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, so you need to put a little extra effort into your planning.

However, the winter months are still an accessible and rewarding time to visit. And who knows, maybe you’ll even catch the Northern Lights whilst in Flåm?

Why visit Flåm in Winter?

Now, there are plenty of reasons to visit Flåm year-round, but if you are wondering why you should visit during the winter months specifically, I’ve got your back!

• Winter Scenery: Since the village of Flåm is nestled along the fjord, it is quite rare that we get snow that sticks – all though it does happen! And even without snow, there’s a beauty to the landscape when it is completely bare and the fjord is all still. Additionally, there’s just something about the atmosphere in the winter.
• Christmas Lights: The local businesses of Flåm have all invested in cozy exterior lighting, that lights up the edges of the roofs and balconies around town. This adds to the coziness of visiting this time of year.
• Serene and Peaceful: Winter in Flåm means fewer tourists, allowing travelers to enjoy a tranquil and intimate experience, perfect for those seeking solace and a deeper connection with nature (or each other).
• Scandinavian Hygge Vibe: The cozy atmosphere of Flåm during winter is the epitome of hygge, where warm, inviting spaces and the simplicity of nature come together to offer comfort and contentment. You’ll want to drop by the bakery for a hot chocolate several times a day!
• Unique Winter Activities: There are activities that are only available during the winter months – with the coolest one being snow shoe hiking!
• Everything is Different: The main attractions in Flåm offer a completely different experience in the winter. The fjord cruise through the fjord and the Flåm Railway are examples of experiences that are equally breathtaking in the winter – but in a very different way. So, even if you’ve already visited Flåm in the summer, I highly recommend a trip back during the darker months.

Things to do in Flåm in Winter

There are some great things to do in Flåm no matter what time of year you visit. Below I have listed some highlights for those visiting in the winter. And don’t forget to check out the other fjord villages too!

• Fjord Cruise in the Winter Light: The fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen is a must, and there’s nothing like gliding through the quiet Nærøyfjord on a winter morning. I’ve written a guide to the Nærøyfjord cruise here.
• Stegastein Viewpoint: The iconic Stegastein Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the fjord below, and when the mountains are capped with snow, the scenery is unlike any other.
• Snowshoeing and Easy Winter Walks: In addition to the many hikes you can go on in Flåm, there are special snow shoe hikes you can join during the colder months! There is a local one, or even a longer day trip to the famous Jotunheimen!
• The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): Of course, the world famous train ride needs to be on the list, and some say it’s even more stunning in winter, as it passes frozen waterfalls and snowy peaks.
• Winter Fjordsafari: If you’re after adventure, the team at Fjordsafari has a winter version of their boat ride, and it’s a super fun outdoor activity! They provide you with big, inflatable moon suits, but make sure you layer up well regardless!
• FjordSauna: This is an activity that I actually think is even better in winter than in summer (all though I love it year-round). Imagine getting all hot and steamy inside the warm sauna, only to jump into the almost freezing fjord to cool down. It’s an experience unlike any other.
• Enjoy the Lights on a Winter Walk: Walk to the top viewpoint of the Fretheim Cultural Park (the small trail system behind the Fretheim Hotel) to get a beautiful view of the village with all its Christmas/winter lights up. The trails are lit up by little orbs along the ground during the winter, making for a really cozy stroll.

Cozy Winter Accommodation in Flåm

I’ve covered all the hotels and accommodation options in Flåm in detail in this post, but I wanted to highlight a couple that I feel are extra cozy for the winter.

Please note that some hotels in Flåm and Aurland stay closed for the winter months, such as Heimly and Hotel Aurlandsfjord. Additionally, hotels are likely to have limited availability in the off-season, so make sure you book early.

Flåmsbrygga

Flåmsbrygga Hotel stands out as an exceptional choice for a winter getaway. This charming hotel embraces the Scandinavian concept of hygge, offering guests a warm and inviting atmosphere that epitomizes coziness and comfort. Their rustic, cabin-like design, is why I wanted to highlight it as a perfect retreat from the cold, allowing visitors to unwind by the fire with a hot beverage in hand.

