Norway's most scenic railway

Oslo to Flåmby train

865 metres of descent through UNESCO-listed fjord country — 20 hand-drilled tunnels, a waterfall halt, 55 minutes aboard the Flåmsbana (also written: Oslo to Flam train).

~5.5 hrs total 865 m descent UNESCO Nærøyfjord 55 min Flåmsbana

Honest verdict

"Unequivocally yes."

The journey

Oslo to Flåm Train Route

Two trains, one unforgettable day. The Bergen Line climbs to Norway's roof, then the Flåmsbana drops you into the fjord in 55 minutes.

Oslo S Central Station grand façade at dawn
Stage 01 · Bergen Line
Oslo S
23 m above sea level

Bergen Line departs Oslo Central. Urban outskirts give way to forests, farmland and lakes within the first hour heading west.

~3.5 hrs
Finse mountain plateau with glacier lake and wildflowers
Stage 02 · Bergen Line
Finse Plateau
1,222 m — Norway's highest railway

Highest mainline station in Norway. No roads reach it. Year-round arctic snow — The Empire Strikes Back filmed Hoth here in 1979.

Change at Myrdal
Myrdal mountain valley with waterfall and emerald landscape
Stage 03 · Transfer point
Myrdal Junction
867 m — the descent begins

Change here to the Flåmsbana. 865 metres of altitude remain in the next 20 km. The gradient steepens immediately.

55 min
Flåm village harbour reflected in Aurlandsfjord
Stage 04 · Terminus
Flåm Harbour
2 m — sea level at the fjord

The Aurlandsfjord opens as the train makes its final curve. Among the deepest fjords on earth, flanked by peaks over 1,400 m.

Best views & photography

What You'll See — and How to Photograph It

Six unmissable moments, with tips on which side to sit, what to frame, and when to have your camera ready.

Myrdal mountain plateau
867 mTrain stopsEither side

Myrdal

High mountain plateau junction where Bergen Line meets Flåmsbana. Snow is possible at any time of year. The moment you board the descending train, the landscape transforms entirely.

Photo tip: Wide angle for the plateau scale. In winter, the snow-buried station makes minimalist, high-key shots.

Kjosfossen waterfall
~400 m5-min haltGet off the train

Kjosfossen Waterfall

The train halts five minutes on an outdoor platform as Kjosfossen falls 225 m directly beside the track. In summer a dancer performs on the rocks above — an old Norse legend brought to life.

Photo tip: Exit immediately. Frame the red carriage at lower right with the waterfall above. Overcast beats direct sun.

Blomheller gorge
~450 mLeft side going downSpiral tunnel

Blomheller Gorge

The Vendetunnelen spirals 180° inside the mountain — you enter facing one direction and exit the opposite. WWII sabotage marks are still visible in the ceiling.

Photo tip: Press phone against the glass to cut reflections. After exit, look back — the portal is now facing away.

Berekvam birch forest
345 mRight side going downTrains cross here

Berekvam

The only passing loop on the line. Birch forest, the river Flåmselvi alongside, and the ancient cart-road pilgrims used for centuries. September birch colour is exceptional here.

Photo tip: When trains cross, the other red train through birch trees makes a classic shot. Right side for river light.

Vatnahalsen valley panorama
793 mTrain stopsRight side going down

Vatnahalsen

The first full valley panorama opens as the descent begins in earnest. Also the launch point for the longest zipline in Scandinavia. A mountain hotel marks the stop.

Photo tip: Right side for the long valley view, river Flåmselvi below. Summer: vivid green against snow-capped peaks.

Flåm harbour approach
2 m · TerminusFront windowUNESCO fjord

Flåm Harbour Approach

The Aurlandsfjord opens as the train makes its final curve. One of the deepest fjords on earth, flanked by peaks over 1,400 m. Looking back: all 865 m of descent is visible above you.

Photo tip: Front window for the fjord-reveal. After arrival: early morning gives mirror-still fjord reflections.

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Along the route

Three Landscapes, One Journey

The Oslo to Flåm train passes through three completely different worlds in five and a half hours.

