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 one of the top reasons to go!
In this guide I will share everything you need to know about the Flåm-Gudvangen ferry/fjord cruise – including my best tips, practical information and more!
Table of Contents
What to Expect on the Nærøyfjord Cruise
The Nærøyfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, and seeing it from the water is an experience you won’t forget. The cruise takes you through a landscape that’s both dramatic and peaceful. The fjord is narrow, with steep mountains rising up on both sides. Even after years of living in the area, I still find the views breathtaking.
As the boat glides through the calm waters, you’ll pass waterfalls that tumble down the cliffs, especially after rainfall or when the snow melts in the spring. One of the most striking is Sagfossen, which is always worth keeping an eye out for. In the winter, you might see the waterfalls frozen into icy sculptures, adding a different kind of beauty to the scenery.
The fjord is dotted with small farms and villages, some of which can only be reached by boat. You’ll pass places like Undredal, a tiny village known for its goat cheese and stave church. It feels like time has slowed down here. There’s also Bakkanosi, a towering mountain that’s popular with hikers, though from the fjord, it just looks like it touches the sky.
At its narrowest point, near Gudvangen, the fjord is just 250 meters wide, and the cliffs rise over 1,000 meters high. This is the part where the Nærøyfjord feels almost otherworldly, like you’ve stepped into a painting. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way. Seals sometimes lounge on rocks near the water, and eagles can sometimes be seen circling overhead.
The cruise itself is very relaxing. There’s no rush, and the boat moves at a comfortable pace so you can take in the scenery. Whether you sit inside by the large windows or stand outside on the deck, you’ll have great views. It’s a quiet experience—no loud motors or distractions—just the sound of water and the occasional call of a bird echoing off the cliffs.
Even as someone who grew up in this area, the Nærøyfjord never feels ordinary. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, long after you’ve left the boat.
The video below gives you a bit of an idea of what the experience is like!
What does Nærøyfjord mean?
People often ask why the fjord is called the Nærøyfjord (pronounced nar-oy-fiord, [ˈnæ̂ːrœʏˌfjuːɳ]), and there are several possible explanations for the name. But only one is correct.
Firstly, it is not “the narrow fjord”, all though that would have made sense since it is the narrowest fjord in the world (at a spot in Bakka, near Gudvangen). In fact, “Nærøy” does not mean narrow in Norwegian.
If you split the word “Nærøy” in two: Nær øy, it translates to “near island”. So, if we took the word in its literal sense, it would be the “Near island fjord”. However, this actually makes less sense than the first suggestion, as there are no islands to be found near the fjord.
No, we have to go back in time, to the famous Vikings, in order to understand why the fjord got its name. Back in the Viking age, it is likely that the name of the fjord was “njardarfjordr” – Njord’s fjord.
Njord was the Norse God for seafarers and weather, and is likely to have been a very important god for the Vikings and people living in Gudvangen and along the fjords. It is therefore highly likely that the Vikings would have named the fjord after him, as a sign of respect.
If you visit Gudvangen after (or before) your fjord cruise, make sure to visit Njardarheimr (“Njord’s Home”), where you can learn more about this. It’s one of the most popular things to do there (I’ve listed them all here).
Practical Information
Below is all the nitty-gritty practical information you need to know about the fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord.
Routes and Providers
There is only one route: the ferry/cruise goes from Flåm to Gudvangen (at the end of the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, respectively) and back. Along the way, they stop in Aurland and Undredal (sometimes only upon request).
You can either travel on the ferry both ways, or opt for the more efficient option, which includes a 20-minute shuttle bus between Gudvangen and Flåm.
There are a couple companies offering the fjord cruise, and it is important to know which one you booked with when you arrive. You need to have the correct ticket for the correct cruise, otherwise you won’t be allowed to board.
The Fjords operate the fjord cruise on their premium vessels, which are fully electric carbon fiber vessels built for maximum views of the scenery. This is a pricier option, but definitely worth it as the boat is newer and pretty fancy. They have a shuttle bus between Gudvangen and Flåm you can book as a package with your cruise, so you’ll end up back where you started. This cruise runs year-round, and is the only option in the winter.
The other company offering the fjord cruise in the high season is Lustrabaatane. Their classic ferries run from April through October and is the more affordable option.
Last, but not least, there is a local company offering a private fjord cruise – this is a pretty steep option, but may be worth it for those that want to spend hours onboard the yacht whilst taking in the stunning World Heritage Listed scenery of the Nærøyfjord.
Duration
The fjord cruise lasts around 2 hours one way between Flåm and Gudvangen.
If you opt for the shuttle bus back, this is a 20-minute drive. The shuttle bus departure is usually timed to depart 5-10 minutes after the arrival of the cruise, so you can expect the round-trip to take 2,5 hours.
