A Local’s Guide to the Flam Zipline, Norway
Flåm is, without a doubt, one of western Norway’s most beautiful villages. Situated on the innermost banks of the Aurlandsfjord, Flam is amongst the country’s most visited tourist destinations – and I grew up watching all these tourists arrive.
The Flåmsbana train that runs from Myrdal to Flam and back is the leading tourist attraction in Norway, however, there’s a new activity on the block; the Flam Zipline (or Flåm Zipline, depending on your keyboard)!
The entire valley between Flam and Myrdal, also called the Flåm Valley, is 18 kilometres long and is blessed with steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and streaming rivers. The ever-changing landscapes in the Flåm Valley offer a magnificent mix of colours, green pastures, cultural history, and cute wooden houses.
Exploring the valley is an adventure of its own. So, when a new zipline activity opened in the Valley, I couldn’t contain myself and had to try it! It is actually northern Europe’s longest zipline, and takes you on an adventurous ride through the stunning Flåm Valley.
Side note: Notice how I put “northern” Europe there? That’s because the longest zipline in Europe title is in Snowdonia, and one of the most popular attractions in Wales!
The Flam Zipline offers a truly unique bird’s eye view of the Flam Valley and the surrounding areas. The zipline goes from its top station Vatnahalsen, down to Kårdal (or Kårdalen, locally). The best thing is, you can cross off both the ziplining experience and riding the Flamsbana in one go!
If you are looking for a Flam Zipline review, you are in the right place!
Table of Contents
Flåm Zipline: The Facts
Let’s start with some interesting facts about the Flam Zipline. They opened in 2018 and instantly became a popular and sought-after activity. Flam Zipline is the second-longest zipline in Europe, with the one in Wales taking the first position.
It is, however, the longest zipline in Norway, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe!
The top station/starting point of the Zipline is located in Vatnahalsen, almost at the top of the Flam Valley. Vatnahalsen is also the penultimate stop (right after Myrdal when going from Myrdal to Flam) on the Flam Railway Line, which is one of the top things to do in Flåm.
Hence, it’s pretty easy to reach. After covering a total length of 1381 metres (4531 feet), the zipline ends at Kardalen.
The Flam Zipline is also amongst the fastest in Europe, and you can reach speeds up to 100 km/h (60 mph), and sometimes over, when the conditions are right. It takes a total of 1,5 minutes flying through the air to cover the distance from top to bottom.
That’s a lot of time hanging in the air, just supported by a steel wire high above the valley! Another fun fact is that you fly down a distance of 305 metres (1000 feet) from the top of the valley to the bottom of the zipline!
Flam Zipline is open every day from May until October. Nevertheless, the operations can get affected due to changes in weather conditions. Hence, it’s always advisable to check in advance before you visit, especially in spring or autumn.
How to get to Flam Zipline?
There are multiple ways to reach Vatnahalsen, the top station of Flam Zipline in Norway. It depends on where you are vacationing and travelling from – Flåm, Oslo, or Bergen.
If you want to spend a night at Vatnahalsen before taking the zipline the next morning, head this way to read my complete Vatnahalsen Hotel Review before you book!
Reaching the Flam Zipline from Flam, Norway
As mentioned, Flam is a very popular tourist destination, and just a short drive from where I grew up (Aurland). So, chances are you will be looking to reach the top station – Vatnahalsen – from Flam.
You can reach the Zipline by train from both Myrdal and Flåm, and the train is none other than the famous Flåm Railway.
If you are in Myrdal, you can simply walk to Vatnahalsen and the top station in around 10 minutes. This is assuming you don’t have a suitcase with wheels. The short walk is not very strenuous and can also be done if you are carrying a rucksack or a backpack, however you might have to carry a suitcase as the road is mainly rocks and gravel.
If you don’t want to walk, you can take the Flåm Railway one stop to Vatnahalsen station (all though I personally wouldn’t pay for this unless you have too much luggage to carry).
If you are in Flam, take the Flåm Railway towards Myrdal, but get off at Vatnahalsen, a station before Myrdal. The Flam Zipline is right beside the Vatnahalsen railway station.
