The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions and is considered one of the world’s best train journeys. The scenic route offers panoramic views across breathtaking fjords, snow-capped mountains, lush forests and tumbling waterfalls.
The Flåmsbana journey stretches from the high mountain station of Myrdal (867 metres above sea level) on the Bergen Line down to Flåm (2 metres above sea level) at the head of Aurlandsfjord. The Flåm Railway is of the world’s steepest stretches of standard gauge lines. Most of the route has a gradient of 55 per mille.
Photo by: Sara Johannessen
Find out everything you need to know about booking your Flåmsbana journey in this guide.
The Flåm Railway - Flåmsbana
From Myrdal to Flåm
The journey time from Myrdal to Flåm is around one hour. Travel past rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls tumbling down precipitous mountainsides, and white peaks with small farms clinging to steep slopes.
Sit back and revel in the best of Norwegian nature as the train ride takes you past the wild and beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall. The Flåm Railway stops here for about 5 minutes so passengers can get some air, enjoy the view, and take pictures of the incredible surroundings.
Flåm Railway history
The Flåm Railway was created to ensure a transport line to the fjord from the cities Bergen and Oslo. It also connected small hamlets and towns to the rest of Norway.
Construction was approved by the Norwegian Government in 1908 but work didn’t begin until 1923. The railway was completed in 1940. It first opened with steam trains travelling in each direction, which connected with day trains on the Bergen Railway Line. It was one of the first lines in Norway to be electrified in 1944.
The 20-kilometre-long train ride shows off Norwegian nature at its finest and is a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering. Flåmsbana is famous for its incredible tunnels that twist and wind between the mountains – 18 of the 20 of these tunnels were constructed by hand.
Useful information about the Flåm Railway
Duration
The journey time is around 1 hour.
When can I travel?
The trains run every day, all year.
Photo stop
The journey includes a 5-minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.
Bicycles on the train
You can bring a bike with you on the Flåm Railway, but you need to reserve a space when you buy your ticket.
Luggage storage
There are self-service lockers outside the Visitor Center in Flåm, where you can store your luggage for up to three days.
Accessibility
Only Flåm station, Vatnahalsen stop, and Myrdal station are accessible for boarding and disembarking for wheelchair users. They also have guidance with announcements on screens and loudspeakers on the train.
Facilities on the train
On your Flåm Railway adventure, you can expect the following facilities on board:
- toilets
- comfortable seating
- overhead luggage compartments
- large passenger windows
- wooden interior
There are no dining options on the Flåm Railway trains, but you can enjoy refreshments at both the Myrdal and Flåm stations.
Ticket booking and information
Whether you’re looking at a one-way or round-trip, book the adventure of a lifetime on the Flåmsbana railway.
One-way trip with the Flåm railway
If you’re looking to visit Flåm, look no further than a one-way trip on the railway. Book your journey from Myrdahl to Flåm and discover its charm.
While you’re there, enjoy panoramic views of one of the most beautiful fjords in the country – the Aurlandsfjord – from the Stegastein Viewpoint.
Roundtrip with the Flåm Railway
For a quintessential fairy-tale experience, book a round trip with the Flåm railway. Sink into your comfortable seat in the traditional carriage and enjoy breathtaking views of the Nordic scenery - the journey is an experience itself.
Flåm Railway prices
- Adult single ticket: from NOK 399
- Child single ticket (aged 6 to 17): 50% of adult ticket
- Bicycle: NOK 280
- Dogs: Free
Activities near the Flåm Railway
Flåm is a beautiful village with breathtaking scenery. Explore on foot or by wheels and discover its charm.
Brekkefossen / Raokjen
This trail is just under 5 km and takes around an hour-and-a-half to complete. You’ll be hiking up stone steps to the Raokjen viewpoint, where you can enjoy stunning views out onto the Brekkefossen waterfall, and then back to the start point.
Brekkefossen
Embark on a circular trail of just under 6 km along the Flåmselva River to the Raokjen viewpoint. Highlights of this hike include panoramic views of the Flåmsdalen valley and the UNESCO fjord.
Flåmsdalen Valley
Take an adventurous 17 km hike through the Flåmsdalen Valley, along the Flåmselvi River. Enjoy roaring waterfalls, bright valley walls and the crystal-clear river. Along the route there are opportunities to join the Flåm Railway if you need to give your legs a rest.
Stegastein Viewpoint
This challenging 19 km hike will reward you with incredible views from Stegastein Viewpoint. It’s also a popular route for cycling or driving.
Bike rental – Rallarvegen
Rallarvegen, one of Norway’s most-loved cycling routes, ends in Flåm. It’s a great place to enjoy the stunning Nordic scenery on two wheels.
The terrain in Flåm is flat and accessible for both beginner and experienced cyclists. A bike rental in FlåmExternal link has so much to offer – why not cycle along the Aurlandsfjord to reach Otterness Gård or head to Brekkefossen waterfall?
Kjosfossen Falls
The Kjosfossen Falls is a major highlight of the Flåm railway. It’s only accessible by train, which makes it even more special. Flåmsbana journeys stop so passengers can take pictures and experience the beauty of the 93 metre waterfall.
Adventure and beauty around Flåm. Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / Fjord Norway, Vy