Flam Railway

Route overview

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is a 20-kilometre standard-gauge railway line in western Norway that connects the village of Flåm, situated on the Aurlandsfjord, with the mountain station of Myrdal on the Bergen Line. The line descends from Myrdal at approximately 866 metres above sea level to Flåm at sea level, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The route runs through the Flåm Valley, passing waterfalls, deep ravines, and snow-capped mountains. It is a branch line off the Bergen Line, which links Oslo and Bergen. The journey typically takes about 50 minutes in each direction. The railway operates year-round, with services coordinated with the Bergen Line at Myrdal. It is primarily a tourist railway, though it also serves local residents. The line is owned by Bane NOR, the Norwegian state railway agency, and operated by Flåm Utvikling, a subsidiary of Vy. The Flåm Railway is renowned for its dramatic scenery and engineering, attracting visitors from around the world.

History of the line

The Flåm Railway was constructed between 1923 and 1940, with the first section opening in 1924 and the full line officially inaugurated on 1 August 1940. The line was built to provide a transport link for the isolated communities of the Flåm Valley and to support the growing tourism industry. The construction was challenging due to the steep terrain, requiring extensive blasting and the building of numerous tunnels and bridges. The line was electrified in 1944, using a 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC system, which is standard in Norway. Initially, the railway was operated by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB). In 1998, the operation was transferred to Flåm Utvikling, a company owned by the Norwegian State Railways (now Vy) and local interests. The line has been modernised over the years, but retains its historic character. It remains an important part of Norway’s railway heritage and a major tourist attraction.

Landscape and scenery

The Flåm Railway traverses some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. Starting from Myrdal, the line descends through a rugged mountainous landscape, with views of the Hardangervidda plateau and the Aurland mountains. The route passes the impressive Kjosfossen waterfall, where passengers can disembark to view the falls and a famous dance performance by a ‘huldra’ (a mythical forest spirit) during the summer season. The line follows the Flåm River, winding through deep valleys, past traditional farms, and alongside steep cliffs. The descent offers panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The landscape changes from barren mountain terrain to lush, green valley floors. The journey is particularly popular in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant colours, and in winter when the mountains are covered in snow. The scenery is a key reason why the Flåm Railway is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

Key stations and cities

The Flåm Railway serves several stations and stops along its route. The main stations are Flåm and Myrdal. Flåm is a small village at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, with a population of a few hundred. It is a popular cruise ship port and a hub for tourists exploring the fjords. Myrdal is a remote mountain station on the Bergen Line, with no road access. It serves as the interchange point between the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Line, with connections to Oslo and Bergen. Other notable stops include Berekvam, a small station with a passing loop, and Håreina, which is close to the Kjosfossen waterfall. The line also has several smaller stops, such as Lunden, Dalsbotn, and Blomheller, which primarily serve local residents and hikers. The journey between Flåm and Myrdal offers a unique perspective on the region’s geography and settlement patterns.

Rolling stock and service

The Flåm Railway operates a fleet of electric multiple units (EMUs) specifically designed for the steep gradients and sharp curves of the line. The current rolling stock consists of El 18 locomotives hauling B3 carriages, as well as NSB Class 69 EMUs. These trains are painted in a distinctive green livery. The carriages are comfortable, with large windows for panoramic views. The service is primarily aimed at tourists, with frequent departures during the summer season and reduced frequency in winter. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes, with a brief stop at Kjosfossen waterfall. Onboard, there is often a multilingual commentary providing information about the history and sights. The trains are equipped with air conditioning and heating. The railway also offers special services, such as the ‘Flåm Railway Panorama’ train, which features larger windows and a more luxurious interior. Reservations are recommended during peak season, although tickets can also be purchased at the station.

Technical facts and engineering

The Flåm Railway is a standard-gauge (1,435 mm) line, 20 kilometres long, with a maximum gradient of 5.5% (1 in 18). It climbs from sea level at Flåm to 866 metres at Myrdal. The line has 20 tunnels, including the 1,341-metre Nåli tunnel, and 20 bridges. The sharpest curve has a radius of 130 metres. The line is electrified at 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC. The engineering challenges included the steep terrain, heavy snowfall, and the need to blast through solid rock. The line was built with a rack railway section initially considered, but it was decided to use adhesion only, with the help of powerful locomotives. The line is equipped with a safety system known as ATP (Automatic Train Protection). The maximum speed is 40 km/h. The line is maintained by Bane NOR. The Flåm Railway is a testament to Norwegian engineering and is often cited as one of the most impressive railway feats in Europe.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Flåm Railway journey take? The journey between Flåm and Myrdal takes approximately 50 minutes in each direction, with a short stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. Is the Flåm Railway a round trip? Most passengers travel from Flåm to Myrdal and back, or vice versa, but it is also possible to take the train one way and connect with the Bergen Line at Myrdal. When is the best time to travel? The line operates year-round, but the most popular times are summer (June to August) when all services run and the waterfall stop is operational, and autumn for the colourful scenery. Winter offers a snowy landscape but with fewer departures. Do I need to reserve tickets? During peak season, reservations are recommended, but tickets can often be purchased at the station or online. The train is rarely fully booked outside of peak times.