The Flåm Railway is one of those rare journeys that feels like it was designed to make you slow down. It runs between the mountain station of Myrdal and the fjord village of Flåm, threading past waterfalls, high farms, and a valley that looks carved by giants. I grew up with these landscapes, and even after a lifetime in Norway, this ride still makes me put my phone away and stare out the window like a kid again.
If you are wondering whether the Flåm Railway is worth adding to your Norway itinerary, the short answer is yes. It is a scenic line with easy connections to the main Oslo to Bergen railway and to fjord cruises. Seats are unassigned on most departures, so arrive early for a good spot, and book ahead in summer. The ride takes about an hour each way, and there is plenty to do at both ends of the line.
Let’s dive deeper into how to ride Flåmsbana like you know what you are doing, with practical tips from a local who has ridden it in every season.
What Exactly Is the Flåm Railway
Flåmsbana links the mountain plateau at Myrdal with sea level at Flåm. It is a short route in distance but big in drama, descending through a glacier-carved valley filled with waterfalls and old stonework. The engineering is impressive, with tunnels that twist through rock and views that open suddenly into wide panoramas. This is standard gauge and connects directly with the mainline trains at Myrdal, so you can step straight off an Oslo or Bergen train and onto Flåmsbana without fuss.
How To Get There
Most travelers arrive at Myrdal by train from Oslo or Bergen. It is a small mountain station with simple facilities and clear signage. If you are already in the fjords, you can start in Flåm and ride uphill, which is just as scenic. For road trippers, there is parking in Flåm, but spaces fill quickly in high season. If you prefer to avoid driving, regional buses also serve the Aurlandsfjord area and connect with Flåm.
Booking Tickets and What To Expect On Board
You can book the Flåm Railway as a stand-alone ticket or as part of a combined journey that links trains and fjord boats. In July and August, as well as on cruise ship days, departures fill up. If you are traveling in peak season, book as early as you can. Spring and autumn are more relaxed, and winter is often quiet outside school holidays.
Most carriages are comfortable with large windows, heating in winter, and overhead racks for smaller bags. There are toilets on board. Many departures operate with open seating. That means the early birds pick the best views. The staff are helpful and used to first-time visitors. If in doubt, ask.
When To Ride for the Best Experience
You can ride the Flåm Railway all year. Each season brings its own character.
Summer has long days, strong greens in the valley, and waterfall flow at full voice. It is also the busiest period, especially late morning to early afternoon.
Autumn brings warm color in the birch and rowan trees and softer light. Crowds thin out, and the weather settles between crisp days and misty moods that photograph beautifully.
Winter turns the line into a snowy fairy tale. You may see frozen curtains of ice and a quiet fjord below. Bring layers since platforms can be cold while the trains are warm.
Spring is a favorite of mine. Snow lingers on the tops, the river runs high, and the valley wakes up. It feels fresh and hopeful.
If you like fewer people, aim for the first departure of the day or the last one back. Avoid the late morning wave when cruise excursions often board in Flåm.
Where To Sit and How To See More
Both sides of the train offer good views, so do not overthink it. Many of us prefer the right-hand side when traveling downhill from Myrdal to Flåm, because the valley opens wide on that side for long stretches. Going uphill, the opposite applies. That said, the train makes a scenic stop at Kjosfossen where everyone steps outside onto a platform, so no one misses the big waterfall moment. If your carriage feels crowded, walk a carriage or two down. Loads are rarely even.
What You Will See On the Way
Right after leaving Myrdal, the train starts to snake through tunnels cut into the rock. When the line pops out into daylight, you get your first views down the valley. Old farms cling to slopes that were once only reachable on foot. The river changes personality several times, from fast whitewater to gentle meanders. At Kjosfossen, the train stops at a dedicated platform with a safe vantage point. In summer, you may hear music and catch a theatrical nod to local folklore. Down in the lower valley, the scenery softens and opens toward Aurlandsfjord, with Flåm tucked at the end like a postcard.
Photography Tips From a Local
Reflections are your main enemy. Wear a dark top and press your lens close to the glass to reduce glare. Clean a small spot on the window with a dry cloth before you start. Use a fast shutter speed for moving scenes, because the train is not crawling. When the train stops at Kjosfossen, give yourself ten seconds just to look with your eyes before you raise a camera. The spray travels far, so keep your phone or camera slightly sheltered. If you are using a phone, try a short video clip for the waterfalls and then pull stills from it later.
