A trip to Norway offers stunning scenery, famous fjords, and a glimpse into Viking history. We chose to visit in winter to avoid crowds and possibly see the Northern Lights. While researching, we learned about the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Although we didn’t see the Northern Lights, our journey on the Flåm Railway was captivating, surrounded by the charming, snow-covered landscape. In this post, we’ll share highlights from our train journey and our time in the lovely village of Flåm.
Journey Onboard the Bergen Railway to Myrdal
Getting to the remote village of Flåm is relatively easy, and the best option is to take the train. You can ride the Bergen Railway (Bergenbanen) from Oslo or Bergen to connect with the Flåm Railway at Myrdal Station. We started our journey in Oslo, with an 8:25 a.m departure time..
We arrived at Oslo Central Station 45 minutes early and found limited seating available. However, we managed to grab a spot in a café where we enjoyed some coffee while keeping an eye on the departure boards. The boarding process was quick and straightforward.
We’d booked our seats in business class, which cost about $11 extra per ticket and included complimentary coffee and additional legroom. However, after viewing accommodations, we felt economy class would have been just as comfortable.
During the first hour of our journey, the train passed through the suburbs of Oslo, where the rain gradually turned into snow. The scenery became breathtaking as we entered the snow-covered Norwegian highlands, crossed Hallingskarvet National Park, and passed several ski areas as we ascended the mountains.
At Finse station, we reached the highest point of the Norwegian railway system. This stunning landscape of snow and ice, often compared to miniature Antarctica, is a unique training ground for explorers. Fridtjof Nansen, Robert F. Scott, and Sir Ernest Shackleton all trained here before their remarkable journeys. It’s surreal to experience this stark winter landscape!
The breathtaking views along the Bergen Railway surprised us. We initially considered this part of our journey just a means to reach the famous railway, but the stunning winter scenery to Myrdal captivated us. We were so enchanted by the landscapes outside our windows that we stayed in our seats for the entire five-hour ride.
Boarding the Flam Railway at the Myrdal Station
We arrived at Myrdal Station, eager to board the famous Flåm Railway. The small station provided basic amenities, such as seating, restrooms, and a vending machine, along with a café and gift shop that are open during the warmer months.
The train staff welcomed us upon our arrival, and there was minimal waiting time. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, but we easily found available seats since only three other families were in our car. The train had a charming vintage atmosphere, featuring wooden walls, large windows, and bronze trim.
We were excited to board this iconic train! The Flåm Railway is famous for its breathtaking views and steep gradient of 5.5%, which carries travelers from the majestic mountains down to the valley below. This incredible engineering marvel took nearly 17 years to complete and features 20 tunnels, most of which were meticulously dug by hand into the mountainside. What an adventure we had ahead of us!
About ten minutes into our journey, the conductor announced a brief stop at Kjosfossen Falls for a five-minute photo opportunity. Typically, the waterfall drops 225 meters in warmer months, but it had become a beautiful ice formation during our winter visit. The conductor also shared local folklore about a forest spirit that dances near the falls in summer.
Our journey continued through tunnel after tunnel and waterfall after waterfall. As we descended the valley, we noticed colorful homes and cottages dotting the green valley floor. Eventually, the Flåm River and the picturesque village of Flåm came into view. The train ride from Myrdal station to Flåm lasted one hour, and time flew by. We took turns lowering the windows to breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap photos.
Arriving in the Charming City of Flam
We arrived at the stunning village of Flåm, nestled between two mountains at the top of Aurlandsfjord. Although it is a small place with around 400 residents, don’t let its size fool you—Flåm attracts about 1.4 million visitors each year! This charming village is a gateway to the Sognefjord, is a popular cruise destination, and and part of other fantastic tours, connecting the beautiful Flåm Railway and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nærøyfjord.
We visited Norway in mid-February when temperatures were in the mid to high twenties Fahrenheit. With some light snow and rain, it was essential to prepare for winter weather. We brought warm coats, thermal pants, and waterproof boots, which made our trip comfortable. February was a great time to visit, as the days were getting longer, providing about nine hours to enjoy the sights!
Where to Stay in Flam
- Flåmsbrygga Hotel – We stayed at this cozy and clean hotel in the heart of the village. We loved having a balcony with peaceful fjord views and enjoyed the excellent breakfast at the hotel. It was a bonus that the Viking-inspired Ægir Brewpub was right next door!
- Freithem Hotel—This hotel has clean rooms and views of the fjords and mountains. A breakfast buffet and dinner options are available. Beautiful walking trails are located in Fretheim Cultural Park, which is situated behind the hotel.
- Flåm Marina and Apartments – If your family needs more space, consider booking an apartment at the Flåm Marina. The spacious and comfortable rooms provide breathtaking water views and more room than other lodging options. Additionally, an on-site restaurant offers stunning views of the fjord.
