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Railway · Flåm, Vestland
Flåmsbana
The railway that descends from Myrdal, at 866 meters, down to Flåm at fjord level in about an hour: 20 km of tunnels, curves and waterfalls, with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Flåmsbana
The Flåmsbana is the branch line that links Myrdal, a station on the Oslo–Bergen line, to Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. It's about 20 km of track with a vertical drop of 863 meters, with gradients of up to 5.5% handled without a rack. The line was built between the 1920s and 1940s, and 18 of the 20 tunnels were excavated by hand.
The journey takes roughly an hour each way. The train descends in curves and spiral tunnels down the Myrdal cliff, enters the Flåm valley and follows the river to the village. The windows show mountains, farms on the valley floor and waterfalls plunging from the slopes. The left-hand side, when descending, usually has the better view of the valley.
Halfway, the train stops for a few minutes at Kjosfossen waterfall, which drops about 225 meters beside the station. In summer, a performance with music and a figure dressed as a huldra, the forest creature from Norwegian legends, often appears on the rocks by the waterfall.
In Flåm, next to the station, the small railway museum tells the story of the line’s construction, with locomotives, photos and tools. Some people walk or cycle part of the valley, using the service road that was built for the construction.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour each way; half a day including the return trip and the museum.
Best time
From May to September trains are usually more frequent and busy; book in advance. In winter the railway runs fewer services and the valley is covered in snow. The waterfalls tend to have more water in late spring, from May to June.
How to get there
In Flåm, the station is next to the pier. In Myrdal, the connection is made with trains on the Oslo–Bergen line; change trains on the same platform.
Tip
Travel down from Myrdal to Flåm and sit on the left, in the direction of descent. If you have time, take the train on to Vatnahalsen or Berekvam and do a stretch of the valley on foot or by bike.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Flåmsbana
How long does the trip on the Flåm Railway take?
About one hour between Myrdal and Flåm, with a short stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.
Do you need to book the train?
In summer trains often sell out; buy tickets in advance. In winter there are fewer departures and more availability.
Which side of the train has the better view?
Descending from Myrdal, the left side usually shows more of the valley and the waterfalls; on the ascent, the right.
Does the railway operate in winter?
Yes, year‑round, with fewer departures. The valley is covered in snow and trains are usually emptier.