Where to Stay in Flåm, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective
Choose the best place to stay in Flåm based on my years of experience!
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 450 / 60.5 degrees north
Flåm, Norway
Flåm is a beautifully situated little village, but unfortunately it is no well-kept secret. In fact, Flåm is one of the most visited places in Norway. Because of its railway as well as major cruise port, millions of people pass through Flåm a year. Still, it is possible to enjoy Flåm should you choose to visit.
Fun Facts About Flåm
Latitude: 60.5 degrees north
Population: 300
Aurland Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Flåm
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Flåm
Borgund Stave Church
Located about a 45 minute drive away, Borgund Stave Church is arguably the most famous stave church in Norway.
Flåm Railway Museum
This free museum is a great place to visit to get an overview about the construction of the Flåm Railway.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Rallarvegen
Rallarvegen is a scenic road that was originally constructed to get the workers of the railway up and down the mountain. It’s very popular to bike the road, but you can also hike it. Many buy a ticket for the railway and then cycle back down.
Gudvangen - Flåm Fjord Cruise
The fjord cruise between Gudvangen and Flåm is the best way to see the fjords.
Guided tour around Flåm
Join a guided bus tour that will take you to Stegastein Viewpoint & Borgund Stave Church.
Kayaking Tour
Njord is a local company that offers kayaking trips on the Aurlandsfjord. I recommend one of their tours.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Flåm
The E16 from Oslo to Bergen
Follow this self-guided trip between Oslo and Bergen on the E16, one of the major highways in the country. The road is built close to where the historic postal road from the 17th century went, and parts of the old road are still visible and today a hiking trail. That’s why along the way you’ll see stave churches and runestones. There’s also some charming towns and local markets to stop at, turning a long drive into an exciting one!
Self-Guided Walks
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Flåm
Flåm on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Flåm
Flåm to Gudvangen Fjord Cruise
Here’s a timelapse of the Flåm to Gudvangen fjord cruise.
Uniquely Flåm
Here are some things that you must do and try in Flåm
History of Flåm
Flåm has been inhabited for thousands of years, though it is first mentioned in history in 1340. The Flåm Church was constructed in 1670. Cruise ships began calling at Flåm in the 19th century and were primarily English tourists coming to fish in the river.
Flåm Today
Today Flåm is a major tourist destination and tourism is crucial to the industry here.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport.
Drive: Flåm is located on the E16 between Bergen and Oslo.
Train: The Flåm Railway connects Flåm to Myrdal, which is a station on the Bergen Railway between Bergen and Oslo.
Ferry: Flåm is connected to other fjord villages by local ferries.
Getting Around
Flåm is very walkable.
Shops
My favourite shop here is the Flåm Store – it’s where you can find more local souvenirs as well as things made in Norway.
However, if it’s any old souvenir you are after – the Mall of Norway is one of the largest souvenir shops in the country and has anything and everything. Their outdoor clothing is actually pretty reasonably priced, and here you’ll find the big brands for sale.
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Flåm bakery is one of the best bakeries in Norway.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Aegir Brewery is the local pub. The food is great, and it’s the best place to try the local beer.
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Arven within Fretheim Hotel focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Lodges & B&Bs
Flam Marina and Apartments has some unique self-catering apartments.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Flåmsbrygga Hotel is located by the pier and has some nice rooms with superb vistas.
Click here to view rates & book
Fretheim Hotel is the hotel in Flåm. This historic property is a large reason for Flåms growth as a tourist destination.
All Posts About Flåm
Norway in a Nutshell… in a nutshell
Here’s my complete guide to the popular Norway in a Nutshell daytrip!
Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Bergen on the E16
View our guide to the scenic drive between Bergen and Oslo.
Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Aurland via Hemsedal & Borgund Stave Church
The road from Oslo to Aurland follows the old postal road called Kongevegen.
Drive it Yourself: Flåm to Bergen on the E16
Here is a guide to the highway between Flåm and Bergen – the E16!
Drive it Yourself: the Hardangervidda Tourist Road
Cross the Hardangervidda Plateau on this scenic mountain pass turned tourist road.