Alternatively, if you have a bicycle: head to Myrdal with your bike on the train, and cycle down to Vatnahalsen. The zipline actually accommodate bicycles, and they’ll send it down to the bottom for you to continue your trip on the bike!
Reaching the Flam Zipline from Voss, Bergen or Oslo, Norway
Myrdal is the connecting station for the Oslo-Bergen Railway, also called Bergensbanen. So, if you are visiting Flåm from either of these two destinations, get off at Myrdal, and walk or bike to Vatnahalsen, the top station for Flam Zipline.
Interestingly, Vatnahalsen – the ziplining top station, also falls along the popular Rallarvegen cycling route, one of the most popular outdoor activities in the area.
So, if you are cycling the Flam Valley from either Finse, Haugastøl, or Myrdal, you can stop at the top station and experience the zipline. As mentioned earlier, they will send your bicycle down the zipline at no extra charge!
Keep reading: how to get to Flåm from Bergen
Reaching Flam Zipline by a private ATV
If none of the options mentioned above suit your timing or preference, you can reach out directly to the Flam Zipline staff, and they may be able to arrange a private ATV ride for you to get to the top station at Vatnahalsen. These ATVs are bigger and can easily accommodate up to 5 people.
It’s the most time-efficient and fun way to reach the Flam Zipline, as you get to experience the drive up the Flåm Valley from the ATV. Of course, there is not always capacity for them to arrange this, so bear in mind that it may not be possible in the high season when it is busiest.
How to book tickets for Flam Zipline and Flamsbana
The tickets for both the Flam Zipline and the Flam Railway can be booked on one single website – Norway’s Best. To avoid making two different transactions, make sure you add both the activities together in the cart and make a single payment, unless you book your train here.
Before booking, ensure that the date mentioned is correct and you fall in the recommended health criteria for the ziplining activity. Read all the fine print before accepting the terms and conditions. In general, the requirements to ride the zipline are:
- Minimum weight: 25kg
- Maximum weight: 140 kg
- You cannot be intoxicated or inebriated in any way – no alcohol
- If you are pregnant, have back, neck, heart issues, epilepsia or other conditions that may affect you during the zipline, you are encouraged to make a thorough consideration of whether you are fit to participate
If you feel that booking the tickets by yourself is a hassle, there are guided tours from Bergen and Oslo that you can join.
In such tours, you take a train from Bergen to Myrdal, walk down the Flam Valley from Myrdal to Vatnahalsen, zipline from Vatnahalsen to Kardalen, bike from Kardalen to Flam, spend a night in Flam, cruise the fjords, ride the Flamsbana from Flam to Myrdal, and return to Bergen via the Bergen Railway.
All the bookings, as well as the bicycle rentals, are taken care of by the tour operator. This is not really necessary, but highly convenient if you prefer travelling without any responsibilities.
How to reach Flåm from Kårdalen, the end station?
There are multiple ways to reach Flam from Kardalen. I recommend walking down the beautiful Flam Valley – one of the most popular hikes in Flåm. The walk is mostly downhill and not too strenuous. This will take you about 3-4 hours, and it is quite a lovely hike.
Alternatively, you can also rent a bicycle from a kiosk in Kårdalen. They have limited bicycles that are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you reach Flam, you can drop off the bicycles next to the Flam Railway Station.
Whether you walk back or cycle to Flam, you will come across majestic waterfalls, breath-taking landscapes, beautiful stone bridges, and tunnels. From Kardalen, you can also walk for around 30 minutes to the Blomheller Station and catch the Flamsbana train to Flam.
So, to sum up, there are three ways to make it back to Flåm; by walking, cycling or by train!
What is the Flam Zipline experience like?
Once you reach the Flam Zipline top station in Vatnahalsen, the staff will instruct you regarding the safety parameters and prepare for your ziplining experience. The staff is friendly, great to talk to, supportive, and instantly makes you feel safe. Once properly geared, they set you up at the top, and the adventure starts.
Initially, you might feel terrified of the free-fall, the gushing air, and the height, but once you realise that you are safely strapped, the anxiety subsides (which only takes a few seconds), and you start enjoying the feeling of flying high above the beautiful Flam Valley.
