Flåm Railway
Flåm Railway is an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal (2,844 feet above sea level) on the Bergen Railway, down the Flåm Valley to Flåm station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord, a branch of the world’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord.
The train journey provides some of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20 km-long train ride rivers cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains, and mountain farms cling dizzily to sheer slopes.
Flåm Railway – one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world.
Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts an increasing number of visitors from all corners of the world, from 51,000 travelers in 1945 to more than half a million travelers in 2010, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway’s major tourist attractions.
One thing lacking when the railway line between Oslo and Bergen was opened in 1909, was a branch line to the Sognefjord. In order to assure a transport route to the fjord, work began on the Flåm Railway in 1923 and took approx. 20 years to complete.
The Flåm Railway is the world’s third steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is 55/1000 on almost 80% of the line, i.e. a gradient of one in eighteen. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifestations of the most daring and skillful engineering in Norwegian railway history.
Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway)
Tel. +47 57632100, email flaamsbana@visitflam.com. Single ticket: Adults: NOK 230, Children: NOK 110; 30% discount for holder of eurail and interrail passes. Roundtrip ticket: Adults: NOK 330; Children NOK 220.
Other Activities
Catch the train to Finse, and cycle back on Rallarvegen (Navvies Road). This road was used under the construction of the railway. You will pass over mountain passes, before cycling down the steep valley to Flåm. The distance is 55 km (34 mi), and the trip takes about five to eight hours. Bicycles are available for hire in Flåm or Finse for NOK 250.
The Flåm Railway Documentation Centre
Learn more about Flåm Railway’s history and its technological development, the day-to-day life in Flåm and about Norwegian railways in general, we recommend a visit to Flåm Railway Documentation Centre in Flåm. Free entrance for everyone. The centre is located in the old station building only 300 feet from the Flåm Railway.
Flåmsbanamuseet (Flåm railway Museum). Tel. +47 57632310. Opening hours: May 1–Sep 30, 9AM–5PM; Oct 1–Apr 30, 1.30PM-3PM. Museum documenting the Flåm Railroad and how it was constructed. Free. www.flamsbana-museet.no
