Nestled in Norway's fjords, this small village captivates with mountain trails and waterside paths. The Flåm Railway, known for its steep climb, offers scenic journeys through the landscape.
Flåm, a village of 350 permanent residents in western Norway, welcomes nearly half a million visitors each year. Nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm draws travelers with its steep railway, narrow fjords, cascading waterfalls, and the Stegastein viewing platform. From this small village, you can embark on adventures through some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes.
The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway ascends 866 meters over just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world. During the one-hour journey from Flåm to Myrdal, you'll pass through 20 tunnels and see mountains, waterfalls, and valleys from your window. The train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall, allowing you to step out and take photos.
Sailing and Paddling the Fjords
Take a scenic cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen to see the Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Tall cliffs rise on either side as the boat navigates narrow passages. If you prefer to be more active, join a guided kayaking tour. Paddling allows you to move at your own pace and get closer to the shoreline. For a faster experience, RIB boat tours cover more distance on the fjords.
Hiking Trails and Waterfalls
Several hiking trails begin in Flåm village. A popular short hike leads to Brekkefossen waterfall, taking about 1-2 hours round trip. The trail climbs steeply, ending with close-up views of the cascading falls. For a more challenging hike, try the trail to Prest mountain. From the top, you can see panoramic views of the fjord below.
Stegastein Viewpoint
The Stegastein viewing platform sits 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord. This architectural structure extends 30 meters out from the mountainside. To reach it, you can drive the winding mountain road or join an organized bus tour from Flåm, about 20 minutes away.
Viking Village in Gudvangen
Visit the Viking Valley in nearby Gudvangen to see a recreation of a Viking settlement. This living history museum includes traditional buildings and craft demonstrations. You can learn about Viking culture, try axe throwing, or watch a mock battle demonstration with costumed interpreters.
Local Food and Drink
At the Ægir BrewPub, built to resemble a Viking longhouse, you can taste craft beers paired with Norse-inspired dishes. For traditional Norwegian flavors, look for brown cheese or smoked salmon. The nearby village of Undredal produces goat cheese you can sample.
Getting to Flåm
You can reach Flåm by train, bus, car or boat. Many visitors arrive on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which combines the Bergen Railway with the Flåm Railway. If you're driving, Flåm is about 4 hours from Bergen or 5 hours from Oslo. In summer, express boats run between Flåm and Bergen.
Where to Stay
Flåm has hotels, guesthouses, and camping sites to suit different budgets. The Fretheim Hotel, dating back to the 1870s, has rooms overlooking the fjord. For less expensive options, try the Flåm Hostel with its dorm beds and private rooms. You can also rent holiday apartments if you want more space or cooking facilities.
