Cruising into Flam is an experience I will never forget. Surrounded by massive granite walls at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, nature captivates you into pure awe. There are endless ways to connect with nature through grandiose fjords, steep mountainsides, deep valleys and turquoise waters. Flam Norway attractions are easily accessible from this charming port and hub.
Besides countless hiking trails in the Flam Valley, the most famous thing here is the Junction for the Flam Railway. Also, nearby is Norway’s steepest Road, Stalheimskleiva through the Naeroydalen Valley. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I visited this port many times. Read on to learn about Flam’s famous sites, that I experienced firsthand…
FLAM Norway Background
The quaint village, Flam (pop. 400) sits at the head of southwest Norway’s Aurlandsfjord. It’s encased by steep, lush green mountainsides reflecting on the turquoise waters of its peaceful harbor. The labyrinthine Aurlandsfjord is an arm of the larger Sognefjord. This dramatic setting provides natural beauty through valleys, stunning waterfalls and mountain views. The Flam Visitor Center is a good place to start for gathering local information for tips to getting the most of your time here.
Flam is a walker’s paradise. On one port day, I simply walked the trail and road hugging the harbor and had a wonderful time taking in the scenery with no agenda. In the Flam Valley, there are countless hiking trails for all fitness levels, so this is important to research for finding the one that best suits you. Also, I went to the 17th century wooden Flam Church in the valley south of Flam.
FLAM Norway Travel Attractions – The Epic FLAM Railway
The famous Flam Railway (Flamsbana) is the most popular tourist attraction of Flam, that is not to be missed. This epic railway goes from Oslo to Bergen, plus loops around and goes through Flam. This railway is an engineering marvel, taking you on one of the steepest railroad tracks in the world. It precipitously gains elevation of 866 meters in 20 km at the maximum gradient of 1:18. Also, this adventure takes you through 20 tunnels and lots of beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
In an hour, the Railway takes you to Myrdal station, from sea level to 866 metres. About mid way through, you stop for a photo op at the legendary Kjosfossen Waterfall. These falls plunge 225 m along the mountainside near the viewing platform spraying visitors. So, be prepared to cover your camera and self from getting wet here. But it’s great fun and well worth it.
Experience Folklore of Hudra, the Forest Spirit
Additionally, there is even a performance midway down the waterfall performing a legend. A woman spirit with long dark hair and a red dress comes out of the woods and dances near the waterfall. Here name is Huldra and she dances to a Norwegian folk song. According to folklore, she seduces men into the forest…
Travelers can either take the Flam Railway as a round trip or one way. Then, they can hike or bike the Flam Valley from the Myrdal station.
Naeroydalen Valley & Steepest Road in Norway
This fantastic tour takes you on the steepest winding road in Norway, the Stalheimskleiva Road, at a 20% grade. It climbs from the valley floor twisting through 13 hairpin turns, past the stunning Sivle and Stalheim Waterfalls (126-metre) and finally up to the vertiginous Stalheim Hotel viewpoint. Then, after an eye-popping journey up the road, my bus tour group enjoyed a delicious lunch at Stalheim Hotel. Overall, I reveled in the breathtakingly epic views of the lush green Naeroydalen Valley far below.
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Overall, Flam Norway Travel Attractions
Flam is a nature lover’s paradise, with its fjords, waterfalls, steep mountainsides and harbors. Most importantly, Flam also provides innovative transportation to navigate these rugged, yet gorgeous environmental landscapes. The Flam Railway, Stalheimskleiva Road and countless hikes of Flam Valley will take you on the most incredible journeys of your life.
