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The magical Flåm Railway

Even though the small village of Flåm is fairly remote and hidden away in the stunning Aurlandsfjorden in rural Norway, it’s a thriving tourist destination that’s a real dream to a lot of travellers from both near and far. Part of the appeal of this idyllic Norwegian mountain village is the world-famous Flåm Railway, which has been dubbed the most beautiful train journey in the world.
7 min readUpdated: Feb 28, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
Girl enjoying the view of UNESCO landscape on the Flåm railway between Myrdal and Flåm
In this article, we’ll tell you the history of the Flåm Railway and some more about why this magical railway is such a coveted destination for so many people. We will also give you a great overview of the stunning region of Flåm.
Two women smile on square in Flåm with wooden houses and waterfalls.

The history of the Flåm Railway

From its humble beginnings as an iron workhorse through to the popular tourist attraction it is today, Flåm Railway is a must-have experience while you’re in Norway. If this sounds as if it must be an exaggeration, consider the fact that esteemed travel journal The Lonely Planet named Flåm Railway as the “best train journey in the world”.
If you’re keen to know more about this beautiful railway, here’s a quick rundown of what the Norwegians know as the Flåmsbana from past to present.
Woman in red jacket steps off green train onto snowy platform, arms outstretched.

About the railway

The Flåmsbana, or Flåm Railway, cuts through the mountainside taking passengers on a magical journey through the wilds of the Norwegian countryside, providing a glimpse of the natural scenery which would otherwise be impossible to access.
Flåm Railway holds the record for being the steepest railway run on regular gauge in the world, giving the journey a real sense of drama. With 80% of the route run at a steep 5.5% gradient, and a descent of 863 meters, there’s a real sense of moving away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The railway is 20km long and runs between Myrdal and Flåm, lasting approximately one hour. During the journey, you’ll be taken through no less than 20 tunnels which spiral and twist inside the mountain before emerging to the clear and fresh beauty of fjords and clean air.
It’s almost impossible to see everything along a single journey but keep your eyes peeled and you’ll spot farms dotted high up on the slopes, tumbling waterfalls and no shortage of panoramic views.

The Flåm Railway - From iron workhorse to tourist magnet

The railway as it is today took many years to develop, first emerging as an idea in 1871. It took until 1908 for the Myrdal-Flåm to be approved by the Norwegian government, with an expected 22,000 passengers per year.
Construction for the railway didn’t get started until 1924, at which time 18 of the tunnels had to be painstakingly carved out of the mountainside. Every metre of tunnel took approximately a month of hard work. With a total of 5691 meters of tunnel to be created, it’s hardly a surprise that the construction took so many years.
In 1940 the railway was finally complete and the first steam locomotives were sent trundling along the tracks, despite the impending war. Passengers enjoyed their first journeys in 1941 after extra brakes were installed.
Three years later the Flåm Railway was electrified but due to various complications due to the hostilities, electric locomotives didn’t start running until 1947.
By 1953, 115,000 passengers were traveling on the railway every year. A decade later this had increased to 175,000. Over the years visitors from home and abroad flocked to experience the train journey, with almost 800,000 passengers per year 2015.
Today, the railway has undergone a number of updates including the installation of computerized commentary and LCD screens bringing together the very best of technology and history in one perfect package.
Blue locomotive arrives at quiet station among trees and wires on sunny day.

Where is Flåm?

Flåm is located in the idyllic Aurlandsfjord, which is known as one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. Aurlandsfjorden is an offshoot on the southern side of the vast, stunning Sognefjorden. It’s one of the most picturesque regions of Norway, and it’s well-worth exploring. Why not try our very popular Norway in a nutshell® tour? The trip will take you along the Flåm Railway for a stunning scenic journey along the spectacular Norwegian landscape.
Train rides through green valley with winding river, forested hills and snow peaks.

The world’s most beautiful train journey

Flåmsbana, known in English as Flåm Railway, is generally considered to offer tourists the world’s most beautiful train ride. In fact, Lonely Planet named Flåm Railway the world's best train journey, and National Geographic Traveler Magazine named Flåm Railway one of the ten best train journeys in Europe. These days, the historic Flåm Railway is famous around the world, and people travel from all over the globe to experience this scenic train journey.
Running through the valley of Flåmsdalen, the stunning train ride shows you the incredible natural scenery of Western Norway. On this spectacular journey, you get to enjoy unrivalled views of majestic mountains with snow-capped peaks, narrow fjords, powerful waterfalls, charming little mountain farms and so much more as you ride comfortably through the landscape. The train will also make a stop at the well-known Kjosfossen waterfall, so you can snap some photos of this stunning natural attraction.
Woman in red on the Flåm Railway, smiling at colorful mountain view.