Look down at the scenery, and you will get a bird’s eye view of the valley, the hairpin bends of the Rallarvegen cycling route, the people walking down the valley, and the river flowing in all its glory. You will also fly over the famous Myrdalssvingane – the 21 hairpin turns going up the valley.
To get the best view of these, turn around slightly and look to your left.
I can go on and explain what the experience is like for a while, but thought it best to just show you! Below is a video I took of my latest adventure on the zipline!
Flåm Zipline Video
There’s no other way to see the incredible Flam Valley from such an angle than by ziplining through it. Second after second, the zipline speed will increase and take you to a maximum speed of 100 km/h, until you end up in Kardalen – the bottom station.
Here, the crew will again assist you in getting you out of the safety gear. Once you get down, your adrenaline will still be pumping. Take some time, relax, and calm down. Trust me, you will never get over those 1.5 minutes of adventure!
I hope this detailed guide helps you plan your ziplining experience with Flam Zipline. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
Flåm Zipline and Flåm Valley FAQ
Flåm zipline is open daily from May until late October. For up to date information about opening hours each year, head this way!
The start of the zipline is in Vatnahalsen, at the top of the Flåm Valley.
The total length of the Flåm Zipline is 1381 metres (4531 feet), from Vatnahalsen to Kårdalen.
Yes, there are some restrictions.
– Minimum weight: 25kg
– Maximum weight: 140 kg
– You cannot be intoxicated or inebriated in any way – no alcohol
– If you are pregnant, have back, neck, heart issues, epilepsia or other conditions that may affect you during the zipline, you are encouraged to make a thorough consideration of whether you are fit to participate
Read next: My complete guide to the area
43 Comments
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Suzie
Hi there. We are interested in the Zipline experience. After you end up in Kardalen, how do you get to a train station that leads back to Flam? Is there one in/near Kardalen, or is it the 30 minute walk only to Blomheller Station and catch the Flamsbana train to Flam. If we don’t want to walk for 30 minutes how do we get to a train station? Thanks for your reply! Thanks for the description of the zipline.
Suzie
Lisa
Hi Suzie! Thank you for your comment, and apologies for the late reply.
The best train station to reach from Kårdalen is Blomheller, which is about 2 km/30 minutes (as you say). If you don’t want to walk, you can rent a bicycle at the bottom station for the zipline, and bring it on the train with you.
However, the Flåm valley is absolutely beautiful, so walking or biking all the way back down is highly recommended 🙂
Ranko
Hi Lisa,
I assume it would be difficult to catch Norland boat from Flam to Bergen at 3:30pm if we want to go to the flam zip line (after we arrive at Flam from Oslo at 12:54pm), ride zip line, and then bike to Flam? Thanks.
Lisa
Hi!
I am afraid it might be cutting it close. If you arrive in Flåm at 12:54pm, I assume your train is in Myrdal at 11:18. From there, you could make the 20-minute walk to the zipline top station, and be done with ziplining by noon or 12:30.
If you rent bicycles at Kårdal (the zipline bottom station), you could technically be in Flåm by 2:30.
So, to answer your question – it could work, but you would have to make sure you don’t get delayed and that you are efficient 🙂
I hope this was helpful!
Heather Sarigul
I was thinking to take to Flam zipline as we are heading for Flam from Bergen via train. Is that possible? We have our luggage with us. Could the lugguge stay on the train and somehow be waiting for us in Flam? At bottom of zipline I was thinking to rent bicyles back to Flam. I also worry about there not being enough bicycles to rent since it is first, first serve. There are four of us, two adults, 2 kids, youngest being 9 years old.
Or , we just take the train from Bergen to Flam and drop our luggage off at the place we will spend the night in Flam, and then head back on the train for the zipline. Just seems redundant. Any suggestions?
Lisa
Hi Heather!
The crew at Flåm Zipline can send your luggage down the zipline as well, as they have a special zip for transporting goods. From Kårdal, you would then have to either carry it to the next train station, or see about renting a trolley to go behind your bicycle.