If you return with the cruise (a lovely experience if you have enough time), you can expect the journey to take around 4,5-5 hours.
Booking the fjord cruise
You can book the fjord cruise on the links I included in the “Providers” section above. I highly recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months. Certain departures can and will sell out on busy days.
If you don’t book in advance, or you are visiting in the shoulder season, you can book tickets in the Flåm Visitor Center, located inside the station building.
Cost
The fjord cruise costs from 520 to 595 kroner one way ($47-55). The roundtrip with the shuttle bus starts at 760 kroner (around $68).
Children (aged 4-15) are discounted, with those under 4 years old travel for free (you still need to book them a ticket though, so the company knows how many people are onboard).
Onboard Lustrabaatane’s cruise you can buy a Family ticket for 1300 kroner (around $115), which is a good deal for families of 2 adults and 2 children (4-15 years).
My Tips for the Best Experience
As someone who grew up in Aurland, I’ve spent a lot of time on and around the Nærøyfjord. Here are my top tips to help you make the most of your cruise and experience the fjord like a local.
Arrive early for the best seats
The cruise boats can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Arriving 15–20 minutes early will give you a better chance to pick the best seat or spot for views.
- Top Deck: Head here if the weather is clear. Even in the cooler months, it’s worth bundling up to enjoy the full fjord experience.
- Window Seats: If you’d prefer to sit inside, claim a window seat early for uninterrupted views.
Dress for fjord weather
The weather on the fjord can change quickly, even during summer, so it’s important to dress appropriately:
- Layers Are Key: The wind can feel cold, especially on the top deck, so bring a warm jacket and a scarf.
- Waterproofs: A light rain jacket is always a good idea—it’s not unusual for fjord cruises to include some mist from waterfalls or occasional rain.
If you’re comfortable and warm, you’ll enjoy the experience so much more.
Bring binoculars if you have them
If you have binoculars, bring them along. They’re perfect for spotting wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or porpoises playing in the water. Sometimes, you can even see goats on the steep slopes along the fjord – binoculars will get you closer to the action.
Pay attention to announcements
Most cruises include commentary about the landmarks, history, and natural features of the Nærøyfjord. Even as a local, I always find it interesting to hear stories about the fjord’s villages, waterfalls, and wildlife. Make sure you’re somewhere you can hear the announcements—they’ll add depth to what you’re seeing.
Pick the right time of day
The time of day can make a big difference in your experience:
- Morning Cruises: These are quieter and tend to have softer light, which is great for photos.
- Afternoon Cruises: These can be slightly busier, but the light is brighter, and the fjord feels more alive as the day goes on.
If you’re visiting in the winter, keep in mind that daylight is limited, so plan for a mid-morning or early afternoon cruise to enjoy the scenery before it gets dark.
Take in the quiet moments
One thing I always tell visitors is to embrace the quiet moments during the cruise. The Nærøyfjord isn’t about constant action or excitement—it’s about slowing down and soaking in the beauty. Sometimes, the most magical part of the journey is just standing on the deck, listening to the gentle sound of the water, and watching the cliffs pass by.
Starting in Flåm or Gudvangen?
One of the most common questions I get (side note: I have answered a bunch of questions in blog post form here!) is whether people should buy their ferry ticket from Flåm to Gudvangen or Gudvangen to Flåm.
View wise, it doesn’t matter – the fjord is the same and you’ll see just as much regardless which direction you travel.
The main reason to pick one direction over the other should be convenience. For example, if you are coming from Voss or Bergen by bus you might as well hop on the fjord cruise in Gudvangen. That way you avoid retracing your steps.
Alternatively, if you are staying in Flåm (make sure to read my hotel guide), you may want to start your journey there.
But really, the direction you travel is completely up to you and your schedule. You’ll have a great time regardless.
Insider Tips for Capturing the Best Photos
The Nærøyfjord is a photographer’s dream, but knowing when and where to point your camera will make your photos stand out. As someone who grew up here, I’ve learned a few tricks for getting the best shots of the fjord, whether you’re using a professional camera or just your phone.
Timing is Everything
The light changes constantly in the fjord, so plan your cruise around the best natural light.
- Mid-Morning or Early Afternoon: This is when the sun is high enough to light up both sides of the fjord but not so high that you lose the shadows that add depth to the scenery.
- Golden Hour (Winter Months): In the winter, the low-angle sunlight near sunrise or sunset makes the snow-covered cliffs and ice shimmer, giving your photos a warm, golden glow. If you are visiting in the winter, keep in mind the very limited daylight hours – and make sure to read this post before you go!
If it’s overcast, don’t worry—cloudy days often bring out the textures in the cliffs and make the waterfalls stand out more.
