Amazing views and train ride. Simply stunning. We came in late April and took the train at about 11.35. The train was not too busy and you could move around the carriage to get great pictures. Though later in the season or earlier in the day I'm sure the train is busier.
At this time of year and day, there was still snow and the waterfalls were just unfreezing and looked stunning. The train was warm and comfortable. You could open windows to get better pictures.
In Flam, there's a train museum, pub, some clothes/souvenier shops, a small bakery and small supermarket. It looks like later in the season you'd be able to do activities such as kayaking, boat tours. Also a nice spot if you're in a camper van as theres a space for these as well. You're in a fjord and the views are beautiful, it's stunning to walk/hike around and better still if you can get on the water.
The station at Myrdal has a cafe so worth getting a cuppa and and snack for the return journey. Some people got off at one of the stations halfway down and hiked back down the mountain. This seemed like a great idea if you're prepared for this with the right clothing (though it didn't look like a difficult hike from the halfway point).
There was an organised excursion that got on our train. They had reserved carriages but because there were so many of them they would have been packed in. Pleased we made the choice to organise this ourselves as I think we got a better experience.
The tickets were around £44 (500 nok) per person for a return from Flam to Myrdal. You get a little over 2 hours on the train with 2 stops (one at Mydral at the top, one at a stunning waterfall halfway up). I heard people saying this was expensive but it is well worth it and in my opinion better value than some of the...
Read moreThe Flåmsbana, or Flåm Railway, is a marvel of engineering that offers one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Nestled in the heart of Norway, this spectacular railway stretches for about 20 kilometers, connecting the small village of Flåm, located in the Aurlandsfjord, to the high-mountain station of Myrdal.
The journey on the Flåmsbana is nothing short of breathtaking. As the train ascends from sea level to 867 meters at Myrdal, passengers are treated to panoramic views of some of Norway's most dramatic landscapes. The route features deep ravines, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and snow-capped peaks, all visible from the comfort of vintage carriages. Highlights include the Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a brief stop, allowing passengers to step out and feel the mist from the powerful cascade.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Flåmsbana is the sheer ingenuity behind its construction. Built in the early 20th century, the railway navigates through 20 tunnels, many of which were hand-dug. The steep gradient of the track, one of the steepest in the world for a standard gauge railway, adds to the sense of adventure.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Flåmsbana offers a glimpse into Norwegian culture and history. The journey is accompanied by informative commentary, enhancing the experience with stories of the region’s heritage and the railway’s construction.
In summary, a trip on the Flåmsbana is a must-do for anyone visiting Norway. The combination of stunning scenery, engineering prowess, and cultural insights makes it an unforgettable adventure, encapsulating the essence of Norway’s breathtaking...
Read moreFantastic trip, friendly staff, unbelievable views, its an absolute must to see. We visited in May and booked our tickets the day before. I would recommend to book in advance if you can, especially if a cruise ship is docked in Flam, as some trains were sold out and we had a gap of over an hour to wait for our return train. There is not much to do in Myrdal itself unless you are changing for a train to Bergen, and there was still a lot of snow there so you need to be properly dressed and booted. Instead, we decided to jump off at Vatnahalsen, station before Myrdal, and take a zip line down in to the valley. Again, there was still snow there. Its a short walk from the station over the bridge. The staff there are absolutely fantastic, very friendly and welcoming and speak a very good English. Again, pre-book if you can as it gets busy with large groups, i.e from cruise ships. Once in the valley, its about 30 min walk to the nearest station in Blomheller. Again, not much to see there, but the route itself is so picturesque, so take your time to enjoy. There is even a clean toilet en route in the red wooden booth :-) You can also forgo the ride back altogether and either walk or cycle 13km. Bike hire is in the valley where you land with the zipline and can be booked as a package,...
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