Printed from website www.visitflam.com

  1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to footer

About Flåm

Spectacular natural beauty

You will find the beautiful small town of Flåm nestled deep in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord, the 204 kilometre long and 1308 meter deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, this area is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. Modern transportation makes today's Flåm a junction that is easily accessible whether you are travelling by car, boat, train or by bus. Large cruise ships in the harbour are a daily site throughout the spring and summer months, and it is only a short walk from Flåm Port and the many fjord boats to a trip on the Flåm Railway - or maybe a visit to the Fretheim Hotel.

Travel destination with traditions

The name "Flåm" means "little place between steep mountains," and at the end of the 1800's many cruise ships with English and German travellers found their way here to experience Norwegian fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The ships' passengers laid the foundation for hotel operations and a steady stream of tourists, who were transported in two-wheeled buggies through the spectacular scenery. After the Bergensbanen railway was opened in 1909, Flåm became a crossroad for passengers, mail and freight to and from the trains between Oslo and Bergen, in connection with the steamships on the fjord. The old Navvy road from Haugastøl and Finse down to Flåm - Rallarvegen - has now become an attraction in itself, with thousands of cyclists every summer and autumn.

World famous railway

The over 65 year old Flåm Railway is widely known as one of the world's most fantastic stretches of railroad. On this amazing journey you will experience a climb of nearly 900 meters from fjord to mountain top, an incline of one to 18, a tunnel that twists in a spiral inside the mountain, and a view that will take your breath away! As a private branch line of the Bergensbanen railway, the Flåm Railway runs 9-10 daily departures in the high season from May to September and 4-5 daily departures the rest of the year. You can learn more about the exciting history behind this 20 kilometre long stretch of railway by visiting the Flåmsbana Museum in Flåm.

Wealth of activities and local culture

Flåm is the perfect starting point for a memorable vacation! In our busy, stressful lives, contact with nature and outdoor experiences are like a salve for the soul. Flåm offers activities for adults and children alike, in harmony with local culture and traditions. Here you can take your children on a fishing trip in the mountains or on the fjord, or just enjoy the silence of nature. There are also many opportunities for cycling or hiking along one of the many trails in the Flåm Valley or in the mountains. Otternes Bygdetun, with 27 different buildings dating back to the 1600's, should also be experienced. This "Klyngetun" farmyard is a local cultural treasure and a living museum, with a fabulous view towards Flåm and the quiet Aurlandsfjord.
Back to top

A modern hotel with distinction

With roots dating back to 1870 and traditional atmosphere intact, the Fretheim Hotel distinguishes itself today as a leading, modern tourist hotel. Its distinctive architecture and stunning fjord view, 118 comfortable rooms, several suites, large restaurant and modern conference facilities, make Fretheim Hotel one of Fjord Norway's most exciting hotel experiences. The restaurant offers first-class dining with fresh ingredients obtained from local producers and nature's own pantry. To sharpen your appetite, the hotel has a rich and varied programme of activities such as salmon fishing in the Flåm River, a fjord safari, back-country camping, ice fishing in the mountains and "Gastronomy in the Out of Doors". Welcome - We hope to see you soon! 

View map
Detailed map of