Flåm: A train journey through the Flåm Valley

Flåm between railway and valley

Flåm is a destination whose character unfolds along the railway and in the valley: the Flåm Railway runs between Flåm and Myrdal as Europe's steepest standard-gauge adhesion railway. Its 20-kilometre route and the approximately 60-minute journey provide two different measures for planning: the length of the railway line and the approximate time for the journey described. The ride through the steep Flåm Valley is accompanied by views of waterfalls, mountain farms and high peaks.

From Flåm station, the Flåm Railway follows the Flåm River along the valley floor, passing Lunden station. The river and valley thus shape the railway route; at the same time, they help you understand it as a journey through a landscape rather than merely a connection between two places. When planning your trip, you can consider this valley perspective alongside the route's technical features.

For most of the route, the gradient is 55‰, equivalent to a ratio of 1:18. The curve radii go down to 130 metres. Together with its classification as a standard-gauge adhesion railway, these details bring the technical character of the Flåm Railway to life. The landscapes and the railway itself offer different perspectives on the same journey: one focuses on waterfalls and peaks, the other on gradients and tight curves.

Station, railway heritage and getting there

Flåm station is located near Fretheim on the Aurlandsfjord. The original station building has been preserved as part of the Flåm Railway Museum. This connects the train journey with a tangible piece of railway heritage: the preserved building adds the station's history to the technical and scenic aspects. It offers a point of interest if you would like to include railway heritage in your travel plans alongside nature experiences.

Flåm can be reached by coach, boat, car or train. The Flåm Railway is listed as operating daily throughout the year. Check current services before your journey so that your plans are based on the information in effect at the time.

Scenery and experiences in the wider destination of Aurland

In the wider destination of Aurland, the Aurlandsfjord is part of the Sognefjord, which is designated a national salmon fjord. The Nærøyfjord offers a distinctive landscape of its own, with narrow, steep-sided rock walls and numerous waterfalls. Free-flowing rivers pass through deciduous and coniferous forests on their way to glacier lakes and rugged mountains. Thus, the regional setting brings together the Flåm Railway's valley route and a landscape shaped by fjords and steep rock walls—different themes that you can give varying weight to depending on your travel interests.

In the wider destination of Aurland, the 225-metre-high Kjosfossen is also a landmark along the Flåm Railway. Passengers can disembark at a specially built stop; stop procedures may vary. The Rallarvegen ends in Flåm and combines cycling with nature and cultural history. Cycling conditions vary by season, so this activity may require different planning from the railway journey, which is listed as operating year-round.

Regional food culture and outdoor activities are also among the possible themes of a trip to Aurland. Traditional goat's cheese from Undredal is made using old methods at the village's Stølsysteriet. If you are considering a visit, check the options locally. Fjord fishing in Aurland is free year-round; possible catches include sea trout, cod, haddock and whiting. Before fishing, check the applicable rules and the availability of fish species.

Choose a holiday apartment that suits your travel plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Flåm, it helps to first organise the themes of your trip: will the journey on the Flåm Railway and its technical features be the main focus, are you most interested in the valley and waterfalls, or would you like to explore other regional landscapes and cultural themes? These priorities can guide your search for suitable accommodation without requiring every activity to have equal importance. When considering a specific listing, check its stated location and amenities, and make your choice based on what matters to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Undredal, Gudvangen, Aurlandsvangen, Aurland, Stålheim, Finse.

Back to the main travel overview: Aurland.