What To Do Around Flam | Scenic Wonders & Little Known Adventures

Nestled in the heart of Norway, Flåm captivates with its breathtaking scenery, like the dramatic landscape of the nearby UNESCO Heritage listed Nærøyfjord, the scenic ride on the Flåmsbana Railway, noted as the most beautiful train ride in Norway, and a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy its beauty. While most visitors focus on Norway’s top attractions, Flåm, located between Oslo and Bergen, offers a more tranquil beauty. A place to focus on nature. This post covers what to do in and around Flam.

The Flåmsbana

The Flåmsbana, or the Flåm Railway, is one of the most popular ways to experience the beauty in and around Flåm. This is said to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and is the most beautiful in Norway. It is incredibly scenic, with views of the fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and valleys from the train’s panoramic windows.

The train runs between Flåm and Myrdal. One of its highlights is Kjosfossen, where you exit the train onto a wide platform to see the waterfall rushing down the mountain. In the summer, as you watch, you are serenaded by someone dressed as a forest spirit from Norse mythology.

The railway dates back to the 1940s, so the train has a very vintage feel. This, however, just seems to add to the charm of the ride. The train ride takes about an hour.

There are several ways to book a ride on the Flåmsbana. You can book it as part of a Norway In A Nutshell (NIN) package, which is series of connecting, scenic transportation between Bergen and Oslo. This is the easiest way to book, as all the transportation links are listed for you in one place, but it’s also the most expensive.

You can also book tickets separately at en.flamsbana.no. This is best if you plan to drive there. Flåm is about a 4.5 hour drive from Oslo and 2.5 from Bergen.

If you plan to book a ticket in combination with a ride on the Bergen (Oslo) Line, and want to buy them separately (rather than as a package on NIN), book at www.vy.no/en. As noted above, this will be less expensive. It just takes a little more work to make sure you have the connections correct. Use the links shown on Norway In A Nutshell as a guide.

Bike/Hike Along the Flåmsbana

If you prefer something more immersive, you can ride a bike or hike along the old construction road of the Flåmsbana Railway. It’s known as Rallar Road or Rallarvegen. Riding, or hiking alongside the Flåmsbana places you into the scenery, allowing you to experience the views at your own pace.

I was not aware this was an option until I saw the riders alongside us when I was on the train. If you are adventurous, I think that this would be the best way to experience the landscape, as you do feel a bit “bottled up” on the Flåmsbana. Plus, since the ride is only an hour and includes many tunnels, and a photo stop, it goes by very, very quickly.

Since Myrdal is at an elevation of 2,844’ (867 m) and Flåm is at sea level, the bikes are usually picked up near the Myrdal side and dropped off in Flåm. Of course, there is an option to ride the other way if you prefer.

The path is about 12.5 miles (20 km). The first 2 miles (3.5 km) contains a segment called Myrdalsberget. This is the steepest part of the trail and has 21 hair pin turns. This part is hiked. When you reach Kårdal, you continue the remaining 10.5 miles (17 km) by continuing to hike or by picking up your bike and riding.

If you choose the bike ride, the trip takes about 2 hours. If you hike it all, it takes 6-7 hours. For more details visit norwaysbest.com (as there are more options within all this, including a zipline at the steepest part of the trial). To see a detailed layout of the trail, search for Myrdal to Flåm Via Rallarvegen on AllTrails.

Nærøyfjord Cruise

A cruise on the Nærøyfjord is another top attraction in Flåm. The Nærøyfjord is the most beautiful arm of the Sognefjord, which is the largest fjord in Norway. It is so beautiful, it has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the world’s narrowest fjord, which means the dramatic peaks and waterfalls are closer.

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To cruise the Nærøyfjord, you can also book your trip through Norway In A Nutshell. As noted above, the website makes selecting all the options easy, but it does cost more than if you book everything separately.

