Places with a story
Flåmsbana
Flåmsbana climbs from Flåm beside Aurlandsfjorden to Myrdal in the mountains. The railway is a landmark of Aurland because the journey reveals both the steep landscape of Flåmsdalen and the engineering needed to connect the fjord with the Bergen railway.
The place2
This is an adhesion railway: the trains gain traction through their wheels rather than a cogwheel or hauling cable. The line follows the river before climbing the valley sides through sharp curves, tunnels and snow shelters. Rivers, waterfalls and farms appear at changing heights as the track gradually reaches the mountain plateau.
History and local connections1
Construction began in 1923 after many years of planning. Regular passenger services started on 10 February 1941, initially using steam traction, and electric operation followed in 1944. The difficult terrain required twenty tunnels. A turning tunnel makes a half-circle inside the mountain, distributing the climb over a longer stretch of railway.
What to look for2
Watch how the views change as the line crosses the valley and climbs above the river. The operator describes farms high on the slopes, the gorge near Berekvam and a short stop at Kjosfossen where passengers can see the waterfall. Near Myrdal, different levels of track and snow shelters make the route's tight mountain alignment particularly clear.
Planning a visit3
Use Flåmsbana's ticket and timetable pages to select a departure and check availability. Decide whether you want a return journey or an onward connection at Myrdal with the Bergen railway. The waterfall stop belongs to the train journey; nearby hikes and other activities have separate arrangements and should be planned independently.
Sources
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