photo opportunity is the hairpin road that the railway workers used. The old transport route has 21 hairpin turns. it’s also a great viewpoint to see how the Flåm valley is a classic U-shaped valley formed by glaciers, ending at the steep mountain where Myrdal is. This photo opportunity allows you to see the tunnels in the mountainside, the hairpin road, and then Myrdal station at the top. But you have to be quick – it’s only visible for around 20 seconds.

Some tunnels are open so you can see out the side. You’ll be able to see the tunnels where the train turns 180 degrees in the mountainside. It’s very impressive.

Towards Myrdal you pass Vatnahalsen Station – a popular stop for many people. It is a unique hotel with old cabin-style rooms and a cosy setting. It’s popular for those who want to take part in outdoor activities because that’s practically all there is to do there!

Kjosfossen has a drop of 225m (738 ft) and is being fed by the Reinunga Lake (Reinungavatnet), which you can see if you spend time at Vatnahalsen. In the winter, the waterfall freezes. It is strongest in spring and early summer when the snow is melting.

The train makes a brief stop at Kjosfossen waterfall and you have a chance to leave and take photos. The best way to handle this is to be ready ahead of time – this can be tricky if you haven’t done it before, but use the map they have on the train. They also announce that the train will be stopping soon.

It’s often a mad rush to the waterfall, so that’s why it’s good to be one of the first. Position yourself where you can see the ruined stone cabin – in the summer months they have a short performance there with a Huldra and you don’t want to miss it – many of the famous photos of Flåm are of the Huldra dancing with the waterfall.

Once the performance is over, I recommend heading straight back to the train. When they blow the whistle, it’s time to go. Just as everyone rushed off the train, everyone is going to rush back on. Again, it’s good to be first

Practical information

Is there wifi on board.

There is no WiFi; for most of the trip you don’t even get a mobile signal.

Can I buy food on board?

No – there are no options for food. Buy some at Flåm or Myrdal before boarding.

Are there toilets?

Yes, but I would recommend going in Flåm or Myrdal instead of onboard. The toilets can be quite far from where you are setting and they sometimes may even be locked. Considering how short and scenic the train ride is, you don’t want to waste time pushing through crowds to find a toilet.

Are some seats backwards facing?

Yes. If the train is fully booked and you get a backwards facing seat, there’s little to do about it. If you notice spare seats after leaving, you can move – the staff don’t really mind.

Is it accessible?

To get on the train, the stairs are very narrow and steep, with a bit of a jump between the last stair and the ground.

Can I store luggage on board?

Many people staying overnight in Flåm (which I highly recommend) will bring luggage on the train. This is a slight nightmare , especially in summer when you’re not only pushing through crowds but fighting for very limited luggage space onboard. You have to get luggage in and out of the train as well, which is also a problem.

I recommend using Porter Service . It picks up your luggage at your hotel (in Bergen or Oslo) and then delivers it to your next hotel after Flåm (Bergen or Oslo). The luggage is left in the hotel’s luggage room for you to collect. The service is excellent and takes out a lot of the stress of moving your own luggage. Simply pack an overnight bag for Flåm and you don’t have to deal with the hassle of suitcases.

Can I get off at stations along the way?

Yes, but this has to be requested beforehand. The train doesn’t stop at every platform unless it knows someone wants to get off there. This is usually done when you book your ticket.

Which side is best?

Well both sides are best, but there are better sides at certain points on the trip. If you are riding the train from Flåm to Myrdal, the best views are on the right for the first third of the trip. For the middle third, the best views are on the left. Then it switches back to the right for the last third.

I hope this overview of the Flåm Railway was useful! If you have any questions please leave them in the comments.

1 Comment on The Flåm Railway

Hello Emma Thanks you for thé recommandations. We will definitely FOLLIow them. Juste une question THOUGHT. Is THe railway of lam Really Worth it ? Can WE stop AT some point and get back with bicycle ?

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Complete Guide to the Flam Railway, Norway

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Natalia

The Flam Railway, known in Norwegian as the Flamsbana, takes you on a picturesque train journey in South Norway, from the fjord-side village of Flam to Myrdal, or vice versa. Covering around 20 kilometres, the journey provides stunning views of magnificent mountains, rushing waterfalls, beautiful valleys and more! Named as the most beautiful train journey in the world, the breathtaking scenery makes the Flam railway simply unmissable if you’re in this part of Norway. For us, the scenic journey was unquestionably one of the highlights of our entire trip – so it definitely lives up to the hype! Find out everything you need to know before you visit with this guide to the Flam Railway, covering how to book your tickets, get the best seats, which side to sit for the best views and more!

Wondering where else to visit near Flam? Check out this One Week Norway Fjords itinerary for ideas!

Table of Contents

Flam Railway Information

Flam Railway length – 20.2 kilometres/12.6 miles.

Flam Railway journey time – A one-way journey on the Flamsbana lasts approximately 1 hour, but this does vary depending on the season and departure time. All journeys include a 5-10 minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.

Flam Railway highest elevation – 866 metres above sea level at Myrdal station.

Cost to build  – Approximately 20 million NOK.

Construction time  – 20 years.

Flam Railway Pricing

Tickets for a round trip on the Flam Railway cost 680 NOK between 1st May and 30th September, which is considered peak season in Flam.

Outside of peak season tickets for the Flam Railway cost 500 NOK.

Click here to book your tickets for the train online!

Hiking and Biking in the Flam Valley

If you want to take the chance to hike or bike in the Flam Valley then you can take a one-way train from Flam to Myrdal and then hike or bike on the way back.

Click here to book a one-way train ticket so you can go hiking or biking in the Flam Valley!

It’s also possible to hike or bike up to Myrdal from Flam and then take the train back, but we’d recommend doing it the opposite way so that you don’t have to hike or bike uphill! On top of that, if you end up being slower than you thought you might end up missing your train and have to pay again for a later one.

Bike rental can be arranged in Flam or Myrdal, with prices starting at around 430 NOK for the day. We recommend arranging your bike rental through Cafe Rallaren in Myrdal as it saves you having to pay to take the bike up on the train.

Click here to arrange bike hire on Cafe Rallaren’s website!

Flam Railway Timetable

The timetable for the Flam Railway varies depending on the season, with as many as 10 round trip departures each day between May and September. Between November and March there are only 4 round trips a day, and during April and October there are 6 round trips a day.

Departure times for the Flam Railway vary depending on the season and the number of services a day. For the most up-to-date information we recommend clicking here to see the timetable on Visit Flam’s website!

What do you see on the Flam Railway?

The Flam Railway route is blessed with spectacular scenery over the course of its 20 kilometres. From the moment you depart Flam you can see dense forest, numerous waterfalls and towering mountains.

You are also able to see the beautiful Flamselvi river – a glacial river which empties into Aurlandsfjord once it reaches Flam. The river, which is known locally as Moldåni, is visible at various points throughout the journey.

As you begin to ascend you’ll be treated to brilliant views of the Flam valley so make sure to have your camera at the ready. There are many waterfalls in the valley and so many of them are unnamed, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful to look at!

One of the highlights of a trip on the Flam Railway is the chance to visit the Kjosfossen waterfall, which is only accessible by train. The train will stop for around 5-10 minutes at Kjosfossen station, which has a viewing platform directly next to the waterfall.

At this point you’re able to get off the train and get up close to the waterfall so that you can get the best views, as well as some lovely photos! Kjosfossen waterfall is extremely powerful and impressive, with a total fall of 225 metres.

During the busier months there is normally a short performance by a Kjosfossen waterfall dancer dressed as a Huldra – a seductive forest creature from Scandanavian folklore. Shortly after you arrive music will begin to play and the dancer will appear in front of the waterfall.

We personally thought this distracted from the beauty of the waterfall and would have preferred to enjoy the nature without the dancer, but each to their own.

After stopping at the waterfall it isn’t long until you reach Myrdal station, but before you do you will pass the lovely Lake Reinungavatnet. Once you have reached the station you can simply stay on the train if you have a return ticket as it doesn’t wait too long at the station before departing back to Flam.

If you are doing a round trip then you may want to sit on the other side on the way back down so that you can see the views from both sides. Find out which side we recommend to sit by reading the section below!

Over the course of the Flam to Myrdal train journey you will pass over one bridge and through 20 tunnels. Some of the tunnels have gaps so that you can still partially enjoy the views along the way.

