The railway features 18 of its 20 tunnels bored by hand, requiring approximately one month of work per meter.
A custom-built underground station exists at Kjosfossen specifically for tourist viewing.
The line was originally intended as an electric railway from its inception, avoiding the soot issues of steam engines in its numerous tunnels.
The route passes the Vatnahalsen hotel, which is accessible only by train or hiking trails.
During the winter, the train serves as essential transport for local residents and school children in the valley.
The line operates on a rack-less adhesion system, relying entirely on friction between wheel and rail despite the 5.5% gradient.
Regulated as a heritage-style transit line, the passenger carriages are painted in a signature deep green color.
Flåmsbana is a 20.2-kilometer railway line connecting the mountain station of Myrdal on the Bergen Railway to the village of Flåm at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. The line features a steep gradient of 1:18, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge adhesion railways in the world. The journey covers an elevation change of 863 meters through 20 tunnels. The route passes through the Kjosfossen waterfall, where trains typically make a scheduled stop for photography. Construction took 20 years, beginning in 1920 and finishing in 1940, utilizing manual labor for the majority of the tunnel excavations. The track width is 1,435 mm standard gauge, and the system uses 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead electrification. It serves as a vital transit link between the high-altitude plateau and the narrow fjord landscape of Western Norway. The engineering required significant protective measures against frequent avalanches in the steep valley walls.
The viewing platform at Kjosfossen waterfall stop.
Sit on the right side when departing Flåm for the best views of the valley and waterfalls.
Bring a windproof jacket, as temperatures at the Myrdal summit are significantly lower than at the fjord level.
Book tickets in advance during peak summer months to guarantee a seat, as trains often reach full capacity.
Attempting to hike the entire route without checking weather conditions, as high-altitude snow can persist into late June.
Operates year-round with increased frequency during the summer season; no regular closures.
Maintain quiet in the carriages to allow other passengers to enjoy the acoustic experience of the tunnels.
