flam norway tourist attractions

A Local's Guide to Flam and the Aurlandsfjord region!

Things to do in Flam, Norway [A Local’s Guide]

Flåm (or Flam, for those of you who do not have Å on you r keyboard ) is a small village in Western Norway located at the innermost arm of the Aurlandsfjord. Every year, millions of tourists visit the fjords and look for things to do in Flam to experience the dramatic landscapes the village offers.

Flam is probably the most visited fjord destination in Norway, and as I have grown up in the area – this was a guide I needed to write! The village is also a crucial point of the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour.

Are you visiting Norway and looking for places to visit and things to do in Flam? I was born and raised in Aurland, Flåm’s immediate neighbourhood. Hence, Flam used to be like my second home while growing up (I have actually spend several summers and years working in the Visitor Center there). As a result, I’ve a pretty good idea of the interesting things to do in Flam. 

Before I divulge into listing down all the great activities in Flam, you must know that Flam is quite a tiny village. Hence, this post will, in fact, include everything there is to do in Flam. As a result, you can treat this as a comprehensive travel guide to Flam. 

Do note that I have not included things to do in the other fjord villages here. Of course, visiting the viking village of Njardarheimr or the Stegastein Viewpoint are not listed (as they are located respectively in Gudvangen and Aurland). This is because I have come across too many articles on Flåm that include mainly activities outside of the village.

However, both the Viking Village and Stegastein can be visited from Flåm quite easily! Click each link to be taken to the booking site for both – including transportation from Flåm.

For my complete travel guide to the fjord villages around the Aurlandsfjord, head this way !

Table of Contents

Things to do in Flam , Norway – By a local!

The list below is numbered, but note that this is in no way a ranking of all the sights and activities in the village. There are just so many great things to do, and so many reasons to visit Flåm (and the Aurlandsfjord) . This is just a list of absolutely everything there is to get up to in Flåm – in no particular order (all though the first one is the most popular.

#1 Ride the scenic Flam Railway

The Flam Railway is the major reason why tourists from far and abroad visit Norway. It is the country’s #1 tourist attraction. The 12.6 miles (20 kilometres) long Flam Railway journey has been described as the most beautiful train journey in the world! 

You can take the Flåm Railway by starting in Oslo or Bergen, or when you are already in Flåm. The train goes from Flåm, by the Aurlandsfjord , to Myrdal in the mountains. If you are already in Flåm, you can book your return tickets in the Visitor Center in the train station building (where I used to work!), or online .

If you are travelling to Flåm from Bergen or Oslo (or anywhere in between), you need to book the Bergen-Oslo Railway first, and stop in Myrdal, the mountain station. When you are travelling from the Norwegian cities, this is where your Flam Railway journey starts. You can book your entire train adventure here .

From Myrdal (867 metres above sea level), the iconic Flam train runs through several tunnels (20, to be exact), glides down through grassy mountains and green fields dotted with wooden houses, and makes a brief stop near the Kjosfossen waterfall before arriving at Flam (at sea level). The train stops for a few minutes at Kjosfossen, and I highly recommend you get out on the viewing platform to see this spectactular waterfall. In the summer season, there is also a little surprise for you..

During this 1-hour train ride, you will see rivers cutting deep ravines, snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of magical landscapes. The Flåm valley is absolutely beautiful, and the engineering skills it took to build the Flåm Railway will also impress you.

Book your Flam Rail tickets well in advance to reserve a spot. They tend to sell out pretty quickly, and especially in the summer. I can’t even tell you how many times I had to tell disappointed travellers that the train was completely sold out when I used to work in the ticket office. You can book the tickets on your own or opt to join the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour to experience this journey. Needless to say, riding the Flam Railway is probably the best thing to do in Flam if you ask fellow travellers.

#2 Flåm Zipline

If you crave an adrenaline rush, flying through the beautiful Flam valley by taking a zipline is amongst the best things to do in Flam. Flåm Zipline is the longest zipline in Scandinavia, with a total length of 1381 metres! The flight can last over 90 seconds if you are lucky, and it is such an incredible experience.

You can reach the starting point of Flåm Zipline; Vatnahalsen station, by train, either from Myrdal or from Flam. Vatnahalsen is the last stop before Myrdal when you are travelling from Flåm, so this is the perfect way to get to cross both the Flåm Railway and the Flåm Zipline off your list. From here, whizz down the valley at an intense speed of up to 60mph/100 kmh! The tour ends 305 metres down from the starting point at Kårdalen, located in the upper part of Flam valley.

Make sure to stop in Kårdalen for a traditional Norwegian “svele” with locally made goat’s cheese. A Svele is a fat, savoury pancake, and the perfect meal after your zipline adventure.

Head this way to read my complete guide to the Flåm Zipline!

The perfect Flåm Valley itinerary

As mentioned, you can cross off experiencing both the Flam Railway and the Flam zipline in one trip. Once you reach Kårdal, you have to make your way back down to Flåm, and can do so either by foot or by renting a bicycle. Cycling or hiking the Flåm Valley is actually mentioned as one of the top activities in Flåm further down on this list! So, if you want to spend a day in Flåm that is the perfect mix of popular attractions, adrenaline and nature, here is my suggestion:

• Start in the morning by taking the Flåm Railway to Vatnahalsen (around 50 minutes).
• Soar through the valley on Flåm Zipline down to Kårdalen.
• Enjoy a light lunch in Kårdal, before grabbing your bicycle (or not; the walk is lovely too).
• Cycle back down to Flåm (45-60 minutes) or enjoy the (mainly downhill) walk at a leisurely pace (2-3 hours).
• Book some time to relax and unwind in the newly opened FjordSauna (mentioned next on the list).

In the video below I take you on the adventure mentioned above; the Flåm Railway and Flåm Zipline, followed by cycling back down to Flåm:

#3 Enjoy the steaming hot FjordSauna

FjordSauna is a floating sauna located in a quiet area on the Aurlandsfjord in Flam. It is just a short walk from the Flam Railway station, and an activity that I highly recommend in Flåm! It opened in 2021, and is run by two friends of mine – and it is so great to see people try new things and start new ventures by the fjords.

Here, you can enjoy a steaming hot sauna and then, if you wish, take a refreshing dip in the cold fjord. Did you know that jumping into cold water is believed to have some great health benefits? Regardless of whether you want to jump in or not, there is nothing as relaxing as sitting in your private sauna, sweating away, whilst looking out over the fjord. If you are looking for some relaxed time in the midst of the beautiful landscapes, then unwinding with the steaming hot sauna is the definitely something you need to do when visiting Flam.

The floating sauna is heated electrically at the quay and by burning wood when it is cruising the fjord. There are storage lockers, restrooms, shower areas, and changing rooms onboard the FjordSauna, so you will have everything you need. There is no toiled, but to be fair; the world’s largest one is just outside the door 😉

The sauna masters ensure that you are provided with the necessary warmth and comfort, so whether you opt for renting it out for a private sauna experience, or opt to join on a drop-in basis, you will love this experience. Book your FjordSauna here .

#4 Experience the Nærøyfjord on a Fjord Cruise to Gudvangen

Flam is known for many things, including the above-mentioned Flam Railway Line and verdant valleys. However, if you keep the train ride aside, one of the most popular attractions in Flam is cruising the fjords surrounding the charming town. I always say that you should never visit the area and not see the fjords properly.

The fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen involves sailing through two of the best fjords of Norway (in my humble, local opinion) – the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO listed Naeroyfjord (Nærøyfjord). This fjord cruise is a part of the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour; however, you can also book the cruise on your own, which is what I recommend. If you want to learn more about this, I have written a guide on how to travel the full Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own here . 

The cruise sails from Flåm, through the Aurlandsfjord and stops at each of the the pretty villages of Aurland (where I am from) and Undredal. So it is completely possible to use the fjord cruise as your mode of transportation by the fjords (however, this would be slightly more expensive than going by car or bus). Instead, these stops can be utilised for you to click pictures of the stunning landscapes. Undredal, in particular, is absolutely stunning when seen from the fjord. If you are planning to get off in Undredal, head this way to read my guide !

The audio guide onboard narrates local stories about the fjords and legends from the area and brings you closer to the fjord wildlife like seals and porpoises. As the boat enters the narrow Nærøyfjord, you get an up-close view of the cascading waterfalls. The Nærøyfjord is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and is the world’s most narrow fjord. So you will get quite close to the mountains as you sail through.

Read more : The Best Things to do in Gudvangen

Sustainable travel on the fjords

Another thing I want to point out about the Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, is that the vessels used for this; Vision of the Fjords, Future of the Fjords and Legacy of the Fjords, are all fully electric vessels, with the exception of Vision, which is a hybrid vessel. Vision of the Fjords was actually the world’s first hybrid vessel made of carbon fiber, which is quite impressive!

The boats all look the same, and are build for maximum views of the fjords. So whether you are staying inside or standing on the roof of the boat (you can walk around the whole boat – AND it is wheelchair accessible!), you will have great views of the fjords.

Tickets for the fjord cruise can be booked in the Visitor Center in Flåm, or in advance here . The cruise takes you to Gudvangen in 1,5 hours, and from there you can book a bus return (20 minutes). If you have the time, I recommend spending a few hours in Gudvangen, as there are some great things to do there too!

#5 FjordSafari

There are several ways you can enjoy cruising the fjords in the area, and ensuring that you experience them in the best way. As mentioned above, the fjord cruise is a great option, and also one of the most popular ones.

However, I strongly recommend that you opt for a little less busy way to explore the fjords: by going on a FjordSafari!

This is a guided boat ride in a lightweight, open RIB boat that offers you an intimate experience of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. Their tagline is literally “closer to nature”, and there is nothing more true about that.

The driver and guide have complete control over these small vessels, and as they don’t run on a schedule, you can stop wherever there are interesting things to see, and get closer to the waterfalls and majestic mountains than you could on any larger boat. You will zoom through the Aurlandsfjord, past the beautiful villages and dramatic scenery, and get a proper experience of the fjords.

There are several options you can book here (especially in the high season), with the basic FjordSafari being 1,5 hours long (and the extended version being 2 hours and 15 minutes). I recommend the extended version, as it takes you a little further into the Nærøyfjord.

It is also possible to combine the experience with a visit to Undredal or Gudvangen, or perhaps even a hike to Leim (which I have mentioned in my Aurland guide ).

#6 Hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall

Though you can easily view the majestic Brekkefossen waterfall from the Flam Railway, hiking the falls and seeing it up-close is an adventure in itself.

The good news is – the hike to Brekkefossen waterfall is short (around 20 minutes from the start of the trail), easy to moderate in difficulty level, and amongst the most fulfilling on this list of what to do in Flåm if you have an adventurous soul.