Why is the Flåm Railway so popular?

In recent years, Virtual Flåm has contributed to the hype around Flåm Railway. Virtual Flåm is a virtual reality train journey which has opened a lot of people’s eyes and shown them why this train journey is so popular for so many. For those looking for a true Norwegian adventure, this train journey is the perfect option, with a train ride that stretches over 20 km across the picturesque Norwegian landscape. The journey will take you from the bottom of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord to the mountains in Myrdal, which is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. If you’d like to read more about it, you can do so here.
Kayakers paddle on the Nærøyfjord with snow-capped mountains around.

What is there to do in Flåm?

There’s a lot to do in the beautiful village of Flåm. Beyond the incredible outdoor experiences available to you, the area also has a rich history and offers amazing cultural experiences. Whether you’re most interested in hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, visiting local museums and galleries, or sampling local delicacies, there’s plenty to do in this spectacular area. Flåm is perfect for keen cyclists and hikers, and there is a range of stunning local walks and hikes that’ll take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes Norway has to offer. There are many exciting activities in Flåm, so you can choose what you’re most interested in. If you’re looking for an action-packed activity, why not try Flåm Zipline – the longest zipline in the Nordic region?
Vossebanen train rides curving track through forested mountain slopes.

Enjoy the scenic Bergen Railway

Many tourists choose to combine a journey on the iconic Flåm Railway with the beautiful Bergen Railway. To make the most of your visit to this gorgeous area in Norway, it’s recommended that you plan to ride both of these popular railways during your stay. The trip is quite flexible, and you can decide for yourself where you want to start and end the trip, and how long you want to stay in different areas along the way. You can easily combine the two with other experiences, such as a memorable fjord cruise in the stunning narrow fjords with huge mountain walls towering above, or a calm kayaking excursion. 

Create your dream rail-journey

A trip along the Myrdal-Flåm Railway can be combined with many other activities in the area, offered by Fjord Tours. With trips ranging from the peaceful and relaxing to exhilarating and active, the fjords of Norway has something for everyone. Find a tour that suits you here.

Tours including the Flåm Railway

Discover Norway's fjords, mountains and authentic villages through scenic train journeys and fjord cruises; all perfectly coordinated for you. Our collection includes the iconic Norway in a Nutshell® and regional tours throughout Norway's most spectacular landscapes. Start from Oslo or Bergen.
Woman in yellow sweater leans from green train window, gazing at autumn forest landscape.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Norway in a Nutshell®
From: 1 day
The famous Norwegian fjord and rail journey

Ride the famous Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway and cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord on Norway's most famous tour. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 2460 NOK
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Fjord cruise boat approaching Balestrand through the Sognefjord
Early Bird Summer Rates
Sognefjord Cruise & Balestrand Stay
3 days
Sognefjord & scenic Balestrand in 3 days

This 3 day tour includes the Bergen and Flåm Railway, Sognefjord cruise and 2 nights in the beautiful village of Balestrand. Local food tastings and a glacier excursion included. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 9096 NOK
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Turquoise fjord with cruise ships, forested mountains and snow.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Geirangerfjord and Norway in a Nutshell®
5 day tour of Geirangerfjord and scenic railways

The ultimate roudtrip including Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and scenic rail journeys. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 8459 NOK
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Havila coastal cruise ship sailing through scenic Norwegian fjords between Trondheim and Bergen
Early Bird Summer Rates
Cities and Coastal Cruise with Norway in a Nutshell®
4 day tour of Oslo, Bergen & Trondheim by train and coastal cruise

Experience Norway's cultural cities, scenic rail journeys and Coastal Cruise on this roundtrip. Start from Oslo or Bergen.

From 11803 NOK
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Scenic Flåm Railway journey through mountain landscapes in Norway
Early Bird Summer Rates
Preikestolen & Lysefjord including Norway in a Nutshell®
3 day tour of Preikestolen, Stavanger, scenic fjords and railways

Cruise the Lysefjord, hike the iconic Preikestolen, and experience the local charm of Bergen and Stavanger. The tour starts and ends in Oslo or Bergen.

