For some, Flåm is a quick stop on the run-as-fast-as-you-can "Norway in a Nutshell" tour across Norway.  But it really deserves more than a one-night stay.  On our Traveling Professor small group tours to Norway, we spend at least 2 nights in Flåm.

How to Get There:  Usually, The Traveling Professor departs by rail from Oslo to Myrdal on the 4 3/4 hour trip.  Passing by lakes, waterfalls and through forested snowy mountains, it is a scenic trek.  But it gets better upon reaching the top of the Flåm Valley at Myrdal.  From there it is one of the most scenic train rides in Europe.  The 20 kilomoter Flåmsbana Railroad winds down the valley towards the fjord passing through tunnels and alongside cliffs.  We must pass by hundreds of waterfalls before arriving in Flåm.

Flam can also be reached by train from Bergen.  However, a better option might be to take the 5 1/2 hour Norled ferry through the best fjord of Norway to arrive in Flåm.  And of course, the ferry can be taken from Flåm to Bergen.

Where to Stay:  On our Traveling Professor small group tours, we always stay at the  Fretheim Hotel.  It is one of those grand and majestic lodgings that you would expect to see in a National Park.  When booking, sign up for the dinner smorgasbord.  There is plenty of variety and a chance to sample some traditional dishes like whale or reindeer.  But if that is not to your liking, there are choices like salmon, plenty of salads with local veggies, cheeses, soups, meats, breads, pastries and more.

Flåm has a myriad of choices of things to do.  Here are some of our favorites:

• Flamsbana Railway:  As mentioned, this is a spectacular ride from Myrdal down to the fjord.  Of course, it can be taken in reverse.  
• Bike Ride Down the Flåm Valley from Myrdal to Flåm:  The way to do this is to take the train from Flåm to Myrdal.  Then, rent a mountain bike (with a helmet) at the Cafe Rallaren.  It is easy pedaling, all downhill for 20 kilometers passing by a goat farm, waterfalls, rivers, spectacular mountains, through tunnels and across bridges.  
• Walk or Bus to Aurland:  This is a small village close to Flåm with small shops.  It is walkable but an inexpensive public bus from Flåm.
• An easy excursion is Stegastein Viewpoint.  Make sure to bring a camera on this one.  A short bus ride above the valley for a scenic outlook over the fjord.
• Hiking:  There are plenty of hikes nearby ranging from easy to as difficult as you want to get.  We like the walk to the Brekkfossen.  
• Fjord Safari:  What fun this is!  Get on a rib boat and cruise all along the fjord.  Waterfalls are a definite sighting, but if lucky, you may see eagles and porpoises.  Don't miss this one and book in advance. 
• Easy Fjord Cruise:  This is an easy cruise to/from Flam lasting only a few hours.  A perfect and way to relax for a few hours.
• Hanging Out:  There is nothing wrong with enjoying the beautiful Flåm Valley and fjord views by sitting in the comfortable lobby of the Fretheim Hotel or enjoying a local Norwegian beer at Ægir microbrewery, right in the center of the tiny town.

Join The Traveling Professor on a small group tour to Norway.