The hiking trail starts from the centre of Flam, where you first pass through some picturesque farms, before you slowly ascend Sherpa-made stairs, and gradually make way to the top on a dirt trail leaving the Flam valley stretching into the distance.

As you near the magnificent Brekkefossen waterfall, the sound is quite loud. The water drops from a height of 625 metres into a big pool. From the falls, you get a one-of-its-kind view of Flam village with Sognefjord as a backdrop. You can walk down to the base of the waterfall as well. 

Head this way for my complete guide to hiking in Flåm !

# 7 Visit the Flåm Church

Built-in 1667, the local Flåm Church is a wooden church located in the old town, 1.9 miles from the center of Flam village.

Some part of the walk to the church runs parallel to the Flam Railway line, and it is possible to get there by train (all though it is quite a nice walk along the rail tracks and the river, so I do recommend visiting by foot). It is a well-preserved sub-parish church surrounded by the green pastures of the Flam Valley.

Set in a peaceful neighbourhood, Flam Church is still a functional church. The location of the church used to be the center of the village, actually.

Flam Church’s interiors are stunning with painted wall art and wooden pews. Information boards give you an interesting glimpse into the history of the church and its connection to the Flam village. You will also find a cemetery beside the church, which is well kept, and amongst the interesting graves here is the grave of a Captain from WWII.

His ship, the Begonia, fled into the Aurlandsfjord in 1940 after being attacked by German planes. To avoid any further airstrike attacks, and casualties in the village, the ship was purposely sunk. The Captain died in the initial attack on the boat and is buried in Flåm. If you are a diver, you’ll be excited to hear that you can visit the wreck near the beach in Flåm, as it is quite intact.

#8 Hike or cycle the Flåm Valley

What better way to explore Flam Valley than hiking or cycling through it? The road from Myrdal to Flam is a part of Norway’s most stunning (and popular) cycle route called the ‘Rallar Road’, “Rallarvegen”. You can either take an idyllic walk down the Flam valley from Myrdal or rent a bicycle and ride to Flam. Both are great ways to explore the valley, and it just depends on whether you prefer walking or cycling.

The route offers you incredible views of the surrounding waterfalls like Kjosfossen, Kårdalsfossen, Rjoandefossen and the above-mentioned Brekkefossen.

The hiking or cycling route down the Flam Valley is 12.5 miles long and will take around 5 hours to walk and 2-3 hours to cycle. The route starts off with a steep descent, and snakes down through the famous 21 hairpin bends called Myrdalsvingane (the Myrdal turns). If you start your day by taking the Flåm Zipline, you will soar high above the hairpin turns instead.

A note about Myrdalsvingane

The hairpin turns below Myrdal are quite scary to cycle down, and the road is bumpy and rocky. Next to the turns there is a steep drop, so if you are feeling a little uncertain, please get off your bike .

There is no shame in walking your bike down the turns, and I strongly recommend you do this if you do not feel 100% confident in the turns. I am not trying to scare you here, but there have been fatal accidents on this road. So please cycle within your limits here.

From there the road eases into a smoother sail all the way down to Flam. To me, cycling the Flam Valley is one of the best ways to experience the Flam area! It is the most picturesque valley surrounded by wild-flower meadows, rolling green fields, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

#9 Visit the Flåm Railway Museum

After an enticing visual treat of Norwegian landscapes while riding the Flam Railway, you can visit the Flam Railway Museum to learn more about the steepest railway in the world. Visiting the museum is a must after your journey, and the best part is: it’s free!

This museum will provide you with more in-depth information on the history of the Flam Railway and how it was built, as well as some insight on what life was like in the village of Flåm before, during and after completion of the railway. The pictures and the objects displayed in the museum offer you an insight into the day-to-day life of the engineers who designed this marvel and the workers who built it. 

The Flam Railway Museum organises various exhibitions and video presentations that explain the technological developments of the Flam Railway to visitors. There is also an old locomotive on display that you can see up-close (this is a great place to visit for those who love trains in general).

If you have a train-enthusiast friend, then the souvenir shop in the Flam Railway Museum is a must-visit place for you to buy them some rail-related Norwegian artefacts. The Flåm Railway Museum (and their online store Memories from Norway), is actually the official retailer of Flåm Railway merchandise.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Flåm Railway Museum (@flamrailwaymuseum)

#10 Walk to Otternes Farm

The list is incomplete without mentioning Otternes Farm. The farmyard is located between Norway’s two most charming villages – Flam and Aurland. The farmyard consisted of four farms that were run in an old-fashioned way all the way up until 1996 when they were abandoned.

Today, the Otternes Farm runs as a rural museum where you can take a walk and enjoy the spectacular views of the Aurlandsfjord in the distance along with adjacent mountains. 

The Otternes Farm houses several farm cottages that date as far back as the 1700s. A few of these are well preserved and restored, and visiting them will give you a feeling of what it was like in the old days.

Please note that the active museum has been closed for the last few years, but you can still visit and walk around Otternes on your own. Local forces are working hard to reopen Otternes for visitors, with tours and exhibitions – so do check back!

#11 Kayaking

One of the more adventurous way to explore the fjords surrounding Flam is by joining a fjord kayaking experience with Njord. Njord is the local kayak rental, and specialises in offering kayak tours where a qualified guide accompanies you. Paddling through the fjord in a 3-4 hour kayak tour is a great way to experience the beauty of nature surrounding Flam. 

You can opt to join one of their tours on the fjord (they even have a Family Kayak Adventure for families!) or rent a kayak to explore on your own. Read more and book your kayak adventure here .

#12 Try locally made beer at Ægir BrewPub

A few years ago, Ægir was built. This pub is built to resemble a stave church, and is more than just the local village pub. Ægir is a BrewPub, and through the years, the Ægir Brewery has made a name for itself all across Norway! Their beer is a favourite amongst Norwegians, and have won several awards. So, don’t visit Flåm without an evening (and a tasting) at Ægir !

Ægir is part of the Flåmsbrygga hotel complex, one of my recommended places to stay in Flåm !

#13 Visit the Fretheim Cultural Park

I recommend you visit the Fretheim Cultural Park just behind the Fretheim Hotel during your time in Flåm. These pathways in the hills behind the hotel include a series of art installations and unique sculptures. In addition to this, the paths lead to a wonderful glimpse of the fjord, waterfalls, and mountains around the village, without being a very strenuous activity. To be honest, you can walk around the Cultural Park for just 15 minutes to get a lovely view of Flåm, and some movement into your day.

#14 Day Trip: Borgund Stave Church

I know I said I wouldn’t include things that are outside of Flåm in this post, but since this day trip leaves from Flåm, and the Borgund Stave Church is one of the highlights to see in the area, I’m doing you a favor here.

Borgund Stave Church is the best-kept stave church in Norway (one of only 28 remaining), and one of the most famous ones as a result.

You are bound to have seen photos of this dark, wooden, Viking-like church when researching Norway, and it is actually possible to see it from Flåm (even though it is a one-hour drive away).

This tour takes you to the stave church, and the Stegastein viewpoint on the way back, making for a great half day trip from Flåm! It also includes entrance tickets to the Borgund Stave Church.

Map of things to do in Flam, Norway

In the map below I have highlighted each of the activities and attractions mentioned in this guide. As you can see, the Nærøyfjord pin is the furthest away from Flåm, but the fjord cruise starts in Flåm, so don’t worry. The fjord cruise starts at the pier in Flåm, right by the station building.

More things to do in Flam

If you are looking for what to do in Flam, the activities I have mentioned in this post should cover everything there is to do in the village. However, there’s still more to Flam than what’s listed so far.

You can go to the Flåm beach that looks out onto the fjords for a refreshing swim, for example. The beach is perfect for swimming and a great way to spend some time if you have several days in Flåm. Bear in mind the water is quite cold, though, as the Flåm River runs out into the fjord right next to it (the river is literally melted snow). 

Of course, there are also some activities starting in Flåm, that require you to leave the village. As mentioned above, these aren’t listed (as they aren’t specifically in the village), but they are still popular activities worth adding to your list.

For example, from Flåm it is possible to visit the popular Stegastein viewpoint in Aurland. Stegastein is a viewing platform that extends out 650 metres right above Aurlandsfjord and offers you a marvellous view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. There are daily bus tours running from Flåm to Stegastein, which can be booked here .

Where to eat in Flåm

Now that you have all your sights and activities in the village sorted, it’s time to find out where to eat! There are some great restaurants in the area, and these are some you shouldn’t miss:

• Flåm Bakeri: The local bakery is the perfect place to grab a treat to bring with you for the day, or to have lunch.
• Ægir BrewPub and Restaurant : Ægir, the local brewery mentioned above, also offer great dining in the evening, and several items on the menu actually includes beer in the recipe.
• Flåm Marina : This restaurant is located a short walk from the center of Flåm, just around the bay (and past the FjordSauna). They boast the best view in Flåm, and as you sit on their dock you can not only enjoy the view of the fjord, but also some great food.
• Arven Restaurant : The restaurant in Fretheim Hotel offers lovely views through their glass facade, and often serve a buffet focused on local and sustainable ingredients.

Where to stay in Flåm

There are many great places to stay in Flåm, and I have listed some of my recommendations below (to suit any budget). In addition to that, you can use the map to find available accommodation. Flåm is the village in the area with the most options, as it is the most popular destination for tourists.

• Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Flåm Marina
• Fretheim Hotel
• Flåm Camping & Cabins

Read my complete Flam hotel guide here.

How to get to Flåm and the fjord

Flåm is easily reached from most areas of Norway, thanks to its location at the end of the Aurlandsfjord (meaning it can be reached by boat) and at the end of the Flåm Railway train line (meaning it can be reached by train). Most travellers who don’t arrive via cruise ship will reach Flåm by train, but it is also possible to drive or travel by bus.

For more details, head this way to see all the ways you can get to Flåm from Oslo , and here is how to reach the village from Bergen .

I hope this comprehensive list have given you an idea of what you can do in Flåm, Norway. This list will help you in planning your Flam getaway, I am sure! If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help. Have you been to Flam? What’s your favourite thing to do in the village? Let me know.

Flåm, Norway FAQ

Yes! Flåm is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Norway for a reason – mainly due to its closeness to the beautiful Nærøyfjord, and the fact that the Flåm Railway (another major attraction) ends there. It is easy to reach from both Oslo and Bergen, and the perfect place to start exploring the fjords.

