12 reasons to visit Flåm in winter

Foto: Paul Edmundson / Flåm AS

Translated from the original article on Norway's Best.

1. The world’s most beautiful train journey

It is not without reason that the Flåm Railway has been called the world’s most beautiful train journey by Lonely Planet. A ride on the steep, iconic railway is a must when visiting Norway, and is just as spectacular in winter.The snow-clad mountains and frozen waterfalls make you admire the fantastic engineering it took to build this 20-kilometre railway - winding up the Flåm valley through no less than 20 tunnels, with a height difference of 866 metres between Flåm next to the fjord and Myrdal in the mountains.

2. Cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

A fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord is a different experience in winter. Surrounded by the steep mountains, frosty landscape and bluish light, the atmosphere on the fjord is quieter. On the fully-electric vessel, Future of The Fjords, the only sound you hear is the breaking of a thin layer of ice from time to time, and due to its panoramic windows, you can enjoy the view from inside if it’s too chilly to stay outside.

Foto: Sverrehjornevik.com / Flåm AS / NorwaysBest

3. Entertainment

Throughout the winter season Fretheim Hotel hosts several events combining delicious food, entertainment and music. The Shellfish Evening in February, when seafood is at its best, has become a big hit the last few years.

4. Admire the view from Stegastein viewpoint

You can’t visit Flåm in winter without taking a trip to Stegastein. Standing on the Stegastein Viewpoint, 650 metres above Aurland, you get panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord and the breathtaking world heritage landscape. The viewpoint juts 30 metres out of the mountainside and gives you a feeling of hanging in the air.

Foto: Sverre Hjørnevik / NorwaysBest

5. Get active on a snowshoe hike

You haven’t experienced winter by the fjords properly until you get into the mountains on the snow.Admire the magical morning or afternoon light on a snowshoe hike in the mountain above Stegastein viewpoint.The guide will take you past natural viewpoints with fantastic views of the fjord, Flåm and the small village of Undredal, and share their knowledge of everything you can see.

6. Explore forgotten times at Otternes

A visit to the old Otternes farm is particularly special on a crisp winter’s day. Take a walk along the fjord to the farmstead when in Flåm, and imagine life here 200 years ago. Otternes is an old cluster farm, about 4 km along the Aurlandsfjord from Flåm. The oldest building today dates back to 1700, but some evidence points to settlements here around 300 A.D.

7. Gather around a bonfire

What could possibly be a better way to end a day full of activities, than to gather around the bonfire with a hot drink? The bonfire in the garden outside Fretheim Hotel is lit every afternoon and evening throughout winter. If you’ve had enough of the cold, the fireplace in Fretheim’s lobby is also a cosy place to hang out.

Foto: sverrehjornevik.com / Flåm AS

8. Dine at Restaurant Arven

Did you know that seafood tastes best in winter? After relaxing by the bonfire, head inside to Fretheim Hotel’s Restaurant Arven and try it for yourself. The restaurant serves traditional and locally produced food with a modern twist. Of course, you can also find meat and vegetarian dishes on the seasonal menu.

9. A day trip to Myrkdalen Mountain Resort

Western Norway’s largest ski resort is only 45 minutes’ away. Jump on the Fjords & Mountain Bus from Flåm to Myrkdalen in the morning and enjoy a day of skiing and other snow activities. Take the same bus back to Flåm in the afternoon.

10. Cinnamon buns at Flåm Bakery

The delicious cinnamon buns from Flåm Bakery are reason enough to stop in Flåm, and definitely a place to visit if you’re already here.These artisan bakers make all the sourdough breads, pastries and Norwegian treats from scratch.

Foto: Alex Baier / NorwaysBest

11. Shop till you drop at Flåm Stores

Do you want to take something home to remind you of your visit to Flåm? Or do you need insulating clothes or a thermo cup to keep warm?Drop by Flåm Stores where you can get leather bags from Aurlands, quality wool items and other hand-crafted products made in Norway, as well as our own Memories from Norway collections.

12. The largest gondola in Northern Europe

Get a bird’s eye view over Voss. The largest and most modern gondola in Northern Europe takes you from Voss town centre to Mt. Hangur’s 820 masl in less than 7 minutes. Make sure you have time to play in the snow and have lunch at Hangurstoppen Restaurant. Voss Gondola is located 1 hour’s drive from Flåm, and can also be combined with a trip on the Flam Railway.

Foto: Jon Hunnålvatn Tøn / Voss Resort