Each room is thoughtfully furnished to enhance relaxation, featuring natural wood elements and plush textiles that create a serene and snug environment. Whether you’re returning from a day of exploring the snowy landscapes or simply wish to enjoy the tranquility of winter, Flåmsbrygga Hotel ensures a memorable stay, making it a top choice for those seeking a cozy winter escape.

Check Availability & Prices Here!

Flåm Holiday Home

If you’re traveling to Flåm with your family, consider renting a house for your stay. This vacation rental is centrally located and has 3 bedrooms, meaning you can bring the entire family along! Like Flåmsbrygga, the interior is rustic and cabin-like, and you know I love that for a winter getaway!

You’ll also have a full kitchen and a fireplace, ideal for those wanting to save some money by cooking themselves, or for those visiting Norway during Christmas (when most restaurants and grocery stores are closed). The fireplace is ideal for making your winter trip extra cozy.

Check Availability & Prices Here!

Read more: Places to Stay in Flåm (covering the different areas of the village) or Hotels in Flåm (a detailed guide to the specific hotels in the area)

Tips for a Stress-Free Winter Visit

Now that I’ve spent some time convincing you why visiting Flåm in the winter is a great idea, it’s time to share some of my best tips for making your trip perfect.

There are some things you need to keep in mind when visiting between October and March, and I’ve outlined them all below!

Pack Wool and Dress in Layers

When packing for Norway in winter (read my complete guide here), make sure you are focused on layers and wool. Those two keywords will be the most important – always layer up!

A good wool base layer, even under jeans, will keep you warm through your day of exploring. My favorite base layers are from Kari Traa. If you add a cozy Norwegian sweater (my favorites are here) to the mix, you’ll be good to go!

Be Aware of and Plan Around the Light

In the winter, daylight hours in Norway are very short. In the peak of winter it won’t get light until around 10 in the morning, and start getting dark again at 4 in the afternoon.

Being aware of this and planning accordingly is key. There’s no point going on a fjord cruise in the pitch black – you’ll have wasted both your money and your time.

Prepare for Slower Travel

Visiting Flåm and the majestic fjords during the winter offers a serene and slower-paced experience. The shorter daylight hours encourage travellers to extend their stay, ensuring there’s ample time to explore and soak in the unique offerings of the area.

This slower tempo allows for a more intimate and reflective exploration, making every moment spent amidst the snowy fjords unforgettable.

Use Local Expertise

When visiting in the winter, offers and activities won’t be as plentiful as in the high season. You may find that it is a little more difficult to know what’s on and what’s going on around the village in terms of tours and schedules.

Therefore, asking for recommendations from the receptionist at your hotel, the staff at the Flåm Visitor Center/Tourist Information, or just your Fjordsafari or Snowshoe Hike guide is a great idea!

Of course, you’re already on the right track by reading my blog! (Thank you)

Always Check Schedules and Opening Hours

It’s important to note that many local businesses operate with limited opening hours during the winter, calling for a bit of pre-planning to make the most of your journey. Make sure you double check opening hours for the grocery store, Visitor Center, bakery and restaurants before your visit – to avoid any unpleasant surprises and closed doors.

The same goes for tour schedules. Check them in advance (keeping in mind the limited daylight) and make your bookings accordingly. The Flåm Railway, for example, has only 4 daily departures in the winter, as opposed to 9 in the summer months. So if you’re arriving in Flåm late one afternoon, thinking you can rock up and join a roundtrip with the Flåmsbana, you’ll likely be disappointed.

Start Planning Your Winter Escape

With all that being said, visiting Flåm during the winter is a great experience, even though it requires a little bit of extra research and preparation.

You’re in for a treat, with quieter days and slower travel. It’s the perfect time of year to visit for those that want to enjoy the calmer moments (and avoid the hustle and bustle of the cruise ships and high season).

I hope this post has been helpful! If you have specific questions, do leave them in the comments and I’ll get to them as soon as I can!