If you love nature on a grand scale, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Flåm, Norway, where you’ll discover a world of spectacular beauty and intriguing cultural heritage.
Tucked at the end of the majestic Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by the lush valleys that indent Norway’s western coastline, Flåm offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and tranquility.
You can ride the famous Flåm Railway through stunning landscapes or paddle the UNESCO-listed Aurlandsfjord. History aficionados will enjoy attractions like the Borgund Stave Church and the Flåm Railway Museum, both offering insights into the region’s past.
With its scenic setting and rich cultural sites, Flåm promises an authentic Norwegian vacation, whatever your interest.
Admire the Borgund Stave Church
Borgund Stave Church
As you approach the Borgund Stave Church, you’ll be transported back to the 12th century. This steepled edifice’s elaborate wooden architecture, characterized by its distinct stave construction and ornate, scale-like carvings, showcases the region’s medieval Christian heritage.
Step inside to explore the church’s well-preserved interior, adorned with ancient artifacts and religious iconography, illuminated by atmospheric natural lighting that enhances this space’s sense of reverence and history.
Borgund Stave Church
Learn about the captivating history of the church, from its significance as a place of worship and pilgrimage site to its enduring legacy as a cultural landmark over the centuries. Pay attention to notable elements here as well, like the Norse pagan-era “dragon” heads.
Also, don’t miss the chance to explore the grounds, where you’ll find picturesque vistas and relaxing surroundings perfect for contemplation, as well as a collection of tombstones bordering this ancient church.
Feel the Mist at Tvindefossen Waterfall
Tvindefossen Waterfall
When standing before Tvindefossen Waterfall, you’ll be mesmerized by the thunderous roar of cascading water plunging over 380 feet into the gorge below.
Feeling the icy mist on your face as you gaze up at this majestic natural wonder, which is surrounded by greenery and towering cliffs. Visiting the waterfall is one of the most popular things to do in Flåm.
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway, so remember to take out your phone to capture the rainbow hues that frequently appear in the mist as you experience the unbridled force of nature.
You can also head off for a stroll along the well-maintained pathways that lead to various viewpoints, offering different perspectives of the waterfall’s incredible beauty, along with the tree-lined slopes framing this soaring cascade.
Tvindefossen Waterfall
Legend has it that Tvindefossen was once a meeting spot for trolls (now, apparently, turned into petrified stone), further enhancing its mystical allure.
Learn About Fish at the Norwegian Wild Salmon Center
At the Norwegian Wild Salmon Center, in Lærdal, about an hour north of Flam, you’ll be greeted by the incredible beauty of Norway’s imposing, fjord-indented landscapes.
Here, you can delve into the crucial conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the local Atlantic salmon population, which finds sanctuary in these pristine waters.
Explore interactive exhibits and educational displays that delve into the fascinating life cycle of salmon, from their spawning grounds in nearby rivers to their migration out to the open sea, along with their eventual return to their native streams.
You’ll also learn about the challenges confronting salmon populations and the significance of sustainable practices to safeguard this precious resource along the Lærdalselva River.
A trip to the Norwegian Wild Salmon Center will help enhance your grasp of salmon’s ecological importance to the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for Norway’s cultural ties to this important species.
Visit the Wooden Flåm Church
Flåm Church
The Flåm Church is the perfect showcase of Norwegian architecture and character.
With origins dating back to the 17th century, this local landmark stands as a poignant symbol of the region’s past. The church’s spiritual importance over the centuries makes it one of the most culturally significant things you can do in Flåm.
Upon entering the church, you’ll be greeted by a lovely interior, adorned with crafted wood carvings, antique furnishings, and radiant stained-glass windows. The windows, along with the chain chandeliers hanging from the low ceilings, cast ethereal hues inside.
Flåm Church
Pause to soak in the soothing atmosphere and centuries of history within these dark, wooden walls. Whether you’re drawn by its sublime architecture, cultural significance, or spiritual essence, a visit to the Flåm Church will link you to Norway’s storied past.
Ride the Flåm Railway
Flåm Railway
If you hop on the Flåm Railway, prepare to be enchanted by one of the world’s most scenic and precipitous train rides. If you’ve never been to Flåm before and want a taste of the wild beauty of the fjords, then this is one of the best things to do in Norway.
Wonder at the spectacular vistas of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys unfolding outside your window as you make your way up to the Myrdal mountain station.
The Flåm Railway, renowned for its world-class engineering, includes a layover at the Kjosfossen waterfall stop where the train pauses, allowing you to disembark and admire this thundering cascade up close.
Flåm Railway
This short but exhilarating journey by rain, which takes roughly two hours, will see you traversing tunnels, trundling over bridges, and climbing steep gradients, while you enjoy informative commentary on Norway’s verdant, glacier-carved landscapes.
Take Photos at Kjosfossen Waterfall
Kjosfossen Waterfall
A visit to the Kjosfossen Waterfall, with its deafening rumble of water cascading 738 feet into the gorge below, numbers among the most memorable things you can do in Flåm.
Experience the damp, swirling mist from the falls on your face as you behold this awesome spectacle of nature, enveloped by cliffs and foliage.
Kjosfossen Station
Once you disembark from the Flåm Railway at Kjosfossen station, where the train briefly pauses to give passengers time to admire the colossal waterfall, you’ll be awe-struck by the sheer power of nature.
Adding to the ambiance of the surroundings here, you’ll hear the captivating Huldra song being played, which is meant to evoke the mystical charm of the forest-dwelling Huldras. These mythological creatures are attractive women with tails and long hair, a part of Norway’s complex folklore.
The combination of the gorgeous Norwegian waterfall and the haunting music is enough to make you think these seductive spirits could even be real.