Most travellers spend just one day in Flåm, but I recommend spending at least 2 nights (giving you a little more than one day). Whilst the main attractions (the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise) can be done in a day, there are plenty of “secondary” attractions making their way to the top of people’s bucket lists, such as Flåm Zipline and the Stegastein Viewpoint .

Flåm is known for several things, but mostly for the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), and for being a major cruise port in Norway. Other well-known attractions in and around Flåm is the Nærøyfjord, the Stegastein Viewpoint, Flåm Zipline and the Njardarheimr Viking Village.

Whilst it is possible to travel through Flåm without staying overnight, it is highly recommended to spend at least one night in the village in order to make the most of your stay.

It is best to stay in Flåm if you want the beautiful scenery of the fjords.

The Flåm Railway takes around 55 minutes each way. If you are doing a return trip from Flåm, you will have to add a few minutes’ wait at Myrdal (the end station), and so the round-trip journey will take you around 2 hours.

Yes, you can swim in Flåm. There is a beach there (Flåm beach) and also a floating sauna called FjordSauna. The water is very cold, so be prepared.

Flåm has a very small village center, and the train station and the Flåm Railway is located right by the dock. If you arrive at the cruise port, the Flåm Railway is a 3-5-minute walk away. Those arriving by fjord cruise will find that the Flåm Railway is 1-2-minutes away.

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28 comments.

Shona Linton

Thank you for your lovely guide so excited as I have just booked ( on your recommendation ) doing a bit of research from Flam to zip line via railway from Virtuosa cruise ship via Southampton uk via where we live in Guernsey board tomorrow 3/9/22 fly above flam Tuesday xx

So glad to hear that you found the post helpful! I hope you loved the zipline!

Hi there, I’m travelling to Flam in April. I’m just about to book the Norway in a Nutshell (Bergan to Oslo) and wondered if you could tell me the best time of day to travel on the Flam Railway. Morning or afternoon? If I catch an afternoon train at either 2.35pm or 4pm this allows more time in Flam to enjoy it, but I’m concerned the afternoon may not be the best scenery viewing time that time of year, as it may get dark. Also, should I be trying to get on an earlier train from Myrdal to Oslo to enjoy the scenery or it wouldn’t matter to miss the view and travel in the evening from 5.40pm? Is there much to do in Myrdal and Gudvangen? Cheers Fran

Monica Tanase-Coles

Hi Lisa, thank you for a wonderful post! We will be doing a Havila trip north in March, have 4 days before the cruise to sightsee anywhere between Oslo and Bergen 🙂 , thinking to inlude Flam. What would you suggest to do in March in/around Flam? Any skiing available in the area? Would 1-2 night be suficient (if skiing is not an option)?

Hi Monica! Thank you for your comment, and for reading my blog 🙂 How exciting! You will have a great time, I am sure! Flåm in March is rather quiet, but there are still plenty of things to do – I recommend the fjordcruise through the Nærøyfjord and spending some time in the FjordSauna (the cold water is refreshing at that time of year, and the sauna is sooo warm and relaxing). Skiing wise, Myrkdalen resort is just an hour drive away, towards Bergen – so you could definitely stop there for some skiing on the way to Bergen! They have both downhill and cross-country, and a really yummy fondue restaurant! 1-2 nights in Flåm is sufficient. I hope this was helpful!

Hi there Lisa, Thanks for your website, it’s been very helpful in planning my trip to Norway. I’m travelling to Flam in April. I’m just about to book the Norway in a Nutshell (Bergan to Oslo) and wondered if you could tell me the best time of day to travel on the Flam Railway. Morning or afternoon? If I catch an afternoon train at either 2.35pm or 4pm this allows more time in Flam to enjoy it, but I’m concerned the afternoon may not be the best scenery viewing time that time of year, as it may get dark. Also, should I be trying to get on an earlier train from Myrdal to Oslo to enjoy the scenery or it wouldn’t matter to miss the view and travel in the evening from 5.40pm? Is there much to do in Myrdal and Gudvangen? Cheers Fran

Hi Fran, Thank you for your comment! I’m glad it has been helpful 🙂 To answer your questions: as we adjust for “summer time” in Norway in the end of March, it doesn’t get dark that early in April (around 6-7). So you would be fine with the afternoon Flåm Railway to give you more time in Flåm. However, the Myrdal-Oslo train would be mostly in the dark – but only for the last few hours (when the scenery is mainly farms and flat land – as the spectacular nature is in the west, and gets less and less dramatic the closer to Oslo you get). So, the 5:40 train from Myrdal is not a problem, in my opinion. There is nothing to do in Myrdal – it is just a station in the mountains where trains connect. In Gudvangen, I recommend visiting and spending an hour or two in the Viking village! I have written a post on things to do in Gudvangen on the blog, you should find it by searching for Gudvangen 🙂 I hope this was helpful!

I am so glad to have found your blog my only regret is that I did not find it sooner! Most sites list the same few things. I had booked lodging in Flam for 1 night but now wish I had 2 nights. To have the most time possible I am going to book Oslo to Flam on the earliest train so I will arrive at around 13:00 and will book the latest boat to Bergen at 15:30 in order to experience the Sognefjord and to have the most time in Flam but it is still difficult to limit what to do. 🙂 Thank you!

I’m so happy to hear that you have found my blog helpful! I wrote it just for that 🙂 And I am happy to hear you are maximising your time in Flåm! I also have lots of other Norway tips, that are not specific to the area where I grew up, on my main blog: http://www.fjordsandbeaches.com . Have an amazing trip!

Thank you so much for flamtravelguide blogs. We have found it very useful. We booked boat&bus cruise tour from Flam to Gudvangen with the information you had in your blog. Keep up the great work.

Thanks -Raj

I’m so happy to hear that! Have a great trip! 🙂

Gave me an insight for a trip I’m planning for next year (yes I plan so so ahead). Do you know how the views are in Flam around the first two weeks of October?

Glad to hear it, Justine! Not quite sure what you mean – the views/landscape in Flåm is the same year round, just with different weather/colouring. In the autumn it is beautiful due to the colours, and more dramatic weather 🙂

I would just like to shout out about the residents in Flam. Very welcoming and what a beautiful place. I would love to visit again. After our trip on the train, and me spending a fortune in the shops, my wife ended up having a swim in the river by the bridge. Cold, but she loved it! The whole village had a pride in its appearance, from the clean shopping area down to the neatly trimmed grass areas. I could have spent a week (or retire) there. It was also the only place on our cruise, that when we left, the port officials gave us a roaring send off. Please thank the residents for me, for making my visit the best throughout the cruise. Thankyou

What an amazing comment – this made me so happy to read! I’m glad you enjoyed Flåm and that all the locals made your trip special! 🙂

Dave Underwood

Hi Lisa, love the guide! I’ve used it quite extensively to assist in trip planning for a visit to Norway in autumn this year. I have just one question I’m having difficulty finding an answer for. I’ll be catching the train from Oslo to Flam and basing myself in Aurland for around a week in the Sognefjord area as part of the trip. I’d like to pick up a car when I arrive in Flam and use it for my time in the area. Do you know if I can do that? Are there local hire companies working out of Flan or Aurland? It seems like it would be a common thing to do yet I can’t find any information.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Dave! I’m happy to hear my blog has been helpful! 🙂 There is only one car rental in Flåm. It is a very small company, with a handful of cars, so they book out early. Their website used to be http://www.flamcarrental.com , but it seems to be down at the moment. I would check back there regularly to see if they get their website up and running! Their phone number is +47 90 16 86 95. Hope this was helpful!

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22 Best Things To Do In Flam, Norway – Ideas For Every Season

It’s not a secret, that Flam (or Flåm in Norwegian) is one of the most popular fjord destinations in Norway. It’s a part of famous Norway in a Nutshell tour and a common stop for cruise ships. This doesn’t mean, that you won’t find interesting and unique things to do in Flam. In this article, I share with you all the top things to do in Flam and the area.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN FLAM, AURLAND, AND NÆRØYFJORD

At any time of the year, there is a lot to do in Flam and around. Whether you travel to Norway in the winter and you want to discover the magic of Norway in a Nutshell in winter , or you visit Norway in the summer to try some great outdoor adventures, you will find plenty of activities in Flam all year round.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

WHAT TO DO IN FLAM ALL YEAR ROUND

1. take a flam fjord cruise in naeroyfjord.

One of the most popular activities is to take a Flam fjord cruise.  Flam to Gundvangen ferry (and the return one) goes  through beautiful and dramatic Nærøyfjord. The Naeroyfjord is one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway. The narrow valley cuts into the tall mountains, towering up to 1800 meters above sea level. The numerous waterfalls and colorful villages are dotting the landscape and look great from the water. In winter the views are even more breathtaking when the mountains are covered with snow.

We preferred to view the fjord from the peacefulness of our fjord-hanging cabin and from the hike in the mountains, but trying the cruise in winter might be even better than in the summer – as there won’t be many people around.

The Naeroyfjord cruise doesn’t take cars on board, but there is a shuttle bus between Aurland, Flam, and Gundvangen , that can take you back to where you started. The ferry journey takes 2-3 hours and the bus takes 20 minutes. Keep in mind, that even in the wintertime, the ferry can get booked up quite quickly, so it’s better to book it in advance.

Tip: Take something warm if you want to stay outside on the deck (recommended!). The weather in Norway can change quickly.

If you’re interested in the organized tours including Naeroyfjord cruise, Flam Railway, and more, I recommend Get Your Guide tours below:

Read more: Norway winter travel – the best road trip itinerary to experience a winter wonderland

2. Take a scenic Flam Railway train (Flåmsbana)

The Flam Railway has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is also one of the steepest. As you can imagine, it’s a big tourist attraction in the area. The train takes you from Flåm, located at sea level, to Myrdal, located at 867 meters, and back. You can’t get from Flam to Myrdal by driving, as there is no road, so taking a train, cycling or walking is the only way. 

This train journey is the top Flam attraction and brings many tourists to the region. The round trip lasts for 2 hours, but you can also go only one way and return on foot or a bike (in the summertime) on the way back. For an easier trip, opt to travel from Flam to Myrdal by train, which climbs the biggest ascent, and come back yourself, going mainly downhill.

When traveling from Flam, the right side of the train generally has the best views. One of the trains stops before getting to Myrdal’s powerful Kjosfossen waterfall. Also, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Flam or in Norway in general, expect many tourists, especially in the summer. Or try it off-season, in winter, spring, or autumn.

You can book the tour through GetYourGuide , which includes also the ferry trip. Alternatively, you can book it as separate legs through the Norwegian railway site .

3. Visit Flam Railway Museum

For those interested in railway history, you can also visit The Flam Railway Museum , located in the old station building. It’s free to all visitors and has a display of photos, videos, and old train cars, describing the building of the world’s steepest train route.