Find the Best Spots onboard the Flåm-Gudvangen Ferry
The cruise offers plenty of great angles for photos, but some spots are better than others:
- Top Deck: If it’s not too windy, the open-air top deck is ideal for wide-angle shots of the fjord and the towering cliffs on either side.
- Front of the Boat: Standing at the bow gives you a clean, unobstructed view ahead, perfect for capturing the fjord’s narrowest stretches.
- Side Railings: If you want close-ups of the waterfalls or wildlife, move to the sides of the boat for a better angle as the boat passes by.
Mind, this depends on which cruise you go on. As mentioned, there are the electric vessels, where you have a pretty great view all over the upper deck. For the older ferries, the spots I’ve listed below are great!
Must-Capture Moments
There are certain points along the Nærøyfjord where you’ll want to have your camera ready:
- The Narrow Section Near Bakka: This is one of the fjord’s most dramatic spots, where the cliffs almost seem to close in on you. This is the narrowest point in the fjord.
- Waterfalls Like Sagfossen: You’ll pass several waterfalls, but Sagfossen is a favorite. If you’re close enough, try a slow-motion setting to capture the movement of the water.
- Undredal and Other Villages: The colorful little houses in villages like Undredal stand out beautifully against the dark green or snowy backdrop of the fjord.
Don’t forget to look behind you from time to time—some of the best views happen when you least expect them.
Use the Right Tools
You don’t need fancy equipment to take great photos here, but a few adjustments can make a big difference:
- Wide-Angle Shots: A wide-angle lens or setting will help you capture the scale of the fjord, especially where the cliffs are at their highest.
- Zoom for Details: Use zoom to focus on specific details, like the cascading water of a small waterfall, a distant seal, or the texture of the rocky cliffs.
- Protect Your Gear: Moisture is a constant companion on the fjord. Bring a lens cloth to keep your camera or phone dry, and consider a waterproof case if you’re using a phone.
Put the Camera Down (Sometimes)
As much as I love capturing photos on the Flåm-Gudvangen ferry, I always tell people to take a few moments to simply look around and take it in.
The beauty of the fjord is hard to describe in words—or even in pictures—and no photo will compare to the feeling of being surrounded by those towering cliffs and the stillness of the water. After all, your memories of the fjord will be just as valuable as any photo you take.
Alternative Ways to Experience the Nærøyfjord
If you are looking for a more active or unique experience, there are some other ways to see the Nærøyfjord.
Kayaking Tours: Kayaking is a more immersive way to explore the fjord up close, suitable for active travelers. Local companies like Nordic Ventures offer both guided tours and kayak rentals, depending on your experience level.
RIB Boat Tours: A faster, thrilling alternative for those who want an adventurous and personalized experience. The boats seat only 12 guests at a time, and the driver is also your guide!
Hiking Above the Fjord: Hikes such as the Bakka to Rimstigen trail (strenuous) or the old Postal Road along the fjord (easy to medium) are great ways to get beautiful views of the Nærøyfjord with a little more personal effort.
Private fjord cruise on a yacht: For the most exclusive way to see the fjord, consider a private fjord cruise. This is perfect for families or groups who appreciate their privacy, and gives you full autonomy on where you want to go, when to depart and what you want to focus on. You can spend as long as you want near your favorite waterfalls and sights along the fjord – as the captain will cater only to you.
Side note: The Flåm Railway is not an alternative way to see the landscape of the fjords. A lot of people ask me this, and wonder if they need to do both the fjord cruise and the railway. My answer is detailed here, but in short; yes.
The Best Time for the Ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen
Whilst I am an advocate of visiting the area and going on the fjord cruise year-round, it is worth noting some of the seasonal differences.
Summer (May–August): Ideal for those that want long bright days, vibrant green landscapes, and flowing waterfalls (especially early summer). This time of year has more departures, but also bigger crowds. Flåm is at its most crowded during these months.
Winter (November–March): Yes, winter lasts for 5 months. Go during these months if you want to experience the peacefulness, snowy scenery, and magical atmosphere of fewer tourists. Note that there are fewer fjord cruise departures during these months, and that you need to be aware of fewer daylight hours. I have covered this in more detail here.
Shoulder Seasons (April & September–October): Perfect for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. In April, you can either catch the first bloom or the last shreds of winter, whilst in September and October the autumn foliage adds extra beauty to the landscape along the fjord.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit the area, you’re gonna have a great time!
Combine the Nærøyfjord Cruise with Other Attractions
Of course, the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen is a major attraction in the area, but it’ll only take up a few hours of your day. As you know, I recommend spending at least one day in Flåm and the region, so make sure you pair the fjord cruise with another fun activity!
Some great options are:
- The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): A scenic train ride connecting Flåm to Myrdal, often done in combination with the fjord cruise. I have written a complete guide to the railway here!
