Destinations
Destination guides to the villages in the Flåm and Aurlandsfjord area, including Flam, Aurland, Gudvangen, Undredal and more – all written by a local.
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How to Have the Best Stay in Flåm (Avoid These Common Mistakes)
Most people get Flåm right, but miss a few small things that make a big difference to their experience. Flåm is one of the most popular fjord destinations in Norway, and for good reason. It’s easy to reach, incredibly scenic, and home to some of the most iconic experiences in the country, like the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruises. But because it’s so popular, it’s also surprisingly easy to get wrong. Having grown up along this fjord and spent years both living and working in the area, I’ve seen the same patterns play out again and again. Most travelers follow a similar plan, but a few small choices –…
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Hotels in Flam, Norway [A Local’s Guide]
As one of Norway’s leading tourist destinations, you are right to assume that there are some great hotels in Flam. The village/town is located in Vestland County at the innermost end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Flam, mostly to ride the famous Flåm Railway and cruise the UNESCO recognised Nærøyfjord. Most of these tourists spend a night or two in Flåm. Some, even more! I grew up in Aurland, the immediate neighbourhood of Flåm, and a 10-minute drive from the charming town. Hence, I know the area in and out and have decent knowledge about the places to visit and accommodations…
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Stegastein Viewpoint [A Local’s Guide]
I grew up in Aurland and am often asked questions about the most popular tourist attraction/sight here; The Stegastein Viewpoint. I live so close to it that you can actually see my house from the viewpoint! So, it’s about time I write a post sharing all the information I have, so you have an in-depth guide to this popular attraction. The Stegastein Viewpoint (or Stegastein Lookout or Stegastein Viewing Platform as some call it) is a part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes – Aurlandsfjellet (one of the 18 most beautiful road stretches in Norway). These routes combine nature with architecture and design in the most spectacular way. The ‘Snow Road’…
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Places to Stay in Flam, Norway [A Local’s Guide]
If you’re planning a trip to Flåm, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While the village is small, there is a range of places to stay in Flam – each area with its own atmosphere, advantages, and drawbacks. Some visitors prefer to be right in the center by the fjord, while others may want a quieter experience away from the busiest areas. As a local from Aurland and a travel guide who stays in Flåm every week during summer, I know the area like the back of my hand. If I were visiting Flåm as a tourist, I would personally recommend staying in…
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16 Things to do in Aurland, Norway [A Local’s Guide]
As the largest village along the Aurlandsfjord, there are lots of great things to do in Aurland, Norway! This is the village where I grew up, and I know it like the back of my hand. So trust me, this is the best guide to activities in Aurland you can find. The village is located around 10 minutes from Flåm (or 20 minutes if you are travelling by ferry on the fjord), and should definitely be included when you visit the Aurlandsfjord region! People tend to stay in Aurland as an alternative to Flåm, and especially when the hotels in Flåm are fully booked. However, there are many reasons you…
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Hikes in Flam You Cannot Miss [Flåm, Norway]
One of the most popular things to do when visiting Flåm and the fjords is to go hiking. I grew up hiking in the area, and so I thought I would share the best hikes in Flam, Norway with you all. These hiking trails are suitable for a variety of fitness levels, and so I know you will find your perfect Flåm hike for your trip. At the end of the guide I cover some popular hikes near Flåm, as I know a lot of people stay with their base in Flåm, but want to travel out of the village for parts of their trip. Hiking in Flam is a…
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Ferry Flåm Gudvangen: Nærøyfjord Cruise [A Local’s Guide]
The fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, or simply the ferry from Flam to Gudvangen is one of the highlights of the area. Together with the Flåm Railway, the fjord cruise is an absolute must for anyone visiting Flåm, Gudvangen or any of the other villages here. The Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed on the list together with the Geirangerfjord further north. It is a road-less fjord, so the only way to see it all is from the water. Therefore, taking the ferry between Flåm and Gudvangen needs to be on your list if you are visiting Flåm for the fjords. And I hope you are, as it’s…
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Things to do in Flam, Norway [A Local’s Guide]
Flåm (or Flam, for those of you who do not have Å on your keyboard) is a small village in Western Norway located at the innermost arm of the Aurlandsfjord. Every year, millions of tourists visit the fjords and look for things to do in Flam to experience the dramatic landscapes the village offers. Flam is probably the most visited fjord destination in Norway, and as I have grown up in the area – this was a guide I needed to write! The village is also a crucial point of the popular ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour. Are you visiting Norway and looking for places to visit and things to…
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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…
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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,…
