Flamsbana: A Once in a Lifetime Train Ride
I’ve taken some of the world’s most spectacular trains, such as the Sri Lankan blue train, which travels through the beautiful tea farms of Ella and Kandy, and the Jungfrau railway, which travels through the breathtaking snow-covered tracks of Switzerland. The Norwegian Flamsbana, on the other hand, is at the top of my list for a variety of reasons. Flamsbana is one of Europe’s most lovely train journeys due to its overall design and the snowscapes it unfolds. I boarded this train from Flam on a drizzling summer afternoon and travelled to Myrdal.
The train employees provided me with a map as soon as I walked into bogie no 13. This cosy two-seater cabin has a baggage shaft overhead and large windows on both sides. The compartment chair has plenty of legroom and USB charging ports. I sat down in my assigned seat, put my phone into the USB charger, and pulled out the map I’d been given at the entry. This map depicts the entire Flamsbana route from point A to point B, as well as all major locations along the way.
From Flåm to Myrdal, it was a short ride. As the train moves forward, an English-language audio tour begins. At sea level, Flåm features incredible steeps, twists, bends, and tunnels. Flamsbana, operated by Norwegian Railways, captures it all. Flamsbana departs from the Bergen Line on a picturesque route that descends to Flåm and then to the Myrdal station. It was fortunate for me that it was neither pouring badly nor snowing on this particular summer day.
This allowed me to focus on the breathtaking scenery of the Flåmsdalen Valley and the breathtaking snowscapes of Myrdal. This was, without a doubt, one of the steepest train tracks I’ve ever seen. Amazing engineering! Flamsbana whisked me away from the rocky-steep valleys and into the beauty of lovely alpine tablelands in less than an hour. We were chased by spectacular waterfalls, a few tunnels, and a bridge that defined the Flam railway line’s founding history. My favourite stop was at the Kjosfossen waterfall. This massive Kjosfossen cascades down from a height of 225 metres and is a sight to see. The finest of nature’s push!
A lady near the cliff’s edge occasionally performs a traditional woodland dance for the tourists. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with tiny surprises at every turn. Extend your stay in Oslo, Tromsø, Bergen, Voss, Flåm, Vatnahalsen, Finse and Geilo while you’re here.
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Flamsbana Ticket Information
A single adult ticket to Flamsbana costs 320 NOK, while a two-way ticket costs 420 NOK. For youngsters, a single journey costs 160 NOK. A one-way adult ticket will cost 220 NOK for individuals who have an Interrail or Eurail pass. You may buy a ticket online or with cash or a credit card at the Flam train station. From May to September, avail of a 10% group discount, and from October to April, you can get a 25% discount.
Fascinating Journey – very well presented.
This lovely journey is in my bucket list now.