Myrdal is one of those places that appears small on the map but looms large in Norwegian travel dreams. Perched high on a mountain plateau between Bergen and Oslo, this tiny railway junction connects the famous Bergen Line with the world-renowned Flåm Railway. There are no public roads to Myrdal. You arrive by train, step onto the platform, and the fresh alpine air and deep valleys spread out below remind you why people cross oceans to see this corner of Norway.
If you are wondering whether Myrdal is worth a stop, the short answer is yes. Myrdal is the gateway to some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery, with easy access to the Flåm Railway, Kjosfossen waterfall, and the historic Rallarvegen cycling and hiking route. It works as a memorable day trip from Bergen or Oslo, and it is a perfect jumping-off point if you want to combine fjords and mountains in one itinerary.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Myrdal so you can plan a smooth, scenic, and unforgettable visit.
Where Is Myrdal and Why It Matters
Myrdal sits at about 866 meters above sea level on the mountainous spine of Western Norway. The hamlet itself is little more than a station, a café, a hotel up the slope, and a handful of railway buildings. The reason travelers love it is simple. Myrdal is the junction where you switch between the Bergen Line and the Flåm Railway, which drops more than 860 vertical meters down to the fjord village of Flåm in roughly 20 kilometers. For many visitors, that steep descent on vintage green carriages is a highlight of their Norway trip.
Beyond the trains, Myrdal opens up a network of hiking paths and the famous Rallarvegen, the old construction road built to serve the railway. In summer, it is one of the most beloved cycling routes in the country.
Getting To Myrdal
By train from Bergen or Oslo:
All access to Myrdal is by rail. Regular Vy trains on the Bergen Line stop here on the way between Bergen and Oslo. From Bergen, the journey to Myrdal typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Oslo, expect roughly 4.5 to 5 hours depending on the service. The views in both directions justify the ticket alone, with glacial lakes, high moorlands, and valleys sliding past your window.
Connecting to the Flåm Railway:
At Myrdal, you can transfer to the Flåm Railway for the spectacular ride to Flåm beside the Aurlandsfjord. Trains are timed to meet each other, but in peak season platforms get busy. Leave yourself breathing room between connections so you can find your carriage calmly and enjoy a short stroll on the platform.
No road access:
There is no public road to Myrdal. You cannot drive there and you cannot park there. If you plan to hike or cycle down to Flåm and back up again, your return is by train.
When To Visit Myrdal
Summer and early autumn, late June to mid-September, offer the widest choice of hiking and cycling. Snow lingers in the high country into June and sometimes returns in September. July and August are the warmest months and the busiest for the Flåm Railway.
Spring and late autumn are quieter. You will get moody light, fewer crowds, and a chance of snowflakes at higher elevations. Some trails may be muddy or partially snow covered.
Winter transforms Myrdal into a snowscape. The Bergen Line runs year-round, and the Flåm Railway usually operates as well. You can still do a gorgeous round trip from Bergen or Oslo, and skiers often base at nearby Vatnahalsen. Hiking and cycling are limited in this season, and daylight is short, but the train views with winter light are unforgettable.
Top Things To Do In and Around Myrdal
Ride the Flåm Railway
This is the headline act. The 20-kilometer line winds through 20 tunnels, past mountain farms, and alongside cliffs and waterfalls. Trains stop at Kjosfossen waterfall for a few minutes so you can step onto the viewing platform. Spray is common, so keep your camera protected. In peak summer, book tickets as early as you can.
Walk the Platform and Watch the Weather
It sounds simple, but Myrdal’s platform is a stage for Norway’s alpine climate. In minutes you can see cloud curtains part to reveal jagged ridges, then close again as a shower sweeps through. If your connection time allows, wander up the gravel path toward Vatnahalsen to get a view down the Flåmsdalen valley.
Hike From Myrdal
There are short marked paths above the station, plus longer routes connecting to Rallarvegen and down to Flåm. Always check the conditions in the station café before setting out. Early season snowfields, slick rocks after rain, and quick weather shifts are normal in the mountains.
Cycle Rallarvegen
Rallarvegen runs along sections of the Bergen Line from Haugastøl via Finse to Myrdal, then descends toward Flåm. The surface is gravel, and you will pass high mountain lakes, stone bridges, and old maintenance huts. The classic season is typically July to early September, depending on snowmelt. You can rent bikes in Haugastøl, Finse, or occasionally in Flåm and arrange one-way rides with a train return. Expect some pushing, especially early in the season where snow patches linger.
Skiing and Winter Play
With good snow, the area around Vatnahalsen becomes a hub for cross-country and backcountry skiing. Avalanche awareness matters off groomed trails. If you are not experienced, join a guided trip from local providers based in Flåm or Voss.