Which side to sit for the best views on the Flam Railway?

If you want to get the best views on the Flam Railway then you should sit on the right hand side when departing from Flam. Alternatively, if you’re taking the train from Myrdal to Flam then you will want to sit on the left hand side.

Whichever side you do sit you will get nice views, but if you follow the advice above then you get better views for the majority of the ride. If you’re doing the round trip you may want to switch sides once you reach Myrdal, but we personally opted not to as we could tell the views were better from our side!

If you have a camera and want to get high quality photos then there are a few seats with windows that can open. Try to get one of these seats as otherwise it’s hard to get good pictures as the windows often provide unwanted glare and reflections in photos.

The seats with opening windows tend to be at the front and back of each carriage, although a few seemed to be broken during our trip so check before you sit down!

Other tips for riding the Flam Railway

Arrive early for your train  – As the main thing to do in the area, the trains can get very busy. During the peak season the Flam Railway will have lots of cruise ship passengers and other tourists on board.

To get the best seats arrive around 20-30 minutes before departure. That way you can make sure you sit on the side with the best views and get a seat with a window that opens if you wish!

Get off the train at Kjosfossen waterfall  – Whether you’re getting the train from Flam to Myrdal or vice versa, you’ll make a 5-10 minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. The train stewards make sure everyone is back on board before departing, so you have time to get off and enjoy this beautiful spot.

If you’re doing the round trip this means you’ll get to stop at the waterfall twice. We found that less people got off at the waterfall on the return train trip from Myrdal to Flam, so it’s worth getting off a second time if you want to see the waterfall without so many people around!

Book in advance  – Book your tickets for the Flam Railway as soon as you know the dates of your trip! During peak season the trains can get very busy with passengers from cruise ships and other tourists, so it’s worth booking in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!

Visit all year round  – The Flam railway runs all year round, so you can take this scenic train journey no matter when you visit. Depending on the time of year you visit the scenery will vary dramatically.

It’s a particularly rewarding place to visit during winter, as you’ll have the chance to see Flam valley covered in snow. If it gets cold enough then the Kjosfossen waterfall can even freeze over, which is a truly spectacular sight if you’re lucky enough to see it!

How to get to Flam, Norway

There are a number of different ways to get to Flam depending on your preference. One of the most popular ways to get to Flam is take a train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal, and then to take the Flam Railway down to the village.

Another way to get from Bergen to Flam is to take the daily Norled express ferry, although this only runs between 1st May and 30th September. Tickets cost 905 NOK one-way, with the journey taking around 5 and a half hours.

Click here to book a boat from Bergen to Flam!

If you would prefer, then it’s also possible to get to Flam by road. Renting a car is a great way to get around Norway, as it means you can stop and admire the spectacular scenery whenever you want! Car rental is surprisingly affordable considering how expensive Norway can be, so it’s definitely an option worth exploring!

Click here to find great deals on car rental in Norway!

If you want more information on how to get to Flam then click here for more detailed information on Visit Flam’s website!

Where to stay in Flam, Norway

Flam Marina

If you’re looking to rent an apartment then Flam Marina is a great place to stay! The property is perfectly located on the shore of the fjord and offers the choice of either a one bedroom or two bedroom apartment.

Click here to book a stay at the lovely Flam Marina on Booking.com!

Treat Yourself!

Fretheim Hotel

The Fretheim Hotel is a beautifully refurbished 1800s Manor House, making it one of the best places to stay in Flam. Rooms at the hotel are extremely comfortable and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area and mountains.

As Flam is a small village, the hotel is just a short walk from both the railway station and the shore of the fjord.

Click here to view the amazing Fretheim Hotel on Booking.com!

Flamsbrygga Hotel

One of the best accommodation options in Flam is the lovely Flamsbrygga Hotel. Brilliantly located nearby to the shore of Aurlandsfjord, balconies at the hotel offer some fantastic views.

The hotel is just a couple of minutes walk away from the Flam Railway station, which is perfect if you’re visiting to take the scenic train ride to Myrdal! Rooms at the property are cosy and luxurious to make for a relaxing stay.

Click here to take a look at the wonderful Flamsbrygga Hotel on Booking.com!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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A guide to the Flam Railway: Norway’s most scenic train trip

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2023

Take a scenic rail journey through the Norwegian fjords on board the Flamsbana or Flam Railway, a spectacular day trip by train through the mountains from Myrdal to Flam on the banks of the Sognefjord.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Snapshots of Norway’s scenery flash past the train window – snow-sprinkled mountains, steep rocky cliffs, deep blue lakes, lush green meadows and neatly painted red clapboard houses. It might only be 20km long, but the Flam Railway (or Flamsbana) packs a seriously scenic punch, and is ranked as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys .

The Flam Railway has been transporting passengers from the mountains to the fjords since the 1940s, and has kept its vintage-style charm. Today it’s a hugely popular day trip from Bergen, and was one of the highlights of my trip to the Norwegian fjords . So if you’re planning a trip on the Flam Railway, here’s everything you need to know.

The history of the Flam Railway

The idea for a train route to the fjords was first proposed in 1871, and in 1908 the Norwegian Parliament approved plans to build a standard gauge railway on the route between Myrdal and Flam. But the steep gradient made it a huge engineering challenge from the start. Construction didn’t start until 1924 and the line finally opened in 1940.

The finished line is only 20 kilometres long, but it travels a huge distance in height from 863 metres at Myrdal to sea level at Flam. Most of the route runs at a gradient of 5.5%, which makes it one of the world’s steepest standard gauge lines.

Around 200 men worked on the site at a time and it was tough work, with 10 stations, 20 tunnels and a bridge to build. Eighteen of the tunnels were painstakingly dug out by hand, including one which does a 180-degree turn inside the mountain. It took around a month of work to dig just one metre of tunnel, with almost 5700 metres of tunnel in total.

The gradient wasn’t the only challenge though, the steep rocky cliffs and river gorges didn’t help – the construction team even had to redirect the river through tunnels inside the mountain. And this was all designed and planned on paper, long before computers, in an environment where landslides could wipe out weeks’ worth of work.

Construction was almost finished in 1940 when Norway was invaded by the Germans, but they ordered the line to be finished and goods trains started running. Passenger services were soon added, and by the 1950s over 115,000 passengers a year used the line. It’s now one of Norway’s top tourist attractions with over 700,000 visitors a year.

You can find out more about the railway’s history in the free Railway Museum in Flam.

How often does the Flam Railway run?

The Flamsbana runs year-round, but the timetable and number of services per day varies through the seasons. During the low season (December–March), there are four services in each direction per day. But at the peak of high season (May–September) there are nine trips in each direction every day. You can check the current timetable online .

The journey takes 50 minutes each way. The first trains normally leave at 8.30am–9.30am, and the last trains are around 5pm in low season and 7pm–8pm in high season.

Can I do the Flam Railway in a day from Bergen or Oslo?

One of the easiest ways to experience the Flam Railway is on the hugely popular self-guided Norway in a Nutshell day trip. This customisable package tour includes tickets for the train from Oslo or Bergen to Flam, a boat trip along the Nærøyfjord from Flam to Gudvangen, then a bus to Voss for the train back to Oslo/Bergen (you can also do it in reverse).

It is also possible to do the trip independently. The train journey from Bergen to Flam takes around three hours, so if you take an early train you would arrive late morning and have time to explore Flam and take a fjord cruise before heading back to Bergen.

There are a couple of different route options for a combined Flam Railway and fjord cruise day trip from Bergen, depending on whether you want to retrace your steps and do the Flam Railway twice or take the slightly quicker but less scenic route via Voss.

• Mainline train from Bergen to Myrdal (2 hours)
• Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam (50 minutes)
• Fjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen (2 hours)
• Bus from Gudvangen to Flam (20 minutes)
• Flam Railway from Flam to Myrdal (50 minutes)
• Mainline train from Myrdal to Bergen (2 hours).

Option 2 (can also be done in reverse)

• Bus from Gudvangen to Voss (1 hour 20 minutes)
• Train from Voss to Bergen (1 hour 15 minutes).

