Flam
Flåm, Norway, is a tiny village at the very end of the magnificent Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Getting here is an experience in itself, as your ship navigates over 120 miles inland, surrounded by stunning, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. With a population of just over 200 people, Flåm is an authentic and peaceful slice of Norwegian life. It's a place that has welcomed tourists for almost 200 years. The village's main attraction is the world-famous Flåm Railway, often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Flåm cruise pier or, if it's a larger vessel, a floating pier called the "Seawalk." The piers are located just outside the village, so you can walk directly from the ship to the land, meaning no tender is required. The walk from the cruise pier to the village center is very short, only about 200 meters. The walk is on a flat, paved walkway.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Flåm cruise port has a small cruise terminal building on the quayside. It is a simple facility but provides everything you need to get started.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has a small souvenir shop, tourist maps, and free Wi-Fi. It is a modern, clean facility. The main visitor information center is located in the train station building, just a 200-meter walk from the pier. The visitor center offers more extensive information, as well as a few shops and food trucks. Tour pickups, including for the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, and other activities, are located just outside the cruise terminal.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Norwegian, but given the high volume of tourism, virtually everyone you will encounter in Flåm, from the hotel staff to tour guides, will speak excellent English. You will have no problem at all navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Hei (hey) - Hello
Takk (tahk) - Thank you
Unnskyld (OON-shool) - Excuse me
Vennligst (VEHN-leest) - Please
💰 Money
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards are the preferred method of payment and are widely accepted everywhere, even for small purchases. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small souvenir purchases, but it is not necessary. ATMs are easy to find in the village center. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Norway, as a service charge is included in the bill.
🚗 Transportation
Flåm is a small village and is very walkable.
Walking: The village center, the Flåm Railway Museum, and the Ægir Brewpub are all within walking distance of the cruise pier. The walk is flat and easy.
Flåm Railway: This is the main attraction in Flåm. The train takes you on a stunning one-hour journey from sea level to the Myrdal mountain station, 867 meters above sea level. It is a true engineering marvel and is a must-do. You can buy tickets at the Visitor Center.
Bicycles: You can rent bicycles from the visitor center for a self-guided tour of the valley.
Taxis: Taxis are very limited in Flåm, and you should not rely on them for transportation.
Public Transportation: Public transportation is nearly non-existent in Flåm. It's a good idea to pre-book any excursions you want to do.
♿ Accessibility
Flåm has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the walk from the ship to the village is flat, many of the surrounding attractions are in mountainous terrain that would be very difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility. The Flåm Railway is wheelchair accessible, but you should notify the train staff for assistance. Some of the fjord cruises are also wheelchair accessible.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the village of Flåm from the cruise port is to simply walk. The path is well-marked, and it's a pleasant and easy stroll that takes just a few minutes.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in the village, including at the Fjordstova visitor center and are generally clean and free to use. You can also find restrooms in the Flåm Railway Museum and local cafes.
💊 Drugstore
Apotek 1: The closest pharmacy is located in a nearby town, not within walking distance. The Visitor Center can direct you to local shops that sell basic over-the-counter medication.
✨ Authentic Experience
Hike to a Local Waterfall: Instead of just a bus tour, take a hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall. It's about a mile from the town center and offers stunning views of the village and the fjord. It is a great way to get a feel for the local landscape and is a truly authentic experience.
Dine at the Ægir Brewpub: The Ægir Brewpub is a unique Viking-inspired brewpub that offers a wonderful dining experience. It has a beautiful interior and serves up a variety of local food and craft beer.
Explore the Fjord by Kayak or RIB Boat: For a truly memorable experience, take a guided kayak or RIB boat tour on the fjord. This allows you to get an up-close perspective of the mountains, waterfalls, and the tranquil waters of the Sognefjord. You can book these tours with local companies right at the cruise port.
