Flåm, Norway

Getting To Know Flåm – Cruise Port Guide

Port Snapshot

Flåm is one of the smallest yet most popular cruise destinations in Norway. It is another picture-perfect fjord location and part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site of natural significance, being situated at the end of the Aurlandsjord, itself an extension of the Sognefjord, the longest in Norway. Welcome to our Flåm cruise port guide.

Port Location and Facilities

The Flåm Cruise Pier gives access directly to the main touristic part of Flåm where you’ll find the train station which doubles up as the tourist information centre and a large souvenir shop. Around the port you will find independent vendors offering various transport options as this area is a great location for getting outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking and Segway use. There is also a trolley train that does a loop along the Flåm river and back, for those that want to save the legs and appreciate the surrounding scenery.

What not to miss

Flåmsbana

The world famous Flåmsbana, considered one of the world’s greatest railway journeys, is the must do attraction here and is in fact the third most visited tourist attraction in all of Norway. It has one of the steepest elevations of any passenger train service in the world, with a maximum gradient of 5.5%, and an elevation difference of 866 metres (2,841ft) over its 12.6-mile length. Because of its steepness and picturesque nature, it is now primarily a touristic service, providing a round trip ticket service between Flåm and Myrdal Station where it connects to mainline services between Bergen and Oslo. The journey provides an English commentary service of the main highlights along the route and makes a stop at the impressive waterfall Kjossfossen. In summer, a short performance by actresses from the Norwegian Ballet School impersonating a legendary Huldra from Scandinavian folklore greet tourists for the short stop whilst they can take photos of the waterfall. You can buy tickets at the train station on the day but be warned that during the peak summer season from May-September, tickets can sell out in advance and cruise ships also buy bulk tickets for cruise excursions. If you want to book ahead the head to https://www.norwaysbest.com/flamsbana/ for the latest availability, departure times and prices. There are usually 9 or 10 departures of the railway from May to September and prices start from 500NOK per adult in low season and 630NOK in high season. The round-trip journey time is approximately 2 hours.

Vision and Future of the Fjords

Did you know that the neighbouring Nærøyfjord acted as the inspiration for Disney animators for their blockbuster smash hit movie Frozen and its setting of Arendelle. You can experience the magic of Frozen and the Nærøyfjord by taking a fjord cruise on the Vision & Future, environmentally friendly vessels designed to protect the environment and maximise the tourist experience. Along with the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and its surrounding landscape is inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage List.

Stegastein Viewpoint

This wooden platform hangs out over the Aurlandsfjord by 30 metres at a height of 650 metres above the fjord, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Bus tours are available from Flåm.

Travel Tips

Tourist Information

NoFlyCruises recommends https://www.norwaysbest.com, formerly Visit Flåm, and the official site for all information on Flåm and its attractions.

Currency

The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. Norway has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the average price of a standard cup of coffee is around £3/$4. Budget accordingly if you plan to dine out each day, as meals are roughly around 110kr per person (£11/$13 per person).

Weather

Flåm is traditionally a cold and temperate destination, with its warmest month July being on average 11 degrees Celsius. Summer months can also be wet, so pack accordingly.

Getting Around

Flåm itself is easy to negotiate on foot, with the other major mode of transport being the train.

If you want to experience some of the surrounding attractions, then there are several bus and boat tours that you can join and that are interconnected in order to reach them. For more information including prices and departure schedules, check out https://www.norwaysbest.com/things-to-do/bus-services/

Safety Whilst Ashore

Flåm can become very busy and crowded during peak tourist season and places can become crowded. That being said the area is very safe.

Where to Eat

NoFlyCruisesrecommends the following eateries:

Ægir microbrewery, A-Feltvegen 23, 5743 Flåm, Norway

http://www.flamsbrygga.no/

Considered one of the best craft breweries in all of Norway, you cannot miss this striking building as you leave the port on foot, being designed like a traditional Viking stave church. Inside it is atmospheric, with its roaring fire and carved dragons’ heads on the walls. You can indulge in beer and aquavit tasting on the ground floor, or head up to the first floor for the restaurant. The food is inspired by Viking traditions, with a modern twist and employing the Ægir beer in marinades and sauces. The Ægir Viking Plank is the speciality, a 5-course beer and food pairing menu with shellfish, reindeer, fish soup, pork shank and a chocolate ganache accompanied with 5 different types of beer.

Flåm Bakery, Stasjonsvegen, 5743 Flåm, Norway

You simply cannot go wrong by stopping at this culinary institution, part of the train station complex and a place to grab freshly baked pastries, breads, sandwiches and even homemade pizzas to go.

Key highlights of Flam

• Flåmsbana Railway
• Stegastein Viewpoint
• Viking Valley – The Viking Experience and the Village of Njardarheimr
• Stalheimskleiva
• Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site

Regular cruise line visitors

• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Silversea
• P&O Cruises
• SAGA Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Viking Ocean 

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