Flåm Railway
Extreme beauty and extreme conditions merge to create one of the
most memorable train rides in all of Europe on the Flåm Railway.
For one hour, passengers are transported from Flåm along the shores
of Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal on Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The
train passes through 20 tunnels, 18 of which were meticulously
carved by hand, and winds past waterfalls, through the scenic Flåm
Valley and deep into the heart of Norway's wild backcountry.
Beginning in Flåm, the train hugs the picturesque shores of
Aurlandsfjord before passing through the town, embraced by tall
mountains on both sides. This point in the route is about even with
sea level and presents all Flåm Valley's glory. Passengers look
upon the Flamselvi River for much of the journey through the
valley, and even further out, upon distant snow-capped mountains
and lush birch forests. Another scenic delight comes with
Rjoandefossen Waterfall, thundering down the mountainside. The Flåm
Railway begins its steep climb slowly and steadily, sometimes at
gradients of up to 5 1/2 percent.
Travelers can join this highly scenic rail line in every season.
During the winter months, four daily departures offer views over
the frozen landscapes. The busy season in spring and summer
increases the schedule to up to ten departures each day. There is
no wrong time of the year to ride the Flåm Railway; each ride
presents a new aspect of this stunning region.