Kjosfossen waterfall Norway

Kjosfossen Waterfall

At 225 metres, Norway's most visited waterfall stops the train for five minutes. A dancer in red performs here on the rocks in summer.

Book seats
Aurlandsfjord Norway

Aurlandsfjord

A branch of the Sognefjord, listed UNESCO World Heritage since 2005. Flanked by 1,400 m peaks on both sides, mirror-still on calm mornings.

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Finse plateau Norway

Finse Plateau

At 1,222 m, the highest station in Norway. No roads, no cars. Pure high-arctic tundra — the film location for Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back.

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When to go

The Oslo to Flåm Train by Season

The journey runs year-round and looks completely different each season — here's what to expect and when to book.

Spring on the Flåmsbana

Apr – May

Spring

Snow melt fills every stream — waterfalls appear that vanish in summer. Dramatic contrast: green valley floor, white peaks still above.

Peak waterfall season. Overcast light softens shadows.

Read more

Summer midnight sun Aurlandsfjord

Jun – Aug

Summer

Midnight sun means golden light until 11 pm. Take an evening train for the softest light. Huldra dancer at Kjosfossen in summer only.

Evening train for golden hour. Maximum green valley.

Read more

Autumn birch Berekvam

Sep – Oct

Autumn

Best season for photographers. Birch turns gold at Berekvam. Morning mist burns off by 10 am leaving crystal air and low-angled sun.

Best overall. Book September for peak birch colour.

Read more

Winter Finse plateau

Nov – Mar

Winter

Fewest tourists, most dramatic scenery. Finse in white-out is otherworldly. Short daylight means every departure is blue hour or direct low sun.

High-contrast minimalism. Keep phone warm — cold kills batteries.

Read more

Plan your trip

Oslo to Flåm Train — Practical Guide

Everything you need to know before booking your Oslo to Flåm train tickets.

Tickets & Booking

  • Book the Bergen Line (Oslo S → Myrdal) and the Flåmsbana (Myrdal → Flåm) together via highspeedtrains.com — both legs in one search.
  • Reserve seats in summer: Flåmsbana sells out weeks ahead in June–August.
  • Single tickets are usually better value than a rail pass for this specific trip.

Seat & Side Tips

  • Right side going down (Myrdal → Flåm): valley panoramas, Vatnahalsen, river views at Berekvam.
  • Left side going down: Blomheller gorge and spiral tunnel exit view.
  • Kjosfossen halt: both sides exit onto the same outdoor platform — no preference needed.

Train + Fjord Cruise

  • "Norway in a Nutshell" combines the Oslo to Flåm train with a Nærøyfjord fjord cruise and a bus/train leg to Bergen — a popular multi-day route.
  • The Nærøyfjord cruise (Flåm → Gudvangen, ~2 hrs) is booked separately through the cruise operator — we sell train tickets only.
  • Possible as a day trip from Oslo with an early departure; staying overnight in Flam gives you more time.

Getting There & Around

  • Depart from Oslo S (Central Station) — direct Bergen Line, no changes until Myrdal.
  • Transfer at Myrdal: the Flåmsbana platform is directly adjacent, connection included in timetables.
  • At Flåm: harbour, fjord cruise dock, and railway museum are a 2-min walk from the station.

Add a day

Norway in a Nutshell — the Classic Round Trip

"Norway in a Nutshell" is a famous self-guided route that combines the Oslo to Flam train with a Nærøyfjord cruise and a return leg through Bergen. The classic circuit runs: Oslo → Myrdal → Flam → Nærøyfjord → Gudvangen → Voss → Bergen — or back to Oslo if you're not stopping in Bergen.

The Nærøyfjord fjord cruise from Flam is the centrepiece of the circuit — a 2-hour voyage through one of the world's most beautiful and narrow fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Note: the cruise is a separate experience arranged independently; we sell only the train tickets. Use the search above to book your Oslo to Flam train, then arrange the cruise directly in Flam or through the cruise operator's own site.

