Top 10 Flam Shore Excursions
The small village of Flam in the Flamsdalen valley is one of the highlights of any Norwegian fjords cruise and is a must for many visiting the region.
Not only do you sail the incredible Sognefjorden before heading along the Aurlandsfjorden branch before you even arrive at Flam, but what is awaiting you when you dock can only be described as the quintessential Norwegian fjordland experience.
You dock just a short walk from all that is on offer in Flam including its small shopping area, the mountains that surround it an of course its iconic railway.
The Flamsbana is the shore excursion that instantly comes to mind when thinking about and will be the one thing many head to the port for but there is much more to Flam and the surrounding region than the famous railway.
But just what are the top 10 Flam shore excursions? That is just what I answer in this list, which is based on my experience of visiting the port on a cruise holiday and the research I did before visiting there.
Shore Excursions In Flam
Flamsbana Railway
As mentioned in the introduction to this list, the thing that most people know about the port of Flam is its railway, known as the Flamsbana, and it is a ride on it that many will want to do when in the village.
As well as it been the major draw of the port, I had to put it as number 1 on this list as it was the excursion that me and my wife did when I visited there on a Norwegian cruise.
I should say that we booked our trip through the ship and that ended with a very rushed experienced on packed out carriages, so if we were to do it again, I would definitely book independently.
The train station is just a short walk from the cruise pier and after boarding your train, you will set off through the Flamsdalen valley, up into the hills surrounding the village and even stop off at a waterfall.
Along the way, you will follow a glacial river, wind yourself through stunning scenery and go through numerous tunnels for an incredible journey.
Stegastein Viewpoint
If you have a head for heights and want to get the perfect photo of the Aurlandfjorden, a trip to the Stegastein viewpoint is the place to be.
The viewpoint sticks out from the mountain side to give you an incredible view from 650 metres above the fjord you have just cruised along.
You will get an unparalleled view of the fjord, grab Instagram worry photos and maybe see some of the local birds that live along the fjord.
Canyons and Waterfalls Tour
Head out on a minibus tour to see the best of the mountains surrounding Flam as you can take in the views from the Stalheim lookout, head to the impressive Tvindefossen waterfall.
Take in the glaciers, mountains and waterfalls and canyons or the peaks and valley of the Vestland county.
Fjord Cruise
The journey in and out of Flam along the Aurlandsfjorden is simply stunning and you really should head up to the top deck of your ship to take it all in.
Sometimes however you can arrive and depart in darkness and miss the best of it, or maybe you just want to take it all in again and get even closer to the fjord.
The best way to do that is to head out on a leisurely fjord cruise with modern electric boats available so you can really enjoy the peace and quiet of the fjord.
Flam Zipline
Enjoy a trip up into the hills around Flam for an adrenaline packed adventure that see’s you take a ride on Scandinavian longest zipline which spans 1,381 metres, at a height of 305 metres, over a valley with a maximum speed of around 100km/h- just remember to not look down.
This once in a lifetime experience will need you to take the train up into the mountains, almost to the end of the line to where you are surrounded by waterfalls and stunning views that even those in your party who don’t want to take the ride, they can enjoy the views from the viewing platform.
Voss Visit
Voss, or Vossevangen, is a popular holiday destination for Norwegians and international visitors alike as they look to take in the views and enjoy the activities on offer there.
Hiking, kayaking, skydiving and paragliding as well as other adventure sports are popular during the summer whilst there is also great skiing found in the mountains surrounding Voss.
Those not wanting quite such an energetic time will still have lots to enjoy as Voss is home to numerous historical buildings, a beautiful church and the famous Bergen to Flam railway passes through it.
Voss Gondola and Hike
Voss is an incredible place to visit and offers an authentic Norwegian experience but one of the main reasons for many to visit there is a modern attraction.
A gondola/cable car takes you from the town up into the Vossafjell mountains to an upper station around 820 metres above sea level, that houses a restaurant with panoramic views.
The more energetic can go on guided hike of the mountains to burn off some of those cruise calories with views you just do not get at home.
Laerdal Visit
Just as Flam is the quintessential fjord village, Laerdal has to be the quintessential Norwegian mountain village.
A walk around its streets is like walking back in time to the region Viking heyday especially when you visit historical building such as the iconic wooden Borgund stave church from around 1200CE.
There are three other stunning churches in the town; the Borgund, the Hauge and the Tonjum church and as you walk around, you will also see many historical wooden houses and other buildings.
RIB Safari
A RIB, often known by the brand name of Zodiac, offers the chance to sail the waterways around Flam and get closer to the mountains, waterfalls and nature that can be found there.
After a safety briefing and getting suited out in waterproof buoyancy suit you will set out along the Aurlandsfjord, on to the beautiful Mount Beitelen for incredible views of the dramatic Naeroyfjord.
Part thrill ride as you speed along the fjords, your adventure will turn into a relaxing wildlife viewing when something as spotted as you driver will slow down and give you an insight into what you are seeing.
Norway
Interest in the Vikings has really peaked in recent times thanks to tv and films about the Nordic raiders of yesteryear.
If you want to see what life was like in the real world for Vikings, you should take a coach ride to the nearby Njardarheimr Viking village.
Located in Gudvangen, you will get to experience just how the Vikings lived 1,000 years ago and you get to see the facts of Vikings life.
Flam Shorex
If you want to visit the incredible Norwegian fjordland village of Flam and want to add on an extra experience to remember aside from taking in the views around the village, you will need to take a Flam shorex.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for who want to do a Flam shore excursion and in this list, I bring you my top 10 picks for Flam shorex opportunities.