- Stegastein Viewpoint: A must-see for panoramic views over the fjord and mountains, perfect before or after the cruise. You can visit the viewpoint by bus from Flåm or Aurland, or drive yourself. Learn more here!
- Undredal Village: A charming village famous for its goat cheese and stave church, accessible from the fjord – this means you can hop off the fjord cruise in Undredal, spend a few hours exploring the village, and then hop back on the ferry on a later departure.
- Borgund Stave Church: The stave church is one of the most famous in Norway, and just over an hour from Flåm. Get your entrance tickets here, or just book a guided tour from Flåm.
Start Planning Your Nærøyfjord Adventure
In conclusion, the Nærøyfjord cruise offers an unparalleled journey through one of nature’s most breathtaking masterpieces. As you glide along the serene waters flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the sheer beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site unfolds in all its glory.
To ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, booking your tickets in advance is essential. Plan your trip meticulously so you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquility and awe-inspiring landscapes of Norway’s fjords.
57 Comments
Rachel Walsham
Hi Lisa
Many thanks for all your great information we are really looking forward to doing the tour in April! we will be catching the Myrdal to Oslo train at 17:40 , will we be missing alot of good scenery as I guess it will be dark or is it better to overnight in Myrdal and catch the train the next morning to see the countryside? Thanks
Lisa
Unfortunately there isn’t anywhere in Myrdal to stay, as it is just a train station connecting the Oslo-Bergen railway and the Flåm Railway. The most beautiful scenery is the Flåm Railway, and from what I understand you will be taking that before 17:40 to catch the train to Oslo. So all good there!
The sun sets pretty late in April (after 20:00), so it’ll just be the last hour or two into Oslo you’ll have in darkness. And to be honest, the scenery driving into Oslo is pretty standard – towns and flat land. The “real” countryside is in the west, and you’ll be seing that whilst in Flåm, and as you travel on the Flåm Railway 🙂
NICK KHOURY
Hola Lisa,
Muchas gracias por la información proporcionada, muy completa.
Sólo una pregunta …. nosotros viajamos por nuestra cuenta en auto rentado y no encuentro algún crucero o ferry que nos pueda trasladar con el auto desde Gudvangen a Flam o Aurland.
Te agradeceré confirmar si existe alguna alternativa de ferry que nos pueda trasladar con el auto.
Muchas gracias
Saludos cordiales
Nick
Lisa
Hello Nick! I hope it’s okay that I reply in English – I had to use Google Translate to translate your question.
There is no car ferry between the villages, as they are all connected by road. If you have a car, you can drive between Flåm, Gudvangen and Aurland. Please read this guide: https://flamtravelguide.com/travel-between-the-fjord-villages/
marcelo gentile
I am a disabled person who travels with a permanent companion on medical prescription. I have a disability certificate that accredits what I mentioned, which I attach. The certificate states that I need a permanent companion. I would like to buy two tickets for two adults for the excursion that leaves from Flam and sails the Nærøyfjord on July 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. I need to know which company operates that navigation to find out if they exempt me from paying either of those two tickets. I eagerly await your response. Greetings.
Lisa
Hi Marcelo,
I believe the answer to your question (which company runs the ferry) is in the article – I have linked them all above, they are called Norway’s Best and Lustrabaatane 🙂
Have a great trip!
Kirsten Webb
Hi Lisa
My daughter and I going to take train from Oslo to Flam via Mydral in June. I have booked accommodation for one night in Flam. Will we have enough time, if we leave Oslo on a early train, to do a Naeroyfjord cruise round trip the same day? we have to be in Bergen the next day. Or should we just get to Flam day one and then do cruise next day and then get to Bergen late that day?
Lisa
In June I think there are enough departures for there to be time for this 🙂
However, the train ride (or bus) to Bergen is just around 3 hours, much shorter than the Oslo one. So perhaps relaxing in Flåm on the day you arrive (perhaps going to the Flåm Railway Museum since you’re arriving by train, and maybe hiking to Brekkefossen waterfall) might be better. And then getting the earliest ferry (I think it’s at 8 or 9) the next morning might be a nicer way of doing it 🙂
Aneta
Thank you for all above. Together with my husband we are heading to Norway for the first time in the first week of March. Thanks to the above we decided to stay in Flam and go for a cruise like also book a sauna session and have a dip in a cold water 🙂 I have not checked your full blog but by any chance is there a website with all public saunas across Norway? I once found an amazing reccomendation from the guy who hikes across the country but it seems I lost it and I cannot find it. On the website he had list of hutches in the mountains and across national parks but also area where you can go for a public sauna with decent views which many times is cheaper than private hires. Thank you!
Lisa
That’s so exciting – I am so happy my blog has inspired you and that it has been helpful!