+1 day Fjord cruise separate Bergen option
Aerial view of the Nærøyfjord — a narrow fjord with steep snow-covered walls and a cruise boat on the water
Bergen Line Norway mountain valley
Oslo to Flåm
5.5 hrs
Total journey time

Bergen Line to Myrdal, then 55 minutes aboard the Flåmsbana. No car needed — one of the great train days in Europe.

Flåmsbana steep mountain descent
Flåmsbana
865 m
Elevation drop

From Norway's highest mainline to sea level in 20 km — one of Europe's steepest standard-gauge railways, 20 tunnels drilled through solid rock.

Nærøyfjord UNESCO fjord
Nærøyfjord
UNESCO
Natural World Heritage

The fjord below Flåm has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 — listed alongside Geirangerfjord as one of earth's finest natural landscapes.

Flåmsbana tunnel interior
Flåmsbana
20 tunnels
Hand-drilled through rock

Built from 1923 to 1940, every one of the 20 tunnels was drilled by hand. The railway took 20 years to complete and remains one of Norway's greatest engineering feats.

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After you arrive

What to Do in Flam — A Full Day Guide

Taking the Oslo to Flam train is only half the experience. Flam village sits at the end of the Aurlandsfjord surrounded by some of Norway's most beautiful scenery — steep valley walls, snow-capped peaks, and one of the world's deepest fjords. Here's how to make the most of a day trip or overnight stay.

Nærøyfjord cruise from Flam harbour — sheer fjord walls and waterfalls
Top activity~2 hoursBooked separately

Nærøyfjord Cruise

The fjord cruise from Flam harbour is the most popular activity after arriving by train. The 2-hour voyage along the Nærøyfjord — a UNESCO World Heritage site — passes sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres above the water, waterfalls tumbling directly into the fjord, and goat farms perched on the valley sides. Note: the cruise is booked separately from your train ticket, directly with the cruise operator.

Book the cruise in advance in summer — it sells out. Booked and paid independently at the harbour or online.

Flåmsbana Railway Museum at Flam station — original steam locomotives on display
Free entry30–45 min

Flåmsbana Railway Museum

Located at Flam station, the museum tells the story of the 20 years it took to hand-drill and build this extraordinary railway. Exhibits include original locomotives, engineering drawings, and footage of the construction. Free to visit — a beautiful way to spend time between trains if you're returning to Oslo the same day.

Entry is free. Open daily during train operating hours. Right beside the platform — easy to visit on any stopover.

Hiking along the Flåmselvi river valley with mountain peaks behind Flam
~2 hoursEasy–Moderate

Hiking and Walking

Flam sits at the foot of spectacular valley scenery. A walk along the river Flåmselvi gives beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and valley floor. The old road from Flam to Aurland takes about 2 hours one way through fields and small farms above the fjord. The Otternes farm path is another option — a 2-hour hike with extraordinary views back down to Flam and the Aurlandsfjord.

Wear trail shoes — paths are unpaved. Best views in the morning before the day-trip crowds arrive.

Flam village at dawn — morning light on the Aurlandsfjord from an overnight stay
Recommended1–2 nights

Staying Overnight in Flam

Flam is worth more than a day trip if time allows. Taking the train from Oslo in the morning, spending the afternoon and evening in Flam, and travelling onward or back the next day transforms the experience entirely. Morning light on the fjord is among the most beautiful in Scandinavia. A second day lets you do the fjord cruise without rushing and explore the valley before the crowds arrive.

Book accommodation early in summer. The Fretheim Hotel is the most-reviewed option in the village.

Ægir Bryggeri Viking longhouse brewpub on the Flam waterfront
Local foodHarbour area

Food and Drink in Flam

Flam has cafes and restaurants near the harbour serving fresh fish and traditional Norwegian food. The Ægir Bryggeri — a Viking longhouse-style brewpub right on the water — is worth a stop for local craft beer and hearty food. Flam Bakery near the station serves coffee and pastries. The Fretheim Hotel restaurant serves excellent Norwegian cuisine with a fjord view.

Ægir Bryggeri gets busy — arrive early or book ahead in summer. The brewery opens at noon most days.

