TL;DR: The Flåm Railway is a 20-kilometer engineering marvel through Norwegian fjords, featuring 863-meter elevation changes, 18 tunnels, and some of the world’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Budget 2-3 days, book ahead (especially summer), and prepare for Instagram overload.
Picture this: you’re gliding through misty Norwegian mountains on what might be the world’s most beautiful train ride, waterfalls cascading right outside your window, while fellow travelers from every corner of the globe gasp at the same mind-blowing views. Welcome to the Flåm Railway – where “holy cow, this is incredible” becomes your default expression for 20 straight kilometers.
What Makes the Flåm Railway So Special?
The Flåmsbana (as locals call it) isn’t just transportation – it’s a 20-kilometer journey through some seriously dramatic Norwegian landscape that’ll make your regular commute look painfully boring. Built over 17 years and completed in 1940, this engineering masterpiece climbs 863 meters through 20 tunnels, crossing bridges that seem to defy gravity.
But here’s what really sets it apart: the Flåm Railway holds the title for one of the world’s steepest train rides, with gradients reaching 5.5%. Translation? You’ll be practically vertical while surrounded by some of the most epic scenery on Earth.
Planning Your Flåm Railway Adventure
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, but you’ll be sharing those Instagram spots with crowds. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide fewer tourists and dramatic weather, while winter transforms the journey into a snow-covered wonderland – though some services may be limited.
Booking Tips: Don’t wing it. The Flåm Railway sells out regularly, especially during peak summer months. Book online at flam.no at least a few weeks ahead. Pro tip: morning departures often offer clearer weather and better photo opportunities.
Getting There: Most travelers reach Flåm by combining the train with Norway’s famous “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, which includes scenic ferry rides through the fjords. You can also drive to Flåm, though the mountain roads are an adventure themselves.
Sample Itineraries
- The Classic Round Trip (2-3 hours): Take the train from Flåm to Myrdal and then back to Flåm. This is the most popular and straightforward option for experiencing the railway’s stunning views.
- Train, Bike & Hike (Half-Day Adventure): Purchase a one-way ticket to Myrdal. From Myrdal, you can hike or bike the scenic Rallar Road back down to Flåm. You can rent bikes at the top (Myrdal) or at the bottom (Flåm).
- Train, Zipline & Bike (Half-Day Thrill): Take the train up, then fly down the Flåm Zipline, followed by a bike ride back to Flåm. This is a popular package for adventure seekers.
The Journey: What to Expect
The adventure begins in Flåm, a tiny village nestled at the end of Aurlandsfjord. As the train pulls away from the station, you’ll immediately understand why this route attracts travelers from around the world. The views start spectacular and somehow keep getting better.
The Kjosfossen Waterfall Stop: About halfway through the journey, the train makes a scheduled stop at Kjosfossen waterfall. Here’s where things get magical – and slightly touristy in the best possible way. During summer months, you might catch a performance by the Huldra, a mythical forest spirit who dances near the falls. It’s wonderfully cheesy and absolutely worth experiencing.
Photography Paradise: Every seat offers stunning views, but try to snag a spot on the right side of the train (when traveling from Flåm to Myrdal) for the best waterfall shots. The large windows provide excellent photo opportunities, though they can get crowded during peak times.
Beyond the Train: Exploring Flåm
Flåm itself deserves more than just a quick train turnaround. This charming village offers plenty to keep you busy for a day or two.
Flåm Brewery & Distillery: Sample local craft beers and spirits made with pristine Norwegian mountain water. Their seasonal brews often incorporate local ingredients like juniper and birch.
Hiking Opportunities: The Flåm area offers trails for every fitness level. The hike to Stegastein Viewpoint provides panoramic fjord views, while more challenging routes lead to mountain peaks with even more dramatic perspectives.
Fjord Cruises: Combine your railway journey with a cruise through Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These narrow waterways showcase Norway’s dramatic landscape from a completely different angle. MORE READ…
Things to Do in Myrdal
- Café Rallaren: Grab a bite at this café at the Myrdal station before your return journey.
- Hiking and Biking: Myrdal is a starting point for hiking and biking routes, including the popular Rallar Road.
- Connections: Myrdal is a station on the main Bergen Line, so you can easily connect to trains traveling between Bergen and Oslo. This makes the Flåm Railway a popular day trip or part of a larger Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Practical Information for Every Traveler
Accessibility: The Flåm Railway welcomes travelers with mobility challenges, offering wheelchair-accessible cars and assistance at stations. Contact the railway in advance to ensure smooth boarding.
Budget Considerations: Train tickets range from around 400-500 NOK for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Consider purchasing a flexible ticket if your travel dates might change – Norwegian weather can be unpredictable.
What to Bring: Layer up! Mountain weather changes quickly, and temperatures can vary significantly between Flåm and Myrdal. Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a fully charged camera (or phone) are essentials.
Food and Drink: The train journey itself doesn’t include food service, but Flåm offers several restaurants ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments featuring local ingredients like reindeer and Arctic char.
Tickets & Prices
- One-way: Around 550–600 NOK (~$55 USD).
- Round-trip: Around 900–1000 NOK (~$90–100 USD).
- Kids: Often 50% discount.
- Booking: Tickets sell out fast in summer—book online in advance.
💡 Pro tip for travelers on a budget: If you’re continuing on the Bergen Line, you can use Myrdal as a connection point, making the Flåm Railway part of your route instead of just a round-trip.
Family-Friendly Tips
The Flåm Railway works beautifully for families with children of all ages. The journey is long enough to feel like an adventure but short enough that restless kids won’t get too antsy. The dramatic scenery keeps everyone entertained, and the waterfall stop provides a perfect leg-stretching opportunity.
Many families combine the train ride with other activities like easy fjord hikes or visits to the Flåm Railway Museum, which offers interactive exhibits about the railway’s construction and local history.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Photography Tips: The train moves slowly enough for great photos, but avoid using the flash against windows. The changing light conditions throughout the journey offer different moods – overcast skies can create dramatic, moody shots that are often more interesting than bright sunshine.
Cultural Connections: Take time to chat with fellow passengers – the Flåm Railway attracts travelers from around the world, and sharing the experience with others often enhances the journey. Train staff are typically friendly and knowledgeable about local history and landmarks.
Seasonal Considerations: Each season offers a completely different experience. Summer provides the classic green landscape and active waterfalls, while winter transforms the route into a snow-covered wonderland. Spring brings dramatic weather changes, and fall offers stunning autumn colors.
Final Thoughts
The Flåm Railway isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about experiencing Norwegian nature in one of the most comfortable and scenic ways possible. Whether you’re seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply want to witness some of the world’s most beautiful landscape, this train journey delivers.
Sure, it’s touristy. Yes, it can get crowded. But sometimes the popular attractions earn their reputation for good reason. The Flåm Railway offers an accessible way to experience Norway’s dramatic fjord landscape that would otherwise require serious hiking skills and mountain climbing experience.
Book your tickets, charge your camera, and prepare for a journey that’ll have you planning your return trip to Norway before you even reach the end of the line. Trust us – this is one train ride that lives up to every bit of hype it receives.