I am afraid I don’t know about such a website, other than Visit Norway – they might have some overviews. But I do know the website you are talking about, it’s DNT (The Norwegian Tourist Association!): https://www.dnt.no/
The only sauna in Flåm is FjordSauna, and they really are fantastic – great views, and the public sauna session is quite affordable 🙂
Have a great time!
Jeff
Great article! We’re planning to see some of the sights near Bergen and trying to decide a few things. We have 7 nights planned in Norway: 3 in Bergen, 1 overnight somewhere on night 4, and then 3 nights in Oslo and trying to decide between some options:
1. Round trip Bergen: We could do a round trip from Bergen to do the Nærøyfjord cruise and Flam Railway, and take the train back to stay in Bergen again that 4th night. Then, take the train from Bergen to Oslo the next day (or fly, I guess).
2. Overnight in Flam: We could start in Bergen, do the Nærøyfjord cruise, and then stay overnight in Flam. Then, the next day, take the Flam Railway and take the train to Oslo.
3. Overnight in Geilo: Or we could start in Bergen, do the Nærøyfjord cruise, take the Flam Railway to Myrdal, and the train to Geilo to stay overnight. Then, the next day, take the train to Oslo.
I’m tempted to do option 3. For option 1, it means taking a train for 2 hours back to Bergen and then repeating that portion of the trip the next day on the way to Oslo. Do you have thoughts about what we would miss by doing one of these 3 options? Thoughts on flying vs train Bergen to Oslo? Thanks for your time and expertise!
Lisa
I would personally stay in Flåm as there is more to see there than in Geilo (and as you say, no point traveling back to Bergen if you are heading towards Oslo anyway). I would also consider 2 nights in Flåm and just 2 in Oslo, but that’s just my preference 🙂 There are loads of things to do in Oslo (I have covered it here: https://www.fjordsandbeaches.com/things-to-do-in-oslo/), but it is “just” a city. The fjords are what make Norway unique and special, so unless you have lots of very specific things you want to see and do in Oslo, I wouldn’t spend more than 2 nights there 🙂
Fumio
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for very valueable information.
I would like to get a cruise from Flam to Gudvangen.
I will arrive at Flam at 14:22 on July 10th.
The fjord says “15:00-17:00 Sold out”.
Lustrabaatane says “Here we will soon open the possibility of booking trips for the 2025 season.”
It would be very helpful if you could answer the following questions.
Q1: Can we wait for a cancellation?
Q2: Can I get a cruise without reservation?
Q3: When will Lustrabaatane start booking?
Lisa
A1: You can, but there is no guarantee anyone will cancel, and also you won’t know *when* someone will cancel. So I personally feel this is a slightly risky approach.
A2: No, you need to book a ticket in order to board a cruise. You can buy tickets on the day if they are available.
A3: It depends, they don’t have a clear guideline for this, unfortunately. My guess is sometime in April, as the season is approaching fast.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Marie
Hey,
great great website. thanks so much!
Quick note: the link to Lustrabaatane is not working anymore… Make sure to fix it so you also get a benefit from our bookings;)
Best
Marie
Lisa
Thank you, I’ll make sure to update that! Sadly I don’t get any benefits from those bookings (I wish, haha), as the boat companies (or the train/transport companies) are not part of any affiliate programs. If you book hotels through my links you are supporting me, though (at no extra cost) 🙂 Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Marie!
Marie
Hello Lisa,
I love your website and am now totally thrilled to go:)
We will travel in April as a family with 2 kids (5&8 yrs old). We have planned 3 nights in Aurland. We like excitement, movement and thrill (as much as you can get with a 5 & 8 year old;)). It will be my birthday whilst we are there so I want to have a good/great plan 🙂
Our current thinking is:
1 day – Aurland/Flam with fjord safari (1.5h), shoe factory (and ideally a short hike somewhere), Stegastein, fjordsauna
1 day – Gudvangen with Viking village, Rimstigen hike and sauna
Open/Question: train, ferry
I wonder whether you can help me pick the right activities.
Do we “need” the ferry if we do fjord safari or is it more or less the same that you see?
Do we “need” train ride or is it more or less the same that you see?
I would highly appreciate your expertise. thanks again so much for your help. And once all links work, I will certainly book via your website!
Marie
Lisa
How exciting! You will have a great time, I’m sure! 🙂
To answer your questions:
– No, you do not need to take the ferry if you take the longer FjordSafari (I believe they call it Heritage). This goes all the way through the Nærøyfjord and shows you all the sights there up close. The shorter FjordSafari (the 1,5-hour one) does not enter the Nærøyfjord. So if you do that one, I might consider taking the ferry one way just to go through the UNESCO-listed fjord arm.