Alternatively, you can rent your bikes at Cafe Rallaren in Myrdal. Then, you can also rent a stroller, and keep your luggage in it if it will fit. They offer rentals booked in advance, so you don’t have to worry about getting a bicycle. The bikes can be sent down the zipline as well 🙂
Amanda
Do you have any thoughts about renting bikes at Myrdal vs Kardalen if we plan to bike back to flam after the Zipline. It seems easier to book as a package deal and rent in Kardalen, but that booking site doesn’t let me enter bike sizes. My son and I are very short and will need adult small bikes. I am thinking of picking up the bikes in Myrdal because that lets us specify size. Any thoughts on the biking equipment rented by the Zipline people vs the equipment rented by cafe rallaren or other options would be helpful. Are we missing out on a lot a great scenery on the bike route by doing the Zipline? Tusen takk!
Lisa
Hi Amanda!
Thank you for the questions!
Both Kårdal and Myrdal have great equipment and bikes, and are “equal” in terms of that.
However, if you need a smaller sized bike, and know they have them at Myrdal, then I would rent them there. The ones in Kårdal I believe are mostly the same size (but with adjustable steering and seat, of course).
You are missing out on the 21 hairpin turns by doing the zipline, however this is not a big draw, as usually you are advised to get off your bike and walk down them anyways (for safety). So, instead you get to see them as you soar over them from the zipline. Basically, you see the same scenery from the zipline, you just wont bike on it 🙂
Sarah Douglas
Hello! We will be in Flam for a cruise excursion and are considering the train/zip/bike tour. My concern is we will have 3 children with us. Ages are 6 and 8. How is the bike ride for kids? If we were to walk from the zip to the next train station, is there a schedule that shows what time those trains depart (I can’t remember the station name). I am just worried if we don’t bike, we’ll be cutting it close as we need to get back on the ship about 4pm. Thanks so much for your help!!!
Lisa
Hi Sarah! Thanks for asking!
The bike ride is fine for kids, as long as they are comfortable on a bike (and you as a parent are as well). The road is a hard-packed gravel, and paved in some places towards the end 🙂
The schedule can be found on http://www.vy.no, and should be handing at the station as well. You can also get the schedule in the visitor center in Flåm (inside the station building). They have pocket sized ones you can bring with you 🙂
Nisha
Hi there! My friend and I are planning on taking the Flamsbana from Flam –> Myrdal. However, we will each have 1 suitcase with wheels and are wondering how to proceed with this situation.
If we take the Zipline down to Kardalen, we should be able to transport our bags.. but how could we get back to the station to get a VY/NSB train to Oslo? Is there an ATV option?
Thanks!!
Lisa
Hi Nisha! Thank you for your comment 🙂
I have answered this above – someone else has recently asked the same! Let me know if you still have questions!
Best,
Lisa
Sara Shah
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for the details – very helpful. Planning on taking the Flam railway from Flam to Vatnahalsen, zipline down to Kardal and then rent bikes from Kardal back to Flam. If we take get to the zipline by 12:55PM, how long would it take us to bike back to Flam? Have a fjordsafari at 4:00 at Flam and trying to decide if the train/zipline/bike combo is a good option or just do rountrip train. Thank you!
Sara
Lisa
Hi Sara! How exciting that you are planning a trip to Flåm! 🙂
Cycling back down to Flåm from Kårdal usually takes 1-2 hours, so you should be fine with that timeline.
All the best,
Lisa
Don
Hi Lisa – Thanks so much for your blog – it is so helpful! My partner and I are planning a trip in Sept trip to the area. I’m planning to do the Flam zipline but he’s a bit hesitant and wants to simply bike from Myrdal instead. If we split up at the zipline and he takes the bikepath… will the path meet the end of the zipline? How long will it take for the bikeride vs the zipline. (in other words, how long will I have to wait for him at the goat farm before we can bike together the rest of the way to flam).
Thanks!
Lisa
Hi Don! So happy you found my blog helpful 🙂
Yes, the path “joins” at the bottom of the zipline. So, you will be able to meet up with your partner at the bottom.
The zipline itself is about 90 seconds long, but will take a little longer when you count for waiting, getting suited up and safety tests – around 15-20 minutes.