4. Pass through the longest tunnel in the world

Lærdal Tunnel measures 24.51 kilometers and it’s the longest road tunnel in the world. The journey through it is rather dull, but it’s always something different, at least when you do it for the first time 😉 You would need to pass through it if you drive through the mountains to get to Aurland or Flåm . The journey itself is amazing!

5. Admire the view from the Stegastein viewpoint

The viewing platform, hanging 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord, makes a big impression. Stegastein viewpoint sticks out 30 meters from the mountain and provides great views to the fjord and Aurland below. The road leading to it, is the beginning of the Snow road, hair-pinning above the water. If you do a winter road trip in Norway , it’s easy to get there from Aurland by car.

6. Visit Undredal village

Populated by 100 people and 500 goats, Undredal is famous for its delicious goat cheese. In the local shop in town, you can find different varieties of cheese, including famous Norwegian brown cheese.  It’s a perfect place to buy some of the best   Norwegian souvenirs for your friends and family. Cheese production is very important for the local economy and the Undredal farms produce up to 10 900 kg of cheese per year. In the center of town, you can even find a monument of Undredal’s goat.

We bought some young matured goat cheese and goat sausage. The seller in the shop let us try different types. One of them was Gamalost , traditional Norwegian cheese made from soured cow’s milk and then cured for weeks. I wasn’t a fan.

Undredal is also home to the smallest stave church in Northern Europe. The church was closed when we arrived, but it was very tiny. You probably don’t need the big one for just 100 people in the village, as I believe the goats can wait outside 😉

I’ve heard, that the village can get very crowded in the high season, with several tour buses. I would not like to experience that. The place is very small and its charm lies in the peace and quietness of the area. I’d strongly recommend visiting it off-season for a more authentic experience.

7. Explore Viking Valley in Gudvagen

Viking Valley, Gudvangen located in the heart of the unique UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjord landscape, is the setting for the town of Njardarheimr. It brings to life the real history and culture of the Viking Age.

8. Try Flam Zipline

If you feel like trying some adventure activities, the zipline in Flam might be for you. It’s the longest zipline in Scandinavia with a span of 1,381 metres. The zipline starts at Vatnahalsenand ends up in Kårdalen, in the upper part of the Flåm Valley.

9. Try RIB Boat Safari

If you like adventure and boat trips faster than the ones on the cruise ship, try going on a RIB boat safari. These tiny rubber boats take you with fast speed to many corners of the fjord allowing for seeing a lot of places in a short amount of time.

10. Relax in the sauna

After a hike or a boat trip, relax in a spectacularly located sauna in Flam. Fjord Sauna has a wonderful view and offers a place where you can enjoy a steaming sauna and afterward take a refreshing bath in the Aurlandsfjord.

Read more:   10 perfect ideas for mountain lovers for every budget.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN FLAM IN THE SUMMER

11. go for a bike trip and do some cycling.

One of the most popular biking routes in this part of Norway runs from Finse to Flam. Rallarvegen , the service road built for the construction of the Bergenline, is now a popular cycling track. The route passes through some spectacular mountain areas, but it’s relatively easy to cycle. It can be broken down into stages with camping or staying in the cabins in between.

12. Go for a walk or a hike

One of the best things to do in Flam is to go hiking in the mountains around. There are waterfalls, fjords, green pastures, and wonderful views. You can try a hike to Brekkefossen waterfall , which is a nice hike from Flam. The hike is around 5km as a round trip and takes around 1.5 hours.

or one of Norway’s classic hikes through the Aurlandsdalen Valley. Around the area, you can find many of amazing hikes of Norway , with different difficulties. I can especially recommend Bakkanosi and Prest, which are supposed to provide wonderful views.

13. Have a picnic

Stop by the fjord, on one of many picnic benches and have lunch with a view.

14. Kayak on the fjord

What is a better way of experiencing a fjord landscape than from the water? If you don’t like cruises, try fjord kayaking instead.

15. Go on a SUP board on the fjord.

Last summer, I fell in love with SUP boards and it was my dream to try them on a fjord. When I finally did it on Nærøyfjord, it quickly became my favorite thing to do in the Flam area! I can highly recommend it, especially in the calm and quiet fjord waters. Buy your own SUP board (it’s inflatable), or rent one.

16. Have coffee in a train cafe

If taking a train to Flam, visiting a train museum, and riding on Flamsbana wasn’t enough to fulfill your hunger for train adventure – you can also have a coffee and a cake in a train cafe.

17. Take a scenic drive

Aurlandsfjellet is one of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes . It connects Aurland with Lærdalsøyrican and is a perfect road for driving in the summer when the snow melts. This 47km scenic route will take you through the mountains and next to the fjord.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN FLAM IN WINTER

18. hike the snow road.

Aurlandsfjellet is also called a “snow road”, because of the amount of snow falling there in winter. It can be driven in the summer. In winter, however, the Snow Road is a perfect place for winter hiking or cross-country skiing.

Going off the road into the hills will lead you to the wonderful landscape and open a view of the fjords below. You can hike with snowshoes or your own equipment. Remember to always have a map and a compass with you in the mountains. If you are not experienced in winter hiking, you can take an organized tour.

19. Go cross-country skiing

The activity that is so popular all over Norway, is also an interesting thing to do in Flam in winter.

20. Go snowmobiling

Some companies offer snowmobiling in Norway, not only far in the Arctic, like Svalbard , but also in the areas more south.

21. Take a winter trip to Bergen or to Oslo

Visit Bergen in winter with a beautiful train trip that takes only 3 hours. If you want to see the other direction of the train line and watch other stunning views, go towards Oslo, where you can find tons of things to do in Oslo in winter . The journey to the capital from Flam takes 5,5, hours.

22. Ski at Voss Resort

Voss ski resort is located only a one-hour drive from Flam. It has 11 lifts and 24 varied slopes, offering great opportunities for skiing.

Best hotels in Flam, Norway – where to stay in Flam and Aurland

The hotels in Flam get booked very quickly, especially in the high season. You can try one of these highly recommended Flam accommodations, but be sure to book quickly:

$  Brekke Gard Hostel – budget option for hotel in Flam. The hostel is located  1 km from Flåm Station and the Aurlandfjord shore. Prices for a bed start from 240 NOK. Book your stay or check the best prices in Brekke Gard Hostel here.

$$$  Flåm Marina   – This Flam hotel is located just by the Flam Marina, offering stylish rooms and amazing views of Sognefjord. Book your stay or check the best prices in Flåm Marina here .

If you want to go out of Flam and have a little bit more peace and quiet, I can recommend staying by the fjord in Aurland.

I stayed in accommodation in Aurland in the Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri , and I loved it. It’s probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve stayed in Norway. The hotel is the oldest building in Aurland, located by the shores of Aurlandsfjord, offering stunning views of the mountains from your window and the terrace. You can either stay in the main building or rent one of the cabins by the water.   Book your stay or check the best prices in Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri here.

Read more about Norway:

Tips on how to travel to Norway on a budget

Norway in a Nutshell in Winter

Best Norwegian gifts and souvenirs to bring back from your trip

The most interesting things to do in Bergen (indoors and outdoors)

Norway winter clothing – what to pack for Norway in winter

Have you ever been to Flam? Do you know of any other interesting things to do in Flam to add to this list? Let me know in the comments.

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Published: 2020, Updated: 2023

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Related posts:

• Discover Magical Norway in a Nutshell in winter & on your own
• Norway Winter Travel Itinerary – Magical (and Unique!) Winter Road Trip
• Best Via Ferratas in Norway + Other Adventurous Activities and Viewpoints
• 18 Ideas for Best Norwegian Gifts and Souvenirs

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Welcome to Flåm in the heart of the Norwegian fjords

Welcome to Flåm

Welcome to one of the most beautiful located villages in the world - Flåm.

Flåm is located right at the inner end of a branch of the world's deepest and second-longest fjord, the 204-km-long and 1308-metre-deep Sognefjord.

When you look around from the harbourside in Flåm, you will be amazed by steep mountainsides, surging waterfalls and narrow valleys.

This experience is a string of top nature experiences, fresh air and beautiful wildlife.

Flåm is for adventures lovers

Flåm is an eldorado for adventure lovers. Here it is no problem to find activities for ages, from cultural experiences founded on local traditions to kids-friendly fishing in the mountains or on the fjord.

What about an exciting bike or hiking tour in the beautiful surroundings of the Flåm Valley.

If you are interested in the local history and traditions, it is very recommended to visit the Otternes Farm Village, with 27 different buildings from the 17th century. This cluster of houses is a local historical treasure and living museum with a lovely view of Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord (good weather conditions.

One of the "must do/see" experiences at these latitudes are numerous fjord cruises, including through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nærøyfjord.

  How to get to Flåm

Whether you come by car, bus, cruise or train, Flåm is easy to reach. During the summer, large cruise ships sail into Sognefjord to Flåm harbour.

You can reach the famous Flåm Railway and station platform quickly, and the famous historical Fretheim Hotel is also nearby.

See more: Stay at Freitheim Hotel in Flåm

Top Destinations in Fjord Norway

The Hardangerfjord

The Nordfjord

The Lysefjord

The Aurlandsfjord

Geiranger-Trollstigen

Stay at a Historic Hotel in Fjord Norway

Hotel Union Øye

Kviknes Hotel

Hotel Ullensvang

The Nærøyfjord

Fretheim Hotel

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Best Things to Do in Flam, Norway + 1 Day Itinerary & Tours

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 12, 2023

Thinking of visiting Flam area in Norway and wondering what to expect and what to see and do in Flam? In this guide, we cover all the ‘musts’ – the very best things to do in Flam. Take a look!

Flam is probably one of the most visited fjord destinations in Norway. Not only it’s a popular stop for Norwegian cruises , but it’s also an important element of a very popular formula – Norway in a Nutshell.

We visited Flam by car, as part of our two-week Norway road trip . In this post, I share our experience and tell you about the best things to see and do in Flam .

In this article, I also included a suggested one day itinerary for Flam and advice on where to stay . Below you will also find some tips on how to avoid the crowds and truly enjoy this magnificent region.

TIP: If you stumbled upon this article wondering how to visit Flam as a day trip from Bergen , you may want to take a look at this highly-rated private day tour that includes a visit to Flam, Sognefjord, Gudvangen, as well as Flam Railway and/or fjord cruise. It’s not cheap, but quite a good value considering what’s included and the best price-quality tour that I was able to find. Further below in this article, you can find a few alternative suggestions.

