Flåm sits at the head of Aurlandsfjord, a side arm of the Sognefjord, and the roads here reflect the landscape that draws people from all over the world. Expect steep valley walls, ribbons of asphalt clinging to water’s edge, and some of Norway’s most remarkable tunnels. Driving in Flåm is absolutely doable for visitors, and it can be the most flexible way to explore nearby viewpoints, villages, and trailheads.
The short answer is that driving in Flåm is safe and straightforward if you respect the terrain and drive defensively. The roads are well maintained, speeds are modest, and signage is clear. What surprises most newcomers are the long tunnels, occasional very narrow sections, and how quickly weather can shift, especially on the mountain roads above the fjord.
If that sounds like your kind of trip, keep reading. Let’s take a deeper dive into what driving in and around Flåm is really like, with practical tips you can use right away.
Where You Are Driving: Valley Floor, Fjord Edge, and High Mountain
Flåm itself sits on a flat valley floor where the river meets the fjord. Around the village you will mostly drive on standard two-lane roads with posted limits around 40 to 50 km/h. As soon as you leave the valley, the character changes. The E16 is the main artery, cut through high cliffs and granite by a series of tunnels. The road to Aurland climbs quickly on tight hairpins to reach the famous Stegastein viewpoint, then continues across the high plateau commonly called the Snow Road. That upper stretch is a summer road only, with snowbanks lingering well into the warm months. Understanding this three-part layout, from fjord edge to high mountain, helps you plan realistic driving days.
Getting to Flåm by Car
From Bergen, most travelers take the E16 all the way, a beautiful yet winding drive that typically takes about three to three and a half hours depending on traffic and stops. From Oslo, there are two common choices: either the E16 through Fagernes or over Hemsedal toward Lærdal, then through the long Lærdal Tunnel to Aurland and on to Flåm. That run is a full day behind the wheel, usually five to six hours with breaks. Build in extra time for roadworks, photo stops, and coffee breaks at viewpoint cafés. You are not on an interstate. You are on a fjord road where the scenery keeps asking you to pull over.
Parking and Getting Around the Village
Flåm is compact. You will find large paid parking areas near the harbor and railway station, plus smaller lots scattered around the village. Payment is typically by card or app. On days with cruise calls the lots can fill, especially midday, so it pays to arrive early or later in the afternoon. There are clear walking paths from the parking to the pier, visitor center, and the Flåm Railway. If you are staying in Flåm, leave the car at your accommodation when possible and explore on foot in the evening when the crowds thin. The village is flat and very walkable.
What Surprises Visitors: Tunnels, Lighting, and Distance
If you have not driven long tunnels before, this area will be a first. Never stop inside a tunnel unless there is an emergency, and keep a steady speed with headlights on. Maintain distance to the car ahead and avoid harsh braking. Claustrophobic passengers sometimes prefer to sit in the front seat and focus on the road lights. The Lærdal Tunnel between Aurland and Lærdal is one of the longest road tunnels in the world, with gently curving sections and a few widened “caverns” that create a break in monotony, but you are still underground for a long time. Plan rest stops before and after the big tunnels, not inside them.
Narrow Sections and Fjordside Etiquette
Some side roads around the fjord are narrower than you might expect. You will meet pull-outs where only one car can pass at a time. The basic rule is simple courtesy. Use pull-outs to let faster traffic by, and be generous with yielding in tight spots. On climbs, give priority to vehicles going uphill when the choice is between who backs up. Drive slowly through hamlets by the water. People live here year round, and kids ride their bikes to swimming spots along the shoreline in summer.
Mountain Roads: Stegastein and the Snow Road
The drive from Aurland to the Stegastein viewpoint is beautiful but deserves respect. The road is paved and two-way, with multiple hairpins and short narrow sections. Motorhomes can drive it, but patience is essential. Early morning and late evening are calmer. In summer, you can continue along the high mountain road across Aurlandsfjellet, a lunar landscape of ponds and patches of snow even in July. This upper section is a seasonal road and can close due to weather, even in shoulder months. Check conditions the day you plan to go, and bring a warm layer for the viewpoint. Temperatures on the plateau are much lower than down at the fjord.
