As the Flåm Railway slowly climbs out of the small fjord village of Flåm, waterfalls crash down steep cliffs while tiny farms cling impossibly to the mountainsides. Within minutes, it becomes clear why this is considered one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
The Flåmsbana, also known as the Flåm Railway, connects the village of Flåm at the end of the Aurlandsfjord with the mountain station of Myrdal, climbing around 867 meters (2,844 feet) over just 20 kilometers. The journey may only last about an hour, but the landscapes constantly changing outside the window make it feel much longer in the best possible way.
From dramatic waterfalls and deep valleys to hand-carved tunnels and snow-covered mountain scenery, the Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
Flåm Railway at a Glance
- Type: Scenic mountain railway
- Location: Flåm to Myrdal, Norway
- Duration: About 1 hour each way
- Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
- Elevation gain: 867 meters
- Famous for: Fjords, waterfalls, tunnels, mountain scenery
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn
Is the Flåm Railway Worth It?
Yes, the Flåm Railway is absolutely worth it.
While it’s one of Norway’s most famous tourist attractions, the journey genuinely lives up to the hype. The combination of dramatic scenery, steep mountain terrain, waterfalls, and historic engineering makes the experience feel far more immersive than a typical train ride.
What makes the Flåmsbana special is how quickly the landscape changes. One moment you’re passing green valleys and rivers, and seconds later the train disappears into a dark tunnel before emerging beside towering cliffs and powerful waterfalls.
Even with many visitors onboard, the ride still feels surprisingly peaceful. Most people spend the journey quietly looking out the windows, cameras in hand, trying to take in the scenery.
If you enjoy scenic railways, photography, or slow travel experiences, this is easily one of the best train journeys in Europe.
.jpg "Flåmsbana")
What Makes this Railway So Special?
The Flåm Railway is often described as one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world. Around 80% of the route has a gradient of 5.5%, allowing the train to climb dramatically from the fjord deep into the mountains.
Since its completion in 1940, the railway has become famous not only for its scenery but also for its remarkable engineering. The route includes 20 tunnels, many of them carved by hand directly into the mountainside.
What surprised us most during the journey was how cinematic the transitions between tunnels feel. Every time the train emerges from darkness, a completely different landscape suddenly appears outside the window.
Some sections feel almost unreal:
- Waterfalls dropping beside the tracks
- Tiny isolated farms high above the valley
- Sharp mountain curves
- Rivers rushing below the train
The ride constantly changes, which makes the entire journey feel dynamic from start to finish.
What the Train Interior Is Like
Inside, the train has a simple but comfortable interior designed around the views outside.
Large windows allow passengers to fully enjoy the surrounding landscapes, while the wooden details inside the train add a slightly nostalgic atmosphere. Seating is arranged in a 3-by-2 configuration, with seats facing each other in some sections.
The train itself is not luxurious, but that’s part of the experience. The focus is entirely on the scenery.
During the ride, you’ll notice:
- The sound of the train echoing through tunnels
- Sudden bursts of light when exiting the mountains
- Waterfalls appearing unexpectedly beside the tracks
- Passengers moving from side to side for photos
Even the tunnels become part of the atmosphere.
.jpg "Flåmsbana")
The Kjosfossen Waterfall Stop
One of the highlights of the Flåm Railway is the stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.
Here, passengers can briefly step outside and experience the power of the waterfall up close as huge amounts of water crash down beside the train platform.
During summer, the stop often includes a short performance inspired by Norwegian folklore, featuring the mythical Huldra appearing near the waterfall. While touristy, it still adds a unique atmosphere to the experience.
The combination of mist, roaring water, mountain scenery, and the train waiting beside the waterfall creates one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
.jpg "Kjosfossen Waterfall")
Best Seats on the Train
Choosing the right side of the train can make a noticeable difference.
Traveling from Flåm to Myrdal
Try to sit on the right side of the train for some of the best views over waterfalls, valleys, and steep mountain scenery.
Traveling from Myrdal to Flåm
On the return journey, the left side offers some of the best perspectives.
That said, scenery appears on both sides throughout the route, and many passengers move around slightly during the journey to take photos.
Photography Tip
If possible, choose seats near windows that can open slightly. This helps avoid reflections when taking pictures, especially on sunny days.
One thing we quickly noticed is how fast the scenery changes. Keeping your camera ready throughout the ride is definitely worth it.
.jpg "Flåmsbana")
Our Experience
We took the Flåm Railway on a clear day, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our time in Norway.
What stood out most was how dramatic the scenery feels in real life. Photos don’t fully capture the steepness of the valleys or how isolated some of the farms and houses appear along the route.
The constant transition between tunnels and open landscapes also makes the journey feel surprisingly immersive. Every time the train emerged from darkness, passengers immediately turned toward the windows again to see what appeared next.
The stop at Kjosfossen waterfall was another memorable moment. Standing outside near the waterfall while mist drifted across the platform made the mountain environment feel incredibly powerful and raw.
Even after returning to Flåm, the journey stayed with us long afterward.
How Long Is The Journey?
Flåm → Myrdal: approximately 1 hour
Myrdal stop: around 20 minutes
Return journey: approximately 1 hour
At Myrdal station, many visitors step outside to photograph the mountain scenery before boarding again for the return trip.
The Railway also connects with the Bergen Line, making it accessible from Oslo and Bergen.
Tips Before You Go
- Book tickets early during peak season. Bookings can be made at Norway's Best.
- Bring a camera with plenty of storage
- Sit near a window if possible
- Dress in layers, weather changes quickly in the mountains
- Keep your camera ready between tunnels
- Arrive early for less crowded boarding
Other European Train Rides Worth Experiencing
If you enjoy scenic and historic railway journeys, two other unforgettable train rides in Europe are Switzerland’s Brienz Rothorn Bahn and France’s Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme. While the Brienz Rothorn Bahn climbs high into the Swiss Alps aboard a traditional steam train, the Baie de Somme railway offers a slower coastal journey through salt marshes and historic seaside towns in northern France.
A Journey Through Norway’s Wild Landscapes
The Flåm Railway is a journey through some of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes, where waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and deep valleys constantly unfold outside the window.
What makes the experience unforgettable is not only the scenery itself, but also the feeling of slowly moving through landscapes that still feel wild and untouched.
If you visit during summer or winter, this journey remains one of the most remarkable ways to experience Norway’s natural beauty.