Edge of the Fjord: Riding the Flåm Railway From Sea to Summit
A slow climb from fjord to mountain: why this 20-km rail line is Norway’s perfect day trip
The train jerks, sighs, and begins to climb. Outside the window, a hamlet of red and white houses shrinks among dark spruce; the fjord lies like hammered glass far below. Waterfalls tear from cliffs in thin white ribbons, and at one bend the rails seem to hang in midair. This is the Flåm Railway — a 20-kilometer strip of track that stitches the tiny fjord village of Flåm into the high mountains at Myrdal. In an hour you go from sea level to roughly 860 meters above, trading fjord reflections for wind-scoured ridgelines and the kind of empty space that makes the map feel honest.
Trail Wisdom
Book the round-trip combo
Reserve combined fjord-cruise and Flåm Railway tickets in high season to secure preferred departure times and avoid sold-out mid-day slots.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Mountain weather changes fast — a waterproof mid-layer and a warm insulating layer keep you comfortable from quay to summit.
Bring a polarizer and fast shutter
Use a polarizing filter to reduce water glare and a fast shutter to freeze waterfalls like Kjosfossen when photographing from the train.
Allow a full day for the loop
Combine cruise and train (and a viewpoint like Stegastein) into a 6–10 hour itinerary to see the fjord and the mountains without rushing.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hike part of the Aurlandsdalen trail for empty high-country views
- •Stalheimskleiva old road and Tvindefossen waterfall for close-up waterfall experiences
Wildlife
harbor seal, white-tailed eagle
Conservation Note
The Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and operators increasingly use electric boats to minimize noise and wake; visitors are encouraged to stay on trails and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
The Flåm Line was completed in 1940 to connect the Sognefjord region with Norway’s rail network and showcases early 20th-century engineering through steep terrain.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: waterfall flow, fewer crowds, wildflower hikes
Challenges: snow higher up, variable ferry schedules
Spring brings swollen waterfalls and melting snow; lower elevations are green and blossom-rich, but expect patches of snow at Myrdal until late spring.
summer
Best for: full fjord cruises, steady daylight, hiking access
Challenges: crowds in July–August, busy roads to viewpoints
Summer is peak season for accessibility and weather; book early and consider early departures to beat the busiest windows.
fall
Best for: autumn color, clear light for photos, quieter trails
Challenges: shortening days, cool, wet weather
Fall colors make the valley vivid and the light crisp; services reduce after mid-September, so check schedules for trains and cruises.
winter
Best for: snow landscapes, Northern quiet, Viking village visits
Challenges: limited hiking, short daylight, weather-related changes
Winter turns the landscape elemental and quiet; the Flåm Railway runs year-round but cruise schedules change and some roads may close.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Protects against fjord spray and sudden mountain showers.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Useful for short hikes to viewpoints and for wet, uneven platforms like Kjosfossen.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps spot seals, porpoises and raptors from the boat or train.
Insulating mid-layerEssential
Mountain temperatures can be several degrees cooler than the fjord—layers keep you comfortable.
Common Questions
How long is the Flåm Railway journey?
The railway runs about 20 km and takes roughly one hour between Flåm and Myrdal.
Can I combine a fjord cruise with the train?
Yes — many full-day tours combine a Nærøyfjord or Sognefjord cruise with the Flåm Railway for a complete sea-to-mountain loop.
Are the cruises eco-friendly?
Some operators use electric, low-wake vessels (e.g., Future of the Fjords) to reduce noise and wake in the UNESCO-listed fjords.
Is the Flåm Railway accessible for people with mobility issues?
The trains are reasonably accessible, but some station platforms and viewpoint paths may be uneven; contact operators about specific assistance needs.
What wildlife might I see on a RIB safari or cruise?
Expect seals, porpoises, and seabirds like white-tailed eagles; sightings are common but never guaranteed.
What’s the best time of day to ride for photography?
Morning light often produces the clearest conditions in the valley; late afternoon gives warmer tones but can be busier in summer.
What to Pack
waterproof jacket (for fjord spray and mountain showers), sturdy walking shoes (uneven viewpoints and short hikes), binoculars (wildlife and distant cliffs), layered insulating mid-layer (temperature swings)
Did You Know
The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world with a maximum gradient of 5.5% and the line was completed in 1940.
Quick Travel Tips
Book combined train+cruise tickets in advance; aim for morning departures for clearer weather; bring cashless payment methods—many small vendors are card-only; check cruise and train winter schedules before travel
Local Flavor
Flåm and the surrounding Aurland valley celebrate seafood (local salmon), brown cheese (brunost), and traditional crafts; nearby Njardarheimr Viking Village offers seasonal re-enactments and museums that connect the fjord to its Norse past.
Logistics Snapshot
Duration: full-day; Best from: Bergen (day tours available); Tickets: book ahead in peak season; Accessibility: mostly accessible but some viewpoints uneven; Combine with: Nærøyfjord or Sognefjord cruises, Stegastein viewpoint.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that run electric or low-emission boats, respect marked trails and wildlife, and follow local guidelines to minimize impact in the UNESCO-listed fjords.