The bike ride down can take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on how slow you go in the hairpin turns (I recommend getting off your bike and walking down if you are feeling uncertain – no need risking anything down them if you aren’t 100% confident in your biking abilities).
I hope this was helpful!
Best,
Lisa
Claire Downey
Thanks for all the useful information! Two questions….if we get the train up and find the zip wire closed, how do we get down? I know the train tickets can sell out. Also, is the cycle down to flam from the end of the zip wire suitable for novices?
Lisa
Hi Claire! Thank you for your question 🙂
Always double check opening and closing hours for the zipline before you go – if you have booked your zipline in advance, you won’t find it closed.
However, if this were to happen, you can still walk down to Flåm, or walk to the next station to get back on the Flåm Railway for the next departure.
I would say the cycle path is suitable for most levels of cyclers, but of course, if you find yourself very unexperienced, I recommend walking. Or, just take your time and cycle as slowly as needed to feel comfortable.
Sonia
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for all the information, I have never come across such a detailed blog. So good! My family and I plan to visit Flåm next month and I have noticed that the train tickets on Norwaysbest is double the amount than on VY, was just wondering why is that so. Are the VY trains reliable?
Lisa
Hi Sonia, and thank you for your comment!
The Flåm railway is the same train, whether you buy the tickets from VY or Norway’s Best. Since Norway’s Best sell return tickets, these are at a set price for the return tickets (returning on the same train).
Vy is Norway’s main train company, and they sell primarily one-way tickets for travelers using the Flåm railway to connect to the Oslo-Bergen railway (and continuing on towards Oslo or Bergen). Therefore, the prices look a little different. On Vy, you are seeing the price of a one-way ticket. Hope this helps!
Christian
Dear Lisa, first of all love your guides, we’ve been reading several already.
Question: if we should arrive with Vy 13:10, then walk to Vatnahalsen and ZIP down to Kardalen. We’d like to valk down to Flåm (instead of renting bikes). Based on your guide I’d estimate we should be at Kardalen and start the walk around 13:45.
We need to get back up on the last train from Flåm, which is 17:20 on that day, is that doable with a steady regular walk? If my math is right it leaves us only 3 hours and 30 minutes (as to be boarding the train)?
Lisa
Hi Christian! Thank you for your question – I am happy that my blog is helpful (I have more Norway guides over on my main site, http://www.fjordsandbeaches.com)
To answer your question; yes, 3,5 hours is doable from Kårdal to Flåm. Most likely you’ll have no problem at all.
However, since you are catching the train back up the valley, I would recommend considering getting on it at Lunden (17:23) or Håreina (17:26). Not many minutes extra, but the final stretch of the walk is simply 20 minutes of walking along the paved car road – so getting on at either of these will save you walking time along the most “boring” part of the route. The 3-6 minute train ride from the Flåm train station to either of these is “just” along the main road”. The train doesn’t start climbing until after – and that’s when the view gets spectacular. Just a tip to consider 🙂
Ann Marie
My sister and daughter are interested in ziplining but my senior mom is not. Where could my mom go while they ride? Where might be a good meet up place? They will be coming into Flam by the scenic train. Thanks!
Lisa
How exciting!
If she gets off the train at the top station for the zipline (Vatnahalsen), she would have to hike down to Kårdal (the bottom zipline station), and then join you guys for the hike or bike back down to Flåm. Alternatively, she could just take the train all the way down to Flåm and wait for you to catch up there. In Flåm she can sit at the bakery, go for a little walk, or perhaps check into your hotel upon arrival 🙂
Ann Marie
Many thanks for the insights and suggestions!
Heather
Hi Lisa,
I came across your blog while looking for something to do in Flam other than the scenic railway. Your blog is fantastic. We will be departing the cruise ship in the morning – How do we get up to the zip lining place and how long does it take to hike back down to where the cruise ships are?
Lisa
Hi Heather! Thank you, I am glad you found my blog! 🙂
The answer to your question is all outlined in detail in the post you just commented on! It’ll be quicker to read it than for me to rewrite it all, but simply head to the header/section titled “HOW TO GET TO FLAM ZIPLINE?” and it’ll share how to reach the zipline top station. This is the same for people arriving by cruise ship as anyone else 🙂
The walk back down is 3-4 hours after the zipline.