If you’re travelling from Oslo to Flam , the train journey is around six hours each way so it would be better to stay overnight in Flam or Bergen if you can. It is possible in a day if you left Oslo at 08.25 (arriving in Flam at 14.05 and departing at 16.40) and arrived back there at 22.27. It’s a very long day though and doesn’t give you time for a fjord cruise.

What’s it like on board the Flam Railway?

Carriages on the Flam Railway have a vintage feel, with their exteriors smartly painted in dark green with gold lettering. And inside there are wood-panelled walls and chrome luggage racks. But there are mod-cons too, like the screens at the end of the carriage which tell you what you’re seeing and give information about the history of the line.

Seats are set up in blocks of four or six – if you want to get a window seat get there early, particularly in high season when you’ll need to queue up before boarding. Not all the windows open so try to bag one that does if you want to take photos to avoid reflections (though there are a lot of tunnels so don’t hang cameras or phones out of them).

The Norway in a Nutshell trip gets really busy. So a good tip if you are doing the trip independently is to check out the Norway in a Nutshell timetable and avoid the trains they use and travel early or late in the day instead – we got a carriage almost to ourselves!

Which direction is best?

Generally the most scenic views are on the left-hand side of the train if you’re travelling from Mydral or the right-hand side if you’re travelling from Flam. But it’s still beautiful in each direction so ideally you would sit on both sides if you’re doing a return trip.

We did the journey in both directions and although you see the same scenery, you do get a different experience. Travelling downhill from Myrdal–Flam was a much smoother journey and better for taking photos. Travelling uphill from Flam–Myrdal you could feel the train working hard so you get a lot more squealing of brakes and and lurching around.

What can you see on board the Flam Railway?

Our scenic Flam Railway journey started off at its highest point in Myrdal, and even in May the ground was still covered in a thick layer of snow. The track zigzags down a gradient of 5.5%, meaning it descends one metre in height for every 18 metres it travels.

The beginning of the route runs through a snowy forest, dotted with red and yellow wooden houses. It passes the Reinungvatnet mountain lake, which was just starting to thaw after being frozen for months. The track then starts to descend steeply and disappears into the first of many tunnels before a five-minute stop off at the Kjosfossen waterfall.

The waterfall is over 90 metres tall and according to Scandinavian fokelore, it’s home to mythical creatures called the Huldra – beautiful sirens who bewitched passing men with their song and lured them into the woods. Keep an eye out as you might spot one dancing among the waterfalls (though they only seem to appear on busier train journeys!).

Back on the train, windows cut into the tunnel walls give you flashes of the view down the valley and across the valley to the sinuous Rallarvegen. The name roughly translates as the ‘navvies road’ and it was originally built as a construction and access road for the railway track works. Today it’s used as a mountain biking track with 21 twists and turns.

By this point we had descended almost halfway and the snow had disappeared, replaced by green fields and cascading waterfalls. At Breikvam the track splits in two so that the Flambana trains travelling in opposite directions can pass each other. Then towards the end of the journey, the gradient smoothes out and the valley starts to open up.

Looking down on the old part of Flam it seemed like a model village, with miniature houses and a tiny wooden church on the riverbank. The newer part of Flam lies further downriver, along the banks of the Sognefjord, at the end of the line for the Flamsbana.

What is there to do in Flam?

Flam is a fairly small town and doesn’t have a huge amount of things to do, but the setting is beautiful and it’s really peaceful in the evenings when the day trippers and cruise ships have headed off. We spread the trip out over two days and spent a night in the Fretheim Hote l ,* doing some walks around Flam on day one and a fjord cruise on day two.

Flam is a popular jumping off point for exploring the fjords by boat. You can take a two-hour cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – two branches of the huge Sognefjord – to Gudvangen, where it’s just a 20-minute shuttle bus trip back to Flam.

You can also explore the fjords using smaller RIB boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, take a short hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall (20 minutes each way), visit the Fretheim Cultural Park behind the Fretheim Hotel and try local beer at the Ægir Brewery.

How much is the Flam Railway trip?

The cost of tickets for the Flamsbana varies by season, with the highest prices during the peak summer season. Adult prices range from 350–470 NOK (€30–€40/£26–£35/$32–$42) one way or 500–680 NOK (€42–€57/£37–£50/$45–$61) return.

There are reduced fares for children aged 6–17 years old as well as a 30% discount on one-way fares if you have an Interail or Eurail pass.

How do I book a trip on the Flam Railway?

Flam Railway tickets can be booked via the VY (Norwegian Railways) website. This includes tickets all the way from Bergen and Oslo as well as just the Flam Railway itself.

If you have an Interail/Eurail pass you can’t buy discounted tickets online so would need to either book tickets in a train station in Norway or phone the VY call centre.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Flam?*

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Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Thank you for sharing. Over 50 years ago, I was on that train as a teenager foreign exchange student traveling alone to my host family’s home. The beauty of that place was so enchanting, and it is forever etched in my memory as one of the most beautiful places on earth. I seem to recall that the track makes pigtail loops in order to climb the altitude at a train worthy grade. It is spectacular. It’s hard to think it was so many years ago but still such a vivid memory. It makes me homesick to go back.

Sunday 26th of November 2023

@Lucy Dodsworth, am I right in thinking that the station is very close to the cruise terminal. I’m cruising there in June 2024 with P&O but the organised trip from the ship is full. I’d like to do it independently but have some mobility problems and can’t walk far.

Lucy Dodsworth

Thursday 15th of June 2023

Such a great journey – glad to have brought back some good memories!

All Destinations , Europe , Norway

Guide to norway’s flåm railway: flåm to bergen train.

If you’re wondering how to take Norway’s Flåm Railway, I’ve put together my experience with it in this guide! Whether you’re taking the Flåm to Bergen Train or doing a return day trip from the village of Flåm, here’s everything you need to know.

“All aboard!” called our railway conductor as we clambered from the snowy platforms into our old-fashioned carriages, all clamouring for a window seat to enjoy the legendary views of the Flåm railway. 

Known as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, the Flåm railway extends 20 kilometres from the village of Flåm up to Myrdal, where it connects to the Bergen/ Oslo line. 

And, after spending a chilly but chic 24 hours in Flåm (with snowshoeing, a frosty RIB ride and a stay at the historic Frentheim Hotel), we were about to use the Flam railway to journey back to Bergen. 

This blog post contains affiliate links. I was a guest of Norway’s Best. All opinions are my own.

What is the Flåm railway? 

The village’s tourism industry is largely thanks to the Flåm railway. A 20 kilometre branch line running from Myrdal to Flåm, it connected the village to Norway’s two biggest cities, bringing tourists but also providing valuable transport for locals. 

The Flåm railway weaves around its fjord and ascends into the mountains, through some of the most picturesque scenery in Norway. 

It’s delightfully old-world, with wooden seats and old-fashioned luggage racks, and by taking a window seat, you’ll see some of the region’s most charming yet rugged scenery unfurl before you. 

There’s even a 180-degree tunnel, so passengers on both sides can take in one of the most spectacular views. 

Flåm to Bergen train

Like many tourists, we took the Flåm to Bergen train route by changing at Myrdal to the Bergensbanen which led to Norway’s second-largest city. This is an easy way to connect the village with Bergen (and you can do the same the other way to connect it with Oslo).

Flåm railway history 

Dating back to 1923, the Flåm railway was one of the world’s most difficult railways to build, thanks to the challenging terrain of this part of Norway. 

Construction took 20 years, and it finally flung open its carriage doors in 1940.

If you want to memorise some statistics about Flåm railway, just remember the number “20”. It took 20 years to be built, it’s 20 kilometres long, there are 20 tunnels and it cost 20 million NOK. Yes, that is all just one crazy coincidence! 

When the roads came to Flåm in the late 1980s, the ongoing need for the railway was debated; but as it was already proving to be a tourist attraction and remained important for locals travelling between Bergen and Oslo, it was privatised by a new company.

This company was the mother company of Norway’s Best, which now owns 50% of the railway. 

They agreed to fund the continuous running of the railway by expanding the historic Fretheim Hotel and building a cruise port, which has further boosted Flåm’s popularity with tourists.

In the summer months, there are up to 10,000 visitors per day. 

The Flåm railway was the impetus for other tourism industries to build up around the village, including electric boats running on the UNESCO World Heritage fjord and snowshoeing tours in the nearby mountains. 