Best Things to Do in Flam:

1. scenic flam railway – flåmsbana.

A spectacular train journey Flam – Myrdal – Flam is probably the main highlight in Flam area. Described in many publications as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, a ride on the Flam scenic railway is not to be missed.

The 2-hour round trip will take you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery. In less than an hour, the train ascends 866 meters (2,841 ft) and passes beautiful valleys and countless waterfalls.

The train makes a short photo stop by the impressive Kjosfossen waterfall . All of a sudden the music starts to play and a dancer appears on the mountain, by the ruins of an old farm.

Some people will find this a mesmerizing experience, the others – a strange tourist attraction. No matter in which camp you are, you cannot help but admire the sheer power of this waterfall! And just think of it – how cool is it for a train to stop in the middle of nowhere just for you to be able to admire this spectacular waterfall.

Flam Railway practical information and tips:

• Book your Flam railway tickets in advance.
• Arrive at the station at least 20-30min before departure. The sooner you board, the more seat choice you have.
• The first and last seats of every wagon have windows that can be opened. If you are planning to take pictures, that’s the place to be.
• Sitting on the right side (departing from Flam) of the train will give you a bit better views most of the time.
• If visiting in summer, go very early in the morning or on the last train in the evening to avoid the crowds. If I were to visit Flam again, I would love to experience this beautiful place off-season. I hear that the scenic Flam railway is just spectacular in spring and autumn as well.

Flam Railway – is it worth it?

I have read lots of mixed reviews of the Flam Railway and was wondering if it’s worth it…

Some say it’s a tourist attraction. It is. Some say it’s for old people. No, it’s for everyone. Some say it’s expensive. Everything is expensive in Norway. Some say it’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. It certainly is!

Yes, it’s busy, it’s expensive, it’s full of tourists, and all those things. But it’s also a spectacular trip! Do you really want to miss it just because it’s popular?! Would you miss the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York?

Go early in the morning, take the very first train (7.30 AM in summer), come offseason. Do whatever works best for you, but don’t miss Flam scenic railway!

2. Scenic Cruise of Nærøyfjord – Naeroyfjord

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Nærøyfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords of Norway. The narrow fjord is surrounded by mountains peaking up to 1800 meters (5900 ft) above sea level.

I don’t think I have ever seen so many waterfalls in my life as at Naeroyfjord! Incredible scenery, together with the picturesque little villages with colorful houses dotting the landscape, makes this one of the most scenic fjords in Norway!

The best and easiest way to truly appreciate the beauty of Naeroyfjord is from the water. There are several options, the most popular is the scenic fjord cruise from either Flam or Gudvangen.

Naeroyfjord scenic cruise practical information and tips:

• Just as with the Flam railway, book your tickets for this cruise in advance.
• In summer, there are two types of boats doing this cruise: the regular ‘old’ type boat or the new ‘Vision of the Fjords’ maritime hybrid vessel. This premium option is faster and has more viewing decks, but it’s also more expensive.
• The boats stop several times, but you cannot hop off and hop on with the same ticket. If you prefer to explore one of the villages, like Undredal, you have to enquire about separate tickets. Or visit Undredal by car, as we did.
• The Naeroyfjord scenic trip is not a car ferry, but there is a bus that can take you back to the starting point. The boat trip takes about 2-3 hours depending on the vessel, but the shuttle bus between Gudvangen and Flam takes only 20 minutes.
• Early morning or late afternoon departures are the best.

3. Viking Valley Njardarheimr in Gudvangen

The newly opened Viking Valley in Gudvangen is not a museum, but an authentic Viking village. You can meet real Vikings, learn more about their lifestyle, crafts, and history. There are regular guided tours, and it’s really interesting to meet these people who are so passionate about the Viking era that they choose to live that way today.

Make sure you talk to the Vikings. If you show some interest in what they do, you get to meet some amazing people and learn a lot.

We didn’t know what to expect of this place before our visit and thought it was some kind of a museum. But we spent almost 3 hours here and left with a feeling that we have experienced something truly unique.

I highly recommend including Viking Village in your Flam itinerary, also if visiting with kids. To me, Viking Village is one of the best things to do in Flam area!

LEARN MORE: Viking Valley Njardarheimr

Viking Valley practical information and tips:

• The Viking Valley is located in Gudvangen, just next to the little harbor where the scenic fjord cruise departs/arrives.
• Count at least 2 hours for the visit.
• Viking village is open to visitors daily from June through September.
• For more practical information check their official website .

4. Stegastein Viewpoint

A narrow road with twists and turns brings you to the Stegastein viewpoint , where on a clear day you can enjoy one of the best views of the fjords in the whole area.

It’s really nice to see, but note that Stegastein viewpoint is located about half an hour’s drive from Flam and therefore requires a car (or a guided tour ) to get there.

5. Undredal

Undredal is a tiny little village along the Naeroyfjord that in the past could only be reached by boat. Apart from the 12th-century stave church, a cafe, and some colorful houses, there isn’t actually much to see or do here. It’s an idyllic little place that you will pass by boat if you do the scenic Nærøyfjord cruise. But there are also organized tours to visit Undredal, or you can come by car and visit individually.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about Undredal. I loved the look of the village from the water, it’s just so picturesque! And the road to the village was also nice: you pass a couple of farms specializing in goat cheese production, and the scenery is beautiful too…

However, when we visited Undredal in the afternoon, there were at least 5 buses with tourists here. And I was wondering for what. Apart from the little church, there’s really not much to see here. I think they walk to the church and then have some cheese tasting at a tiny cafe by an even tinier harbor. We expected to be able to see how they make cheese, but even that is not possible. It looked like the cruise ship companies have found a way to make money out of nothing.

Is Undredal worth it? If you have little time and have already seen Undredal from the fjord cruise, then don’t worry about going back by car – you have seen the best of it. If you have a car and have an hour to spare, sure, you can drive all the way to Undredal. Just try to go in the morning or in the evening and avoid the crowds from the cruise ships. You might have a more authentic experience than we did.

6. Flam Railway Museum

Flam Railway Museum is located at the Flam railway station and the entrance is free of charge.

It’s not a museum I would go out of my way to visit, but if you are in Flam and have 15 minutes, definitely take a look inside. It’s actually quite fascinating to learn more about the construction of this railway.

Practical information: Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

7. Brekkefossen Waterfall Hike

If you would like to do some hiking in Flam, then Brekkkefossen waterfall is probably one of the nicest easily accessible options. You can get a map of the area at the tourist information center in Flam.

If you walk all the way, count 2-3 hours round trip. The first part is on a paved road (can also be done by car), and then there is a climb to the waterfall. Note that the climb is rather steep and you need good walking shoes. If it has been raining, expect it to be muddy.

Again, Brekkefossen is not really a must-see in Flam, but if you like hiking and want to escape the crowds, then it’s definitely a nice hike to consider. If this is the first waterfall you will see in Norway, then you will definitely be impressed. But if you have been traveling around a bit more and have seen hundreds of waterfalls by the time you get to Flam, then Brekkefossen is just an average waterfall, not more.

We didn’t climb all the way to the top – here is the view from the road where the climb starts.

More Things to Do in Flam

The above-mentioned activities are – in my opinion – the best things to see and do in Flam in one day . If you have more time, however, there are always more options.

You can go kayaking on the fjord , do more hiking , rent a bike . Biking and hiking can also be combined with the scenic Flam Railway.

In Flam village, you can also visit the Aurland Shoe shop and take a guided tour of the small factory. Supposedly, this is the only shoe factory left in Norway, and it has less than ten employees.

If you like beer, don’t miss the Aegir Brew Pub .

There is also a park and several playgrounds in Flam. Great to let your kids run off some energy.

How to Spend One Day in Flam – Itinerary & Tours

For such a small place, Flam offers quite a lot of activities. But most tourists only have one day in Flam. Here is my suggestion on how to best spend one day in Flam . The hours I suggest are based on the current summer schedule (2017).

You can change the order of the activities, but this gives you an idea of what you can see and do in Flam in one day. Also, you can do pretty much the same trip starting in Gudvangen as well.

Suggested itinerary for one day in Flam

• 8.35 AM – 10.35 AM Scenic Flam railway.
• 10.40 AM Visit Flam Railway Museum and/or Aurland shoe shop, and have a quick lunch.
• 12.00 board the Naeroyfjord cruise. Arrive in Gudvangen at 2.15 PM.
• 2.20 PM  Visit the Viking Valley in Gudvangen.
• 4.20 PM Catch a shuttle bus back to Flam.
• 4.40 PM arrive in Flam. If you have a car, drive up to Stegastein viewpoint and/or to Undredal. Alternative – hike to Brekkkefossen waterfall.
• End your day with dinner at Aegir Brew Pub.

Flam day tour from Bergen

Here are some of the best options for those of you looking to visit Flam as a day tour from Bergen:

• This private Flam day tour from Bergen covers pretty much the same itinerary as described above.
• This organized group tour is somewhat similar but doesn’t include the railway trip.
• This boat trip from Bergen to Flam and back allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery from the boat and gives you some free time to explore Flam. That way you can also take a scenic railway trip to Myrdal and back (not included in the price) – read more info at the Flam Railway section above.

Here you can find more tours that visit Flam , from Bergen or Oslo.

Where to Stay in Flam Area

There are just three hotels in Flam, and a couple of holiday homes and apartments. It’s a very popular area, so it’s essential that you book in advance. Staying in Flam is by far the best option for exploring the region. There are also several restaurants and a small supermarket as well.

• If you are looking for a special place to stay in Flam, take a look at the historic Fretheim Hotel .
• Flåm Marina is another nice hotel and probably the best option for families.
• If you like to be in the center of the action, consider Flåmsbrygga Hotel  just next to the harbor and the railway station.

If all accommodation in Flam is fully booked or is above your budget, Gudvangen is probably the best alternative.

We stayed at Gudvangen Fjordtell and the location was fantastic. The hotel has been renovated since then and is even better now. Just take a look at this image below – I took this picture a few steps away from our hotel room. And in the evening we had this spectacular place all to ourselves!

If you have a car, you could also consider staying in Aurland , Undredal , Stalheim , or Voss . Obviously, staying further away will require more driving.

So, these are our suggestions on the best things to see and do in Flam. Have you been to Flam? Feel free to share your experience – leave a comment below.

