Destinations

Destination guides to the villages in the Flåm and Aurlandsfjord area, including Flam, Aurland, Gudvangen, Undredal and more – all written by a local.

  • Destinations,  Flåm,  Things to do

    The 5 Best Flåm Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers

    Flåm is one of the most scenic cruise stops in Norway, offering breathtaking views, bucket list activities, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you want to explore Viking history, take in panoramic mountain views, or cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Flåm has shore excursions for every traveler. With limited time in port, choosing the right excursion is key to making the most of your visit. In this guide, I’ll cover the best Flam shore excursions, along with important tips for booking in advance to get the best experience at the best price. Straight to the point? I’ve created a folder of all the below-mentioned shore excursions here! Why Book Your Flåm…

  • A photo taken out a plane window flying over Norway, showing a plane wing with a blue tip that says SAS.
    Destinations,  Flåm,  Practical Information

    What is the Nearest Airport to Flåm?

    Planning a trip to Flåm and wondering which airport to fly into? While Flåm itself doesn’t have its own airport, there are a couple of options to choose from depending on whether you’re flying internationally or domestically. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Flåm by air, including which is the nearest airport to Flåm! The Closest International Airport: Bergen Airport (Flesland) For most travelers visiting Flåm, Bergen Airport (Flesland) is the best option. Located about 167 kilometers (104 miles) from Flåm, Bergen Airport is the closest international hub and serves flights from major cities across Europe and beyond. From Bergen, getting to Flåm is straightforward, with multiple…

  • Aurland,  Destinations,  Flåm,  Practical Information

    2 Days in Flåm, Norway: Itinerary by a Local

    Flåm, located in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to visit in Scandinavia. And one of Norway’s top tourist destinations for a reason. Known for its breathtaking fjords, scenic railway, and charming villages, Flåm offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves nature, history, and good food. If you have two days to spend in Flåm, you’ll have time to not only visit the area’s iconic attractions but also slow down and enjoy unique activities that most travelers miss. As a local who grew up in nearby Aurland, I’ve designed this itinerary to show you the best of Flåm while giving…

  • Destinations,  Flåm,  Inspiration,  Practical Information

    Visiting Flåm in Winter: A Local’s Guide

    Whilst summer is definitely the peak season for the Aurlandsfjord area, an increasing number of people are opting to visit Flåm in winter instead – and I’m excited about it! Flåm in the winter is a very different experience from the summer, as the village empties of visitors and truly slows down in the colder months. If you are looking for a more tranquil experience, and a slower pace of travel, you should definitely consider it! With that being said, the winter months have both their pros and cons. The main downside of visiting the area this time of year is that there are less options for activities and timings,…

  • A beautiful, dark wooden stave church in Norway on a sunny day. This is the Borgund Stave Church, the best preserved stave church in Norway.
    Beyond Flåm,  Things to do

    Borgund Stave Church: History, Highlights & How to Visit from Flåm

    The Borgund Stave Church is one of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches and a true masterpiece of medieval architecture. Built around 1180, this iconic church offers visitors a glimpse into Norway’s history, showcasing the unique blend of Viking traditions and Christian influence that shaped the country during the Middle Ages. Yes, I know it isn’t technically *in* Flåm (in fact, it’s in our neighboring municipality of Lærdal), but so many people want to visit the Borgund Stave Church from Flåm, and I get a lot of questions about it. So I figured I might as well write a blog post about it. For travelers staying in Flåm for more than 1-2…

  • A green train, the flåm railway, travelling up a green, lush valley in western norway
    Destinations,  Flåm,  Main Attractions,  Things to do

    The Flåm Railway: A Local’s Complete Guide

    The Flåm Railway, known locally as Flåmsbana, is one of Norway’s most breathtaking train journeys, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the country’s dramatic natural landscapes. Winding its way through 20 kilometers of sheer mountain scenery, the railway descends 867 meters from the mountainous station at Myrdal to the quaint fjord village of Flåm. As a local who grew up in the area, this railway was more than a tourist attraction; it was a vital connection to the world beyond our picturesque village. I remember my time working in the ticket office, where I witnessed firsthand the Flåm Railway’s growing popularity among tourists from around the globe, all eager to…

  • A green train, the Flåm Railway, travelling up a lush, green valley on a sunny day, with blue skies above
    Destinations,  Flåm,  Practical Information

    How far is the Flåm Railway from cruise terminal?

    This is a post I never thought to write, until I reminded myself that most of the people who visit Flåm are coming for the first time – and often on a cruise ship. And with Flåmsbana/the Flåm Railway being one of the main attractions in town, I guess it’s only natural that cruise visitors want to know how far the Flåm Railway is from the cruise terminal. The reason I (in the past) have assumed that I didn’t have to write this post is because the answer is luckily super easy: the Flåm Railway is no more than a 5-minute walk from the cruise port/terminal in Flåm. Side note:…

  • Aurland,  Destinations,  Flåm,  Gudvangen,  Practical Information,  Undredal

    How Much Time Do You Need in Flåm, Norway?

    Flåm is one of Norway’s most picturesque destinations, famous for its breathtaking fjords, scenic railway, and outdoor adventures. While many travelers pass through Flåm as part of a day trip or cruise itinerary, I believe that to truly experience what makes this place special, you should spend at least 2 days in the area – with 1 or 2 overnight stays. As someone who grew up here in Aurland, I’ve seen firsthand how much more rewarding it is when you slow down and take the time to enjoy all that Flåm and its surrounding villages have to offer. Here’s why you shouldn’t rush your visit – and what you can…

  • a calm body of water surrounded by steep mountains - a norwegian fjord in flåm, norway
    Aurland,  Destinations,  Flåm,  Practical Information

    One Day in Flåm, Norway: Itinerary by a Local

    Flåm, nestled in the heart of Norway’s stunning fjord country, is a must-visit destination, even if you only have one day to explore. With its breathtaking natural scenery, world-famous attractions, and peaceful atmosphere, Flåm offers an unforgettable experience (even for just 24 hours). Here’s a perfectly planned itinerary for one day in Flåm that includes the Flåm Railway, a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, and an overnight stay at the cozy Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri in nearby Aurland. Hopefully you will have browsed a bunch of my blog posts and guides to the area by now, but if you haven’t, this is a great introduction! Below I outline what a perfect day…

  • a small, red RIB boat on a fjordsafari on the aurlandfjord in norway
    Destinations,  Flåm,  Outdoor Activities,  Things to do

    5 Great Outdoor Activities in Flåm, Norway

    Flåm is one of Norway’s most spectacular outdoor destinations, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-filled activities. Whether you’re looking for a short hike, an unforgettable view of the fjord, or a thrilling adventure, Flåm has something for everyone. As a local, I’ve enjoyed these activities firsthand, and they’re some of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area. I have already covered the best things to do in Flåm here, so this post is for those of you looking specifically for activities that have more of an outdoorsy vibe to them. 5 Best Outdoor Activities in Flåm Here are five must-try outdoor adventures in Flåm…