The Nærøyfjord cruise runs between Flåm and Gudvangen. The transportation to get to (or from) Flåm is the Flåmsbana. The transportation to get to (or from) Gudvangen is a bus which makes a photo stop in the hamlet of Stalheim to see a panoramic view of the Nærøydalen valley. See NIN for full details as there are more options beyond these two points between Bergen or Oslo. This post just covers the sections around Flåm. You can also book everything separately at norwaysbest.com.

If you prefer, there are also day trips from Bergen to cruise the Nærøyfjord. I recommend one of these two. Note that they both include a stop at the Stegastein Viewpoint.

• Nærøyfjord Cruise, Flåm, & Stegastein – Incl. Lunch
• Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, & Stegastein Guided Bus Tour

Kayaking In Flåm

For a more immersive fjord experience, take a guided kayak tour in Flåm. You will kayak in the Aurlandsfjord, which is closest to Flåm. See seakayaknorway.com for their offering of guided tours and rentals, including multi-day rentals. SUP is also available.

Flåm Fjord Safari

If you want something immersive, but with a little more adrenaline, book a fjord safari in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). All the protective gear is included, including a full flotation suit and life jacket. There are a variety of options to explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, some standard and some more deluxe. See norwaysbest.com for details.

Flåm Fjord Sauna

An even more immersive fjord experience is the floating sauna at Fjord Sauna. You alternate between the sitting in the steaming hot sauna, which floats on the fjord, and jumping into the fjord. This sauna is located at Piers 10 and 11, just a short walk from the town center. They offer both shared and private sauna experiences.

Hike To Brekkefossen

If you want to see the Brekkefossen waterfall in Flåm up close, you can hike to it. The path up is a short walk from the port area.

After following an easy path, you will soon reach a series of stone steps that you hike up to the viewpoint. From here you can see Brekkefossen and an overview of Flåm. The hike takes about 2 hours.

Stegastein Viewpoint

For a panoramic view of the fjord, visit Stegastein Viewpoint. It provides a view of the Aurlandsfjord, Aurlandsvangen, and the mountains at about 2,100’ (650 m). It’s located about a 30-minute drive northeast of central Flåm.

To get here you can drive, take a shuttle, or take a tour. If you choose to take a tour, I recommend this one: The Spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint Tour.

The shuttle, however, is less expensive and easy. The shuttle also runs more frequently. It leaves from beside the railway. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the viewpoint, where you have about 30 minutes to enjoy the view. See el-tour.no for details and booking.

The Fjord Farm

If you have time to savor some quiet, local charm, visit the Fjord Farm. There’s a garden cafe with views of the fjord and the mountains. They also have Norwegian music events, food tastings, and you can see sheep, goats and mini pigs on the farm. This farm is a short walk from the center to town.

Visit Ægir Brewery

The Ægir Brewery, or Bryggeri, is a microbrewery in Flåm. It’s named after the sea ruler Ægir from Norse mythology. It’s located near the port beside the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.

The beer is great. I tried the porter and loved it. The brewery bar offers beer pairings and have a variety of dishes on their menu, including salmon, pork, beef, reindeer, and vegetarian options. If you want a tour of the brewery, ask at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.

Best Time To Visit Flåm

The best time weather-wise to visit Flåm is from June through August. This is when the temperatures are the most comfortable and the days are the longest. This is also peak season, and when it is busiest. Especially from early July to late August.

Where To Stay In Flåm

Flåm is small, and does get busy, so make sure to book accommodation in advance.

• I stayed in a boutique hotel, the Heimly Pensjonat, that sits is a lovely spot at the end of the fjord. My room had a view overlooking the fjord, which was a nice bonus. Rooms (usually) include dinner and a buffet breakfast. Both were awesome. The views and the meals were great, but the rooms are a little on the small side.
• The Flåmsbrygga Hotel is closer to the port and the train, and another popular choice. Rooms have balconies overlooking the mountains.
• For something really unique, look at the Flåm Tinyhouse with a Waterfall View. It’s a little farther walk, but looks very charming and quiet.

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Safe Travels!

Julie