Flåm is a village in Sogn og Fjordane county, at the innermost point of the Aurlandsfjord arm of the Sognefjord. Flåm is among the busiest cruise ports in Norway. This article also covers the neighbouring villages of Aurlandsvangen, Gudvangen and Undredal, located approximately 10 km (6 mi) away in either direction; and Myrdal station at the junction of Bergen railway and Flåm railway. The small village of Gudvangen is at the other end of the popular boat ride Flåm-Gudvangen. The area is known for iconic fjords, numerous tall waterfalls, canynon-like valleys and impressive railway engineering.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Flåmsbana
This railway climbs from sea level to 866 m (2841 ft) in 20 km (12 mi), making it the third steepest normal railway in the world. The railway is an engineering achievement. Several switchbacks are needed to climb the steep valley, one tight switchback is inside a tunnel. One tunnel, known as the Shelf, has a "window" allowing view from within. The switchback system at one point creates 3 or 4 levels of rail stacked up. The rail was opened in 1940 after 17 years of construction. Tunnels were largely built by hand and 1000 metres required 10 years of labour. With 5.5% gradient it is one of the steepest rail tracks in the world. View of high mountains and waterfalls through the gorge-like valley. A power station was built at the waterfall to provide electricity for the trains.
Flåmsbana Museet
Museum telling about the Flåm railroad and how it was constructed. Exhibits include an authentic El 9 locomotive, an old electric shunting engine, and a number of rail inspection trolleys. Photography permitted. No toilets and no wifi in the museum, but you can find toilet facilities and wifi in the nearby train station/visitor center.
Fretheim Kulturpark
Many walking trails up the hill behind the hotel, playground, artworks, and the Bakkastova Cultural Café, with good views of the fjord and mountain.
180-degree surround cinema. Showing a 23-minute film about Flåm.
Art gallery showing the painting of Johannes Vinjum, who was inspired by the fjord landscape.
The scenic and narrow Nærøyfjord, a branch of the large Sognefjord, is 18-kilometre (11 mi) long and only 500 metres (1,600 ft) wide in some parts. Since 2005, the Nærøyfjord has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also featured on the Norway in a Nutshell daytrips, which includes a ferry, bus, Bergen train, and Flåmbana segments. To see Nærøyfjord from Flåm, one can take a 20-minute bus shuttle through the Gudvanga Tunnel to Gudvangen and then take a 2-hour ferry from Gudvangen through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord back to Flåm. Or try the reverse direction, ferry from Flåm to Gudvanger and bus back to Flåm. Alternatively, you could do a Norway in a Nutshell tour from Flåm.
Kjelfoss Waterfall
This waterfall can be seen from boatquay or from road E16 through the valley. The total height is 755 m (2477 ft), although some sources give the height at 840 meters. The highest single vertical drop is 149 m (490 ft). The waterfalls begins at some 900 meters above the valley floor which is close to the sea level. Kjelfossen is one of the tallest in Norway and one of the tallest in the world.
Stalheim is known for the great view down the gorge-like Nærøydalen valley with unusual shapes and tall waterfalls. The best view is from the plateau at Stalheim hotel, though often crowded by busloads of tourists. You may be required to pay for a cup of coffee to be allowed access to the plateau, as it is private ground only accessible through the hotel. Two of the waterfalls are beneath the hotel and not easy to see from there. Stalheimskleiva is one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, built during 1842-1846. The road has 13 hairpin bends. On either side of the road you can see the Stalheim Waterfall (126 m) and the Sivle Waterfall (142 m). Stalheimskleiva is a one-way road going down. As of May 2021 the road is permanently closed to motor vehicles due to unstable conditions of the fundament.
Flåm kyrkje
The little 1670 church has richly decorated interior.
Vangen kyrkje
Vangen church, parish church for Aurland, is the largest of the few masonry churches in Sognefjord area, often referred to as Sogn Cathedral. Built around year 1200. William Gladstone, UK prime minister, visited the church in 1885.
Undredal stavkyrkje
A tiny stave church, seats 40 only, white painted exterior, decorated interior. Medieval origin, 12th century, exact age unclear.
One of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, built during 1842-1846. The road has 13 hairpin bends, with Stalheim Hotel located at the top overlooking the road and the Nærøy Valley. On either side of the road you can see the Stalheim Waterfall (126 m) and the Sivle Waterfall (142 m). Stalheimskleiva is a one-way road going down. As of May 2021 the road is permanently closed to motor vehicles due to unstable conditions of the fundament. Open to bicycles and pedestrians only.
Different marked route. One great option is using the bus from Aurland to Østerbø and walk back. You will walk between high mountains and waterfalls. On the way you will pass abandoned, but preserved old farms. You will wonder how the farmers could make a living here.
Main road E16 runs through the wild Nærøydalen valley with incredibly steep rock faces and some of the world's tallest waterfalls, at Gudvangen the valley joins the Nærøyfjorden UNESCO-listed fjord landscape. Sightseeing boat on fjord.
Kayaking in the fjord. Tours lasting from two hours to three days.
Taking the scenic train from Flam up to Myrdal and beyond, you may rent a cycle at particular train stops and cycle back down to Flam leaving your rental at the station there.
Eateries in two old railroad cars.
Craft brewery in a beautiful building.
Not a very quiet place (lying underneath the mouth of Flenjatunnelen (E16)), but quite good sanitary facilities and near the harbour and station of Flamsbana.
Call for information, reservations and to make sure it's open.
Cabins, rooms and places to put up a tent or park your camper van.
A hotel with twelve double rooms and a number of apartments of different sizes. Suitable for people with a wheelchair, according to information given by the hotel.
A newly opened hotel (2008). All rooms have a balcony and fjord view. The hotel has a modern design, making use of Norwegian pine, driftwood, natural stone and glass.
Built on the former Christian Fretheim farm, the historic Fretheim Hotel has a total of 122 rooms, including 17 historic rooms with antique furniture. There are banquet rooms and conference facilities, restaurant, library, apple orchard, and gardens. From the rose garden, you can stroll on to Fretheim Cultural Park, with its pretty viewpoints, art installations and attractive scenery.
A decent and comfortable hotel with restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. About kr. 1200 per night for a double room in the high season.
By car
Flåm is on the European route 16, and could be reached along this from Bergen in 2 hr 45 min. Driving from Oslo would require 5 hr 30 min. Flåm can be reached from Geilo in Buskerud on route 50.
By bus
Seven daily departures from Bergen, Sogndal and Lærdal.
By boat
Flåm is Norway's fourth largest cruise port, with about 175 cruise ship calls annually, bringing hundreds of thousand visitors to the tiny town.
By rail
The famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) from Myrdal, a station on the main Oslo-Bergen line, is in itself a major tourist attraction.
Walking is a good option since Flåm near the fjord is very compact. The rest of Flåm near the fjord can easily be covered by foot. More of the village is located a few miles up the river, along the route of the Flåmbana.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Bergen · International · BGO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Flåm and Norway.
Explore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Where to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
The best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Discover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.