Plizio Visual Lab

Flåm Railway

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, running from the high-mountain station of Myrdal down to the village of Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord. Over a distance of just 20 kilometers, the train descends 863 meters, navigating a steady gradient of 5.5%, equivalent to 1 meter of descent for every 18 meters of track. Construction began in 1923 and spanned nearly two decades due to the immense technical difficulties; freight services finally commenced in 1940. The route features 20 tunnels, 18 of which were painstakingly excavated by hand through solid rock. Passengers are treated to dramatic views of deep ravines, snow-capped peaks, and powerful waterfalls, such as the famous Kjosfossen. Today, the railway is a primary tourist attraction and a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering. It operates year-round, serving as a vital link and a moving museum of historical transport in the fjord region.

Location: Norway
Top sights: Hund · Flåmsbanamuseet · Ægir bryggeri
Nearby: Aurland (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-6	-4	-1	4	9	12	11	7	2	-3	-6
Rain mm	183	131	131	100	106	126	150	153	172	163	171	189

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Flåm Railway is a moving landmark that can be experienced by passengers. The journey from Myrdal to Flåm takes about one hour through spectacular scenery.

🕒

Typical hours

The train runs several times daily, especially in the high season from May to September. In winter, there are fewer departures, often only three to five per day.

📷

Photography

You can take photos freely during the journey - the windows can be opened. Watch out for reflections when taking close-up shots.

⏱️

Time needed

The one-way trip takes about 55 minutes; allow two to three hours for a round trip. You can stop in Flåm for a break.

➕

Combine with

Once in Flåm, a fjord cruise on Aurlandsfjord or Nærøyfjord makes an excellent addition. The Flåm Railway Museum is also worth a visit.

🧭

Getting there

The Flåm Railway starts at Myrdal station, which is reachable via the Bergen Line from Oslo or Bergen. From Flåm, you can continue by bus or boat.

💡

Insider tip

Sit on the left side in the direction of travel for the best views of waterfalls. Book tickets online in advance, especially in high season.

Geography

Coordinates

60.86000, 7.11000

Facts

The maximum gradient of the Flåm Railway is 5.5% (1:18).
The route features 20 tunnels, 18 of which were excavated manually.
About 80% of the railway line has a gradient steeper than 5.0%.
The trains are equipped with five separate braking systems for safety.
Construction lasted 20 years, with passenger services starting in 1941.
The elevation difference between Flåm and Myrdal is exactly 863 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Flåm<1 km · EExplore →

Aurland5 km · NEExplore →

Undredal10 km · NExplore →

Aurlandsdalen12 km · EExplore →

Nærøyfjord13 km · NWExplore →

Gudvangen15 km · WExplore →

Lærdalsøyri33 km · NEExplore →

Skjervsfjellet34 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Flåm Railway (7)

Hund 🎡 recreation

A natural riverside area along the Flåmselvi river on the Flåm Railway route.

Flåmsbanamuseet 🏛 museum

Museum dedicated to the history and construction of the famous Flåm Railway.

🌐 facebook.com🆓

Ægir bryggeri 📍 landmark

A well-known brewery in Flåm, built in the style of a stave church.

Brekkefossen 🌿 nature

A viewpoint overlooking the impressive Brekkefossen waterfall.

Otternes Bygdetun 📍 landmark

A historical farm complex with traditional buildings located near the Flåm Railway.

Kvernhus 📍 landmark

A traditional mill house situated in the scenic landscape along the Flåm Railway.

Leina Gorge 🌿 nature

An impressive gorge offering expansive views over the mountainous landscape of Flåm.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long does the journey take?

The one-way trip takes about an hour.

Does the train stop for photos?

Yes, there is a 5-minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.

Should I book tickets in advance?

Yes, especially in summer, trains are often fully booked well in advance.

Where does the train start?

In Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord or in Myrdal in the mountains.

How steep is the track?

It is one of the steepest normal-gauge railways in the world (5.5% gradient).

Flåm Railway: where is it located?

Flåm Railway is located in Norway.

Flåm Railway: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hund, Flåmsbanamuseet, Ægir bryggeri.

Flåm Railway: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Flåm Railway: why is it worth visiting?

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, running from the high-mountain station of Myrdal down to the village of Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →