Flåm cruise port guide
Why go?
Flåm, at the end of one of the far-flung branches of the mighty Sognefjord, is invariably associated with its splendid mountain railway journey. Yet there is much else to enjoy around the village and in the surrounding region, not least some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Cruise port location
One ship can dock at the village, a few steps from its centre. Another may anchor in the fjord and use its tenders to bring guests ashore.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
The rail station, the boat dock, shops, cafes, and the start of some great walks are all close to the quayside. The village itself is tiny, though pretty. The local park has leafy trails.
Getting around
You are unlikely to need any public transport except perhaps to take the bus to the Stegastein viewpoint, which juts out over Aurlandsfjord in which Flåm nestles. Tickets are about £30 return; see visitflam.com for details.
Read more: Telegraph Travel's Norwegian fjords cruise guide
What to see and do
Aurlandsfjord, the Flåm Valley (by train, bike or foot), the narrow Næroyfjord, waterfalls… this is a natural paradise of the highest order. You can’t really make a wrong choice, though our recommendations are below.
What can I do in four hours or less?
By far the most popular excursion is on the Flåmsbana – the train that runs 13 miles from Flåm through the magnificent valley to the village of Myrdal, almost 3,000ft above sea level. A photostop is made at the Kjos waterfall. It’s a wonderful journey, though do bear in mind that some of it is in tunnels and, if the train is full, you may not have the best view.
Book tickets as soon as you get on your cruise ship (or before departure), because they go quickly. You can try to buy tickets yourself from the rail station in Flåm but morning departures may well be sold out if a big ship is in port.
Here’s a tip; you should be able to purchase tickets from any manned rail station in Norway, if you pass one in an earlier destination. Expect to pay about £50 for a return – half that charged by many cruise lines.
If you don’t get on the train, do not despair. An even more rewarding excursion is to take a small-ship cruise up the incredible, Unesco-listed Næroyfjord, where sharp peaks rise up to 5,000ft straight from the water. Most cruise lines offer this option, though you can book independently from about £36 (visitflam.com) – check the timings carefully.
The spectacular Stegastein viewpoint (see above) is a great way to spend about three hours – several cruise lines list this as an excursion. Keen hikers need not spend a penny. Start walking up the Flåm Valley from the dock and you’ll see the beautiful 330ft Brekke waterfall on your left, though strong legs are needed to climb to its base. From here, you can follow the rail line and river up the valley as far as you like, perhaps making the Roande waterfall, with a single drop of almost 500ft, your turnaround point.
For a bit of excitement, consider a fast RIB boat ride along Aurlandsfjord, available through Seabourn, Norwegian Cruise Line and others – though you won’t really see anything that’s not visible from your cruise ship.
Many lines – P&O, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line included – will bus you to Gudvangen at the end of Næroyfjord to go kayaking in breathtaking surroundings.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
The majority of cruise lines, including Marella Cruises and Azamara, combine a cruise on Næroyfjord with a coach trip through astonishing scenery – a trip that is strongly recommended. It usually involves driving up the stunning Stalheim valley on Norway’s steepest road and a stop at the fantail Tvinde waterfalls. Cunard adds a call at Stegastein to the boat trip instead.
There’s a wide choice of landscape coach tours without the boat trip, with each cruise line offering their own variation. MSC and Costa have especially good options that include the world’s longest tunnel at Lærdal, the “Snow Road” back over the top and the ancient Borgund stave church. Oceania and Crystal Cruises are among those featuring a mountain farm or lodge on their routes. Another combination involves riding the train to Myrdal and then driving to Stalheim – try Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Silversea and Norwegian.
If you take the Flåmsbana, it is often possible to walk or cycle halfway back down the valley before picking up the train again, which is a memorable day out even if the excursion price hurts. Fred Olsen often offers an extended biking route.
Eat and drink
Mountain lamb, salmon from the river, goat’s cheese and berries can be found in the village’s restaurants and cafes, but at high prices. You might like to splash out on a craft beer from Flåm’s own brewery, Ægir, with strengths up to 13 per cent.
Don’t leave without…
You can buy troll figures and other souvenirs in the few shops, along with quality clothing, but you’re probably better off just bringing back lots of photos.
Need to know
Safety
Norway is a very safe country.
Language
Many people speak good English.
Climate
Flåm is at its warmest in July but driest in late spring, though it can be chilly then. Early autumn sees a fair amount of rainfall.
Closures
Shops tend to close on Sunday, though some may stay open for the cruise trade.
Read more: Telegraph Travel's Norwegian fjords cruise guide
