The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is a roughly 20 km scenic railway in Aurland, Vestland county, in western Norway, descending from the high mountain station of Myrdal (about 865 m above sea level) to the fjord village of Flåm (2 m) at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the Sognefjord. Opened in 1941, it is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in Europe and is celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, threading past waterfalls, gorges and mountain farms in about an hour. As of 2026 it still runs daily year-round and remains a centerpiece of the 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour and a magnet for cruise visitors, so peak-summer (June–August) seats sell out early. Approach it as an experience in itself rather than mere transport — the view out the window is the whole point.
The Kjosfossen waterfall stop — in summer the train halts for about 5 minutes so passengers can step out and admire the falls; from 1 June to 31 August the mythical 'Huldra' appears on the rocks and dances to folk music.
The steep descent (maximum gradient 5.5%, or 1:18) through 20 tunnels, an engineering feat that spirals down more than 860 m of mountainside.
A succession of waterfalls glimpsed from the carriage, including Rjoandefossen, set against the dramatic contrast of snowy peaks and green valleys.
Flåm village at the line's end — a tiny harbor settlement at the innermost tip of the Aurlandsfjord, with the cruise pier, shops and the Flåm brewery all within walking distance.
The connection to the main Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) at Myrdal, linking onward to Oslo and Bergen and the full Norway in a Nutshell route.
Good to know
RulesIn peak summer (June–August) and on cruise-ship days, seats fill quickly — book a round trip in advance through official channels (flamsbana.no, norwaysbest.com, Vy). Tickets are usually available up to 120 days ahead; always reconfirm exact departures and fares at time of booking.
SeasonMyrdal (about 865 m) is cool and windy even at the height of summer, with lingering snow in early season — pack a windproof or warm layer even in July. Winter (November–March) has fewer departures, and the Kjosfossen stop operates in summer only.
SafetyAt the Kjosfossen stop the platform is wet and slippery from spray. Stay behind the safety barriers, watch your footing, and re-board promptly — the stop lasts only about 5 minutes.
MannersPassengers move from side to side to photograph the highlights. Don't monopolize a window, and yield your spot when others want a shot. Quiet, low-voice behavior is the norm on Norwegian trains.
CautionBuy only from official sellers; some third-party resale sites inflate prices. Norway is very safe, but keep bags in front and secured amid the crowds at the Flåm pier and stations on busy cruise days.
SeasonNorway is largely cashless (cards and mobile pay everywhere) and expensive, and tipping is not expected. At about 60.8°N you are south of the Arctic Circle — no true midnight sun, though summer evenings stay bright, and the northern lights are rare this far south, so keep expectations low.
Practical info
Board at Myrdal (transferring from the Bergen Line) or at Flåm village's pier/station; the one-way ride takes about an hour and runs daily year-round (up to around 10 departures a day in summer, roughly 4 in winter). Buy tickets via flamsbana.no, norwaysbest.com, Vy, or the ticket counters at Flåm/Myrdal, and reconfirm current timetables, fares and whether the Kjosfossen stop is running before you go.
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