Plus, there’s the Flåm railway museum , where you can learn about the fascinating story of the railway (in much more detail!).  

What’s riding the Flåm railway like? 

As I cosied up in my window seat, camera in hand, I took a glimpse of the view unfurling below me. 

We weren’t graced with the best visibility on our February trip in Norway, but we could still take in dramatic drops into frozen rivers and tilt our heads upwards to the towering mountains above. 

The train dates back to 1940, and the carriage looked like it may be a relic of this time, with nostalgic seating (reminding me a little of the Palma to Soller train in Mallorca ) and wooden panelling. 

Halfway, we stopped at a waterfall, where we could evacuate the train, stretch our legs and take in the views. We’d already summited a fair way into the mountains by this point, and the blistering wind outside made me quickly retreat back to my cosy seat, where I enjoyed snapping more photos of the frozen landscape. 

It was snowing sideways at Myrdal; we breathed in the fresh, thin mountain air on the short walk from the train to the heated waiting area. 

40 minutes later, we exchanged the poetic Flam railway for a much more modern Bergensbanen to Norway’s second largest city, leaving the mountains behind us as we ploughed towards Bergen’s more temperate climate. 

The Flåm railway was everything I love about nostalgic train journeys.

While it was only short, its cosiness and incredible views helped it soar to one of my favourite train journeys in Europe ; and as I sat on the much more contemporary train to Bergen, I knew that the hour I spent in a time warp on the Flam railway would be an experience I’d be keen to repeat. 

Is it worth doing the Flåm railway in winter? 

Our Flåm railway experience took place in February, and we were unlucky with the weather (“it’s not normally this bad!” pretty much every local told us as we watched the clouds roll in). 

However, the mist parted enough to offer a glimpse of the landscape that the railway meanders through; an alluring snapshot of what could be if we had perfect visibility! 

As a train fanatic, I tend to take the rough with the smooth and enjoy the art of train travel, even if the conditions aren’t perfect. So, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience riding the Flam railway, and I think that any other train lover would feel the same. 

However, if you’re embarking on the railway for the views alone, I would recommend exploring on a clear day – in winter or in summer. The colours of the landscape will be more vivid in the summer months, but I’m a sucker for landscapes enhanced by a snowy blanket! 

How to do the Flåm railway: practical tips 

Here’s how to plan a Flam railway adventure for yourself. 

Flåm to Oslo or Flåm to Bergen train

Probably the most popular way to enjoy the Flåm railway is to use it as part of transport from Flam to Bergen or Oslo. 

Anne Hirst, the host of Norway’s best, told us that “most tourists come from Bergen”, as it’s a journey time of only around three hours. Oslo is five to six, so it’s still certainly possible in one day. 

To connect with either Bergen or Oslo, simply take the railway its full distance and then change trains at Myrdal. You can book combination tickets on the VY website .

Flåm railway as a day trip from Flåm

Of course, it’s entirely possible to take the Flåm railway as a day trip from the village. If you want to do a round-trip journey from Flåm to Myrdal and back to Flåm, you can easily book tickets on Norway’s Best website , or in person at the station. 

You can also check the most up-to-date timetable on Norway’s Best website ( click here ) and decide which will be best for your trip. The train journey takes 50 minutes each way. 

Flåm railway as a day trip from Bergen 

It would be difficult to do the Flåm railway day trip independently from Bergen. 

However, I found a Get Your Guide tour that includes a fjord cruise, time in Flåm and the return transport, which is doable as a Bergen day trip. 

It’s a self-guided trip, with all tickets included. 

Click here to read more about it.

There is also this Get Your Guide tour available from Oslo , which includes round-trip transport, a private guide, tour on the railway and a fjord tour – it’s a fantastic way to see fjord Norway from its capital.

Where to stay in Flåm

If you’re spending a night or two in Flåm, there’s nowhere better than the historic Fretheim Hotel .

Dating back to the late 19th century, the hotel offers a timeless mix of period furnishings (I loved the roll-top bath) and contemporary amenities.

Our room had a fjord view – an idyllic backdrop to enjoy a morning cup of coffee – and the reception area has huge windows where you can take in even more views.

The hotel’s restaurant serves up imaginative dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients.

Embark on the trip of a lifetime on the Flåm railway!

As you climb on board the Flåm railway, cosying up in one of the seats ready to gaze at the phenomenal views, you’ll experience one of Norway’s most romantic and nostalgic travel experiences.

While it’s an attraction in its own right, it provides a valuable connection between this otherwise isolated city and Norway’s main metropolises.

Travel is often about the journey, and it just so happens that the Flåm railway is a particularly beautiful one! 

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The Flåm Railway - the world's most beautiful train ride?

The Flåm Railway may be one of the most scenic and beautiful train rides in the world. People from all over the world come to experience this popular attraction.

The amazing Flåm Railway takes you from high mountains in Myrdal station, through Flåm valley and down to the very bottom of the Aurlandsfjord and Flåm station, and has received several awards. The Flåm Railway was recognized as one of the world’s 25 most beautiful train rides by The Society of International Railway. The National Geographic Traveller Magazine mentioned the Flåm Railway on their list of top ten train rides in Europe and the Lonely Planet Traveller recognized the railway as ”the world’s best train ride”.

The railway construction commenced in 1924 and the railway finally opened in 1940. The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest train rides built on normal tracks, and close to 80% of its tracks run through a rise of 55%. The Vatnahalsen tunnel spirals in and out of the mountain and is an impressive work of engineering. The 20 km long train ride takes you from the high mountains and down to the fjord. The scenic mountains are wild and beautiful, displaying snow-covered mountain tops, lush nature, impressive waterfalls, and farms high up in the mountains.

Further down in the valley of Flåm, the beauty of the Aurlandsfjord rises; this is an arm of the majestic Sognefjord – the world’s longest fjord. The one-hour-long spectacular train journey offers panoramic views of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in Fjord Norway.

The Flåm Railway and the Bergen Line

The Bergen Line, which runs between Oslo and Bergen, is a fantastic train journey over Hardangervidda National Park and the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe's largest mountain plateau. The highest point is Finse, 1,222 metres above sea level. Rallarvegen, the Navvies’ Road, is a popular cycling route from Haugastøl, over Finse, to Myrdal and down the 21 hairpin bends of the Flåmsdalen valley, and was originally built as a construction road for the Bergen Line.

At Myrdal you can get off the Bergen Line and jump on the Flåm Railway, which takes you on down to Flåm station.

Stop on the Flåm railway

Myrdal is the highest station on the line, at 866 metres above sea level. Most departures correspond with the Bergen Line, which runs between Oslo and Bergen.

From Myrdal, the train winds its way in and out of the mountains and down the fantastic Flåmsdalen valley with views of beautiful mountains and waterfalls. The train stops at or drives slowly past the most stunning viewpoints.

Vatnahalsen, just after Myrdal, is the stop for Vatnahalsen hotell, which is also the starting point for the popular Flåm Zipline, right next to the hotel. Rallarvegen, the Navvies Road, also passes through the hotel grounds. It is not possible to drive to Vatnahalsen, which is a popular destination in summer and winter alike.

Further down the valley, the train stops at Reinunga, Kjosfossen, Blomheller, Berekvam, Håreina and Lunden, before the final stop in Flåm. The train only stops at certain stops if you ask the conductor.

Kjosfossen waterfall is a popular stop, and the train stops here for five minutes so people can get off and take pictures. In summer, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of huldra , a wood nymph, near the waterfall.

Flåm Railway timetable

The Flåm Railway runs all year round. You can find timetables at vy.no . Here, you will also find which departures best correspond with the Bergen Line.

Tickets for the Flåm Railway

If you’re already in Flåm, you can buy a return ticket on the Flåm Railway at norwaysbest.com . If you are taking the train to Myrdal, you can buy a ticket for the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway at vy.no .

Map of Flåm Railway

Would you like to see a map of Myrdal – Flåm? A map of the Flåm Railway is available here .

Activities and accommodation near the Flåm Railway in Flåm can be found in the travel planner.

The Flåm Railway Museum

At the Flåm Railway Museum in Flåm, you can learn more about the construction of one of Europe’s steepest railway journeys, the technical development, and the people responsible.

The museum displays an authentic El 9 locomotive along with various historical items, text, photographs, and audio. You can also experience the journey with the Flåm Railway in a video display.