Have an amazing trip!
Jane
Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for the detailed information. We are planning a trip to Flam and had so many questions and your blog is so helpful! I wanted to ask you if we are able to get a train ticket back to Flam if we don’t book in advance after we get to the bottom of the zipline?
Thank you!
Jane
Lisa
Hi Jane!
Usually it’s fine to get tickets for the train after the zipline, since you are only traveling a short stretch on the train. The only thing is that if the train is very full, you might have to sit next to other people or just stand – worst case, of course. As I said, usually it’s fine 🙂
However, if you know which train you want to get, I always recommend booking in advance 🙂
Lisa
Lisa
Hi! We’ve booked train, zipline, bike tickets for myself and husband for this upcoming June. We’re so excited! My question is do you wear your backpack while ziplining or do they send the packs separately? Trying to figure out what kind of gear we need. Thanks!
Lisa
How exciting! You’ll have a great time 🙂
It really depends on the backpack. If it’s a small one that you can safely wear with the zipline harness, you’ll zip with it. If it’s too big, they’ll have to send it down on its own zipline. So really it just comes down to what is safest 🙂
Yan
Hi Lisa!
We liked the guide on Zipline. Thank you for the detailed explanation.
This June we planned a 2 week motorhome trip around Norway. And of course we want to include a Zipline flight in it.
We have one question. After ziplining to Kardalen, we want to walk to Blomheller station and take the Flåmsbahn train to Flåm. We couldn’t find any website (including Norway’s Best) where you can book tickets from Blomheller to Flåm, or book a combined round-trip train ticket from Flåmsbana to Flåm (without immediate return) + zipline flight (without bike).
We will be grateful for your advice!
Have a nice week!
Yan and Inna. 🙂
Lisa
To book the one way ticket on the Flåm railway you have to use http://www.vy.no (the train website). They only have train tickets though, so you cannot buy this with the zipline tickets as a package. Book the zipline on Norway’s Best and the train ticket on Vy and you’ll be all set 🙂
Randi
Hi! This is all extremely helpful! We will be traveling to/from Bergen for 2 days/1 night. Would you recommend doing the zipline instead of the Myrdal-Flam portion of the train, or doubling back so you can do both (flamsbana and zipline)?
Current plan: Train from Bergen to Flam (8:30-11:40a). Wander the area. FjordSafari Taste (4:30p). Stay at Flamsbrygga. Wake up for breakfast, then cruise to Gudvangen. Viking Village. Bus back to Bergen.
Traveling in June with 2 children (7 & 10 years old). Will only have backpacks. Is it neccessary/worth it to work in the Stegastein viewpoint?
Truly can’t wait. Thank you for your insight.
Lisa
How exciting! Regardless of what you choose, you’re going to have a great time 🙂
I personally think you’ll be better off just sticking to your original plan without the zipline since your kids are young. There isn’t an age limit, but a weight limit, and a 7-year-old (and even a 10-yo) might be too light to do the zipline. Even if they walk down the hairpin turns below the zipline instead, you’ll just spend the majority of the day (3-4 hours) hiking down the valley, which may not be as much fun for them.
I personally love the view from Stegastein, but would not say it’s a must. The FjordSafari is a fantastic experience, and you’ll also be doing the Nærøyfjord and the Viking Village, so I’d say you already have a pretty perfect plan. I would recommend adding Stegastein if you had extra time to spend, but I don’t think you do.
Have a great trip, and thank you for reading my blog!
Loraine
This is such a wonderful guide, I’m so glad I came across it! It’s really made us want to do the zipline plus bike ride. We’ll be coming from Oslo and will have luggage with us. Do you have any idea how we can get our luggage all the way to Flam? We actually really would like to spend the night in your hometown Aurland as we prefer somewhere a bit less busy. Then we’ll go back on the Flam train to carry on our journey to Bergen. Our main concern is the luggage part. Thanks so much for any advice.
Lisa
There is a porter service that offers luggage transportation for anyone travelling on that stretch (https://www.porterservice.no/). Alternatively you will have to carry it (the zipline people will send it down the zipline for you) 🙂