Myrdal to Flam, Norway [A Local's How To Guide]

If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you’ve probably seen Myrdal to Flam mentioned in itineraries and transport guides – but what does it actually mean? Many travelers come across Myrdal while researching how to visit Flåm and wonder why it keeps appearing as an important stop.

The short answer is that Myrdal is just a train station. Not a town, not an attraction, just a remote railway junction in the mountains. Its only purpose is to connect the Oslo-Bergen Railway with the world-famous Flåm Railway, which takes passengers down to Flåm at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord.

So, if you’re wondering how to get from Myrdal to Flåm, this post is for you. Whether you take the scenic train ride, hike the historic Rallarvegen, bike down the valley, or even zipline part of the way, I’ll walk you through all your options so you can choose the best way to experience this spectacular stretch of Norway.

A cluster of brightly colored wooden houses, painted yellow, green, and red, sit at the base of a steep mountain in Myrdal, Norway. The slopes are covered in golden autumn foliage, contrasting against the deep blue sky. The idyllic scene showcases Norway’s stunning seasonal landscapes.

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Myrdal to Flam Train

Taking the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is by far the easiest and most popular way to travel between Myrdal and Flåm. This 20-kilometer (12,4-mile) train ride is often described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, and for good reason. The train winds its way down from the mountains to the fjord, passing steep cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys along the way.

But while the Flåm Railway is a must-do for visitors, it’s also an important transport link for locals. I know this firsthand – I worked at the ticket office for the Flåm Railway as a teenager! For us living by the fjords, this train is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s how we connect with the Oslo-Bergen Railway at Myrdal, making travel in and out of the region possible.

Read later: My Guide to the Train from Oslo to Flåm

What to Expect on the Flåm Railway

Journey time: About 50–60 minutes
Scenic highlights: The train makes a stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where passengers can step out for photos.
Comfortable & accessible: The train is spacious, with large windows and seating designed for sightseeing.
Year-round operation: Unlike hiking or biking, the train runs in all seasons, making it the best option in winter or bad weather.

How to Book Tickets for the Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway is extremely popular, especially in summer, so I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can purchase them online, at the Flåm Railway ticket office, or through the Norwegian State Railways (Vy).

📍 More details: Complete Guide to the Flåm Railway

If you’re looking for a comfortable, easy, and incredibly scenic way to get from Myrdal to Flåm, the train is the best choice. But if you prefer a more active adventure, there are other ways to make the journey – let’s take a look at those next!

A traveler in a bright green shirt captures a stunning view from the Flåm Railway window. Outside, a colorful yellow wooden house stands against a backdrop of lush green mountains, with a waterfall cascading down the slopes. The scene captures the beauty of Norway’s famous train journey.

Myrdal to Flåm Hike

For those who love being outdoors, hiking from Myrdal to Flåm is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the valley. The trail follows Rallarvegen, a historic road originally built for railway construction, and winds its way down through lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain farms before reaching the fjord.

I absolutely love this hike – it’s one of my favorites in the area. In fact, the first time I hiked it, I was just six years old! My mom has told me how amazed she was that I walked the entire way down without a single complaint. By the time we reached Flåm, though, I was so exhausted that I didn’t say a word – she suspects I was just too tired to complain!

Hiking Details

Distance: ~20 km (12 miles)
Time required: Around 5–6 hours at a moderate pace
Difficulty: Mostly downhill, but some rocky and uneven sections
Best time to hike: Late June to September (earlier or later in the year, the top part of the trail may be covered in snow)

Why Choose the Hike?

Unforgettable scenery: You’ll pass cascading waterfalls, grazing sheep, and charming farmhouses along the way.
A peaceful experience: Unlike the train, where you’re sitting inside, this hike lets you immerse yourself in nature.
Free and flexible: No tickets or reservations required – just start walking when you arrive in Myrdal!

If you love hiking, this is an absolute must. And if you’re looking for more great hikes in the Flåm area, I’ve put together a guide to my favorites:

📍 Read more: Best Hikes in Flåm, Norway

Combine hiking with the Flåm Zipline

If you want to break up the hike with some adrenaline, consider taking the Flåm Zipline, the longest zipline in Scandinavia. Instead of hiking the entire way, you can stop at Vatnahalsen, ride the zipline down to Kårdal, and then walk the remaining stretch to Flåm.

📍 More details: Guide to the Flåm Zipline

Hiking from Myrdal to Flåm is not just a way to get from one place to another – it’s an experience in itself. If you have the time and energy, I can’t recommend it enough!

A group of shaggy-haired goats wander freely along a rural mountain road in Flåm, Norway. The winding road is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery, with a bright blue sky overhead. The curious goats add charm to the breathtaking alpine setting. — I met these guys the last time I hiked down the valley!

Myrdal-Flåm by Bicycle

If you’re looking for a faster but equally scenic way to travel from Myrdal and down to Flåm, biking is a fantastic option. Lots of travellers even visit Flåm bringing their own bikes with them!