– The train ride is a completely different experience from the boat. The Flåm railway takes you from Flåm, through the Flåm Valley up in the mountains – and the scenery is truly beautiful. There is no comparison between the ferry and the train, as they go through different landscapes and on different routes. If this is a once in a lifetime trip, I would personally do both 🙂
I hope this was helpful!
shayna murry
Hi Lisa,
We will be docking in Flam with NCL Prima on Tuesday June 17th at 10 a.m. Ship departs at 8, have to be back on 2 hours beforehand, but we think 6:30 would work.
Definitely want to do the train fro Flam to Myrdal, and we want to so the fjord cruise to Gudvangen, bus back to Flam.
The train schedule shows earliest we can get on train is 10:50, and it gets back to Flam 13:04.
Do we have time to do the Flam to Gudvangen fjord/bus excursion?
-and one more very important thing-I still need time to get to the Flam church as fast as possible to save time- I’ve discovered I have ancestors buried there and I want to find their graves and sit there a while.
Thank you so much!!!!
Lisa
How fun! Yes, if you get back to Flåm around 1 you have time to do the fjord cruise and bus back to Flåm 🙂 This journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the wait in Gudvangen.
That’s so lovely that you are going to the church to find the graves of your ancestors! How exciting. The church is a 5-minute drive from the center of Flåm, so you should be fine.
Claus Dinauer
Guten Tag,
Diese Seite ist richtig super und vielen Dank für Deine Mühe.
Gibt es eine Autofähre von Gudvangen bach Flam?
Ich frage deshalb, weil wir mit dem Mietauto unterwegs sind und es natürlich besser wäre, wenn wir für diese kleine Kreuzfahrt unser Auto mitnehmen könnten .
Vielen Dank,
Claus
Lisa
No, there is no car ferry from Gudvangen to Flåm.
David Symington
Hi Lisa Thanks for an informitive piece of information. A question fotr you. We would like to travel Oslo to Bergen in two days Im thinking train to Flam first day and train to Bergen the second day. Im thinking of catching the last ferry the first day, staying in Aurland or Undredal for the night and catching the morning ferry to complete the trip. Ideas on which village would offer more and recommendations on bed and beakfast type accomidation? I suspect you may suggest taking three days to complete this trip, your thoughts.
Dave
Lisa
I personally recommend staying in Aurland 🙂 I have even reviewed my favorite (and the most charming) hotel here: https://flamtravelguide.com/vangsgaarden-hotel-aurland/
Yes, 3 days would be ideal, as it would give you more time to relax and enjoy the area. Also, because the train from Oslo will take up the majority of day 1 and not give you that much time. However, I completely understand that sometimes 2 days would work better! I have created an itinerary for this, which you can find here: https://fjordsandbeaches.gumroad.com/l/oslo-bergen-3days
(That’s the 3 day one, which will give you more value, since you can just skip the middle day, but still get my recs for activities)
Winston Zhou
Thank you, Lisa, for your detailed information. We plan to visit Norway this June, your article would be very helpful.
Quick question: It seems there is no car ferry from Gudvangen to Flam, so we plan to drive to Gudvangen, take a ferry to Flam, take a bus back to Gudvangen to get the car, and drive to our hotel in Aurland, do you think it’s a good idea? Do we need to book the ferry in advance?
Reagrds,
Winston
Lisa
Yes, that’s a good idea 🙂 alternatively, you can park in Flåm and start your round trip there (but it doesn’t matter – whatever is easier for you). Yes, I recommend booking the ferry in advance.
Spyros
Hi Lisa. Thank you so much for the informative articles!We are family of 4 with 2 kids 12 and 16 and we plan to visit Norway on early August. The plan is to fly to Bergen and then go to Oslo doing Nin. We plan to do it by ourselves to reduce the costs. If I understand correctly we have to take the bus from Bergen to Gudvagen and then do the cruise from Gudvagen to Flam. Then we have to take 2 trains one from Flam to Myrdal and then from Myrdal to Oslo. Questions: 1)If we do the part of the journey Bergen to Voss by bus and not by train are we going to miss things-views? 2)Do you think that it will be tiring? Do we have to do overnight and where? At Flam,Geilo or somewhere else? 3)We will have backpacks and carry on bags, is this going to be a problem? 4)How many days earlier do we have to buy the tickets for the above routes? And 5)as Bergen is a bit expensive do you think that 2 days are enough to see the most important? Any advice is wellcome! Thank you so much in advance.
Lisa
1) No, not really. The views are different by bus, but still beautiful western Norway landscape.
2) People do it in a day all the time, so it really is up to what travel style you prefer. You don’t have to stay overnight, but if you do I recommend Flåm or Aurland: https://flamtravelguide.com/one-day-in-flam-norway/
3) No, people travel this journey with their luggage all the time.
