Best Things To Do In Flam, Norway

Flam, at the head of Aurlandsfjord and nestled between dramatic mountains, sits in a spectacular setting. It is one of the most visited fjord destinations in Norway, as a major cruise ship stop-over, and a stop on the popular Norway in a Nutshell tour. As a result, this tiny village receives 500,000 visitors every year. We visited Flam on our three week road trip around Norway, spending two nights in the village. Here we share our experiences and the best things to do in Flam.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN FLAM

1. RIDE THE FLAMSBANA RAILWAY

This train ride runs from Flam – Myrdal – Flam and is advertised as being one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. At a gradient of 1:18, it is the world’s steepest railway that runs without cable or rack wheels. It takes about an hour to climb the 20 kilometres to Myrdal and the same in reverse.

The two hour round trip takes you through mountainous scenery, past a number of waterfalls, as the train ascends 864 metres in altitude, through countless tunnels.

The train makes a short photo stop by the impressive Kjosfossen waterfall. As the train stops music starts to play and a dancer appears on the mountain, by the ruins of an old building. A slightly strange experience, although many were enthralled.

Top tips for riding the Flam railway:

• Book your Flam railway tickets in advance as it can get very busy.
• Arrive at the station in plenty of time. The earlier you board, the more seat choice you will have.
• Only certain seats in every carriage have windows that can be opened. If you want to take photographs, then make sure you have an opening window.
• The right side of the train (leaving from Flam) has the best views! Our opinion only.

IS THE FLAM RAILWAY WORTHWHILE?

There is a but…! Our tickets to ride the Flamsbana Railway cost 2000 NOK for a family of five (2018), the equivalent of almost £200. It was a pretty train ride but for this price it was simply not worth it. As we were road tripping around Norway we were constantly seeing amazing views (around almost every corner). Paying £200 for mediocre views felt like way too much money, and left us feeling very disappointed and as if we had been ripped off!

Our advice would be to give the Flamsbana Railway a miss unless you are only in Norway for a super short time. It felt to us as if it was catering for the hoards of cruise passengers who only make a fleeting visit, rather than those spending more time in this beautiful country.

2. TAKE A SCENIC CRUISE ON NAEROYFJORD

Naeroyfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This deep blue fjord, only 25 metres across at its narrowest point, has towering 1200 metre high cliffs on either side and many waterfalls. Isolated farms and picturesque villages dot the breathtaking landscape.

The best and easiest way to appreciate the beauty of Naeroyfjord is from the water. Most people take a scenic, two hour cruise, from Flam to Gudvangen, along the fjord. From Gudvangen a bus return you back to Flam ( this is included in the price of your ticket).

Top tips for a Naeroyfjord scenic cruise:

• Book your Naeroyfjord cruise tickets in advance.
• The boat trip takes approximately two hours.
• A bus is provided to get you from Gudvangen back to Flam (included in the ticket price). This takes just 20 minutes.
• The newer vessels on this route are environmentally-friendly: Vision a hybrid vessel and Future a fully-electric vessel. Both vessels sail along the Naeroyfjord running on battery power only and keeping to a speed of less than 10 knots.
• In the summer months, early morning, or late afternoon departures are best and least crowded.

IS A CRUISE ON THE NAEROYFJORD WORTHWHILE?

Definitely. Although a similar cost to the Flambana Railway, cruising the Naeroyfjord is definitely worthwhile for stunning views of this majestic fjord.

3. EXPLORE THE VIKING VALLEY NJADARHEIMR IN GUDVANGEN

The recently opened Viking Valley in Gudvangen is is the setting for the town of Njardarheimr, bringing to life the real history and culture of the Viking age. This is not a museum, but an authentic Viking village. You can meet real Vikings, learn about their history, way of life, crafts and hobbies.

There are regular guided tours which we’d thoroughly recommend. Our tour guide Mao, really brought the experience to life, explaining so much about the Vikings and their way of life.

Within the village, there are many activities to try, including archery, axe throwing, sword fighting, basket weaving, pottery and board games. The boys loved all the fighting activities and spent a great deal of time firing arrows, sword fighting and throwing axes! Its perfect for kids, young and old.

We highly recommend a visit to the Viking Valley if you are in the Flam/Gudvnagen area. If you are visiting with kids it is a must-do, but adults will enjoy the experience too. For us, the Viking Village, is one of the best things to do in Flam.

Top tips for the Viking Valley:

• The Viking Valley is located in Gudvangen, just next to the harbour where the scenic fjord cruise arrives.
• If you arrive by boat, send one person back to Flam on the linking bus to collect the car. It was not possible to catch a later bus when we were there – only the bus linking with a particular boat ride.
• Plan to spend three hours for a visit.
• The Viking Village is due to be open this winter (2018) for the first time. Up until now it has closed between September and March.

4. STEGASTEIN OBSERVATION POINT

A narrow road leading out of Flam takes you to the Stegastein observation point, a scenic lookout over the fjord.

This viewpoint is located about 30 minutes drive from Flam, along a winding twisting road, climbing all the time, and therefore requires a car to get there. The views from here, even on a drizzly day are sublime, and worth the effort to get here.

If you are driving north from Flam towards Laerdal you can continue from the Stegastein viewpoint along the Snow Road (Fv243), as we did, which takes you over the mountain tops.

5. VISIT THE CHEESE VILLAGE OF UNDREDAL

Undredal, tucked midway between Flam and Gudvangen, is a tiny village along the Naeroyfjord, that in the past could only be reached by boat. Undredal’s  claim to fame is its cheeses. Around 500 goats roam the mountainside, providing the milk for the cheese. The cheese can be bought in the village shop.

We visited Undredal on our way back from Gudvangen as we had the car. There isn’t really much to see or do in the village, apart from the pretty views. There’s a cafe, and a shop to buy some cheese, but that’s it really.

6. POP INTO THE FLAMSBANA MUSEUM

Flamsbana museum is located right by the Flamsbana Railway platform and the entrance is free. It’s a tiny museum and not one to make a beeline for, but if you have a spare twenty minutes then pop inside to see how the railway was constructed.

The twenty kilometre railway took twenty years to construct, with its 1:18 gradient. Eighteen out of the twenty  tunnels were excavated by hand! Every metre took a month to dig.

SOMETHING WE WISHED WE’D DONE…

Rent a bike in the village of Flam, board the Flamsbana Railway with your bike, paying just a one way fee. Once in Myrdal, cycle down the mountain back to Flam, along the Rallervegen, the service road used by the navvies who constructed the Flamsbana railway. This would have been much more fun than the two way journey on the Flamsbana railway!

WHERE WE STAYED IN FLAM

Flam is a popular place to stay and there is limited accommodation in this small village, so it is essential that you book well in advance.

We stayed at the family friendly Flåm Marina & Apartments in a wonderful two bedroom apartment (big enough for five) overlooking the fjord.

These apartments are the perfect place to stay in Flam, just a five minute walk from the Flamsbana Railway and harbour, with a delightful waterside location. We recommend the restaurant too, with the most amazing waterfront view.

There are several restaurants and a supermarket in Flam, so no need to stock up before you arrive.

FOR MORE ON NORWAY:

Top 10 Things To Do In Stavanger

Hiking to Pulpit Rock with Kids

Hiking to Florli 4444: A Hike With A Difference!

Top 6 Things To Do In Bergen

Have you been to Flam? Let us know your recommendations of things to do in the village.