Enjoy Soaring Views at Stegastein Viewpoint
Stegastein Viewpoint
If you opt to visit Stegastein Viewpoint, prepare to be mesmerized by unparalleled panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the best fjords in Norway, stretching away below.
Perched 2,133 feet above sea level, this bent-elbow-shaped architectural marvel juts out from the mountainside, offering you an unobstructed vista of the fjord and surrounding mountainsides plunging into the water.
Revel in the wonderful scenery here as you stand at the entrance to the platform. Then, if you have a head for heights, stroll out to the glass barrier at the end of the walkway, which will make you feel as though you’re floating above the fjord and valley below.
Stegastein Viewpoint
Stegastein Viewpoint offers more than just scenic beauty; it’s a marvel of modern engineering with a sleek, minimalist structure that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, inviting you to become one with the fjords that Norway is known for.
Drive Through the World’s Longest Road Tunnel
Aurland-Laerdal Tunnel
If time allows, take an exhilarating journey through the Aurland-Laerdal Tunnel and navigate its winding passages, which slice through the heart of the Norwegian mountains, conveniently connecting the municipalities of Aurland and Laerdal.
Spanning 15 miles, this is the longest road tunnel in the world, offering you a spellbinding look at humanity’s engineering prowess.
As you head into the depths of the tunnel, you’ll catch sight of its intriguing design qualities, including its arresting lighting installations (an almost eerie blue, with tinges of yellow) and large caves, used as turnaround areas, carved out of the rock walls.
Sample Craft Beer at the Aegir Brewery & Pub
Aegir Brewery & Pub Photo by Bernt Rostad on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Make your way to the Aegir Brewery & Pub in Flåm to immerse yourself in the aroma of freshly brewed beer, and the cozy ambiance of a traditional Norwegian pub.
Set among the region’s stunning fjord landscapes, this charming Norse-themed brewery has wooden walls, a circular interior, and a welcoming fireplace, making it an ideal retreat for beer enthusiasts.
Aegir Brewery & Pub Photo by Bernt Rostad on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Indulge in a tasting session of Aegir’s award-winning handcrafted beers, each brewed with locally sourced ingredients and inspired by Norse mythology. You can also learn about the brewing process during a brewery tour, gaining insights into the art of beer production.
Try to make time for a meal at the brewery’s restaurant, should you feel peckish; there’s a spectacular buffet of local specialties at lunchtime. Savor the renowned Nordic-inspired cuisine and warm ambiance, complementing your meal with Aegir’s exceptional brews, set among the company of Vikings, or at least their descendants.
Read: Norwegian Food: Iconic Dishes to Try
Kayak Along Aurlandsfjord
Aurlandsfjord
Who could resist the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating kayaking adventure along the UNESCO-listed Aurlandsfjord near Flam, immersed in its dramatic beauty?
This kayaker’s paradise, with its serene waters and spectacular scenery, can easily be enjoyed by booking a kayak tour out of Flåm. Navigate pristine waters bordered by gigantic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and verdant foliage.
Kayaking in Aurlandsfjord
Kayaking along Aurlandsfjord will provide you with a distinct vantage point to explore its pristine landscapes, hidden coves, secluded beaches, and remote villages surrounded by flower-filled meadows.
If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot seals, porpoises, and eagles thriving in the diverse landscapes of Aurlandsfjord.
Swing by the Flåm Railway Museum
Flåm Railway Museum Photo by Bernt Rostad on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Visit the Flåm Railway Museum for a nostalgic rail trip back in time, unraveling the captivating history of one of the world’s most scenic and steep railways.
Discover exhibits featuring vintage locomotives, railway artifacts, and interactive displays, vividly depicting the Flåm Railway’s construction and historical significance.
Explore the engineering feats and hurdles encountered during the railway’s development, including the tunnel and bridge construction that took place on such challenging gradients.
You’ll also get to learn about the railway’s cultural and social impact on local communities and the tourism that’s so important to Norway.
Experience Farm Life at the Otternes Bygdetun Museum
Otternes Bygdetun Museum
Familiarize yourself with the essence of Norwegian rural life at Otternes Bygdetun Museum, an interesting side-stop to consider when visiting Flåm.
While the buildings here are now closed, you can still wander around this picturesque historical site and take in the preserved 18th and 19th-century farmsteads that make up this open-air museum.
The charming wooden buildings here include farmhouses, barns, and outbuildings, which, even though you can no longer enter them, will give you some insight into traditional Norwegian architecture and craftsmanship.
Otternes Bygdetun Museum
Located within walking distance from Flåm, the Otternes Bygdetun Museum will offer you incredible views of the Aurlandsfjord, and the mountain village of Flåm itself, while also providing you with a glimpse into Norway’s rural past.
Embrace Your Inner Viking at Viking Valley (Njardarheimr)
Viking Valley
If you’re fascinated by the legacy of the Vikings, you’re in for a treat at Viking Valley (Njardarheimr). Here, you can dive into Viking lore in an authentic re-creation of a classic Viking village.
At Njardarheimr, immerse yourself in life as it was a millennium ago. Take in the meticulously constructed longhouses, workshops, and artisan stalls, where skilled craftspeople demonstrate traditional Viking techniques.
Engage in interactive activities like ax throwing and archery, plunging yourself into Viking battle training. Delve into Viking culture, mythology, and history through interactive experiences, which will offer you some enthralling insights into the Viking world.
Flåm
Book a Celebrity Cruises voyage to Norway for a delightful trip to the majestic Aurlandsfjord and the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll bear witness to nature’s grandeur. Browse our cruises to Flam and plan your Nordic adventure.