Combining the Flåm Railway With a Fjord Cruise
This is a classic pairing for good reason. From Flåm, boats run into the Aurlandsfjord and the narrower Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO listed arm known for steep walls and tiny farms. You can ride down to Flåm on the railway, take a boat across to Gudvangen, then continue by bus to Voss and rejoin the main railway to Bergen. Many people call this loop Norway in a Nutshell. It is a full day, but it flows smoothly if you match departure times with some buffer built in.
Build at least one connection cushion of 30 to 60 minutes when you pair train and boat. Weather and crowds are mostly fine, but cushions remove stress.
Practicalities: Luggage, Strollers, and Food
Bring only what you can handle comfortably. There is space for small suitcases and backpacks in racks and at carriage ends, but very large bags make life harder on busy departures. If you are traveling with a stroller, it is allowed, and staff will show you where to park it in the vestibule area. Toilets are on board, and both Myrdal and Flåm stations have cafes for a quick lunch or warm drink. In high season, lines form at the Flåm bakery and food trucks, so consider a simple picnic. Water is safe from taps in Norway, so refill your bottle before boarding.
Accessibility Considerations
Platforms are level, though there can be a small step between platform and train. Staff are proactive and will assist if you ask. There are accessible toilets in Flåm, and the train has space for wheelchairs on designated departures. If you rely on specific accessibility features, let the operator know when you book so they can confirm the best departure for your needs.
Riding With Children
Children tend to love this ride. The tunnels are a built-in thrill, and Kjosfossen is a crowd pleaser. Pack snacks even if you plan to eat in Flåm. Point out the old stone walls and tiny bridges as you go. It becomes a game to count waterfalls. Seats facing each other with a table are handy for families. If you are continuing onto a fjord cruise, the top deck of the boat gives kids more room to move, but keep an eye on wind chill.
Budget Savvy Ideas
Travel outside the absolute peak months if your dates are flexible. Early morning and late afternoon departures can be cheaper or simply less crowded. If you are planning multiple rail journeys in Norway, compare the cost of point to point tickets with any passes or bundles that fit your plans. In Flåm, free pleasures are everywhere. Walk the shoreline path, visit the small beach, and wander the old farms nearby rather than paying for every attraction.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not plan connections to the minute. Mountain weather and popular routes deserve a margin. Do not show up at Myrdal assuming you can always walk on in July. In peak season, tickets can sell out. Do not carry a suitcase so large that you cannot lift it into the rack. It only creates stress for you and others. And do not spend the entire hour behind your screen. Give yourself time to simply watch.
A One Day Itinerary That Works
Start in Oslo or Bergen and ride the mainline to Myrdal in the morning. Change to the Flåm Railway and arrive in Flåm around midday. Picnic by the fjord or grab a simple lunch. Take an afternoon cruise through Aurlandsfjord into Nærøyfjord, arriving in Gudvangen. Continue by bus to Voss, then board the evening train to Bergen. You will see mountain plateau, high valley, fjord cliffs, and coastal hills in one continuous flow. If you prefer a slower pace, stay overnight in Flåm or nearby Aurland and ride back the next day.
Local Tips That Make A Difference
If you have the freedom, visit in May or September. Light is kind, waterfalls are strong, and the crowds are manageable. Carry a light rain jacket even on a blue sky day. Fjord weather flips quickly. In Flåm, step away from the main cluster of shops and follow the river path for ten minutes. You will find calmer views and fewer people. In Myrdal, if you have a wait, there is a short gravel path toward the viewpoint above the station that gives you a sense of the plateau without leaving the area. Finally, arrive at the platform 20 to 30 minutes before departure. It removes the only real stress this ride can generate.
Is the Flåm Railway Overhyped
I hear this a lot. Scandinavians are allergic to hype, and I am no exception. The truth is that Flåmsbana gets its reputation honestly. It is popular because it is easy, spectacular, and well run. If you set your expectations toward quiet wonder rather than a bucket list trophy, you will likely step off the train smiling. That is the reaction I see most often, from first-time visitors and from Norwegians who know this valley by heart.