We are going to do the NIN from Bergen to Oslo in June and are breaking it up into two days, staying overnight in Flam. The ferry arrives in Flam at 14:00. I know that there is not a lot in Flam and am wondering if people have suggestions for what to do in the afternoon. I have looked at the visit Flam web site for ideas but many of them seem to be journeys away from Flam to see various things and require a longer day than we have. Are there hiking trails that people know of? I know you can hike down from Myrdal to Flam but that would probably be too much for us. Does anyone know if you can travel just partway up the Flamsbana, get out and hike down a part of that trail? I have looked around for info but have not found anything comprehensive that shows options.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3223 posts
We took the Flamsbana train from Flam to Myrdal, got off, rented bikes right there at the train station and biked downhill all the way back to Flam. It was Epic!
Posted by
1364 posts
A pretty easy hike from the town center is to the Brekkefossen waterfall. About a mile out of town and then a short steep hike to the top of the waterfall. Nice views out over the town. There's a guided tour, https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/brekkefossen-waterfall-hike/221093/, but you don't need a guide. Alternatively, if you aren't doing the Naeroyfjord, look into taking one the rigid inflatable boat tours of that fjord.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2335 posts
You're correct there isn't much to do in Flam, but it is really worth it to take the first Flamsbana train in the morning so you can get a seat on the good side of the train. My friend and I stayed at the Flam Marina and Apartments which have lovely little decks overlooking the water. We walked around town (quick trip), hung out on our porch and watched the cruise ship traffic (it was raining), and had a great dinner at the Aegir Brewpub. It was a nice break to a very fast paced weekend trip.
Posted by
62 posts
CL, which side is best to sit on when leaving Flam?
Posted by
OP
Birmingham, AL
104 posts
Trotter, thanks for the info. I have looked around for some hiking maps but have not found any yet. Hopefully, tey will have some at the TI.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
DNT route maps (kart) for Flåm:
https://ut.no/kart##11/60.8371/7.1219
Turn on filters for Cabins, tours, destinations and summer trails.
Posted by
1364 posts
I’m sure the TI (if I recall, it is in the train station) can tell you how to get to the Brekkefossen. But it’s pretty easy. Basically you follow the main road out of town and follow the signs. The manager at our hostel gave us verbal directions. The trail head and trail are very clearly marked.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2335 posts
The right hand side of the train (going up to Myrdal) has the river view, but either side is fine and people move from one side to the other taking photos and generally being awe struck. We had rain so the views were a bit obstructed but it remains one of the most beautiful train trips I've ever taken.
Posted by
Washington DC
27093 posts
The 12th-century Borgund stave church works as a day trip from Flam. There's a stave-church history museum as well. At one time there was a cafeteria at the site with reasonably-priced-for-Norway soup and bread, but I don't know that it's open now.
This is not a particularly active excursion, because you're sitting on buses for a good bit of the time, but there is some walking involved since the buses don't get you all the way to the target destination.
The bus schedules vary by month; the following times are for June 21: NorWay Bus 420 departs Flam 11:40 AM and arrives at Håbakken at 12:15 PM. VyBuss 170 departs Håbakken at 12:35 PM and arrives at Lo Aust about 1 PM (sources vary slightly). From that point there's a 16-minute walk to the church. The bus schedule allows about an hour at the church. VyBuss 170 leaves Lo Aust at 2:45 PM, arriving at Håbakken at 3:10 PM. NorWay Bus 420 leaves Håbakken at 3:35 PM and reaches Flam at 4:10 PM.
Round-trip fare is NOK 356 ($40 US--you weren't expecting a short Norwegian bus trip to be cheap, were you?). The Flam tourist office probably can confirm the schedule.