Weather and Seasons: Summer Ease and Winter Reality
Summer is the simplest time to drive in Flåm. The roads are dry, daylight stretches late, and traffic is mostly relaxed. The trade-off is popularity. Expect queues at village entrances during cruise days and more buses on the E16. In spring and autumn you can get spectacular light and thinner crowds, but rain showers are common and the mountain can bring fog. In winter, driving is its own adventure. Winter tires are essential when conditions are wintry and studded tires are widely used in this region during the cold months. The valley roads are regularly plowed and salted, but black ice can form near the fjord and inside tunnel mouths where moisture meets colder air. On the mountain routes, snow, wind, and sudden whiteouts are possible. If you are not confident on snow, stick to the valley and main roads, or consider parking the car and taking organized tours for high routes after storms.
Speed Limits, Cameras, and Fines
Speed limits in and around Flåm are modest. Expect 30 to 40 km/h near schools and through the village, 50 km/h in built-up areas, and 70 to 80 km/h on rural stretches unless otherwise posted. Norway enforces speed with both fixed and mobile cameras. Fines are high, and for good reason. Stick to the posted limit, keep your phone out of your hands, and always wear your seat belt. Kids need proper seats appropriate to their size, not just a belt.
Practical Safety Basics That Matter Here
Carry water and a snack, especially if you plan to cross the mountain. Make sure your phone has charge and store the roadside assistance number given by your rental company. Do not stop in the road to take photos, even if a waterfall appears around a bend. Look for signed viewpoints and safe pull-offs. In rain, rocks can occasionally tumble onto the shoulder. If you see small stones on the asphalt, reduce speed and scan ahead. After very heavy rain or late spring thaw, some roads may be temporarily reduced to one lane while crews clear minor slides. It is routine work here and usually well managed with signals.
Rental Cars and Vehicle Choice
A small to medium car is the easiest fit for hairpins and village parking. Automatics are common and worth the small premium if you are not comfortable shifting on steep grades. Motorhomes are popular and perfectly viable on the main roads, but you will notice the difference on narrow side routes and especially on the climb to Stegastein. Choose your parking with care and avoid squeezing into small lay-bys not meant for large vehicles. If you plan to camp in a campervan, use designated spots along the fjord or proper campgrounds. It keeps the valley tidy and the locals welcoming.
Scenic Day Drives From Flåm
Several rewarding drives start right from the village. A short hop along the E16 brings you to Gudvangen at the mouth of Nærøyfjord. The fjord there is a UNESCO site and the valley feels even narrower than Flåm’s. Another favorite is the loop from Flåm to Aurland, up to Stegastein, then back down the same way, stopping in Aurland for coffee by the church and beach. Experienced drivers in summer can continue across the Snow Road toward Lærdal for a full-day circle, returning to Flåm through the Lærdal Tunnel. Keep an eye on fuel and time, and build in space for the unplanned viewpoints that will tempt you to pull over.
EVs, Charging, and Fuel
Electric cars are common here, and you will find public chargers in the wider Aurland area along with traditional fuel stations in nearby villages like Aurland and Gudvangen. In peak hours, charging spots may be busy, so top up when you can rather than running down to the last few percent. If you drive a gasoline or diesel car, do not roll into the evening with a near-empty tank. Stations are not on every street corner like in a big city. Keep things comfortable with half a tank as your mental floor.
Costs You Should Expect
Parking in the main lots is paid, and rates reflect the popularity of the area. Tolls are collected automatically on certain stretches and around some tunnels on approach routes, with your rental car registering the charges through its tag. You will not need to stop at a booth. Keep your rental agreement handy so you know how the toll billing works when charges are posted later. Food and coffee on the road can add up. Picnic supplies from a supermarket will stretch your budget and let you eat at those gorgeous picnic tables you will spot beside the fjord.
Local Courtesy Goes a Long Way
Flåm sees visitors from everywhere, and most people drive considerately. You can help keep that spirit alive with small habits. Signal early before turns, keep right so buses can complete wide corners, and leave space when you park so others can open doors. If you are traveling in a small convoy with friends, avoid tailgating each other through tunnels. A little breathing room makes everyone safer and less stressed.
Is Driving in Flåm Worth It?
Yes. With a car you can time your own sunrise at the fjord, slip up to Stegastein in the golden hour, and wander to quiet spots between the famous sights. The roads will ask for your attention, and they will reward it with views that feel like they were drawn by hand. Take it slow, use the pull-outs, respect the weather, and you will have a great time behind the wheel in Flåm.