Flåm Railway scenic train in Norway

Starting from the mountain station at Myrdal in Norway, this scenic train takes you down to Flåm via the longest and deepest fjord in Europe, the Sognefjorden.

The journey goes through the steep and narrow Flåm valley, with views of mighty waterfalls and mountain peaks, and takes about 40 minutes. The train travels slowly and stops at the most scenic spots, including the Kjosfossen waterfall.

Interrail pass holders get a 30% discount on normal one way fares. Reservations are only needed for groups of 10 or more travellers.

Flam railway train in mountain scenery

Interior of Flam Railway train

Flam Railway coming out of tunnel

Flam Railway at platform in winter

Flåm Railway scenic train route

Facilities and services

Additional information

Conditions for Interrail pass holders

Interrail pass holders are entitled to a 30% discount (reduced price: appr. NOK 195). Seat reservation only for groups from 10 persons.

Special features

The Flåm Railway is now a private line, and the public company Flåm Utvikling AS has through the last years invested a considerable amount of money to improve the service- and product elements. The trains are presented in a special exterior design with large windows and nostalgic wooden interior. The Flåm Railway’s fleet of trains today comprises of 5 electrical engines and 13 carriages, especially suited for driving this demanding line. In the summer season May - September there are daily 9-10 departures. In the winter season October - April there are daily 4 departures. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

History

The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railways - 20 km long (12 mi) with a descent of 865 meters (2838 ft.) and a gradient of one in 18. At the same time, there are 20 tunnels with a total length of 6 km (4 mi). This is evidence of the most daring and skilful engineering in the history of Norwegian railways. To cope with the enormous change in height over such a short stretch, the track runs partly through tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountainside.

In order to ensure safety on this unusual stretch of track, all carriages are equipped with five different brakes, each of which can stop the whole train. The trains to and from Flåm connect at Myrdal with most day trains running between Oslo and Bergen. Ever since the opening of the line in 1940, the wild and majestic nature has made the Flåm Railway one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway.

More info at the Flåm Railway website.