By bike in the Flåm Valley

The Flåm valley is perfect for biking. You can rent a bike in Flåm , take the Flåm Railway to Myrdal, and descend the valley by bike. This is the last stretch of the Rallarvegen route - maybe the most famous and spectacular bike route in Norway.

Explore the Sognefjord!

There are lots of options for active experiences in Flåm and the Sognefjord region all year round. You can also do a deep dive into the culture of Fjord Norway and visit stave churches, the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen or award-winning cider producers.

Visit charming fjord villages along the Sognefjord by public transport

Experience the peace and quiet as you travel by boat along the Sognefjord. Visit the hidden gems and enjoy local food and activities in the King of the fjords.

Glacier walks – like a whole other world

Experience a whole other world! The glaciers are beautiful to look at from a distance, but, close up, you will experience a fairy-tale world of constantly changing sculptures.

The skiing treasure trove of the Sognefjord

Cold snow, a lot of it, and mountainous terrain that provides world-class skiing experiences can be found innermost in the Sognefjord.

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The Flåm Railway

Hike or bike flåmsdalen valley, the flåm railway's spellbinding scenery, chasing beauty on rails.

The Flåm Railway, recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top ten train journeys in Europe. It is an immersion into the sublime, a rendezvous with the ethereal beauty that defines Norway. 

World Famous Railway

The Flåm Railway, often hailed as the world's most beautiful railway in the world, weaves its way through landscapes that seem to be plucked from the realms of dreams.

Picture yourself aboard the train, the rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks harmonizing with the majestic symphony of nature outside your window.

The journey covers a mere 12.4 miles, but within this short distance, you'll traverse a vertical ascent of 2,838 feet, making it one of the steepest and most awe-inspiring rail routes on the planet.

The panoramic views that unfold during the ascent are nothing short of poetic. The  narrow valley, the majestic waterfalls, the dancing rivers, farm, forest, the azure waters during the summer, and the snow-kissed peaks create a visual symphony that dances before your eyes. It's as if nature itself is performing a ballet, and you have the best seat in the house.

Close encounter with the waterfall

The journey reaches its crescendo at the Kjosfossen waterfall, a roaring cascade that embodies the untamed spirit of Norway. Here, the train pauses, allowing passengers to disembark and immerse themselves in the misty embrace of this natural wonder. The air is filled with the enchanting sound of the falls, and the spectacle is a testament to the raw, unbridled beauty that defines the Flåm Railway experience.

If you travel during the winter, the landscape is for many even mor spectacular. Massive white mountains, frozen waterfalls. It is a surreal mighty white world. 

Venturing further, the train glides through 20 tunnels, each unveiling a new chapter in Norway's visual poetry. As the carriages navigate the twists and turns, you'll find yourself surrounded by the sheer magnitude of the  wonderful landscape.

Connects to the world

The Flåm Railway adventure concludes at the Myrdal mountain station, where the Bergen Line connects between Oslo and Bergen, offering you the option to extend your journey or return to Flåm. Whether you choose to explore more of Norway's wonders or savor the memories of this enchanting rail ride, the Flåm Railway ensures that your travel experience transcends the ordinary.

As you contemplate your next adventure, consider the Flåm Railway as your portal to a world where every twist of the track reveals a new facet of nature's grandeur.

So, dear traveler, let the Flåm Railway be your chariot through the landscapes of dreams. The Flåm Railway runs all year round.

Bon voyage!

FAQ The Flåm Railway

• How long is the Flåm Railway? The Flåm Railway is 20 km long
• How far is it from Flåm to Myrdal? It takes one hour from Flåm to Myrdal with the Flåm Railway
• Is Flåm Railway open all year? Yes, The Flåm Railway has departures every day the whole year. Book your ticket here
• Can bicycles be brought along? Yes, bicycles allowed with valid bike ticket. Buy your ticket here
• Hike or bike the Flåm Valley? Order one way ticket on the Flåm Railway and hike or bike back to Flåm. 
• Is there any bike rental in Flåm? Yes, rent your bike in Flåm here , or rent a bike at Cafe Rallaren from Myrdal Railway Station

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The small picturesque village of Flåm, is situated innermost in the Aurlandsfjord and is home of the Flåm Railway.

Flåm is nestled innermost in the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the 204-km long and up to 1308-meter-deep Sognefjord. Flåm is the end station of the popular Flåm Railway , which is included in several of our popular round trips.

Getting to Flåm

There are several excellent and exciting ways of getting to Flåm on one of our Nutshell tours . The Norway in a Nutshell® tour can be started from Bergen or Oslo, but you can also get to Flåm from Voss or Geilo. Another option is taking the Sognefjord route to Flåm on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ tour .

Active in Flåm 

Visiting Flåm means a variety of exciting activities to choose from. Here you may join a fast-paced  RIB tour  on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjorden, or get to taste the unique tastes of the locally made cheese in the cheese village  Undredal .   

If a quiet experience is preferred, then a guided  kayak tour on the fjord is spot on. You won`t get any closer to the fjord and the untouched nature when you paddle on the mighty fjord surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys. In for a spectacular experience? Sliding down Flåmsdalen on the longest  Zipline  in Northern Europe is an adrenaline kick for sure.  

If you are visiting Flåm on one of our Nutshell tours , you can easily add activities and overnight stays here.

The Navvies` Road 

This trail between Haugastøl and Flåm, used by Rallarane who constructed the Bergen Railway, is the most beautiful and exciting  biking trip that Norway has to offer. On this trip, you ride through amazing and dramatic nature, with steep hills, majestic waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and a lot of places to stop for a rest. At the end of the trail in Flåm, the «after-bike» is a popular meeting place for tired bodies. This small village has its own brewery and a visit to Ægir is compulsory for beer enthusiasts.  

The Flåm Railway 

Visitors to Flåm should definitely take a ride on Flåmsbana, one of the world's most beautiful train journeys. Flåmsbana is a part of our Norway in a Nutshell® tour , packed with amazing nature and landscapes to enjoy. 

Did you know that Flåm and Nærøyfjordenserved as inspiration for the popular Disney movie Frozen? Visit Flåm in the winter and find out why! 

It is impossible to get bored in Flåm! 

Things to do in Flåm

Heritage RIB-boat tour in Flåm

Enjoy a two-hour Heritage fjord safari with RIB-boat on the Nærøyfjord and experience the spectacular nature and fjord landscape of a World Heritage site.

Fitness Level

Suitable for all

Electric Minibus to Stegastein viewpoint

Travel green and experience the stunning Stegastein viewpoint on this guided sightseeing tour from Flåm with an electric bus, and explore the Aurlandsfjord from above! When you choose to experience this popular tourist destination in an electric vehicle, you are part of developing a greener form of tourism that has no impact on the landscape!

Kayaking in Flåm

Spending a few hours in Flåm? Join in on an exciting three-hour sea kayak adventure and along the beautiful Aurlandsfjord! If you're extra lucky, you might even spot some seals, otters, or porpoises playing in the fjord!

NOK 1120 ,-

Hotels in Flåm

Flåmsbrygga Hotel

Fretheim Hotel

Flam Camping & Hostel

Heimly Guesthouse

The Flam Railway

Top ways to experience The Flam Railway and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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THE FLAM RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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• (0.14 mi) Flamsbrygga Hotel
• (0.27 mi) Flam Marina & Apartments
• (0.07 mi) Flam Bakery
• (0.10 mi) Fretheim Hotel Restaurant
• (0.13 mi) Aegir BrewPub
• (0.08 mi) Norge International Fisk
• (0.07 mi) Green Norway Flam Market
• (0.00 mi) Tren De Flåm
• (0.04 mi) FjordSafari
• (0.09 mi) Flam Tourist Office
• (0.05 mi) Flåm Railway Museum
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Visiting flam on a cruise: the flam scenic railway and more.

Tucked between two mountains at the head of Aurlandsfjorden, the teeny hamlet of Flam is a popular Norwegian cruise port. Although it is a good base for hiking and has a visit-worthy 17th-century church, its main tourist draw is the Flam scenic railway.

Running between Flam and Myrdal, this is considered to be one of Norway’s most scenic train journeys. To help you make the most of your cruise stop in Flam, here are some tips on how to book the Flåmsbana scenic train ride, what to expect and a guide to the other attractions of the hamlet.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

How I Visited Flam on a Cruise

Flam (or Flåm, to be correct) was port number two of my week-long  cruise along Norway’s fjords .

