13 Reasons to Visit Flåm in Winter
Explore winter by the fjords in Flåm. Due to its location Flåm offer the best of fjords and mountain, and there are activities available for everyone whether you want to relax and admire the beautiful nature, want a soft activity in the snow or a day of skiing. Check out these 13 great reasons to visit Flåm in winter.
1. Experience the raw nature in the Flåm valley
It is not without a reason 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 do when visiting Norway, and 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 by the fjord and Myrdal in the mountains.
2. Enjoy the silence on 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 is quieter. On the full-electrical vessel Future of The Fjords the only sound to hear is the breaking of a thin layer of ice from time to time. Due to its panoramic windows, you can enjoy the view from inside if it is too chilly to stay outside.
3. Get a new perspective on history in the Viking Valley
How was life by the fjords in winter a thousand years ago? Leap back in time and hear the stories of the Vikings in the Viking Valley Njardarheimr. The Viking Valley is open every day this winter. “The Viking Experience” is included with admission and teach you how it really was to be a Viking.
4. Admire the winter light from Stegastein viewpoint
You cannot visit Flåm in winter without a trip to Stegastein. Standing on the Stegastein Viewpoint, 650 metres above Aurland, you have panoramic views to the Aurlandsfjord and the breath-taking world heritage landscape. The viewpoint juts 30 metres from the mountainside and give you a feeling of hanging in the air.
5. Get active on a snowshoe hike
Winter by the fjords is not properly experienced before you get into the mountains on the snow. Admire the magic morning or afternoon light on a snowshoe hike in the mountain above Stegastein viewpoint. The guide will take you natural viewpoints with fantastic views of the fjord, Flåm and the small village of Undredal, and share their knowledge about what you see.
6. Dine in restaurant Arven
Did you know that seafood taste best in winter? After relaxing by the bonfire, head inside to Fretheim Hotel’s restaurant Arven and try for yourself. The restaurant serves traditional and locally produced food with a modern twist. You can off course also find meat and vegetarian dishes on the seasonal menus.
7. Discover Jotunheim National Park with unique snowcoaches
Visit the winter wonderland of dreams on a day trip from Flåm! From Tyin, historical bombardier snow coaches take you on a 45 minutes’ drive past some of Norway’s tallest mountains into the midst of the national park.
At Eidsbugarden you have the option to go on a snowshoe walk in the area, before the included, local lunch is served at Fondsbu cabin. Not into snowshoeing? Order something to drink from the bar and relax by the fireplace inside the cabin instead. Return to Tyin the same way you came.
8. Feel the elements on your body
Treat yourself to a perfect start or a perfect ending of the day with a visit to the Fjord Sauna. The combination of a steaming hot sauna and swimming in the almost freezing cold fjord will surely make you feel alive and energized.
9. Go skiing or dog sledding in Myrkdalen
Myrkdalen Mountain Resort, one of Western Norway’s largest ski resorts, is only 45 minutes’ away. Enjoy an activity filled day with or without skis. Myrkdalen has 9 lifts, more than 20 slopes, a large children’s and beginners' area, great off-piste opportunities, and several terrain parks. Ski rental and ski school is available for you who want to rent gear and get some instructions, while the cafés and restaurants on site will make sure your energy levels are stable. Throughout the season, there are several opportunities to try dog sledding in stunning winter landscape - surely an unforgettable experience!
10. Have fun on a RIB adventure
Get dressed up as a Teletubby in plenty of warm layers, life suite, and goggles and get close to the fjord in one of Fjord Safari’s RIB boats. The guide will take you out on the Aurlandsfjord and into the Nærøyfjord, stopping now and then to tell stories and letting you take in the winter panorama. On your way back to Flåm, you will stop in idyllic Undredal to taste some of the town’s award-winning goat cheese.
11. Cinnamon bun at Flåm Bakery
The delicious cinnamon knot from Flåm Bakery is reason enough to stop in Flåm, and definitely a place to go by when you are already here. These artisanal bakers make all the sourdough breads, patisserie and Norwegian treats from scratch.
12. Shop till you drop at Memories from Flåm
Do you want a material memory of your visit to Flåm? Or do you need warm clothes or a thermo cup to keep warm? Flåm Railway Museum where you can get a wide variety of products. I.e. quality wool items, hand-crafted souvenirs made in Norway, and our own Memories from Norway collections.
13. Gather around a bonfire
What could possibly be a better way to end a day filled with 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 have had enough of the cold, the fireplace in Fretheim’s lobby is also a cozy place to hang out.