- Flåm Hostel – A clean campground and hostel offering basic rooms with private or shared bathrooms, located a short distance from the train station.
Where to Eat and Drink in Flam
- Ægir Brewpub – The Brewpub is part of Flåmsbrygga Hotel. The building, inspired by Norse mythology, is stunning inside and out. We enjoyed relaxing on the fur-covered chairs by the large fireplace. The brewery has a great selection of craft beers, and the top floor features an elegant restaurant serving modern Norwegian cuisine.
- Arven Restaurant- A restaurant in the Fretheim Hotel, offering buffet-style food and incredible views.
- Flåm Marina Terrace Restaurant – Seafood, burgers, soup, and vegetarian options in a perfect location overlooking the beautiful harbor.
- Flåm Bakery – The bakery next to the train station is popular, often with long lines. They offer sourdough breads, cinnamon knots, traditional Norwegian pastries, and savory options like pizzas and sandwiches.
10 Fun Things to Do in Flam
- Memories From Flåm – A large shopping center offers warm clothing, hand-crafted souvenirs, and a variety of gift items. We loved the cute troll figurines and magnets!
- Flåm Railway Museum – Adjacent to the shopping center, you will find the Railway Museum, where you can explore the intriguing history and the challenging construction of the Flåm Railway.
- Flåm Visitor Center – The visitor center is an excellent resource for gathering information about the area and the activities available. Staff is eager to answer your questions, provide brochures, and assist with booking fjord cruises, train rides, guided hiking tours, zip-lining, and other excursions.
- Fjord cruise– The Flåm Fjord cruise is a two-hour journey through the Nærøyfjord, which is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Site fjords. The boat tour ends in Gudvangen, where you can take a 20-minute shuttle bus back to Flåm or return by ship, which takes another two hours.
- Stegastein Viewpoint – The viewing platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of the fjord, creating a floating illusion. It is open year-round, though it may close occasionally in winter. To avoid crowds, visit during off-peak summer hours. You can get there by hiking, bus, or taxi.
- Flåm Beach – We spent a good part of our day exploring this beautiful paradise and admiring the stunning views. During the warmer months, you can rent kayaks to explore the fjords.
- Fretheim Cultural Park—Located behind the Fretheim Hotel, this park offers scenic paths through the hills and several captivating art formations. During the winter months, it is also ideal for viewing Christmas lights and decorations.
- Flåm Bike Rental – Rent bikes during warmer seasons to explore the beautiful surrounding areas. The shop staff will provide a map and recommend rides based on your group’s abilities and goals.
- Stave Church – It’s about a 3-mile walk along the railway from the train station to Old Flam, where this beautiful, well-maintained church was built in 1670. Worth a visit!
- Fjord Sauna – This sauna by the fjord can be booked for an hour-and-a-half or two-hour session, available as private or shared. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventures!
The Train Journey from Flam to Bergen
After visiting Flåm, we were scheduled to travel to Bergen, located on Norway’s southwestern coast. Our return trip was booked from Flåm to Myrdal, where we would connect to the Bergen Railway. While waiting for our 11:45 a.m. train, we enjoyed coffee and pastries from the Flåm Bakery, enjoying the sunshine and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjord.
Once we boarded the train, we were delighted to find that we had an entire car to ourselves! As the train chugged up through the mountains, we moved around to capture the best sights from every angle.
We arrived at the unmanned Myrdal station and discovered that our train to Bergen was delayed by approximately 45 minutes. I couldn’t help but imagine being stranded at this remote station for an extended time. Fortunately, our delays were brief, and the scenery was breathtaking.
We hopped on the Bergen Railway train and found seats in the Economy Class car. The trip to Bergen Station was pretty relaxed and took just under two hours from Myrdal.
Tips for a Pleasant Train Travel Experience
- Late February is a great time for a winter trip, as daylight hours are longer and crowds are fewer.
- Book your trains directly through Vy for the best prices. You can download the Vy App for easy access to your booking details.
- Book tickets as early as you can. Ticket sales are available as early as 90 days in advance.
- Dress for the weather – in winter, wear layers, waterproof boots, and always pack a rain jacket, as conditions can change quickly.
Norway in a Nutshell Tour
If you prefer an organized train and fjord tour, the Norway in a Nutshell tour is popular. You can customize your trip based on your departure location. If you prefer guided tours and are willing to pay more for a coordinated experience that includes bus rides, this could be your tour. It’s extremely popular, but does receive mixed reviews. Do your research before deciding if this is the best choice for you.
Takeaway
Our train rides to and from Flåm were the best part of our trip to Norway! Going there in the winter was smart since we got to skip the crowds and soak in the peace and quiet at all those popular spots. The Flåm and Bergen Railways offered an incredible experience, taking us through some seriously stunning countryside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen scenery as breathtaking as that from a train. It was an unforgettable experience for sure!
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