This fairytale place situated between the fjords and the mountains of western Norway offers the best of nature and some of the most breathtaking views in Scandinavia. Flåm, named “A plain between steep mountains,” is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords and mountains. It is found at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the vast Sognefjord. Since the late 19th century, Flåm has been a popular tourist destination. Currently, it receives as much as 1,4 million visitors a year, a sharp contrast to the near 400 citizens of the village.
You can get there by car, bus, train or boat. If you are sporty, maybe by bike? The train ride “Flåmsbana,” named “The most beautiful train ride in the world,” is an adventure by itself. How many train rides have you experienced where you can see the same view from two different sides of the train? The beautiful train with its vintage decor does a 180 turn inside the mountain, and after that, you can see the same view you saw before entering the mountain on the opposite side of the train. No matter the time of year, the views are stunning, and you pass several lovely waterfalls and mountain views on the way.
If you want to know more about how this railway was built, you can visit the Flåm Railway Museum, who tells the story of the hardworking men who made it, and all the technical challenges they had to overcome as they tried to conquer the mountains to finish their project.
One of the greatest attractions near Flåm is the viewpoint Stegastein. This excellent viewing platform 30 meters peeking out from the mountain and 650 meters above the lovely Aurlandsfjord. The view is spectacular. You can go there by bus from Flåm.
Have you always dreamed of visiting the Vikings? At Gudvangen by Nærøyfjord, you can enter the world of the Vikings in the Viking village “Njardarheimr” and learn about how they spent their daily life, when they were not at sea. The food they serve is based on the ingredients that were available in those days, and the Vikings that roam there, are not actors, but people who embrace the Viking lifestyle and know their crafts and rituals by heart. Maybe they will challenge you to a duel in ax-throwing or archery? There are so many great photo opportunities as well, and activities that the whole family will enjoy.
If you are fond of the Vikings favorite drink, beer, maybe a trip to the Ægir brewery in Flåm would be a welcome stop along the way? There will be many satisfying choices to quench your thirst, both classics and more modern ales. The brewery name is after the god of the seas, Ægir, from Norse Mythology. According to Odin, Ægir was the best brewer in the world, and the international crew of Ægir does their best to live up to that standard.
From the Historical Fretheim Hotel to Heimly Guesthouse only 500 meters from the famous Flåm Railway, there are several lovely guesthouses and hotels in Flåm, as well as pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Norwegian food as well as burgers and fries. Remember to try the soft-serve ice cream with chocolate sprinkles, a must in the summertime.
According to Lonely Planet: “The fjordscapes of Western Norway are so utterly unique and so profoundly beautiful that many people rate them as the most impressive landscapes on the planet.” There are many choices of how to explore Flåm and the surrounding areas, like fjord cruises or guided hikes, among others. Opportunities are great to find your favorite places to make some unforgettable memories.
Flåm is the perfect place for all those who love nature, hiking, biking, kayaking, and photography. In the later years, there has been an effort to make a green shift as well, where the tourist industry has a responsibility to facilitate a more sustainable experience. Flåm can, for instance, offer rental bikes, and there is a continuous effort to contribute to greener choices for the visitors.
With its extraordinary wild nature, mountains and fjords, Flåm is made for exploring and getting new energy directly from the earth, trees, wind, and sun, recharging your batteries like no other place in the world. If you need some appropriate clothing to hike in, a backpack, or sustainable choices like coffee mugs and silicone drinking bottles, check out our selection in the shop.