More tips for your trip to Norway:

• What to see:   Norway Itinerary – 2 Weeks Road Trip
• Stavanger:  What to Do in Stavanger  and  Where to Stay in Stavanger and Pulpit Rock Hike
• Northern Norway: 2-week Itinerary for Northern Norway
• Lofoten: Lofoten Travel Tips & Lofoten Rorbuer & Where to Stay in Lofoten
• Tromso:  Tromso in Winter  &  Where to Stay in Tromso & Best Tours in Tromso
• Svalbard:  Svalbard Travel Guide & Tips & Svalbard in Winter
• Packing: What to Wear in Norway in Summer & What to Wear in Norway in Winter
• Budget: How Expensive is Norway and How Much Money do You Need for Your Trip
• Here you can find all our Norway articles:   Norway Travel Guide

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Sarah Lewis

Monday 25th of March 2024

I've book our fjord tickets from Gudvangen to Flam for June. Do we need to book the bus back to Gudvangen ahead of time?

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

Hi Sarah, yes, I recommend booking everything in advance.

Saturday 16th of March 2024

Thanks for the info. helped me plan my upcoming trip.

Monday 18th of March 2024

Glad to help, Navita. Enjoy Norway!

Victoria Blyke

Sunday 19th of November 2023

Jurga, We are traveling from Olso to Flam this Summer. We were thinking taking the train Oslo to Myrdal and then renting bikes to go down to Flam. But then we would be missing the Myrdal to Flam train ride you describe above. Which option is most spectacular? Don't want to miss out.

Monday 20th of November 2023

Hi Victoria, assuming you don't have a lot of luggage and can travel very light, the bike trip will likely be much more memorable. The scenery is amazing and you would be traveling slower, can stop for pictures, etc. Plus, it will definitely be less busy than on the train. That said, we personally haven't done it so I cannot compare the scenery. But from everything I read and saw, I would choose the bike ride. We couldn't do it when we visited because it was too difficult with three young kids so we took the train both ways. I realize that in your case it's one or the other since you are coming from Oslo, but don't have FOMO. Simply make a choice and embrace the experience without wondering what you may have missed. There is no way to see 'everything' anyway and the best memories usually have nothing to do with ticking the boxes. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 21st of June 2023

Hello Jurga, thank you for the wonderful post, so informative!!! My husband and I will be vising Flam with the cruise in July 2023, our first time in Norway. We have several options for tours through the cruise line. Could you please provide your suggestion on which one to take, they all seem so interesting. 1. Flam Railway - includes Railway, waterfalls, Vibmesnosi and Myrdalsberget mountains, Naali tunnel - 3.5 hours. 2. Voss Gondola- 4 hours includes Gondola, Aurlandsfjord, Gudvangen, Naroowfjord, Naroy Valley, waterfalls. 3. Naroyfjord cruise and Sognefjord - 5 hours, This one includes Stegatein viewpoint. 4. Sognefjord experience - 6.5 hours - Flam and Bergen railways, Myrdal, Voss, waterfalls, Gugvanden mountains, rivers, valley. If we had time we would have taken all of it, but we have to choose. Hope you can help.

Thursday 22nd of June 2023

@Jurga, thank you, that's what I thought as well. If we are to book it through the local tour company - do you know who may offer similar itinerary as #4? I looked at Fjordsafari and FjordTour - couldn't find any tour that would have it all. Regards Kira

Hi Kira, it's really hard to say and only you know what you'll enjoy most. For most people, Flam railway journey is the main reason to visit this region. So the last one (#4 Sognefjord experience) seems to be the best choice since it includes the railway trip (if I see it right) and covers more of the area. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Friday 17th of March 2023

Hi there! Love your guides. Wondering if you have an opinion on whether it makes a big difference (in terms of lighting) whether you do the earlier afternoon (3-5p) or later afternoon (4:30-6:30p) cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen? Obviously weather can be an issue any time, but in terms of lighting with scenery (given a good day) would you pick one of these times over the other?

Saturday 18th of March 2023

Hi Kate, if you are traveling in the summer, then it really doesn't matter which of these times you choose since the sunset (better light) is much later. It might be a bit less busy later in the day when day trippers start to leave the area. If you are traveling in other seasons, then it really depends on when exactly (at what time the sun sets).

Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

10 Beautiful Things To Do In Flam, Norway’s Fjord Paradise

If you long to experience the majestic beauty of Norwegian fjords, Flam (or Flåm , as it is spelled in Norwegian) is a great place to add to your Norway itinerary.  Nestled at the end of an awe-inspiring fjord, this little town packs a punch in terms of scenery and easy access to natural beauty.

Based on my memorable time there, I think there are 10 top things to do in Flam, Norway – and all of them involve spectacular fjord scenery!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Flam?

Flam was my favourite place that I visited during my week in Norway . It is a great place to visit in Norway because it has stunning fjord scenery and is easy to get to from both Oslo and Bergen.

Flam is 310km from Oslo and 170 km from Bergen , two major centres in southern Norway, and is reachable by train, road or boat.

Whichever way you get to Flam, its spectacular scenery will make you glad you did. Flam is situated at the end of the Aurlandsfjord branch of the Sognefjord (the ‘King of Fjords’) and it has wonderful views straight down the fjord. And it is a fantastic jumping-off point from which to explore the whole area – so it’s a great place to make your fjord base.

I couldn’t get enough of the dramatic landscape during my time in Flam and I think back to those magnificent mountains and still waters often… Naturally, most of the things to do in Flam are related to the beautiful views all around.

10 Things To Do In Flam, Norway

1. ride the scenic flam railway ( flåmsbana ).

Whether or not you arrive in Flam by train, you should definitely consider riding on the Flam Railway , or Flåmsbana , even if it is just to ride the train and then come back to Flam again!

The Flam Railway is considered one of the most scenic railways in the world – and is arguably the most famous thing to do in Flam.

The railway runs through the Flam valley between the town of Flam and the mountain station of Myrdal. It was built in 1940 and is one of the steepest railways in the world, covering a vertical distance of 864m. However, the real marvel is the scenery along the way. You’ll be treated to views of the fast-flowing Flam river, its lush valley, many dizzying mountains and breathtaking waterfalls.

The journey between Flam and Myrdal takes around an hour and includes a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall where you can get off the train to view the waterfall for a few minutes.

I loved the journey on this train – the views were really lovely and the old-fashioned carriages made the whole thing feel a little like a time warp.

You can book tickets on the main Norwegian railway site, including any connections from Bergen or Oslo , via Myrdal. For more info, check out my guide to riding the Flam Railway .

Top Tip: there are scenic views on both sides of the carriages, but they are slightly better on the right side if you’re heading from Flam to Myrdal (and on the left if you’re going from Myrdal to Flam). And if you get one of the windows that open, you’ll be able to take photographs without any reflections.

2. Enjoy A Fjord Cruise

If you’re in Flam, you really must get out on the wonderful fjord itself, and the most popular kind of boat ride is the Fjord cruise which operates between Flam and Gudvangen .

The boat offers a smooth ride along the water, with panoramic views of the magnificent Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early morning, I was blown away by the reflection of the mountains on the silky water. I stayed out on deck the whole time, mesmerised by the scenery.

There’s a regular service that is not a tour (there’s no commentary, for example, and it makes local stops), but does have visitor-friendly features like spacious viewing platforms so you can stand on the deck to watch the mountains go by. It also pulls in close to one of the bigger waterfalls it passes. There’s plenty of comfortable seating inside, as well as a café offering food & drinks. You can do a return ticket, or you can get the boat to Gudvangen and a shuttle bus back, which is cheaper and quicker.  You can book tickets here .

Tip : If you do want to enjoy the views from the deck, do bring something warm to wear, ideally a windbreaker: even on a warm summer’s day, the speed of the boat through the fresh air will create a chill.

3. Get Speedy On A RIB Boat Safari

If you fancy something a little more adventurous and faster than the cruise boat, a fun thing to do in Flam is to do a RIB boat tour.  These super-fast boats race around the fjord, allowing you to see a lot in a shorter amount of time. Plus, they have some guided commentary to give you some context and tidbits of information about the area.

Fjordsafari is based in Flam harbour and offers regular RIB tours of the fjord. Before getting on the boat, they will suit you up in bright yellow floatation suits which will keep you safe should you accidentally end up in the water. They’ll also give you goggles to protect your eyes from the cold wind you’ll feel when out on the fjord at such speed.

I really enjoyed this experience – it was such fun to be going so fast, bouncing over the ripples from other boats when we passed them!

4. Kayak The Still Waters Of A Fjord

One of my top wishlist items for Norway was kayaking in a fjord, so I made sure to do this when I was in Flam.

Njord Kayak operates from Flam beach and they offer kayak hire and guided kayak tours.  I opted for the latter, as I was travelling solo in Norway, and while I have kayaked before, I thought it wise to go out with other people rather than alone.

I was given thorough instructions about how to kayak safely, including how to get out of the splash deck, should I go in the water.  However, as I went kayaking in summer, I didn’t need a wet suit (though they were available if I had wanted to wear one).

The tour lasts 3 hours and takes you along the left-hand side of Aurlandsfjord, going at a leisurely pace, with plenty of breaks. My arms ached a bit afterwards, but it was totally worth it!

It was so peaceful being on the water…utterly serene.

5. Marvel At The View From Stegastein

After being on the fjord itself, one of the best things to do in Flam is to get up into the mountains for a view looking down into the fjord, and the best place to do this is Stegastein Viewpoint .

This is a steel and wood structure jutting out from the mountain above Aurland, offering extensive views of Aurlandsfjord towards Flam and also out past the headland into Sognefjord.  It’s a great place to see the fjords from a different vantage point, and on my visit, I was amazed by how much snow was on top of the mountains, most of which I hadn’t been able to see from down in the valley.

If you don’t have your own car, you can take a minivan with El-Tour from Flam to Stegastein viewpoint. This gives you around 25 minutes at the viewpoint, which is likely to be enough time, as there’s just one place to get the view and not much else up there to do.

Top Tip: if you need the toilet while you’re up there, choose the cubicles nearest the cliff, because these have windows with views, too.

6. Take A Scenic Drive

If you do have your own car, Flam has some wonderful scenic drives, including winding roads between the valley and the mountains. In fact, there’s a 47km scenic route between Gamle Lærdalsøyri and Aurland called the Aurlandsfjellet scenic route . You could do the scenic route one way and return via the faster Laerdal tunnel the other way. Nb, this scenic road is normally closed in winter.

If you don’t already have a hire car, you can hire electric cars in Flam at eMobility. 

Top tip : some of the roads and bridges are single lanes, so keep your eye out for passing points when you meet vehicles going in the other direction.

7. Do Some Cycling

As well as driving, there’s plenty to tempt keen cyclists around Flam. In fact, I saw many cyclists on the steep winding road between Flam and Myrdal. I didn’t feel tempted to join them, though: I felt like I took the right option for me, enjoying the view from my train carriage, haha!

