🚞 Flåm Railway: what it is famous for and whether it is worth including in your itinerary
Flåm Railway is a short but incredibly spectacular railway line that descends from the mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord village of Flåm. In about an hour, the train passes through a series of tunnels, bridges and steep serpentines, stops for photos at a waterfall and literally ‘immerses’ you from the snowy highlands to the mirror of the fjord. If you are travelling to Norway for the first time, be sure to include Flåm Railway in your itinerary: it offers a concentrated view of the country's landscapes in a safe and convenient format.
🧭 Where is the route and how to fit it into your trip
- Route: Myrdal → Flåm (and back). Myrdal is a junction station on the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen.
- Direction: equally impressive in both directions. In the classic ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour, the Flåm Railway runs from Myrdal → Flåm.
- Combinations: ideal for combining with a cruise on the Nærøyfjord (Flåm → Gudvangen) and train journeys to Oslo/Bergen.
- Duration: 1 hour of pure travel time + 5–10 minutes for a photo stop at the waterfall during the season + time for boarding/alighting.
💡 Planning tip. If the day is short (autumn/winter), take the Flåmsbanen in the morning and schedule the cruise for the afternoon — this way you will have light for both activities.
🏔️ What you will see along the way
- Flåmsdalen Valley: sheer cliffs, pastures and wooden farms.
- Waterfalls and gorges: the iconic Kjosfossen waterfall (often with a short photo stop during the warm season).
- Tunnels and viaducts: dozens of rock tunnels and curved galleries carved into the steep terrain.
- Climate change: from the cool highlands of Myrdal to the mild maritime climate of the fjord.
📏 Key facts (in figures — guidelines)
- Line length: about 20 km.
- Elevation difference: approximately 860 m (from the mountain plateau to sea level).
- Maximum gradient: up to ~55‰ (≈ 1:18).
- Travel time: ~60 minutes, not including photo stops.
- Tunnels: about two dozen; many were historically dug by hand.
- Year-round: runs all year round (schedules and frequency depend on the season).
🧥 Seasonal clothing: it is windy on the boat deck and platforms, and it can sometimes be cool near the doors on the train — bring layers and a hat even in summer.
🎫 Tickets: package or DIY
Two options:
- Package (e.g. as part of ‘Nutshell’): minimal logistics, all segments in one basket, convenient connections.
- Individually: buy tickets for each section separately (Oslo/Bergen ↔ Myrdal train, Flåm Railway, cruise, bus). More flexible in terms of time and sometimes budget.
Practical tips for the journey:
- Boarding: arrive at the platform in advance; in high season, there are queues for popular carriages.
- Seats: seating arrangements vary; follow the conductors' instructions. If there are free seats, choose a window and a side, and you can change sides at the stop.
- Luggage: the more compact, the easier. Suitcases are placed in luggage areas/racks, backpacks under your feet/on the shelf.
- Amenities: there are usually toilets and warm salons, but it can be cool and slippery on the deck, at the doors and on the platforms.
🌤️ When to go: season by season
- May–September: green valleys, powerful waterfalls, long days. The most popular period.
- April/October: fewer people, changeable weather, possible reduced service.
- November–March: snow-capped peaks and clear air. Daylight hours are short, platforms are slippery; plan for buffers and warm clothing.
📸 Where to sit and how to take photos
- Sides of the carriage: the views ‘roll’ from side to side; choose a window without scratches or glare.
- Photo stop at the waterfall: have your camera ready in advance, as the steps and decking may be wet.
- Life hack for glare: shoot at an angle to the glass, place a cloth/buff on the lens, turn off the flash.
🛡️ Safety and sustainable tourism
- On platforms, stay away from the edge and hold children by the hand.
- In rain/snow, wear non-slip shoes.
- Respect the tranquillity of the valley: do not litter or enter private farms.
Myrdal → Flåm: Views drop into the valley and toward waterfalls — choose a window seat with minimal reflections. At short stops you can walk to the other side of the carriage. For photos, use a buff or scarf to reduce window glare.
Flåm → Myrdal: The ascent offers panoramas of the fjord and the winding valley. Sit by the window and switch sides at intermediate stops. At the front of the carriage there are usually fewer people — it’s easier to find a good angle for photos.
🧳 Who is Flomsbana suitable for?
- Beginners and those visiting Norway for the first time. Maximum scenery without renting a car or long transfers.
- Families with children. The dynamic scenery and changing views will keep everyone entertained.
- Older travellers. Most of the trip is spent sitting comfortably.
- Photographers. Endless photo opportunities in any weather; best in morning or afternoon light.
🧩 How to include Flåmsbanen in your plans
- Day 1 (express): Oslo → Myrdal → Flåm (Flåmsbanen) → fjord cruise → bus to Voss → train to Bergen.
- 2 days (with overnight stay by the fjord): Day 1 — Oslo/Bergen → Myrdal → Flåm, evening promenade; Day 2 — cruise → Voss → Bergen.
- 3–4 days: add the Stegastein viewing platform, walks above Flåm and a day exploring Bergen.
Conclusion: Flåmsbanen is the quintessence of Norwegian landscapes, accessible in just one hour. If you are planning your first trip to the country or want to add a ‘wow’ moment to an already planned trip, include Flåmsbanen. It's easy, fits logically with a fjord cruise and will be remembered for a long time.
❓FAQ
About 60 minutes of pure travel time. During the warm season, the train usually makes a short stop at Kjosfossen for photos. In winter and during the off-season, the stop depends on the schedule and conditions.
During the high season, seats sell out quickly. If you are travelling on a specific date and want to connect to a cruise, it is better to buy in advance. During the off-season, it is less crowded, but you should still arrive at the platform in advance on the day of your trip.
Both are useful — the views ‘roll by’. The main thing is to have a window without scratches or glare. You can change sides at intermediate stops, and there are often fewer reflections in the vestibule for photos.
Yes, people travel with suitcases and prams. A backpack or medium-sized suitcase is more convenient. The platforms are narrow and can be slippery — hold the pram tightly and allow extra time.
Practice may vary depending on the train and season. Sometimes carriages are allocated to groups, on regular trains passengers take any available seats; follow the instructions of the staff and the signs in the carriage.
Yes — it offers a different experience: snow, frosty air, few tourists. But the days are shorter, colder and the platforms are slippery, and the schedule may be less frequent. Dress warmly and allow extra time for connections.
Sometimes there is a short show at the Kjosfossen stop featuring a Norwegian huldra. This is a seasonal activity; consider it a pleasant bonus, not a guarantee.
Layered clothing, waterproof shoes, gloves and a hat all year round, a protective cover for your camera/phone, snacks and water. It can be windy and wet on the platforms.
Of course. Many people do a loop: Oslo/Bergen train → Myrdal → Flåm (Flåmsbanen) → back to Myrdal (Flåmsbanen) → continue by train to Oslo/Bergen.
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