Bergen Bryggen wharf — the classic Norway in a Nutshell route continues from Flam to Bergen
Norway in a NutshellExtension route

Continuing to Bergen

Many travellers taking the Oslo to Flam train continue to Bergen rather than returning to Oslo. The classic "Norway in a Nutshell" circuit runs from Flam by fjord cruise to Gudvangen (booked separately), then bus to Voss, then the Bergen Line west into Bergen. Bergen is a beautiful city worth at least one night. Use the search above to book your Oslo to Flam train; the onward cruise and bus legs are arranged independently once you're in Flam.

Oslo → Flam → Bergen in one day is ambitious. Staying overnight in Flam or Bergen makes the journey far more enjoyable.

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Step by step

How to Book the Oslo to Flam Train

Booking takes about 5 minutes. The search above sends you to a timetable where you choose your departure, class, and passenger details — then pay. Here's the exact flow.

  1. 01

    Search: enter your route and travel date

    Type Oslo and Flam (or Flåm) into the widget above and pick your travel date. Hit Search to see all available trains for that day.

  2. 02

    Choose a departure time from the timetable

    The timetable lists trains by departure time with total journey duration and price. The morning service (around 08:05 from Oslo Central) is the most popular — it gives you the full afternoon in Flåm. Select the row that suits you.

  3. 03

    Select your travel class

    The Bergen Line and Flåmsbana both offer 2nd class (standard) and 1st class (extra legroom, quieter car). 2nd class is perfectly comfortable for the scenery — 1st class is worth it if you prefer more space on the Bergen Line leg.

  4. 04

    Enter passenger details

    Add the number of passengers, your name, and an email address for your ticket confirmation. No account is required — you receive a booking confirmation and mobile ticket by email within minutes.

  5. 05

    Complete payment and download your ticket

    Pay by card or popular digital wallets. Your e-ticket arrives instantly — show it on your phone at Oslo Central or on the Flåmsbana platform. No need to print anything or collect tickets at a machine.

When to book: Trains sell out quickly in summer (June–August) and around Norwegian public holidays. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to get the best price and your preferred departure — the earlier you book, the lower the fare.

Common questions

Oslo to Flåm Train FAQ

Everything travellers ask before booking the Oslo to Flam train.

