Flåm Railway

A famously scenic branch line that drops from high mountains to the fjord in a single hour.

Journey Time: About 1 hour each way between Myrdal and Flåm. Services connect with mainline trains at Myrdal.

Best Time to Go: May to September for long daylight and greener valley views. Winter trips can be beautiful too, but with shorter days.

Tickets & Costs: Tickets are sold as a point to point journey, often used as part of the Norway in a Nutshell style itinerary. In peak summer, booking ahead is wise.

Classes: Typically a single class with unassigned or assigned seating depending on the service. Expect large windows and a focus on views rather than onboard extras.

Boarding: Board at Myrdal straight off the Bergen Line platforms, or from the small station in Flåm. Aim to be on the platform a little early for best seat choice.

The Flåm Railway - often called Flåmsbana - was built to link the fjord-side village of Flåm with the national rail network at Myrdal on the Bergen Line. Its reputation comes from how quickly it transitions from high mountain terrain to a deep, narrow valley and then the fjord.

Engineering is the story here: the line uses multiple tunnels and tight curves to manage a very steep descent. You will notice how often the train dives into rock and reappears beside rivers, cascades, and farms clinging to the valley sides.

Landscapes change fast. Near Myrdal you are on exposed upland; then the train drops into the wooded Flåmsdalen valley, finishing at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord.

• Myrdal - High on the Bergen Line, this is your interchange point; sit on either side for open mountain views right after departure.
• Mountain tunnels and snowsheds - The train quickly threads through short tunnels and rock cuttings; watch for sudden shifts from plateau light into dark, narrow valley scenery.
• Kjosfossen - A classic photo stop where many departures pause by the waterfall; have your camera ready as the spray and noise appear abruptly.
• Steep valley descent (upper Flåmsdalen) - Look for the river below and small cascades on the slopes; the valley tightens and the track bends frequently.
• Berekvam - One of the tiny stations along the line, surrounded by farms and birch woodland; views widen briefly before the valley narrows again.
• Lower Flåmsdalen - More houses and fields appear as you approach the fjord; keep an eye on the river as it slows and broadens.
• Flåm - The line ends at the fjord, steps from the waterfront; from here you can connect to ferries on the Aurlandsfjord and road coaches through the region.

May to September gives the best balance of long daylight and clear valley views, and it is the easiest period to combine the train with fjord ferries and connecting buses. Early and late season rides often have fewer people, but can bring changeable weather.

In winter, the uplands around Myrdal can be snowbound while Flåm stays milder by the fjord, creating a striking contrast. If you want the most dramatic waterfall flow, aim for late spring and early summer when meltwater is strongest.

Most travellers reach Myrdal by mainline train on the Bergen Line from Oslo or Bergen, then cross the platform or wait nearby for the connecting departure down to Flåm. Flåm is also reachable by bus from nearby towns, and by boat services that operate on the Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord in season.

At the fjord end, many people continue by ferry to Gudvangen or other fjord ports (seasonal timetables vary), or backtrack by train the same way. Stopovers are possible in principle, but check the specific ticket conditions for breaking your journey at intermediate halts, as not all fares are designed for hop-on travel.

You can buy tickets as a standalone ride between Myrdal and Flåm or as part of longer itineraries that link rail and fjord transport. In summer, book ahead if you have a fixed connection from the Bergen Line.

There is usually one standard class, and services can fill quickly at peak times, so treat it like a reserved scenic departure rather than a commuter train. If you are using a rail pass, check whether this line is covered and whether any compulsory reservation or supplement applies for your chosen departure.