• Cruise operator:  P&O
• Cruise ship:  HMV Britannia
• Time in port : 11 am – 6 pm

Leaving  Stavanger  the previous evening, all 143,000 tonnes of MV Britannia weaved her way through the bends and turns of Sognefjorden  and  Aurlandsfjorden  to reach the hamlet of Flam shortly after 7 am. Seagulls cried and sheep bleated their respective welcomes.

Flam cruise port is a (very) short walk to the train station (Flam is tiny!).  

I started the day by riding the Flam scenic railway and then took a short hike around the hamlet using the map from the Tourist Information Office.

Why Ride the Flam Scenic Railway?

Not only is the Flåmsbana super-scenic, but it is also a marvel of modern engineering.

Completed in 1940, it runs a total distance of approximately 12 miles from  Flam , at sea level, to  Myrdal , at an altitude of 2,845 feet. At its steepest point, the gradient is 1:18, making it the steepest standard-gauge railway in Europe.

But fear not nervous travellers; the train is equipped with not one, not two, but five sets of brakes.

Building the line was no mean feat. With its 20 tunnels, most of which had to be dug by hand, 10 stations and one bridge, it took 16 years to complete.

Although the Flam Railway was originally constructed to allow local passenger and freight access to the Bergen – Oslo line, it is now a tourist-oriented service operated by the Norwegian State Railways on behalf of Flam Utvikling.

My Experience of the Flam Railway

Waves of anticipation rippled through the train carriage as passengers took their seats amid excited chatter. I was also stupidly excited at the prospect of riding the  Flam Railway , or  Flaamsbana (Flåmsbana).  

With a toot of the whistle, the train pulled out of the station.

It passed the old village of Flam before winding its way up a gradient of 5.5%, between rocky cliffs and past river gorges and cascading waterfalls. The  Flamselvi River  on the right-hand side of the train was my companion for most of the journey as the train cut its way through the Flam Valley, shaped by glacial erosion over millions of years.

At  Breikvam  the track split in two to allow trains to pass one another. If the train makes a short stop here, it is a good opportunity to point your camera out of the window to take a shot along the track.

Around 4km from Myrdal station, the train stopped for ten minutes at the  Kjosfossen waterfall . With its thunderous waters falling a total distance of 225 meters, prepare yourself for a drenching.

According to Scandinavian folklore, the waterfall is home to the  Huldra ,  mythical siren women who lured men into the forest with their enchanting song. Although I was vigilant, I failed to spot one dancing next to the waterfall, draped in ger red cloak.

The train skirted the northwestern edge of Reinungavatnet Lake to reach  Myrdal . After a ten-minute turn-around, I got to do this all again in the opposite direction.  

Flam Railway: Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Du ring which months does the flam railway operate.

The Flam Railway operates year-round.

In the winter months, there are four services in each direction daily. During the peak summer months of June to August, this increases to nine per day.

Check the  Flåmsbana timetable  here. 

When is the best time to travel on the Flam Railway?

As the Flam Railway is open for business year-round and accommodates all weathers, choose the time of year according to the type of scenery you are after and the outside temperature.

These temperatures range from 28 degrees in the winter months to 70 degrees in June, July and August.

How long does the Flaamsbana scenic train take?

The return journey between Flam and Myrdal takes around 100 minutes.  

How much does the Flam Railway cost?

The Flam Railway fares are seasonal. In 2024, the cost of an adult ticket for the return journey starts from 500 NOK. 

Holders of a  Eurail or Interrail  pass are entitled to a 30% discount. However, as these discounted tickets aren’t available online you will need to buy them at the station or over the phone.  

Where can I get tickets for the Flaamsbana?

I highly recommend that you  book your Flam Railway ticket in advance  in the summer months.  The train is extremely busy on days when a cruise ship – or two! –  is in town, or when a Norway in a Nutshell day trip is running.

If you choose to book your ticket as a shore excursion from your cruise operator, you will pay a considerable premium.  

Although you can also buy tickets in Flam or Myrdal, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the departure you want.

If you are doing the trip independently and are not visiting Flam on a cruise, try to choose the less busy days. My top tip is to check the  Norway in a Nutshell   timetable and the  cruise schedule for Flam . 

How do I ride the Flam Railway from Bergen or Oslo?

If you are not visiting Flam on a cruise, you can ride the Flam Railway as part of the self-guided  Norway in a Nutshell  day trip from either Bergen or Oslo.

The other option is to take the train independently from Bergen to Flam, a one-way journey time of around three hours.  

Which direction is best on the Flam Railway?

I rode the Flam Railway in both directions and there’s not much to choose between them.

Of course, you get to see the same scenery, but the downhill journey from  Myrdal to Flam was smoother and better for taking photos. The uphill journey from Flam to Myrdal involved more squealing of brakes and side-to-side movement.

Which is the best side of the Flam Railway to sit?

Although the views are great from both  sides of the carriage on the Flam Railway, I recommend sitting on the right-hand side if you are travelling from Flam to Myrdal as the light is better. This is particularly the case in the morning, and you also get those sweeping views across the Flam Valley.

If you are travelling on busy days, make sure that you are queuing at the railway station  30 minutes before the train departs  to get your pick of the best seats. 

Tips for taking photographs on the Flam Scenic Railway

Because of the train’s movement, it can be difficult to take good photographs from the carriage. My top tip for taking photographs on the Flam Railway is to poke your camera lens out of one of the roll-down windows .

However, as not all of the   seats in the railway carriage are next to roll-down windows, choose your seat carefully.

Other Things to Do in Flam From a Cruise Ship

As the return journey on the Flam Railway only takes around two hours, you may be looking for other activities to do in and Flam around, particularly if you are on a cruise ship that is not setting off until the evening.

Here is a selection of what is on offer.

Stegastein viewpoint panoramic tour

One of the most photographed sights in the region, the Stegastein Viewpoint is a popular shore excursion from Flam. Rising over 2,000 feet above the fjord and extending 100 feet from the mountainside, this scenic overlook offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.

The operator will pick you up at Flam Cruise Port and you’ll get a full refund if the tour is cancelled because of bad weather.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Hike around Flam

There is a selection of walks in Flam, taking between 30 minutes to 2.5 hours to complete. Pick up the excellent free map in the tourist office.

Other top shore activities in Flam

• Rent a talking car
• Take a RIB  fjord safari
• Get the lowdown about the construction of one of Europe’s most scenic railways at the Flam Railway Museum
• Take a heart-pumping ride on Scandinavia’s longest zipline (Flam Zipline)
• Enjoy a steaming hot sauna with a view at FjordSauna
• Join a guided tour of the Aurlands Shoe Factory
• Visit the Stave church at Undredal

Enjoy your cruise stop in Flam

In my view, if you are stopping in Flam on a Norway Fjords cruise, riding the Flam Railway is a must. And let’s face it; what else will you do on a 7-hour cruise stop in Flam?

Although the Flam Railway is expensive, the same can be said for most tourist attractions in Norway. In exchange for your well-earned krone, you will get one of Europe’s most scenic train rides (for me, though, this is trumped by Switzerland’s Glacier Express).

Packing a guidebook to help you explore the Norwegian ports of call independently is a wise move. I’m a big fan of Rick Steves and his  guide to Scandinavian & Northern European cruise ports  is packed full of useful information.

If you have found this article helpful, take a look at my guides to the other stops on this Norway Fjords cruise.

• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Stavanger in A Day
• Alesund, Norway: An Art Nouveau Walk in a Fairytale Town
• A Perfect Day in Bergen, Norway: Best Things to Do on a Cruise Stop
• Norwegian Fjords Cruise: Essential Tips, Review & Port Guides

Finally, if you are a cruise rookie, I also have advice on booking your first cruise and choosing cruise staterooms , including solo cabins for single cruisers .

Happy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 thoughts on “ Visiting Flam on a Cruise: The Flam Scenic Railway and More! ”

These pictures are literally amazing! Honestly, looks like you had an amazing time!

Thank you! It was great 🙂 I really recommend Norway! Have a good week

Cool post. Sounds like an amazing train journey

Thanks Sue. It was great!