4) I always recommend booking as early as possible (ideally as soon as you know your travel dates).
5) Yes, 2 days in Bergen is enough. I have an itinerary for this here: https://fjordsandbeaches.gumroad.com/l/bergen2days?layout=profile
Celine Ong
thank you Lisa for the insights. great read/ info
I would like to enquire, I will be departing from Flam with huge luggages.
would like to check if it is allowed?
the plan is to
Flam-> Gudvangen (cruise 2 hr)
Gudvangen -> Voss (bus)
Voss -> Bergen (train)
Do you know if I should time and get the tickets in advance?
thank you very much for your advise.
Lisa
Yes, luggage is allowed – you have to carry it yourself 🙂
I always recommend booking your tickets as early as possible, especially in the high season.
Mila
Hi Lisa,
My husband and I are booked fir our Scandinavian trip. Copenhagen -Aug 21(arriving at noon) departing early flight to Bergen on Aug 24 for 2 or 3 nights. Aug 26th or 27th , go to Oslo; Aug 29 or 30thto Sept 2 Copenhagen.
Dates between cities are flexible.
What is the best way to plan for our Bergen/fjord trip. How many nights in Bergen. How do I plan the fjord portion in such a way that we will not go back to Bergen to minimize travel time? Thank you!
Lisa
I’ve written a guide to planning a trip to Norway here: https://www.fjordsandbeaches.com/plan-a-trip-to-norway/
Frans Van Riet
Helo LIsa,
can dogs come on the flam cruise ship.greetings
Lisa
Yes, I think dogs are allowed on the fjord cruise, but do double check directly with the company you buy your tickets from (as it depends on their policy) 🙂
Keng Seng
I plan to take the cruise from Gudvangan to Flåm.
And then return by bus from Flåm to Gudvangan. How do I book this on the Fjords website?
Lisa
The link is in the article above – you can book it on http://www.norwaysbest.com 🙂
Lenka
Hi Lisa, we have booked ticket for Flam railway combinated with cycling for 7:20am. I have no idea what time is good for booking ticket for ferry from Flam to Gudvangen. We are group of five from 17 to 50 years.
Where is the place for returninf of bikes? How long is the way to port of ferry?
Do you think is it possible to catch the ferry at 11 am?
Thank you advance for your response and advice. Lenka
Lisa
The return place for the bikes is right by the train station, and the ferry port is just a 30-second walk from the train platform as well 🙂
The 11am ferry is possible, but if you want extra time/to be sure you might want to book a later one, just to ease your mind.
Rob
Thank you for all the great information! I havea specific question related to timing. We are arriving by train in Flam (in July) at 17:05. We depart on the electric ferry to Gudvangen at 17:15. Will we have to run or will the ferry wait for train passengers? Thank you!
Lisa
The ferry goes on a schedule, and will not wait if the train is delayed. But 10 minutes is enough time to walk over to the ferry (it is right next to the train) 🙂
Daniel Stein
Hi Lisa, what’s the right way to request the cruise ferry to stop at Aurland? We’re catching an afternoon cruise in the Flåm direction with The Fjords, and staying overnight in Aurland at Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri. The NB website says:
Please note: Middle stops(*) must be booked before the boat departs from Flåm or Gudvangen. Without prior booking, the boat will not stop at these locations.
I emailed Norway’s Best to ask how to book it but they replied to say that the ferry doesn’t stop at Aurland. Is there someone else I contact beforehand, or do I talk to someone when I arrive at Gudvangen? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Lisa
On this link you should be able to book the ferry from Gudvangen to Aurland: https://www.norwaysbest.com/en/flam/things-to-do/fjord-cruise-naeroyfjord 🙂
Daniel Stein
Thanks for your reply. We have a booking on the 14:30 cruise from Gudvangen and the timetable doesn’t include any stops except Flåm. But your post above says “Along the way, they stop in Aurland and Undredal (sometimes only upon request).” So it made me think I have to request the Aurland stop and that was my question: how do we request? Or is it only the first and last ferries that make intermediate stops, as the timetable shows? Thanks for your advice!
Lanissa
Hello! We are traveling to Flam on a cruise ship. I’m wondering if the fjord cruise would give us a different view and experience of the fjords vs. our cruis ship’s route?!?! Is it worth it to do the fjord cruise as well? I would love to spend time in Undredal but I don’t think a ferry leaves in time to make it back for our ship. Are there bus rides from Undredal?
Lisa
Yes, the fjord cruise will travel through the Nærøyfjord to reach Gudvangen – the cruise ships don’t go there. The Nærøyfjord is the fjord that is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List 🙂
There are no buses between Undredal and Flåm, unfortunately.