The total journey from Oslo S to Flåm takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours depending on connections. The Bergen Line from Oslo to Myrdal takes around 4 hours 40 minutes; the Flåmsbana from Myrdal to Flåm takes exactly 55 minutes. Allow a few minutes for the transfer at Myrdal.
Sit on the right side (travelling Myrdal → Flåm, descending) for the best valley panoramas and river views at Berekvam. Sit on the left for the Blomheller gorge. At the Kjosfossen waterfall halt, all passengers exit onto a shared outdoor platform — no preference needed.
Yes, the Flåmsbana runs year-round. Winter departures are less frequent — check the current timetable. Winter offers very few tourists and dramatic snow scenery, particularly at Finse (1,222 m) which is often buried in snow from November to April.
The train halts for approximately 5 minutes beside the Kjosfossen waterfall, which falls 225 metres. All passengers step onto an outdoor platform. In summer, a dancer in traditional Norse costume performs on the rocks above the waterfall.
In summer (June–August), seats on the Flåmsbana sell out weeks in advance — book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. Outside peak season you can often book a week before or even on the day, but earlier is always better for seat choice.
Yes — but it's a long one. You'd need an early departure around 7–8 am and arrive in Flåm mid-afternoon, leaving time for a fjord walk before the return. Staying overnight in Flåm or continuing to Bergen is recommended to get the most from the trip.
The Flåmsbana is a 20 km branch line descending 865 metres from Myrdal (867 m) to Flåm (2 m) — one of the world's steepest standard-gauge adhesion railways. Built 1923–1940, 18 of its 20 tunnels were drilled entirely by hand. Maximum gradient 5.5%.
September is widely considered the best month — birch turns gold and orange, far fewer tourists than summer, and low-angled light all day. June–August offers midnight sun but is much busier. Winter is spectacular for minimalist photography and quiet carriages.
Ticket price varies by how far in advance you book and the time of year. The Bergen Line (Oslo to Myrdal) is priced dynamically — book early for the lowest fare. The Flåmsbana (Myrdal to Flåm) has a fixed price per passenger. Booking both legs in advance typically costs less than buying at the station. Search the timetable above to see current prices for your travel date.
Yes — travel from Oslo to Flam entirely by train is straightforward and one of the most enjoyable ways to reach western Norway. The journey from Oslo Central takes around 5.5 hours with one change at Myrdal. No car is needed at any point. The train is the best way to experience the route — the view from the road doesn't come close to the view from the train window.
A full day in Flam offers more than most visitors expect. The Nærøyfjord fjord cruise (booked separately, ~2 hours) is the most popular activity — a beautiful voyage through one of the world's narrowest fjords. The Flåmsbana Railway Museum at the station is free and takes 30–45 minutes. Walking along the river Flåmselvi valley takes around 2 hours and gives stunning views back toward the mountains. There are also cafes, restaurants, and local food near the harbour to enjoy between activities.
The scenery is exceptional by any measure. The journey passes through three landscapes: the outskirts of Oslo giving way to birch and pine forest, then the high arctic plateau of Hardangervidda with snow and tundra, then the dramatic 865-metre descent of the Flåmsbana past waterfalls, gorges, and glacially-carved valley sides, arriving beside the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. Most travellers find the Flåmsbana leg — just 55 minutes — the most spectacular stretch of any train journey they've taken. The view from the carriage window changes every few minutes.
Norway in a Nutshell is a self-guided circular journey from Oslo that combines the Bergen Line train to Myrdal, the Flåmsbana down to Flam, a fjord cruise along the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen (booked separately), a bus to Voss, and the Bergen Line west to Bergen — before returning to Oslo by overnight train or flight. It's one of the most famous travel routes in Scandinavia. Taking the Oslo to Flam train is the first and most celebrated leg of the circuit.
The total journey time from Oslo to Flam is approximately 5.5 hours. This breaks down as: around 4 hours 40 minutes on the Bergen Line from Oslo S to Myrdal, a few minutes' transfer at Myrdal station, then exactly 55 minutes on the Flåmsbana down to Flam. The return journey takes the same time. If you're planning a day trip from Oslo, allow at least 12 hours door to door.
Yes — and the long travel time is part of the experience, not a drawback. Taking a full day to travel from Oslo to Flam and back gives you the complete arc of Norwegian landscapes, from city to plateau to fjord. Most travellers say the Bergen Line through Hardangervidda is itself worth the journey even before the Flåmsbana descent begins. If time allows, staying overnight in Flam and taking the return train the next morning is worth considering — the fjord at dawn is stunning and you avoid the day-trip crowds.
Taking the Flåmsbana from Myrdal, you start at 867 metres with an open plateau view, then descend rapidly through a series of tunnels and gorges. The first major view opens at Vatnahalsen — a long valley panorama with the river Flåmselvi far below. The train halts five minutes at Kjosfossen waterfall (225 m drop) where you step off onto an outdoor platform. Further down, the Blomheller gorge offers a dramatic close-up view of the rock walls. As you approach Flam, the valley widens and the Aurlandsfjord comes into view — one of Norway's most beautiful fjords.
Yes — Flam has a good range of food and drink options for a village of its size. The Ægir Bryggeri is a standout: a Viking-longhouse-style brewpub on the waterfront serving local craft beer and Norwegian food. There are also cafes near the station, a bakery for coffee and pastries, and the Fretheim Hotel restaurant for a sit-down meal. Most places are open during the day and close by early evening — plan to eat before taking the return train to Oslo.
The trains are self-guided — there's no onboard tour guide, but both the Bergen Line and the Flåmsbana have audio commentary systems in several languages that describe landmarks as you pass them. The Flåmsbana Railway Museum at Flam station also acts as a guide to the history and engineering of the line. For a more curated experience, guided group tours from Oslo that include the Flam train and the Norway in a Nutshell circuit are available through various operators — but many travellers find the independent route just as rewarding and more flexible.