Wow, it looks stunning. I’ve never heard of Flam before but now I would like to visit. Thanks for sharing!

It was fab! Thanks for dropping by Sarah 🙂 Bridget

Comments are closed.

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The Flam Railway & Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

This package combines The Flåm Railway exploring the lush and dramatic Flåm Valley on board 'one of the world's most beautiful train journeys' and Fjord Cruise Naeroyfjord, sailing through the eye-popping UNESCO world heritage area. This is two of our finest and most spectacular attractions in the heart of fjord Norway. We can promise you great experiences to store in the memory bank for the rest of your life!

Book now! From NOK 1185,-

On the most beautiful train journey

On the  Flåm Railway , one of the steepest and most beautiful train journeys in the world, you will have travelled from zero to 867 metres above sea level through the spectacular Flåm Valley, within one hour. Starting from Flåm and ending in Myrdal, the journey takes you past mighty mountains, lush nature, and cascading waterfalls with steep drops. Waterfalls such as Kjosfossen, Kårdalsfossen, Rjoandefossen and Brekkefossen can all be spotted on the Flåm Railway. The train makes a short stop by Kjosfossen, where you can alight and witness the thundering waterfall up close.

During spring and autumn, you will even have the chance to travel through different seasons as you ascend the mountainous terrain. In spring, you will travel from the blooming wonders in Flåm, to the snow-covered landscape in Myrdal. In the autumn you can enjoy the mix of bright colours changing into various golden tones along the way. Maybe you will be lucky enough to witness the first snowfall in the mountains. 

Best time to go

Package includes:

• The Flåm Railway
• Shuttle bus (Flåm-Gudvangen)
• Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

Please note! Departure, arrival times and order will have seasonal changes

Package includes: Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord t/r from Flåm 09:30, back in Flåm 14:00 in combination with Flåmsbana t/r departure 14:35 or 16:55 or Flåmsbana t/r departure 08:50 back in Flåm 10:57 or Flåmsbana t/r departure 11:35 back in Flåm 14:08 in combination with Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord t/r from Flåm 15:00, back in Flåm 19:30

Please note! The 15:00 departure from Flåm and 17:30 departure form Gudvangen will not be operating on mondays, tuesdays and wednesdays from 19. oktober until 1. february.

Campaign price adult: Save 20%

National treasures in the heart of Norway

Nærøyfjord — A stunningly beautiful UNESCO-listed fjord

Nærøyfjord is a sight to behold at any time of year. Whether you see it in its winter blanket of frost and snow, with its emerald-coloured glacier meltwater in spring or its green, flower-speckled hillsides in summer, or in its brightly coloured autumnal splendour.

Nærøyfjord  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. National Geographic magazine voted the fjord "The best unspoiled travel destination in the world" in 2004.

Beautiful, narrow Nærøyfjord is 17km long. The fjord is an arm of Aurlandsfjord. Nærøyfjord ends at the little village of Gudvangen, located at the very tip of the fjord arm. On the tour, you will experience both cascading waterfalls, idyllic villages and many more sights that will linger long in your memory.

• Shuttle bus Flåm–Gudvangen

The spectacular train ride from Bergen to Flåm

The highest mainline railway in Northern Europe, the scenic rail journey from Bergen to Flåm is one of the highlights of a visit to Norway – and a great way to get a taste of the fjords.

The first part of the journey, on the main Bergen to Oslo line, skims past boathouses and red painted cabins before climbing to Norway’s craggy, windswept uplands.

Its remotest sections see few signs of human life, and it becomes clear just what a feat of engineering it was to build this line at the end of the 19th century.

After changing trains at Myrdal (867m above sea level) onto the private Flåmsbana, you head down into the wild Flåm valley.

This is the most dramatic and scenic section of the ride and – in our opinion – the most stomach-churning!

On this final 20km leg, the train has four sets of brakes in case the worst happens as it threads its way down the mountainside. There’s even a switchback turn in the middle of a tunnel to keep the journey interesting.

But, despite being one of Europe’s steepest mountain railways, it’s also one of the most beautiful. So, we think it’s well worth the slightly scary steep approach.

After fifty minutes, you reach your final destination of Flåm on the shores of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the famous Sognefjord.

The journey: Bergen to Flåm Which side of the train is best? What to do in Flåm Where to stay in Flåm Where to eat in Bergen and Flåm Top tips for riding the Flam railway When to go Buying tickets: Bergen to Flåm

The journey: Bergen to Flåm

The full journey from Bergen to Flåm (four trains daily) takes between 2hr 45min and 3hr 38min using the fast Bergen to Oslo service.

The fast train stops at Arna (boarding only); Dale, home of the eponymous traditional knitwear; the winter resort of Voss, where skiers jump off the train and schuss off; and Myrdal, the junction station for the Flåmsbana.

Myrdal is where Flåm’s farmers used to bring their livestock to summer pastures, though no-one lives here permanently today.

Pretty much the only building is the station with its Café Rallaren (open April to October), where you can hire a bike (June to Sept; around 420 NOK/day) and freewheel the 20km down to Flåm – OK, more like hang on for grim life to the handlebars with the brakes on. You can leave the bike at Flåm station.

From Myrdal, the Flåmsbana has nine departures daily from May to September, and four to six daily from October to April.

Stops include the thundering 140m-high Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train halts for a photo opportunity, and Berekvam, where you can get off and hike down the old road into the valley in two to three hours.

In summer when the train stops at the Kjosfossen waterfall, look and listen out for the Huldra. 

We love this mythical forest spirit who sings folk songs in a red dress by the waterfall. 

Spoiler alert: she’s actually played by students from the Norwegian ballet School, some of whom are male – if you look closely you can sometimes see her sporting a beard!

Which side of the train is best?

There’s not really a best side, both sides are beautiful at different stages of the journey.

If you have a pre-assigned seat you’ll have no choice in the matter, but you can get up and walk around the train, so that you don’t miss the most scenic sections.

Travelling from Flåm to Myrdal, we think that the right side has the best views for the first third of the journey.

Then, we suggest moving over to the left-hand side of the train for the middle section, and back to the right-hand side for the final third of the trip.

What to do in Flåm

While the journey is easily doable as a day trip, it’s worth staying overnight in Flåm to enjoy the fjord in peace once the day-trippers and cruise passengers have left.

This also gives you time to head out on a guided kayaking trip with Njord Sea Kayak , or go cycling or hiking.

The tourist office  has free maps, with trails of various lengths from 45min to five hours.

There are lots of sightseeing trips and fjord cruises too, including a dramatic ferry trip from Flåm to Gudvangen past orchards and farmsteads into the Unesco-listed Naerøyfjord. Return on the same ferry or the cheaper and quicker bus (five daily).

We also really like this guided tour from Flåm of the picturesque Laerdal valley , with its fruit farms and rural scenery. It takes in the historic Borgund Stave Church and fantastic views of the Aurlandsfjord from the dramatic Stegastein viewpoint.

Or why not include a bike ride, and boat trip with the train ride?

We recommend this fantastic full-day all-in trip from Bergen to Myrdal, where you’ll pick up bikes and cycle down to Flåm for a RIB safari on the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

You’ll then ride the Flåm railway up to Myrdal and get the train back to Bergen. 

Where to stay in Flåm

Lots of people whizz in and out of Flåm, but you’ve come all this way and it would be a shame not to spend some time in this picturesque village.

We really recommend staying the night in Flåm if you have the time – and there are plenty of places to options to choose from.

If you’re on a budget, our first choice would be the Flam Camping og Vandrerhjem (open April to October), a 300m walk from the station.

This pine-clad, lodge-style hostel has bunks rooms sleeping up to six (550 NOK per person), plus singles, doubles, twins, and quads, as well as grassy pitches for tents (from 360 NOK).

Alternatively, try Heimly Pensjonat  (open late May to September), a quiet guesthouse 500m walk from the station.

Converted from a 1930s home and renovated in 2018, it has 22 small rooms (from 2500 NOK), some with fjord views, and all with private bathroom.

And although we didn’t actually get to stay there on our trip, we recommend checking out the lovely Flåm Marina right on the waterfront. They have family rooms and rooms with a kitchenette so are great if you’re self-catering.

Where to eat in Bergen and Flåm

Since there’s no buffet car on the Flåm railway, you’ll probably want to eat before your trip or afterwards.