Carolyn
Thank you so much for this info. We are already booked on the Falm railway at 130 in Flam. I thought that we can book the 930 cruise (we are coming to Flam via cruise ship the same morning) as our ship is just in port for the day and then take the 1245 shuttle back to Flam which would arrive 105, in time for the train tour. If I am understanding you, we can instead book a shuttle 10 minutes after arriving in Gudvangen, rather then spending an extra hour there, and this will allow us more time back in Flam before the train? Thank you again!
Lisa
If there is an earlier shuttle than 12:45 available, then you can book that, yes 🙂
Julia Ellis
Hi Lisa. Thank you for the helpful information. We are a party of 3 travelling to Aurland in September for a wedding and staying at The Wangen apartments. We have a free day on the 21st Septmber and would like to do a fjord cruise. What would be the best way to navigate this from Aurland? If we request pick-up form Aurland, would we miss much of the sights from Flam? And if we use the shuttle bus back to Flam from Gudvangen, how would you recommend we get back to Aurland? Many thanks x
Lisa
How exciting! You won’t miss much between Flåm and Aurland, it is a short cruise between the two villages. From Flåm, you can get to Aurland by bus or taxi, see here: https://flamtravelguide.com/travel-between-the-fjord-villages/
Sherleen
Hi, I am planning on a daytrip to Flam from Bergen (Bergen – Flåm – Nærøyfjord – Bergen route). I will arrive on 11:05am at Flam train station and take the cruise at 2:45pm from Flam – 4:45pm (Gudvagen). My connection bus to Voss from Gudvagen is at 4:50pm, do you think I will make it to the connection? and would 3,5 hours at Flam enough to explore the area? Thanks in advance!
Lisa
Usually the boat and bus are scheduled to connect, but I cannot guarantee that you will make it with just 5 minutes. If the bus to Voss leaves from the main road (E16 stop) there might not be time, but if it leaves right from the docks it usually waits for the boat passengers. I have covered this here: https://www.fjordsandbeaches.com/norway-in-a-nutshell-tour-on-your-own/
3,5 hours is not really enough to explore the area, but since you are already doing the train and the fjord cruise, you’ll be seeing a lot of the area on your way in and out 🙂 3,5 hours is definitely enough to walk around the village and see everything in Flåm (it’s tiny) 🙂
Martin
Unfortunately, there is a cruise ship in port on both of our days in Flam. We can book a cruise that concludes after the ship departs, so no big ship passengers will be on board . Is this a better idea to avoid crowds? Any other tips for avoiding crowds on cruise ship days? Your blog has been extraordinarily helpful! We booked one of the little fjordside cabins with Anders based upon your information. Thanks!
Lisa
That’s a great way to avoid the worst of the crowds, actually! 🙂 Generally the cruise guests all flock to the Flåm Railway, so a departure that leaves before/returns after the cruise ship will be a lot less crowded. So happy you booked the Fretheim Fjordhytter! You’ll love it, and Sue and Anders are the best!
Khushjiv Singh Sethi
Dear Lisa, You blogs are wonderful and helpful. But still i have a worrisome question. I have booked the train from Oslo to Flam and arrive at 13:04 hrs. I want to visit Stegastein in about 2 hrs before i catch the ferry to Gudvangen. There are 2 ferries, The Fjords Cruise at 15:00 to 17:00 Hrs and The Lustraboatane at 16:00 to 18:00 hrs. Do i have syfficient time to visit Stegastein and catch the 15:00 cruise? After reaching Gudvangen will i be able to get a direct bus to Bergen? How Can i book in advance?
Lisa
If you arrive at 13:04 and want to spend 2 hours going to Stegastein, you will not have time before the 15:00 cruise. You can read about Stegastein (and find links to the schedule) here: https://flamtravelguide.com/stegastein-viewpoint/
Once you see the Stegastein schedule/timing, you’ll be able to know the time you get back to Flåm and can catch the ferry.
For the bus, you will have to book this in advance, I have covered it in detail here: https://www.fjordsandbeaches.com/norway-in-a-nutshell-tour-on-your-own/#Step_3_Bus_formerly_via_the_Stalheimskleiva_hairpin_turns
Tracy Dibb
Hi Lisa, Your blogs are really helpful, and I have decided to travel from Voss to Gudvangen via the bus to do the fyord cruise to Flam as we are staying in Voss for a few days in January 2026. I was just about to book the tickets but note that the cruise website is not going to Gudvangen due to ice at the moment and I just wondered would I be better getting the cruise from Flam to make certain it is running at that time of the year? If I booked the tickets from Gudvangen but needed to change to Flam because of the ice is there a bus I would be able to get? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
The cruise goes between Flåm and Gudvangen, so it is the same one whether you start in Flåm or Gudvangen. Ice is a potential risk in the winter, unfortunately, but fingers crossed it will have melted or be broken up when you visit 🙂