The route follows the same historic road as the hiking trail, but on two wheels, you can cover the 20-kilometer (12-mile) distance much quicker – while still stopping to take in the incredible views along the way.

Biking Details

Distance: ~20 km (12 miles)
Time required: 2-3 hours, depending on how often you stop
Difficulty: Mostly downhill, but some gravel sections, and especially the hairpin turns at the beginning, require caution
Best time to bike: June to September (outside of this season, snow and ice may make the trail unsafe)

Why Choose Biking?

It’s faster than hiking – you’ll be in Flåm in a few hours instead of a full day.
It’s still an immersive experience, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful valley at your own pace.
Bike rentals make it easy – you can rent a bike in Kårdal (3 km from Myrdal) and return it in Flåm, so you don’t have to ride back up. You can also rent a bike in Flåm and bring it with you on the train (or, have it sent up on the train – you don’t actually have the bike physically with you).

Where to Rent a Bike

There used to be bike rental options in both Myrdal and Flåm, but now, the Myrdal bike rental has shut down. However, you can rent a bike in Kårdal (the Flåm Zipline base station) and return the bike in Flåm, making it a one-way journey.

Kårdal is a 3-km (1,8 miles) downhill walk from Myrdal (or, a quick zipline zoom!).

You can also just book the package starting in Flåm if you want to combine it with the Flåm Railway. It’s best to book in advance, especially in the summer months when availability is limited.

Biking + Flåm Zipline

For an added adventure, just like with hiking, you can combine this with the Flåm Zipline to make the journey even more exciting. Instead of cycling the entire way down, you can:

Walk to Vatnahalsen (10-15 minutes) or Bike (if you brought your own bike).
Take the Flåm Zipline down to Kårdal. The Flåm Zipline team will send your bike down a special zip if you have one!
Pick up a rental bike at Kårdal, and bike the remaining distance from Kårdal to Flåm.

This combo lets you soar over the valley on the zipline before continuing the scenic ride into Flåm.

Biking the Flåm Valley is perfect for travelers who want to cover more ground while still experiencing the stunning landscape up close. Whether you bike the whole way or mix in the zipline for some added fun, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the journey down to the fjord!

A lush green valley in Flåm, Norway, filled with vibrant wildflowers and rolling hills. Towering mountains with misty peaks rise in the background, while a river winds through the valley. The sunlight highlights the rich greenery, creating a picturesque countryside scene.

Can You Go from Myrdal to Flåm by Car?

Back when I worked in the ticket office people would also ask me how they could go up to Myrdal without taking the train (because they had already arrived that way), and I would have to explain again that there’s no reason to go up to Myrdal. As mentioned in the beginning of this post, there’s just a train station up there. It’s the Flåm Valley, and the journey between Flåm and Myrdal, that’s the whole point.

A common question travelers also ask is whether they can drive from Myrdal to Flåm. The short answer? No, you can’t.

There is no road connecting Myrdal and Flåm that is open to cars. Myrdal is a remote mountain station, only accessible by train, hiking, or biking. And the odd ATV. While there is a maintenance road used for railway operations, it is not open for public vehicles.

What If You Have a Rental Car?

If you’re traveling by car in Norway and need to reach Myrdal:

Park in Flåm. The village has designated parking areas.
Take the Flåm Railway up to Myrdal. This is the only way to get there unless you hike or bike.
Travel back down using the train, hiking, or biking options.

Since Myrdal itself is just a train station with no attractions, shops (except a tiny train station gift shop), or accommodations, there’s no reason to stay there – it’s simply a connection point to start your journey to Flåm.

For visitors planning a Norway road trip, don’t worry – Flåm is well-connected by road, so you can easily reach it by car from Bergen, Oslo, or other fjord destinations. But when it comes to getting between Myrdal and Flåm, you’ll need to pick one of the scenic, non-driving options we’ve covered in this post!

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Travel between Myrdal & Flåm

While Myrdal itself is nothing more than a train station, the journey from Myrdal to Flåm is one of the most scenic in Norway – and how you choose to travel it depends on your preferences.

Take the Flåm Railway if you want the easiest and most comfortable option with breathtaking views.
Hike down Rallarvegen if you love outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes.
Bike the route if you want a fast-paced, fun ride with stunning fjord views.
Add the Flåm Zipline if you want an extra thrill along the way!

What you can’t do is drive – the only ways to get from Myrdal to Flåm are by train, hiking, biking, or zipline. And in spite what a lot of people assume, you can’t see the valley by taking a boat either (that’s why you should do both the fjord cruise and the Flåm Railway during your visit).

No matter which option you choose, this stretch of Norway is something special. Whether you’re gliding down the railway tracks, walking through the peaceful valley, or flying over it on a zipline, the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

Enjoy your trip to Flåm, and make the most of this unforgettable experience!

Myrdal to Flam, Norway [A Local’s How To Guide]