Here are a few options we like in Bergen and Flåm.

If you want to pick up a tasty pastry or sandwich for the journey, we like the Flam Bakery , right by the train station. It sells freshly made bread, cakes, croissants and pizzas to eat in or take with you.

For something more substantial, the Flåm Marina hotel has a good restaurant with lovely views of the fjord. It serves traditional Norwegian dishes and pizzas – we suggest you try the fish soup.

Bergen has loads of places to eat. If money is no object, our top choice is the Lysverket restaurant at Bergen’s KODE art museum. 

Specialising in New Nordic cuisine, this Michelin-star restaurant serves a tasting menu (1849 NOK) that features dishes such as brown crab, rice and truffle and langoustine tempura.

And if you’re on a budget, we recommend the Daily Pot for its tasty vegetarian bowls of soups, curries and salads – we particularly like the vegan cheesecakes!

Top tips for riding the Flam railway

• The train can get very busy in high season, so we recommend avoiding July and August if possible.
• Most cruise ship passengers ride the railway in the middle of the day, so we suggest travelling early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
• Check the Flam harbour website to see if there’s a cruise ship in port when you arrive. If there is, pick a different day, if you can.
• We think winter is the best time to ride the railway if you want to avoid the crowds. The surrounding scenery looks beautiful covered in snow and there are fewer people around.
• There are only a couple of public toilets on the train. We suggest using the facilities in Flam or Myrdal, so you don’t spend most of the journey in the toilet queue.
• There’s no buffet car on the train, so bring your own water bottle and food if you need a snack.

Several thousand people a day can descend on Flåm (resident population: 450) on summer weekends. Don’t let this put you off, though – there are plenty of ways to avoid the worst of the crowds.

It all comes down to timing: travel in spring or autumn, or at least midweek in the busy months of June to August.

May is one of our favourite months to travel on the railway, as the waterfalls are particularly dramatic and full of melting ice water, and surrounding fields and countryside is lush and green.

Winter is a good option, too, when the deep turquoise of the frozen waterfalls along the route is unforgettable.

Buying tickets: Bergen to Flåm

You can buy tickets up to 90 days in advance and reserve a seat from Bergen to Myrdal on long-distance Bergen to Oslo trains (not local trains).

There are no seat reservations on the Flåmsbana. Check here to find departure times, book online and get an e-ticket sent straight to you.

Prefer to take a tour?

If don’t want the hassle of buying all the tickets separately, but still want to ride the Flåm railway and do a boat trip on the fjord, this one-day self-guided tour is a nice option. It lets you enjoy spectacular scenery along the way and includes all of the bus, boat and rail tickets you need for the entire journey.

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid from Bergen to Myrdal (paid seat reservations essential), and will get you a 30% discount on single tickets from Myrdal to Flåm (regular single fare 470 NOK).

Without a pass, Bergen to Flåm costs 841 NOK each way, depending on the time and date of travel.

Take a look, too, at the Norway in a Nutshell circuit, which you can get from Bergen or Oslo. 

Bergen to Flåm is just a part of it, so check whether the set itinerary matches with where you want to go. 

For more on the tour and whether it’s right for you, see our guide, Norway in a Nutshell: the DIY option .

See also:  Visiting Bergen on a budget A guide to Scandinavian rail passes

Getting from Oslo airport to the city centre

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We are flying into Oslo this winter and planned to travel to Bergen by rail. If we want to see Flam too should we plan on buying two separate tickets on the way back to Oslo with an overnight in Flam?

We are doing the Hurtigruten cruise and are adding on some days in Bergen and Oslo and want to experience the train trip between the two. We’ld like to travel on the Flam railway too. Is it reasonable to take the Oslo/Bergen train and detour to Flam from Myrdal and return to continue the trip?

Will be coming via cruise ship to Bergen, & would like to ride the Flam railway. We will be in port from 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Is this possible to do in this time frame with time to check out the waterfall in Flam & look around a little also? What time should I book our train out & back & what is the best way to get to the train station in Bergen? Thanks!

1. I would like to take the train from Bergen to flam ,spend the night and continue on to oslo. do I need to purchase my tickets from different places? or would this be all one purchase. sounds like the train into Flam is different? 2. does the train from Bergen to Oslo go thru Flam? I just want to see as much as I can in my short time. unable to do Norway in a nutshell as the other couple we are traveling with feels it will be too much [physically]

Looks like you could overnight in Flåm but if you wanted to go to Oslo you would have to change at Myrdal first. Easiest option is probably to buy tickets separately!

I’m a bit confused about how to plan the trip. We fly into Oslo and from Oslo should we get a train to Bergen to then go to Flam?

That would work, yep – or you could fly to Bergen if you wanted to. It’s about an hour’s flight.

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You are here: Home Things To Do Guided full day tour from Bergen - including Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway

Guided full day tour from Bergen - including Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway

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Opening Times

* No departure 17 May.

Explore the best of Norway's natural beauty on this guided discovery tour to the Nærøyfjord and Flåm Railway.

The tour starts at the bus stop at Strandkaien Terminal, where you board our panorama-bus. The bus takes you to the village of Gudvangen, and on the way the bus stops at Tvinde Waterfall and Stalheim Viewpoint.

From Gudvangen the tour continues on a 2-hour scenic fjord cruise to Flåm on a comfortable ferry (electrically powered) with large windows and patio area. The fjord cruise takes you through the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep your camera ready to make sure you get photos of the steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, towering peaks and waterfalls along the way. 

Upon arrival in Flåm, a charming village surrounded by precipitous mountainsides, rumbling waterfalls and narrow valleys, you can take a stroll through the picturesque town center or visit the Flåm Railway Museum.

After the visit to Flåm, the tour continues on the Flåm Railway, one of the world's steepest railways on regular tracks. Along the way you can enjoy the panoramic view of one of Norway's most spectacular mountainous  landscapes. The train also passes the famous Kjosfossen Waterfall on the 20-kilometer-long train journey. At Myrdal station we change trains to the Bergen Railway towards Voss station. From Voss the last part of the tour goes by panorama-bus back to Bergen. 

Start time May - September: 08:00 Duration: 10,5 - 11 hours

Start time October - April: 09:00 Duration: 9,5 - 10 hours

The tour starts from Strandkaien Terminal. Meet the guide at the bus stop in front of the terminal building, minimum 15 minutes before the departure time.

The tour ends at Strandkaien Terminal.

Our local English speaking guide will be with you on the tour. 

ONLINE BOOKING: Your email confirmation is your ticket for this tour. Please bring a print out of your ticket or show the ticket on your mobile device when boarding.

Bergen Card: 10 % discount when using the Bergen Card. Enter the word bergencard in the promo code field in the booking process to get the discount. Remember that valid cards must be presented when boarding for each person in the booking.

Cancellation policy: For cancellations received up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, you will receive a full refund. For cancellations received less than 24 hours before the scheduled departure, we don't offer refunds. Contact the point of sale where you purchased the ticket in case of cancellation.

Prices may be subject to change.

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11 replies to this topic

Geilo might be a possible stopover in the mountains on your way to Oslo by train.

One way car rental is possible within Norway, but there will be drop-off charges. If this is an option, take the car when leaving Bergen for the fjords and drop it off in Oslo before continuing to Sweden by train.

There’s only one line Bergen to Oslo and a part of it is through a mountain plateau. There are small towns , but mostly for winter destination and probably not what you’re looking for.

Is it possible to drop the Flåm accommodation without paying?

Excuse me for saying this but I feel it’s a bit boring itinerary. In addition Flåm in June/July is full of cruise ship traffic and NIN tourists.Flåm itself is not a special place, just a dock and a rail station and maybe 300 inhabitants, there are more interesting places.

Maybe hire a car when you are in Bergen and doing a loop back to Bergen.

I’m not so familiar with Sweden, but has noticed on the Swedish forum that they prefer Gothenburg above Malmø, saying Malmø is boring. IDNK, bout Gothenburg has Liseberg a famous amusement park

Thanks for the insight! You mentioned more interesting alternatives to Flam to visit the fjords... would you be willing to offer suggestions? Thanks again!

https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes/hardanger/

https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes/gaularfjellet/

Gaularfjellet in Sogn og Fjordane

https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes/geiranger--trollstigen/

Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

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