The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world, winding between the mountain station at Myrdal (867 metres above sea level) and the fjordside village of Flåm, in the inner reaches of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the famous Sognefjord. Construction of the line started in 1924, and it opened in 1940.
It was built to connect the villages on the Sognefjord to the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen. The line follows the Flåm valley and passes through twenty tunnels, eighteen of them dug by hand, and across a single bridge. A gradient of 5.5% makes it the steepest standard-gauge railway line in Europe.
The scenery, with steep mountainsides and tumbling waterfalls, has made it one of the most visited attractions in Norway. The train runs all year, so visitors can experience the fjord landscape in every season, though many of the facilities in Flåm village close over the darkest months of December and January.
How long is the Flåm Railway journey?
The journey on the railway itself covers 20 kilometres and takes around an hour each way. The train travels slowly by design, giving you time to take in the scenery, and it makes a photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. There are stops along the way for facilities, a conductor on hand for questions, and announcements and signage pointing out what is coming up.
How to include the Flåm Railway in a Norway itinerary
The Flåm Railway is a core component of Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, the self-guided route that combines the Flåm Railway, the Bergen Railway, a Nærøyfjord cruise and a bus through the Nærøy valley. It can be travelled one way from Oslo to Bergen or the reverse, or as a round trip from Bergen, Voss or Oslo. If you are weighing up the options, our guide to choosing the right itinerary walks through them.
If you would rather spend longer on Norway's longest fjord, our Highlights of Sognefjord journey trades the single-day pace for more time on the water. And for an active take on the region, see our Highlights of Norway with Cycling.
Can you cycle or walk the Flåm Railway route?
Most people travel through the Flåm valley by rail, but you can also make the journey on foot or by bike along the Rallarvegen, the old railway construction road. You can pick up a bike in Flåm, take it on the train up to Myrdal, and cycle back down. Remember to buy a bike ticket when you book. Cycling the route back down adds a few hours to the day.
What else is there to do in Flåm?
The village of Flåm has more to offer than the railway alone. You will find kayaking, RIB boat safaris, local walks and goat's cheese tasting, among other excursions. At 50 Degrees North we have spent time getting to know the area, and we can point you to the best ways to enjoy the railway and its surroundings.
When is the best time to ride the Flåm Railway?
The railway runs all year, and each season offers something different. Late spring brings the fullest waterfalls as the snowmelt peaks. Summer is greenest and busiest. Autumn quietens down as the valley colours turn. Winter frames the journey in snow and ice, with far fewer people, though daylight is short and some village facilities close in December and January. If avoiding crowds matters to you, the shoulder seasons and winter are the calmest times to travel.
A note on visiting Flåm
A well-planned trip makes all the difference if you want to avoid the busiest periods, as Flåm receives thousands of visitors over the peak summer months of June, July and August. Some of the world's largest cruise ships dock here, and at those times the village can feel far busier than the quiet fjord settlement it is out of season.
Contact us at 50 Degrees North to shape a trip that sidesteps the crowds. We know small, tucked-away lodges near Flåm that make a quieter base.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Flåm Railway take? The journey is around an hour each way, covering 20 kilometres between Myrdal and Flåm. A round trip, allowing for the return, takes roughly two hours plus any time you spend in Flåm.
Can you do the Flåm Railway as a day trip from Bergen? Yes. From Bergen you take the Bergen Railway to Myrdal, which takes about two hours, then change onto the Flåm Railway for the hour-long descent to Flåm. It is a popular day trip, though a long one if done as a return in a single day. Building in an overnight stay in Flåm or along the fjord makes for a more relaxed experience, and it is one of the things we can arrange for you.
Do you need to book the Flåm Railway in advance? In peak summer, yes. The railway can sell out in June, July and August, particularly on days when cruise ships are in port, so booking ahead is strongly advised. Outside the high season it is far more relaxed. When the railway forms part of a wider itinerary we arrange, we handle the booking for you.
How much does the Flåm Railway cost? Fares vary by season, ticket type and how far ahead you book. Rather than quote a figure that dates quickly, we would rather give you a current price for your travel dates, so do get in touch, or ask about including the railway as part of a wider journey.
Is the Flåm Railway worth it? It is consistently ranked among the world's most scenic rail journeys, and the combination of engineering and landscape, an 866-metre descent through twenty tunnels, with waterfalls and mountain farms along the way, is what draws over a million passengers a year. For most visitors to the Norwegian fjords, it is a highlight.
Does the Flåm Railway run in winter? Yes, the train runs all year. Winter brings snow-covered scenery and far fewer crowds, though daylight is limited and some facilities in Flåm village close over December and January. Winter schedules can differ from summer, so it is worth confirming times when you plan.
Which side of the train has the best views? The scenery opens up on both sides as the line winds through the valley, and the train stops at the Kjosfossen waterfall so everyone can see it. There is no single "best" side, though staff and announcements point out the highlights as they come up.