Flåm Railway vs Fjord Cruise: Do you Need to Take Both?

If you’re planning a trip to Flåm, you’ve probably already heard about two of its biggest highlights: the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise to Gudvangen. Both are often featured in the iconic Norway in a Nutshell route, and both promise jaw-dropping scenery.

But do you really need to do both? Is it the same landscape? Could you just pick one and still feel like you’ve seen the best of what Flåm has to offer?

My short answer?

Yes – if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I highly recommend doing both.

Even though they’re often grouped together in the same itinerary, these two journeys are completely different experiences. The Flåm Railway takes you up into the mountains, through the lush and dramatic Flåm Valley, while the fjord cruise glides you out through the water, between steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls on the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

Let me break it down a bit further so you can see what makes each one special – and why they’re both worth your time.

What Do You See on the Flåm Railway?

The Flåm Railway (or Flåmsbana) is often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world – and for good reason.

This iconic train ride takes you from the fjord-side village of Flåm to the mountain station of Myrdal, 867 metres above sea level. The route winds through deep valleys, past dramatic waterfalls, and over bridges that cling to the cliff sides.

It’s a slow and scenic climb, with lots of variation in scenery, from green farmland and rushing rivers to snow-dusted mountain peaks (depending on the season).

One of the highlights is the stop at Kjosfossen, a powerful waterfall where the train pauses long enough for you to hop out and take photos. Spoiler alert: In the summer months, you’ll even get a surprise performance by a “huldra” – a mythical forest spirit from Norwegian folklore.

Want more info? Read my full Flåm Railway Guide

What makes it special:

• The constantly changing scenery as you gain elevation
• Riding through 20 tunnels – many of them hand-dug!
• That feeling of stepping into the mountains
• Great for photography (tip: sit on the left side going up for the best views)

What Do You See on the Fjord Cruise to Gudvangen?

Now let’s talk about the ferry.

The fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen takes you through two stunning fjords – Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you’re gliding between its towering cliffs and waterfalls, you’ll understand why.

Unlike the train, the cruise offers a water-level view of the landscape. It’s a peaceful, slow-paced journey where you can really take in the sheer scale of the fjords, spot tiny farms clinging to impossible hillsides, and maybe even see seals or porpoises if you’re lucky.

There are a few different boats that run the route, but my personal favorite is the electric ferry, which is nearly silent and glides through the fjord with barely a ripple.

You can read all about it in my Fjord Cruise Guide to Gudvangen

What makes it special:

• Being on the fjord and seeing the cliffs rise vertically above you
• Incredible photo ops, especially as you enter the narrower Nærøyfjord
• A calm, relaxing experience – great if you want to just sit back and soak it in
• The contrast of wild nature with traditional farms and villages

So… Should You Do Both?

If this is your one big trip to Norway – and especially to Flåm – I would absolutely recommend doing both the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise.

They take you through completely different parts of the landscape, and the experiences are so different that it would be a shame to skip one. The train lets you experience the power and engineering of the mountains, while the ferry offers the serenity and awe of the fjords from below.

That said, if you’re short on time or budget, I’d suggest asking yourself this:

• Do you want more dramatic mountain scenery and a unique train ride? Go for the Flåm Railway.
• Do you want to glide through majestic fjords and see iconic landscapes? Choose the fjord cruise.

But if you can do both? Do both. You won’t regret it.

Final Thoughts

Planning your Flåm trip and still feeling unsure? I’ve got a full breakdown of how to experience both the train and the cruise – plus options for DIY-ing the Norway in a Nutshell route – over on my main blog.

If you’re still planning your itinerary, I also have ready-made Norway itineraries available to download instantly – and they include options for seeing both the Flåm Railway and the fjord cruise.

Let me know in the comments: which one are you most excited for – the train or the fjord?