How Much Time Do You Need in Flåm, Norway?

Flåm is one of Norway’s most picturesque destinations, famous for its breathtaking fjords, scenic railway, and outdoor adventures. While many travelers pass through Flåm as part of a day trip or cruise itinerary, I believe that to truly experience what makes this place special, you should spend at least 2 days in the area – with 1 or 2 overnight stays.

As someone who grew up here in Aurland, I’ve seen firsthand how much more rewarding it is when you slow down and take the time to enjoy all that Flåm and its surrounding villages have to offer. Here’s why you shouldn’t rush your visit – and what you can do with extra time.

Most People Spend Just 1 Day in Flåm

It’s true that many visitors only spend a single day in Flåm, especially if they’re stopping as part of a cruise or traveling through Norway in a tight timeframe. A typical one-day itinerary might include:

• A round trip on the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) in the morning.
• A fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord in the afternoon.

While this plan does cover Flåm’s two most famous attractions (and both the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord), it doesn’t leave much time to relax or experience the area more deeply. With only a day, most travelers miss out on the hidden gems, quieter moments, and activities that make Flåm and its surrounding villages truly special.

I personally also always recommend to look outwards, away from the village of Flåm and towards Aurland, Undredal and Gudvangen for those who have the time.

Why 2 Days (or More) Is Better

As a local, I’ve always encouraged visitors to spend at least 2 days in Flåm – and here’s why:

• You Get to Explore More: Beyond the Flåm Railway and fjord cruise, there are fantastic hikes, charming villages like Aurland and Undredal, and even thrilling activities like the Flåm Zipline or the RIB Fjordsafari you can experience. These experiences are difficult to fit into a single day, especially if you want to go hiking during your stay.
• You Can Slow Down: The beauty of Flåm lies not only in its famous attractions but in the peaceful, unhurried moments – sitting by the fjord, perhaps soaking in the views from the FjordSauna, walking through the valley, or enjoying a quiet meal with views of the mountains. A rushed visit doesn’t allow you to fully appreciate this.
• The Area is More Than Just Flåm: Nearby places like Aurland, Gudvangen, and Undredal are incredible and deserve time to explore. Spending a night (or two) gives you a chance to see more of the region without feeling rushed.

What Can You Do With 2 Days in Flåm?

Here’s what an ideal 2-day itinerary could look like:

Day 1:

• Take a morning ride on the Flåm Railway to Myrdal and back.
• Have lunch in Flåm (try Flåm Bakery or Bakkastova).
• In the afternoon, hop on a Nærøyfjord cruise and disembark at Aurland.
• Spend the night at a cozy spot like Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri (in Aurland, read my review here) or Fretheim Hotel (in Flåm), where you can relax by the fjord.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Stegastein Viewpoint, a short drive or bus ride from Aurland, for panoramic views of the fjord.
• Go on a short hike, such as the Brekkefossen Trail, for more stunning scenery.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try a RIB Fjordsafari or for a thrilling way to experience the landscape, or if you want to slow down; finish your day off in the FjordSauna.

With this itinerary, you get to enjoy Flåm at a slower pace and see much more than the typical day-trip crowd.

Why an Overnight Stay Makes a Difference

Staying at least one night in Flåm or nearby villages completely transforms your experience. Here’s why:

• The Quiet Evenings: Once the day-trippers leave, the villages and fjord become serene and peaceful. Sitting by the water in the evening, surrounded by towering mountains, is an unforgettable experience.
• Sunrise and Sunset Views: The soft light over the fjord in the early morning or late evening is something you can only experience if you stay overnight. Of course, if you visit in the high season, bear in mind that sunset is very late and sunrise is insanely early.
• A Chance to Unwind: Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can truly relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

What If You Only Have 1 Day?

If you’re limited to just one day, make sure to read my suggested one-day itinerary here. I recommend that you prioritize the Flåm Railway and the Nærøyfjord cruise – the two main attractions in the area.

Start early to fit in both and leave some time for a quick hike or a visit to the Viking Village whilst in Gudvangen. While one day will give you a taste of the area, I guarantee you’ll wish you had more time.

Tip: If you can, plan your trip so that you can spend the night after your day in Flåm. This way, you’ll still get to enjoy the quieter evening atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Give Flåm the Time It Deserves

Flåm is much more than a stop on a travel itinerary – it’s a place to slow down, take in Norway’s natural beauty, and create memories you’ll never forget. While one day is enough to see the main attractions, I always recommend spending at least 2 days in the area to explore more deeply and experience everything this beautiful region has to offer.

However long you stay, I promise Flåm will leave you wanting to come back for more.