Practical Tips For Riding The Trains
Book ahead in summer. Both the Bergen Line and the Flåm Railway can sell out on popular dates. Advance tickets also help you line up the best connection times.
Reserve seats where possible. The Flåm Railway uses allocated seating in high season. If you care about which side to sit on, check the current coach layout when you book. Views are excellent on both sides, but many prefer the right-hand side when descending to Flåm.
Build in buffer time. Weather and crowds can slow boarding and photo stops. Aim for at least a 30 to 45 minute transfer at Myrdal if you want a relaxed change of trains or a quick coffee.
Mind the temperature swing. Even in July, Myrdal can be brisk while Flåm by the fjord feels warm. Pack a light insulated layer for the platform and tunnels, and remove it when you drop into the valley.
Luggage logistics. You can bring luggage on both trains, but space is not infinite. If you plan to hike or cycle one way, travel light. In Flåm, several hotels and activity companies offer storage for day trippers.
Hiking And Cycling Routes From Myrdal
Myrdal to Flåm on the Old Path
A classic descent follows the maintenance tracks and paths paralleling the railway in sections. This is a long downhill with many switchbacks. Allow time for photos and pauses at viewpoints. The surface varies from gravel to rocky path. Good footwear is essential.
Rallarvegen Eastbound toward Finse
Heading the other direction from Myrdal, Rallarvegen rises gently into big, open country dotted with tarns and old stonework. You can do an out-and-back walk or commit to a full day ride to Finse if the conditions and your fitness permit. Snow patches and cold streams are common early in the season, so bring dry socks and a windproof layer.
Short Stretch to Kjosfossen
If you have only an hour, you can walk a small section from Myrdal toward Kjosfossen. Be careful near the tracks and follow marked paths. Trains pass frequently.
Where To Eat And Sleep
Café Rallaren at Myrdal Station
Reliable for hot drinks, waffles, soups, and simple meals. It is designed to handle a rush when trains arrive, so patience helps at peak times.
Vatnahalsen Hotel
Just up the hill from Myrdal by the small shuttle or by a short hike, this historic hotel overlooks the valley with postcard views. It is a favorite for hikers and skiers, and it has dinner service for guests. If you want a night in the high country without a car, this is your spot.
Down in Flåm
If you ride down to Flåm, the food and lodging options multiply. You will find restaurants, bakeries, and several hotels and guesthouses. It is easy to return to Myrdal by train after an early dinner, or you can stay in Flåm and continue by fjord cruise the next day.
Weather And What To Pack
Mountain weather is moody and beautiful. Always pack layers, including a windproof shell, a fleece or light insulated jacket, a hat, and gloves outside high summer. Footwear with grip matters, even if you only plan short walks. In summer, add sunscreen and sunglasses. In shoulder seasons and winter, pack microspikes if you are uncomfortable on icy paths near the station.
Accessibility And Family Travel
Myrdal station platforms are level and signed, but there are slopes and stairs between some areas. Train staff are used to helping with boarding, strollers, and luggage. The Flåm Railway is family friendly, with onboard announcements and that exciting stop at Kjosfossen. If traveling with kids, arrive at the platform a little early to board without stress and choose seats together.
Sample Itineraries Featuring Myrdal
Day trip from Bergen:
Morning Bergen Line to Myrdal. Transfer to the Flåm Railway and descend to Flåm. Lunch by the fjord, short fjord cruise or a walk along the shoreline. Late afternoon train back up to Myrdal and onward to Bergen.
Triangle from Oslo:
Oslo to Myrdal on the Bergen Line. Flåm Railway down to Flåm. Overnight by the fjord. Next day ferry through the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, bus to Voss, then train to Bergen.
Rallarvegen ride:
Start in Haugastøl or Finse, cycle Rallarvegen west to Myrdal, continue down to Flåm, and take the train back up. Check snow status and bike rental logistics well in advance, especially in July.
Safety And Etiquette In The Mountains
Stay on marked trails and respect railway lines and signage. Do not walk through tunnels. Pack out all your trash. If fog rolls in or weather turns, turn back without hesitation. Signal reception can be patchy, so note your train times before you leave the station and carry a paper map or offline map for longer hikes.
Final Practical Notes
- Tickets: Buy Bergen Line and Flåm Railway tickets early for summer and weekend travel.
- Time buffers: Build in margin for photo stops, weather, and crowds at Myrdal.
- Seasonal realities: Rallarvegen and high paths depend on snowmelt. Ask locally about conditions on the day.
- No car needed: That is part of the charm. Let the trains do the work while you enjoy the views.
Myrdal is small, but it opens big doors. With a bit of planning, you can thread together trains, trails, and fjords into a day or two that feel like the essence of Norway.