7 Reasons to Take the Flåm Railway with Railbookers
Few train journeys in the world match the drama, beauty, and wow-factor of Norway’s Flåm Railway. Running just 12 miles from the mountain station of Myrdal down to the fjord village of Flåm, this iconic route descends nearly 3,000 feet, winding through majestic mountains, waterfalls, and one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world.
And while the train ride alone is stunning, experiencing it as part of a Railbookers vacation makes it even better. Here are seven reasons why the Flåm Railway should be at the top of your bucket list, and why Railbookers is the best way to do it.
1. One of the Most Scenic Train Rides on Earth
The Flåm Railway (or Flåmsbana) is regularly voted one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and for good reason. Over the course of about an hour, the train winds through deep valleys, plunging waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and traditional Norwegian farmsteads clinging to hillsides. Every bend reveals a postcard-perfect view. You don’t just see the landscape, you feel immersed in it.
2. It's a Masterclass in Engineering
This railway isn’t just scenic, it’s an engineering marvel. Built between 1924 and 1940, the line drops an astonishing 2,831 feet (863 meters) in elevation, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railways on the planet. It features 20 tunnels, one of which actually loops inside the mountain to help manage the descent. Riding it, you’ll appreciate not only the beauty of Norway but also the brilliance behind how it was made accessible.
3. Railbookers Makes It Seamless
With Railbookers, you don’t have to worry about piecing together train schedules, finding hotels, or figuring out how to get to and from Myrdal or Flåm. Our Flåm Railway trips are built into larger Norwegian rail vacations like “Norway in a Nutshell®” or “Essential Scandinavia” that include thoughtfully planned routes, centrally located hotels, and optional upgrades like fjord cruises or Northern Lights excursions. Just show up and enjoy the ride.
4. Includes Can’t-Miss Highlights Like Kjosfossen Waterfall
A special stop on the Flåm Railway is Kjosfossen, one of Norway’s most powerful waterfalls. The train actually pauses here, allowing you to step outside and take photos of the cascading water as it plunges nearly 300 feet. In summer, you might even spot a mythical “huldra” dancer, part of the experience that brings Norway’s folklore to life.
5. Travel Through All Four Seasons
No matter what time of year you go, the Flåm Railway delivers something special. In the summer, lush green landscapes and roaring waterfalls create a vibrant, lively setting. In the winter, the snow-blanketed mountains transform the route into a peaceful, frozen wonderland. It’s a year-round experience, and Railbookers offers seasonal variations of each trip, from cozy winter escapes to sunlit summer adventures.
6. Part of the Legendary “Norway in a Nutshell®” Experience
The Flåm Railway is the crown jewel of the famous Norway in a Nutshell® experience, which also includes the Bergen Railway, fjord cruises, and scenic drives or transfers between Oslo, Bergen, and the fjords. With Railbookers, this experience is carefully curated, giving you the perfect blend of iconic sights and local discovery. We connect the dots, you soak up the wonder.
7. Explore More of Norway Effortlessly
When you book the Flåm Railway as part of a Railbookers vacation, it’s not just about the train ride, it’s about exploring all of Norway. Think Oslo’s culture and cuisine, Bergen’s colorful harbor, dramatic fjords, and even cross-border trips to Stockholm or Copenhagen. We make it easy to build an unforgettable Scandinavian adventure around one of the world’s greatest rail experiences.
Let Railbookers Take You There
The Flåm Railway is more than a scenic ride, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of Norway’s natural beauty and cultural soul. And with Railbookers, it’s easier than ever to make it happen.
Ready to start planning your Flåm adventure? Call Railbookers today and let’s build your dream Norwegian rail vacation, one mountain, fjord, and train at a time.