But if you do want to cycle without doing yourself in on the steep hills, you could get the Flåmsbana train to Myrdal with your bike (you need to book a bike ticket, not just a normal ticket), and then cycle back downhill to Flam. This way you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace without killing your legs!

If you want to explore Flam by bike, there are plenty of bikes for hire in the town.

8. Go Hiking

And of course, where there are mountains, there are hiking trails, and there’s plenty to see if you go hiking around Flam. A nice short hike is from Flam to the Brekkefossen waterfall , which is not far from Flam village and has a mainly paved route, with some steep steps near the waterfall.  The route is 7.4km as a round trip and takes around 1.5 hours.

You can get hiking maps from the Flam Visitor Centre.

9. Relax In A Sauna

If you’ve been active during your time in Flam, or even if you have not, you might fancy a nice relaxing sauna at the end of the day.

Fjord Sauna is a floating sauna on the dockside in Flam, just a short walk from the main harbour. Here you can relax in a baking hot Finnish sauna, with views along the fjord. And if you’re brave enough, you can do the customary plunge into the cold water of the fjord afterwards.

Now, you may have heard that many Norwegians go naked in the sauna – but in this particular sauna, swimwear is required – so don’t strip off!

10. Sit On The Shore And Enjoy The View Of The Fjord

Although there are a lot of different things to do in Flam, I highly recommend taking at least a little time to just simply enjoy the views and the peaceful atmosphere of the fjord.

There are two good spots you can do that. One is on Flam beach, slightly north of the harbour. There are a couple of picnic tables here and I saw people having BBQs on the beach.

However, my favourite spot is the other side of town, east of the harbour and the sauna. Here there’s not exactly a beach but a short stretch of shore where you can get down close to the water.  There were a couple of row boats moored here when I was there and it was very serene.

Map: Things To Do In Flam

Here’s a map of the best things to do in Flam and where you can find the right places to be.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Where to stay in Flam

Accommodation in Flam can get booked up in advance because it’s a popular destination – and a stop on the ‘Norway In a Nutshell’ tour.  I left it a little late to book my accommodation (<2 months out), so I was left with very little choice. I stayed at Heimly Pensjonat on a half-board basis. The cons were that the room was small and basic, with no air con. However, the pros were really great food for dinner and stunning views along the fjord.

Now, if you don’t want to stay in Flam at all, you can still enjoy its beautiful scenery on excursions to Flam from other places, including this tour of Nærøyfjord and Flåmsbanen from Bergen and this tour of Sognefjord and Flåm from Oslo .

Though it is a small town, it offers a lot to visitors, and you can easily fill your days there with plenty of choices of beautiful things to do in Flam. These include getting on the peaceful, still water in a variety of boats, cycling, hiking, driving and simply enjoying the stunning views. Enjoy!

And for more ideas about how to experience Norway, check out my 7-day Norway itinerary .

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “10 beautiful things to do in flam, norway’s fjord paradise”.

Oh, this looks lovely and has “Carolin come and see me” written all over it! I would totally love to cycle around the fjord or take the speedboat tour. Sign me up for that. I loved your pictures and the stunning weather made everything look so incredible. I can see why it is so popular with visitors as it is a lovely stretch of nature. How many days would you recommend here? The downside is the coldness (I prefer deserts so I shall check out your Namibia post again).

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

Thanks so much for your feedback, Carolin! It really is gorgeous there, and I wish I’d spent more than the 2 days I was there. In fact, I’m writing an itinerary based on my trip and I’m suggesting 3 days in Flam because it is so gorgeous and there’s a lot to do there. I definitely had the benefit of great weather while I was there – I guess it could feel a little different if it was overcast and cold. The other downside is the big cruise ships which dock there – they can really dominate the tiny harbour and spoil the peaceful aesthetic. But You can get away from them by going out on the water 🙂

Heya, thanks for this post! You mentioned that you did not drive in Norway. How did you get to these sightseeing spots then? I have 3 days in Flam next Spring and would like to make the best out of it. For the interest of time, I thought a group tour would be nice heh.

Hi, thanks for your feedback!. I did go out on some roads around Flam on a bus trip up to the Stegastein viewpoint, but I wasn’t driving myself. 3 days in Flam sounds great – let me know what its like in Spring!

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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

Janessa and Colin

The complete guide to the fjord paradise of flåm, norway.

Flåm, Norway is a small Norwegian village that features stunning fjord views, scenic train rides and adventure-filled activities. Located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjorden, a branch of Sognefjorden, the scenery cannot be beat. While Flåm has a small village feel, there are plenty of activities to do making it well worth the trek out.

Table of Contents

How to get to Flåm, Norway?

Despite being located at the end of a fjord, getting access to Flåm is relatively easy! While the options to get to Flam are plentiful, you can drive, train, ferry and fly to get there – we recommend taking the train. Unless you are on a cruise, the ferry will be the longest option and overall we wouldn’t recommend it for times sake. You can fly into Sogndal Airport, Haukåsen (SOG), however from here you have an approximately 1 hour drive that you’ll need to hire a private transfer for. If you’re doing a Norway roadtrip then you can drive into Flåm, however this is more stressful than enjoying the views from a train window.

As we mentioned, getting to Flåm, Norway is best done by train. The train goes from Bergen to Oslo, with Flåm being in between. So whether you’re coming from Oslo or Bergen, you can access Flåm with the train. This train has been toted as the most scenic train rides in the world and we don’t disagree with this. Along the train ride you’ll see fjords, small villages and glaciers – you won’t be able to look away from the window! Furthermore, the trains are quite nice with spacious seating, WiFi, washrooms and coffee service.

From Bergen

The train ride is about 2 hours from Bergen. You will take the train from the Bergen Stasjon (station) to the Myrdal station. From the Myrdal station you will have a few options to get into Flåm. You can hike down into Flåm, zip line and then bike (via a tour) or transfer to the Flam Railway for a 45-minute train ride.

The train ride from Oslo is about 4 hours and 40 minutes, you will leave from Oslo Station to the Myrdal station. From Myrdal station you have all the same options to get into Flåm as you did coming from Bergen.

For further details on the train schedule and ticket prices, check out their website.  The Flam Railway information can be found on their website and if you are looking to book both trains – you can do it all on one site.

What to do in Flåm, Norway?

Flåm, Norway is a beautiful enough village that you can spend your day wandering around and enjoying the scenery, however we recommend adding at least one activity into your itinerary.

Flåm Zipline & Bike Tour

As previously mentioned, you can get into Flåm from Myrdal station via a zipline and bike ride. We did this option and loved it, it is an adventurous option so if this is your jam we highly recommend opting for it. The activity level is minimal as you bike downhill through the fjord, but prior biking experience is an asset.

Getting to the zipline is straight forward as it starts at Vatnahalsen, about a 1 mile (1.5km) walk away from the Myrdal train station. The zipline itself is about 10-15 minutes where you travel up to 100km/hr over the stunning valley. Additionally, the zipline has a lot of history in the Flam valley as ziplines were once used to deliver food, lumber, etc from mountain farms. So while this is fun, it’s also (kind of) cultural!

At the bottom of the zipline, you arrive at a goat cheese farm and set out to begin the 20km bike ride into the town of Flåm. The bike ride is straight forward as it weaves you down the valley to the base of the fjord, where Flåm is located. This bike ride is absolutely stunning, filled with waterfalls and lush greenery – it was hands down one of the most beautiful places we’ve travelled to.

Prices are about $110 USD/ person, for more details and booking visit fjord tours. 

Stegastein Viewpoint

The Stegastein viewing platform offers views of the stunning fjords from 650 m above ground. The panoramic views from this viewing platform are stunning and the perfect activity for those who opt out of biking or hiking. To access the viewing platform you take a bus from the town of Flåm and the entire trip will take ~ 1.5 hours. You can book this tour online .

Fjord Boat Tour

Another must do when in Norway, whether in Flåm or not, is a fjord boat tour. In Flåm, the fjord boat tours can be done in an open-air boat which will allow you to feel like you’re truly in the fjord. If you prefer a warmer fjord boat experience, they have classic boats that have indoor and outdoor areas to view the stunning fjords from.

Flam Railway Museum

One of the few free activaties to do in Flåm is the Flam Railway Museum. Admission is free so if you have young kids or a few spare minutes we recommend checking this out. The museum goes over the history of the Flam Railway and all the hardships that were faced while building it. Overall, it offers great insight into the train and makes you appreciate the train ride that much more.

Go for a Hike

Lastly, a great way to get out and see Flåm is by hiking! There are several trails in the area that range from easy to difficult. Some tour companies will offer a guided hike, however you can also hike on your own. When hiking we always consult Alltrails to get the most up to date information on the trails. If you’re heading out for a hike, grab something to eat for lunch in the village of Flåm before heading out.

If you’re looking to do more than one activity while in Flåm, we recommend trying to book multiple experiences in a package. Many of the toured activities can be combined with another to save money and make the most of your day in Flåm.

How Long to Stay in Flåm, Norway?

Flåm, Norway is best visited as a day trip or for one-day. It is a small village at the end of fjord so while the activities are incredible – they are limited. We recommend visiting by train for the day, however if you are on a roadtrip you can spend the night. Sunrise in Flåm would be absolutely beautiful for those spending the night. Furthermore, there are hotel options to choose from, but low-cost options are minimal.

Where to Eat in Flåm, Norway?

While the dining options in Flåm, Norway are also limited they are delicious. Seriously, the food in Flåm is incredible. We ate at the Cafe-Restaurant, which has delicious fish & chips along with other pub food type options. If you’re looking for a more casual food option, the Flåm Bakery offers sandwiches, baked goods and coffee. The sourdough bread at Flam Bakery is made fresh and everything looks delicious! Some other options that we didn’t have time to try include: Ægir microbrewery, Bakkastova Cafe and NIF Flåm Market.

Overall, come prepared to enjoy some delicious food and bakery items!

Final Tips for Visiting Flåm, Norway:

• Come dressed for the day. The weather in Flåm can vary greatly depending where you are. For example, walking around the village can be warm but if you’re biking through the fjord hills the weather can become cooler. Layers and waterproof outerwear are a must on this day trip!
• Come prepared for adventure. Most of the activities within Flåm are geared towards adventure and outdoor activities, so come prepared to explore the outdoors.
• Book train tickets ahead of time. Ensure you book both train tickets ahead of time, the Flam train has limited seating and departure times so ensure you’ve planned ahead.

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The town of Flåm is small, but full of great adventure and fun. The town is a travel hub for the Sognefjord and Norway in a nutshell, connecting Flåmsbana Railway to the UNESCO world heritage Nærøyfjord.

