The cozy little town of Flam (Norway) is located on the banks of a tributary of the deepest fjord – Sognefjord. This place has been a tourist dream for many years. Rocky mountains, bays and a lonely mountain town, in the midst of the Norwegian nature – this is the place from which you should start your journey around Norway in order to feel this country.
About the city
The town of Flam itself is quite small and often not of much interest to tourists. With a population of only around 400 people, thousands of visitors come to the town every year to admire its beauty. Despite its small size, the town’s infrastructure is quite well-developed. There are cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels to accommodate tourists. There is even a museum dedicated to the Flam Railway, which is always open to visitors.
Flam is located in a cozy bay of the same name. For many visitors, this bay is the first stop on their journey through the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest and longest fjord in Norway. The Nærøyfjord is popular for its narrowness. Most fjords in Norway are wide, making it impossible to see both sides at once. However, the Nærøyfjord is different. The narrow estuary and the mountain slopes on both sides are complemented by huge waterfalls and fresh air, which is why tourists from all over the world come to Flam.
Flam Railway
The Flam Railway is one of the main attractions of the city. Despite its length of only 20.2 km, it is considered one of the most picturesque railway routes in the world. The most unique feature of this railway is its steep incline. The train ascends through winding paths, passing by waterfalls, cliffs, and green valleys.
Construction history
The history of the Flam Railway in Norway begins in 1871. It was then that the first plans for building a connection between Oslo and Bergen were made. Directly the decision to lay a single-track track on the Flam segment of the track dates back to 1893. But the process was delayed and the technical specifications of the project were approved only by 1923.
Construction began in 1924. The mountainous terrain and proximity to the fjords made the process quite challenging. The construction of tunnels posed the greatest difficulties. Eighteen tunnels were dug by hand, covering a distance of approximately six kilometers. Each kilometer required at least a month of work. Despite these challenges, the first train service began operating on the route in 1939.
Flam railway station now
Today, the road has 10 stations. The starting point is Flom Station, and the end is Myrdal Station. The elevation difference between the two points is 863 meters, which means that for more than 75% of the journey, the train climbs one meter for every 18 meters traveled. There are currently 20 tunnels on the route that the train passes through. Due to the challenging terrain, the train’s speed is limited to 40 kilometers per hour.
Every year, about 600,000 tourists travel on the Flam Railway. It is the most popular railway route in the world. The fare depends on the time of year and the type of ticket (one-way or round-trip). The price list for 2020 is provided below. Tickets can be purchased on the website www.visitflam.com.
Note! Another incredibly picturesque railway in Europe is the Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland. It is also the highest railway in Europe. You can learn more about the route and the scenery in this article.
What to visit in Flam?
Once you arrive in Flam, you’ll want to explore other attractions in the city and its surroundings. We’ve compiled a list of the top attractions in Flam, Norway, that every tourist should visit.
Flam Railway Museum
The museum is located in the old train station building, not far from the current railway station. Inside, you can find photos of the Flom Railway at all stages of construction: the tools of diggers and builders that were used during the construction and a huge collection of models of railway trains that have ever run on the famous road. Admission to the attraction is free for everyone.
Kjosfossen Waterfall
The waterfall is located just on the way from Flam to Myrdal. Especially for tourists, after the Noli tunnel, a stop is made on the observation deck near it. Kjosfossen impresses with its incredible power and strength. Spray from the waterfall reaches even the train itself. The waterfall falls in a zigzag pattern, its total height is 225 m. It is better to visit the attraction during the flood months (spring and summer).
By the way, this waterfall is one of the ten most beautiful in Norway. You can find the full list with photos on this page.
Stegastein Observation Deck
The site is located a few kilometers from Flam. It offers an amazing panoramic view of the Eurlan Fjord. The site is 600 meters above the fjord. Admission to Stegastein is free.
Rallarvegen Road
Rallarvegen, or the Diggers’ Road, is a popular Norwegian cycling route. The distance from the beginning to the end of the route is about 55 km. Therefore, this activity is not suitable for everyone.
The road starts in Høygastel and ends in Flom. Due to the mountainous roads, it is recommended to start the journey from Høygastel. The road is open to tourists all year round, but it is best to choose the most “bicycle-friendly” summer months for your trip. You can drive the road on your own and for free, but you will need to pay for the rental of a bicycle.
Nærøy Fjord
You can not visit the city of Flam and not go on a water walk along the fjord. Its length is 18 km, and the width in some areas is only 250 m. The Narei Fjord is already notable for being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Travel on it is carried out at any time of the year. Please check the cost of excursions additionally on the spot.
Please note! Read about the appearance of Hardanger Fjord and why it is called a blooming garden here.
When to go to Flam?
As a rule, visits to other countries are planned in advance. When traveling to Norway, it is important to consider the time of year and weather conditions, as the country’s climate can be harsh and unpredictable. The summer months are generally the most comfortable time for tourists from southern regions to visit Flam and Norway as a whole. The central part of the country, where Flam is located, has a predominantly continental climate with significant temperature fluctuations.
The time of your visit depends on the goals you have. If you are interested in winter sports, then from November to March, Norway is waiting for you. If excursions and sightseeing are a priority, then June and July are the best. In August, the rainy season begins, so it is better to do it before it. Autumn in Norway is unpredictable, today the temperature can reach 20 °C, and tomorrow it will fall snow. Therefore, when going on a trip to Norway in autumn, it is worth taking warm clothes.
How to get to Flam?
Flam is well connected to other cities in Norway. There are several ways to get to the town.
Train
The most popular, inexpensive, and convenient option is by train. Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Oslo, where most international flights land, to Flom. The most optimal route is from Oslo to Myrdal to Flam. Do not expect a typical train ride. Norway is a country of stunning landscapes, and you will be treated to breathtaking views every second.
Trains from Oslo to Myrdal start running in the morning. The journey takes about 4.5 hours. Trains in this direction depart only from Oslo Central Station. The airport railway station is not suitable, as it does not offer the required service.
Trains run from Myrdal to Flam every 60 minutes to 2.5 hours (depending on the season). The journey takes about an hour. In total, the train ride from Oslo to Flam takes about 6 hours. The fare is 549 kroner to Myrdal and 430 kroner to Flam. For the most up-to-date prices and schedules, visit www.vy.no, where you can also purchase tickets online.
Bus
An alternative to the train is to take the bus. There is no direct connection between Oslo and Flam. The best way to get there is by transferring at Lærdal (Håbakken) station. This journey takes about 7.5 hours and costs between 660 and 726 kroner. You can purchase a ticket and check the exact schedule on the website www.vy.no.
By car
You can also drive to Flam by car. Car rental is a common practice in Norway. The distance from Oslo to Flam is 354 km. It’s worth noting that some roads are toll-free, but there are also tolls to pay. If you use a navigation system and avoid long stops, you can reach your destination in about 5-6 hours.
Other modes of transport
There are also alternative ways to get to the city, such as taking an express boat from Bergen or Balestrand. However, this option is much longer, more complicated, and more expensive. Therefore, it is better to take a boat ride on another day of your vacation rather than on the way to Flam.
If you’re planning to visit Norway, be sure to include Flam in your itinerary. It’s a beautiful and picturesque town where you can experience the true beauty of the Norwegian countryside. Flom (Norway) is an excellent destination for both family vacations and solo trips. There are plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer a more relaxed experience, Flam has something for everyone. You’ll be sure to remember the stunning landscapes for years to come.
