The Flam Railway

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

The Flåm Railway — Flåmsbana in Norwegian — descends 863 metres in just 20 kilometres, winding through waterfalls, sheer cliff faces and the green fingers of the Aurlandsfjord to reach the tiny village of Flåm at sea level. It is consistently ranked among the most scenic train journeys in Europe, and for good reason: the engineering required to get a train down that gradient, and the landscape it runs through, are both extraordinary.

The route: Myrdal to Flåm

The railway runs between Myrdal, a high-altitude junction station at about 866 metres above sea level, and Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. The journey takes about 55 minutes in each direction. Myrdal sits on the Bergen Railway — the main line connecting Bergen and Oslo — which makes it straightforward to incorporate the Flåmsbana into a wider Norwegian train journey.

The line was built between 1923 and 1940 to serve the local community at Flåm, which was otherwise accessible only by fjord boat in summer or difficult mountain paths. The gradient averages about 5.5%, with some sections reaching 5.5% — among the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. Five separate braking systems keep the train under control on the descent; if all else failed, a sixth mechanical system locks the wheels permanently.

What you see along the way

The train starts in open, exposed mountain terrain at Myrdal — often snowy even in late spring — and descends through dramatic gorges into increasingly lush and green farmland. Highlights include:

• Kjossfossen waterfall: The train stops here for several minutes so passengers can step off and admire (and be drenched by the spray of) one of Norway's most impressive waterfalls. In summer, a performer dressed as a mythical Huldra dances on the rocks beside the falls.
• Berekvam station: The only intermediate stop where passengers can board or alight — a tiny settlement with a historic wooden station building.
• The Nåli spiral tunnel: To lose altitude without running on impossible grades, the line bores into the mountain and loops back on itself inside, emerging at a lower level. You may notice the train seems to be heading back the way it came for a moment — it is not.
• The valley floor approach: As the train reaches the valley bottom, apple orchards and old farmhouses appear, a complete contrast to the high plateau above.

Booking tickets

Tickets are sold through the Flåm Railway's own website (visitflam.com) and through the booking pages of the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which incorporates the railway as its centrepiece. The Flåm Railway is operated independently of the national NSB/Vy network and is not included in Interrail, Eurail or any national rail pass — you always buy a separate ticket. This is one of the catches that surprises some travellers.

Advance booking is strongly recommended in summer (late June through August) and around Norwegian public holidays. In peak season the trains fill quickly, and a sold-out Flåmsbana on a booked Norway in a Nutshell day is a real problem. Book as early as you can.

The return journey (Flåm back up to Myrdal) must also be ticketed; some visitors take a fjord boat from Flåm to Gudvangen or Aurland and connect onward by bus rather than returning the same way.

Norway in a Nutshell

The Norway in a Nutshell tour is a self-guided package combining the Bergen Railway (between Oslo and Bergen), the Flåm Railway, a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage fjord), a bus over the Stalheimskleiva mountain road and onward transport to Bergen or Oslo. It is one of Norway's most popular tourist products and works seamlessly: tickets cover each leg, timings connect, and you can do it in either direction. It does not require a guide — you simply follow the itinerary — but it does require booking each segment in advance, particularly the Flåmsbana and the fjord boat.

The classic one-day version runs from Bergen or from Oslo; the full Oslo-to-Bergen (or return) version covers one of Europe's great scenic rail journeys as well. Bergen itself is about 7 hours from Oslo by train through the mountain plateau.

Getting to Myrdal independently

If you are on the Bergen Railway (operated by Vy) between Oslo and Bergen, Myrdal is a stop on the main line at which you simply alight and wait for the Flåmsbana connection. The Bergen Railway itself is a spectacular journey; the high plateau section around Finse and Geilo is magnificent in winter when snowdrifts dwarf the train. Interrail and Eurail passes cover the Bergen Railway; you still need a separate ticket for the Flåmsbana portion.

When to go

The Flåm Railway operates all year, which is one of its appeals. Each season offers something different:

• Summer (June–August): Greenest and most dramatic, waterfalls at full force, long daylight. Also the busiest and most expensive. Book well ahead.
• Autumn (September–October): Golden foliage in the valley, fewer crowds, still accessible. A beautiful time to travel.
• Winter (November–March): Snow-covered mountains, the waterfalls partly frozen, a stark and atmospheric experience. Very few tourists. Cold at Myrdal; dress accordingly.
• Spring (April–May): Snow melting, waterfalls at their most powerful, wildflowers on the lower slopes. Still relatively quiet.

Practical tips

• Sit on the right side of the train (travelling down from Myrdal to Flåm) for the best views of Kjossfossen waterfall.
• The journey is less than an hour but pack a layer — Myrdal is cold even in summer, and the trains can be draughty when the windows are open for photography.
• Flåm village has a small but good café, a railway museum (free with your train ticket) and kayak rental. Allow a couple of hours if arriving independently rather than on a tight connection.
• The fjord boat from Flåm to Gudvangen on the Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO experience in its own right and a natural continuation of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Flåm Railway covered by Interrail or Eurail?

No. The Flåmsbana is a privately operated line and is not included in any rail pass. You must buy a separate ticket directly from the Flåm Railway or as part of a Norway in a Nutshell package.

How long does the journey take?

About 55 minutes each way. The train stops at Kjossfossen waterfall for a few minutes during the descent, which is included in the timetable.

Do I need to book in advance?

Strongly recommended in summer. The train fills quickly in peak season and there are a limited number of departures per day. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed.

Can I combine the Flåm Railway with the Bergen Railway from Oslo?

Yes — this is one of Norway's classic journeys. Take the Bergen Railway (Vy) from Oslo, alight at Myrdal, ride the Flåmsbana down to Flåm, take the fjord cruise to Gudvangen, bus over the mountain to Voss, and train on to Bergen. The Norway in a Nutshell package bundles all the tickets.