From 7100 NOK
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Boat on Sognefjord with flag flying, wake trailing behind on calm water.
Early Bird Summer Rates
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™
From: 1 day
Discover Sognefjord by cruise & rail

Ride the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway, and cruise the full length of the Sognefjord. Start from Oslo or Bergen, and add extra days of your choice.

From 2745 NOK
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Top things to do in Flåm

Flåm offers a wealth of activities throughout the year. Book an exciting activity as part of your Nutshell tour or as a stand-alone booking. Here are our handpicked favorites:
Two kayakers in a yellow tandem kayak paddling on a calm fjord, with one pointing enthusiastically, surrounded by rocky cliffs and autumn foliage.
Bestseller
Kayaking in Flåm
Flåm • 3 hr
From 1235NOK
16 May - 15 September
Woman enjoying fjord safari boat tour to Sagofossen waterfall on UNESCO Nærøyfjord in Flåm Norway
Bestseller
Fjord safari Flåm - 2 hr 15 min
Flåm • 2 hr 15 min
From 1110NOK
1 April - 31 October
Getting amazing view over the UNESCO Nærøyfjord on the hike to Rimstigen
Travelers love this!
UNESCO Nærøyfjord hike
Multiple locations • 7 hr
From 3350NOK
21 May - 31 October
Detailed medieval craftsmanship of Norwegian stave church architecture
Bestseller
Tour to Borgund Stave Church and Stegastein viewpoint
Flåm • 4 hr
From 1750NOK
15 April - 12 October
Traditional Norwegian lapskaus stew served at Flåm farm
Hidden Gem in Flåm
Local food tasting in Flåm
Flåm • 1 hr
From 750NOK
1 May - 1 October
People at Stegastein viewpoint over fjord, golden light on cliffs and water.
Bestseller
Electric minibus to Stegastein
Flåm • 1 hr 30 min
From 430NOK
Available all year
Musician playing traditional Hardanger fiddle during intimate concert in rustic barn at Flåm
Local Food & Concert in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 990NOK
15 May - 14 September
Group hiking Royal Post Road scenic trail Norwegian fjords mountains blue sky summer day
Postal road hike
Multiple locations • 6 hr
From 4450NOK
15 May - 25 September
Three people on snowy viewpoint overlook blue fjord and snowy peaks.
Snowshoe hike to Stegastein viewpoint
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 950NOK
26 December - 31 March
Zipliner in red jacket soars above a blue river valley.
In high demand
Flåm Zipline, Flåm Railway and bike ride
Flåm • 4 hr
From 1827NOK
25 April - 10 October
Woman in maroon swimsuit diving into fjord from wooden deck, mirrored reflection in glass.
Fjord Sauna in Flåm
Flåm • 1 hr 30 min
From 445NOK
Available all year
Fjord safari boat tour approaching Sagofossen waterfall in Flåm Norway on summer day
Fjord safari in Flåm- 1 hr 30 min
Flåm • 1 hr 30 min
From 935NOK
1 April - 31 October
Family of three enjoying a meal by a fjord, with a boy reaching for a strawberry and adults laughing.
RIB boat tour with cheese tasting from Flåm
Flåm • 3 hr
From 1395NOK
1 May - 20 September
Rustic cabin above fjord with hills, homes, and winding road.
Waterfall and culture tour in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr
From 680NOK
16 March - 31 October
Red inflatable boat speeding through rippling water, carrying yellow-jacketed people, framed by snow-covered mountains.
RIB boat winter tour in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 1220NOK
1 November - 31 March
Group of smiling hikers posing with majestic mountains behind them.
Nærøydalen Heritage Trail
Multiple locations • 5 hr
From 3350NOK
15 May - 31 October
People in bright thermal suits and life vests on a boat, smiling and excited, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and icy fjord waters.
Winter fjord safari and viking dinner in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 45 min
From 1650NOK
1 November - 31 March
Two hikers in blue jackets climbing green hillside with wildflowers, overlooking a valley, fjord, and mountain cliffs.
Fjord safari and hike in Flåm
Flåm • 6 hr
From 2060NOK
1 July - 31 August
Viking dinner with 5 courses and beer tasting at Ægir Brewery in Flåm featuring local Norwegian ingredients
Viking dinner and beer experience in Flåm
Flåm • 1 hr
From 775NOK
1 October - 31 March
Three people snowshoe uphill at sunset with fjord and snowy peaks behind.
Snowshoe hike and viking dinner in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 1550NOK
26 December - 31 March
See all activities in Flåm