Flåm is surrounded by steep mountain sides and full of adventures.

Go on a fjord Cruise, visit the Viking Village in Gudvangen or go exploring on your own.

From Flåm you can take the train up to the start of Rallarvegen and cycle down, stopping at Vatnahalsen Mountain Resort for a waffle. Paddling or RIB adventures on the fjord are popular and so are the museums and bakeries!

Flåm even has it´s own brewery and restuarant, well worth a visit.

In this section you will find our best tips on what to in Flåm

Beautiful waterfalls by the Sognefjord

There are several places in the Sognefjord region where you can see majestic waterfalls cascading down steep mountainsides, and some of these waterfalls are among Norway's highest

Activities in Flåm

Here you will find a selection of activities in Flåm

The Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station.

FjordSafari Extended

Get closer to nature in the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord with a guided RIB tour

Flåm Zipline

Are you ready to test out the longest Zipline in the Nordic region? Take the Flam Railway from Flåm to Myrdal and go down to Flåm Zipline and experience mighty nature in the air.

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Plan your visit to Flåm

Read more about restaurants and accommodation in Flåm

Flåmsbrygga Hotel

Flåmsbrygga Hotel – the Brewery Hotel is situated on the pier in Flåm with a splendid view of the Aurlandsfjord.

Fretheim Hotel

With our history as a source for inspiration, Fretheim Hotel can offer close encounters with the best of the Sognefjord culture, local tastes and spectacular views towards the fjord and mountains. 

Flåm Marina

Flåm Marina is situated in magnificent surroundings about 400m from the center of Flåm

Upcoming events

You might also be interested in..., the nærøyfjord.

One of the narrowest fjords in the world, the Nærøyfjord is situated in the unique and cultural nature of Sogn and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stegastein Viewpoint

With a panoramic view 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord, you can experience the spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint.

UNESCO Urnes Stave Church

The UNESCO Urnes Stave Church is beautifully situated on Ornes with a view of the Lustrafjord, as it has stood since the early 12th century.

Winter Wonderland Flåm

Tourist’s guide to Flam in Norway

The cozy small town of Flom (Norway) is located off the coast of a tributary of the deepest fjord – Sogne Fjord. This place has been a tourist dream for many years. The rocky mountains, bays and the lonely mountain town, among the riot of Norwegian nature – this is the place where you should start a trip to Norway in order to feel this country.

The city of Flam itself is very small and often not of much interest to tourists. Its population is only about 400 people, but every year thousands of visitors come to the city to enjoy the local beauties. Despite its small size, the infrastructure of the city is quite developed. There are cafes with restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels ready to shelter tourists. There is even a museum of the Flåm Railway, which is always open to visitors.

Flam is located in a cozy bay with the same name. For many visitors, this bay is the first transshipment point on a trip to the Neroy Fjord, Norway’s narrowest and longest fjord. Neryoi-fjord and is popular just because of its “narrowness”. Indeed, most of the fjords in Norway are quite wide and it is impossible to see both banks at once. But the Neroy fjord is completely different. The narrow mouth and mountain slopes on both banks are complemented by huge waterfalls and fresh air – that’s why tourists from all over the world go to Flam.

Related entries:

• Guide to the main national holidays of Norway
• Tourist’s guide to Troll Road – Norway’s Most Famous Route
• The best Tours and Cruises from Oslo to the Fjords of Norway
• Tourist’s guide to Sognefjord – King of the Fjords of Norway

Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway is one of the main attractions of the city. Despite the fact that its length is only 20, 2 km, it is one of the most picturesque railway routes in the world. The biggest feature of this road is that the climb that the train passes is very steep. The train rises in steep turns, passing by waterfalls, rocks and green valleys.

The history of the Flåm Railway in Norway begins in 1871. It was then that the first plans for the construction of the Oslo and Bergen posts arose. The immediate decision to lay a single track on the Flåm section of the track dates back to 1893. But the process dragged on and the technical specifications of the project were approved only by 1923.

Since 1924, construction began. The mountainous terrain with difficult terrain and the proximity of the fjords made this process quite difficult. The greatest difficulties were with the construction of tunnels. 18 tunnels were laid by hand, this is about 6 km. Each kilometer took at least a month of work. Despite all the difficulties, already in 1939 the first flight began to run along the route.

Today the road has 10 stations. Starting point is Flom station, end is Myrdal station. The height difference between the points is 863 meters, in connection with this, more than 75% of the total distance of the train rises by a meter for every 18 meters traveled. Now there are 20 tunnels on the route through which the train passes. Due to the complexity of the track, the speed of the train does not exceed 40 km / h.

About 600 thousand tourists pass by the Flåm Railway annually. This is the most popular railway route in the world. The ticket price is about 60 euros for round-trip.

What to visit in the city of Flam?

Once in Flåm, of course, I want to see other places in the city itself and the surrounding area besides the railway. We highlighted several of the main Flom sights in Norway that are worth visiting for every tourist.

The museum is located in the building of the old station near the existing railway station. Inside, you can find photos of the Flåm Railway at all stages of construction: the tools of the excavators and builders that were used in the construction and a huge collection of models of trains that had ever run along the famous road. Entrance to the attraction is free for everyone.

The waterfall is located just on the way from Flåm to Myrdal. Especially for tourists, after the Noli tunnel, a stop is made at the observation deck near it. Kyosfossen amazes with his incredible power and strength. The spray from the waterfall reaches even the train’s composition. The waterfall falls in a zigzag, its total height is 225 m. It is better to visit the attraction during the months of flood (in spring and summer).

The site is located a few kilometers from Flåm. It offers amazing panoramic views of the Aurlandfjord. The place rises above the fjord for 600 m. Entrance to the Stegastein is free.

Rallarwegen or the Digger Road is a popular Norwegian cycling route. The distance from the beginning to the end of the journey is about 55 km. Therefore, this entertainment is not for everyone.

The road begins in Haugastöl and ends in Flåm. Because of the mountain roads, it is recommended to start the path from Haugastel. The road is open for tourists all year round, but for a trip it is better to choose the most “bicycle” summer months. You can drive on the road yourself and completely free of charge, you only have to pay for renting a bicycle.

You can not visit the city of Flam and not go on a boat trip along the fjord. Its length is 18 km, and the width in some sections is only 250 m. The Neroy Fjord is already notable for being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Traveling on it is carried out at any time of the year. Check the cost of excursions additionally on the spot.

When to go to Flam?

As a rule, visits to other countries are planned in advance. When traveling to Norway, you should definitely take into account the time of year and weather conditions, since the country’s climate is quite severe and sometimes unpredictable. The most comfortable weather for southerners in Flåm and Norway as a whole falls on the summer months. In the central part of the country where Flom is located, the climate is mostly continental, prone to sudden changes in temperature.

Visiting time depends on the goals that you pursue. If you are interested in winter sports, then from November to March, Norway is waiting for you. If the priority is excursions and sightseeing, then June and July are the best. In August, the rainy season begins, so it is better to catch up to it. Autumn in Norway is unpredictable, today the temperature can reach 20 ° C, and tomorrow it will snow. Therefore, going on a trip to Norway in the fall, it is worth taking warm clothes.

How to get to Flom?

Flom’s communication with other cities in Norway is well established. There are several ways to get to the town.

The most popular, inexpensive and convenient option is the train. Unfortunately, from Oslo, where most international planes fly, there is no direct train to Flåm. The best route from Oslo to Myrdal – Flam. You should not expect a regular train ride. Norway is a country of amazing landscapes and every second you will have magical views from the train window.

Trains from Oslo to Myrdal begin to run in the morning. The trip takes from 4.5 hours. Sent trains in this direction only from Oslo Central Station. The railway station of the airport will not work, the required flight is not provided there.

Trains run from Myrdal to Flom at intervals of 60 minutes. The road will take about an hour. As a result, the train journey from Oslo to Flåm will take about 6 hours. The fare will cost approximately 80 euros per person.

An alternative to the train is a bus ride. There is no direct message from Oslo to Flam either. The best way to get there is with a change in Fagernes. Such a trip will take about 7.5 hours and will cost somewhere in 60 euros.

You can also get to Flåm by car. Car rental is widespread in Norway. The distance from Oslo to Flåm is 354 km. It is worth paying attention that some roads are paid, but there is also something to pay for. If you use the navigator and do not make long stops, you can get to your destination in 5-6 hours.

There are extremely alternative ways to get to the city, for example, by express boat from Bergen or Balestrand. But this option is much longer, more complicated and more expensive. Therefore, a boat trip is best done on any other day of vacation, and not on the way to Flåm.

If you are planning to visit Norway, be sure to include Flom in your itinerary. This is a beautiful picturesque town where you can see the real beauty of the Norwegian region. Flom (Norway) is a great place to relax both with your family and on your own. There is something to see and where to go. There will be entertainment for lovers of outdoor activities, and for those who like a more relaxing pastime. Be sure that you will remember the local landscapes for more than one year.

Stunning views of Norway can be seen on a fjord cruise from Flåm. What awaits you can be understood by watching the video.

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Visit one of the most beautiful railways in the world.

Known as one of the most beautiful railways in the world, the journey on the Flåm Railway ( Flamsbana ), “the little green train”, is one you will surely remember. From the Myrdal mountain station -- where passengers connect from the Oslo-Bergen train line -- to the charming village of Flåm, this train travels over 20 kilometres (12 miles) through 20 tunnels and down a steep and twisting 865-metre (2,837-foot) descent into the spectacular Flåm Valley.

You will definitely need to have your camera on this trip, as views include snow-capped peaks, rippling rivers, little farms clinging to the hillsides and roaring waterfalls. Thankfully for photographers, the train moves along at an relatively slow pace, even making a stop at a prime photo location, the Kjosfossen waterfall where the legendary "Huldra" sings and dances for passengers on the platform.

This train ride is part of the popular Norway in a Nutshell® tours , which also includes a 2-hour ferry-cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen through the Nærøyfjord.

Next to the station in Flåm is the Flåm Railway Documentation Centre, where you can browse exhibits about the railway's impressive construction efforts starting in the 1920s, its unique engineering and the history of the village.

Flamsbanen in Norway

Flåmsbana - Norway

View attractions close by Flåm Railway

Flåm church, tours including flåm railway.

You could experience Flåm Railway through any one of these tours below.

Highlights of Norway

Hurtigruten cruise, norwegian fjords & expert tour guide, complete norway, coastal cruise & scenic train journey, best of the norwegian fjords – express, geiranger & fjord cruise, norway in a nutshell® - classic.

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