One Day In Flam And Gudvangen Itinerary
We only spent one day in Flam and saw a lot during that time . If you are planning to spend one day in Flam over the summer months it will be quite easy to organise your itinerary to see the best of Flam and Gudvangen.
You can start your day in Flam or Gudvangen and these are my suggested one-day itineraries for Flam and Gudvangen in the summer months depending on your starting point! The first itinerary is pretty much our day except we caught a bus back to Laerdal from Flam.
Shopping Near The Flam Cruise Port
Traditional Norwegian souvenirs that you can find on a Flam fjord cruise port of call include Norwegians signature knitwear, troll figurines, and cheese utensils. Another souvenir to get that is unique to Flam is a pair of shoes from Aurlandskoen, a shop that sells loafer-style shoes made in nearby Aurland. If you take a ride on the train and want a souvenir to remember that trip by, stop in the shop at the Railway Museum.
Take A Cruise To Flam Along The Nryfjord
The spectacular Nærøyfjord is a narrow fjord that is surrounded by steep mountainsides and cascading waterfalls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognised as one of the most beautiful fjord landscapes in the world.
The cruise takes approximately 2 hours and arrives in Flam after travelling through the Nærøyfjord and onto the Aurlandsfjord. Spot isolated villages along the way and lose count of waterfalls cascading down the mountain sides.
There are two types of vessels that operate along the fjord classic passenger ferries and the new premium passenger vessels.
Although the service operates all year round there are only 2 departures daily from Flam and Gudvangen during the winter months and the type of vessel used .
The premium passenger vessels have been introduced since we took the trip and look absolutely fantastic
Tips for the Norwegian fjord cruise
- If you are visiting in the summer months it is essential to book your cruise tickets in advance. We traveled in winter and had no problem turning up on the day but I would still check the availability of tickets and book in advance when organising your Norwegian itinerary.
- As mentioned above there are now two different boats taking the cruise and in the summer months you can choose which option you would prefer.
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Opplev Det Beste Av Norsk Fjordlandskap Ombord Ei Av Dei Populre Fergene
FLÅM GUDVANGEN
Fjordcruise på Nærøyfjorden som er på Unesco-lista. Nærøyfjorden er den trongaste fjorden i verda, berre 250 meter på det smalaste. Fjella kring fjorden reiser seg opp til 1 700 meter over den blanke vassflata. Nyt den imponerande utsikten, dei små grendene langs fjorden og fjellgardar som klamrar seg fast i fjellsida. Turen kan starte i Flåm eller Gudvangen, og går med båt ein veg, og retur med buss.
FLÅM LEIKANGER BALESTRAND – bergen
Cruiset tek deg ut Sognefjorden, verdas lengste og djupaste fjord. Fjorden vert regna for å vere eit av dei vakraste reisemåla i verda. Landskapet er frodig, fossane stryk nedover fjellsida, og innimellom ser du små pittorekse tettstader, dyr og geiter. På denne eventyrlege reisa i fjordrike kjem du til Leikanger ei av dei største fruktbygdene i Noreg, og til det historiske Balestrand som fortsatt er ei inspirasjonskjelde for mange kunstnarar, skribentar og fotografar.
More Things To Do In Flam
The above-mentioned activities are in my opinion the best things to see and do in Flam in one day. If you have more time, however, there are always more options.
You can go kayaking on the fjord, do more hiking, rent a bike. Biking and hiking can also be combined with the scenic Flam Railway.
In Flam village, you can also visit the Aurland Shoe shop and take a guided tour of the small factory. Supposedly, this is the only shoe factory left in Norway, and it has less than ten employees.
If you like beer, dont miss the Aegir Brew Pub.
There is also a park and several playgrounds in Flam. Great to let your kids run off some energy.
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Recommended Attractions At Popular Destinations
The Unesco Listed Fjord Landscape
West Norwegian Fjords – Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord have been enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005. According to UNESCO, the two fjords are considered as archetypical fjord landscapes which have more or less been untouched in modern times and among the most scenically outstanding anywhere.
The fjord has mostly stayed untouched in modern times and no road connections means the only way to properly explore it is by boat. From the fjord cruise you will have first class views to the spectacular landscape with old farms and idyllic fjord villages which has stayed the same for centuries.
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Visit The Viking Village
The Viking Village enables visitors to experience the history and lives of Vikings through its living village of Njardarheimr.
In Viking times over 600 people lived in Gudvangen so take the opportunity to find out about life in the area for the Vikings who have called it home for over one thousand years.
There are lots of activities to keep adults and children occupied and the village is open all year round.
Check out their website for more information about opening times and costs.
Best Things To Do In Gudvangen
Gudvangen translates as Place of the Gods and when you stand looking out at the fjord surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks you will understand why. The village is located at the end of the Nærøyfjord
We started our day in Gudvangen having travelled by bus from Laerdal. Depending on your itinerary Gudvangen will be the beginning or end of your day
I would suggest that you take the cruise and visit the Viking Village if you only plan to spend one day exploring this area. If you are visiting in summer and enjoy kayaking there are trips available with a guide to some of the more inaccessible parts of the fjord.
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How To Travel To Flam And Gudvangen From Bergen
How to travel from Bergen to Gudvangen
There are a number of options available to travel from Bergen to Gudvangen.
- Hiring a car in Bergen and driving the 150 kms from Bergen to Gudvangen
- Taking a train from Bergen to Voss on the Bergen to Oslo line and then jumping on the Nettbus from Voss to Gudvangen.
How to travel from Bergen to Flam
- Again hiring a car and driving to Flam is possible and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Taking the train! Myrdal is the last stop on the Flam railway. It is therefore possible to travel from Bergen to Myrdal on the Bergen to Oslo train line and change trains at Myrdal onto the Flamsbana.
How to travel from Gudvangen to Flam by road
- Yes, there is a shuttle bus which you can book! If you plan to leave your car in Gudvangen or Flam the bus connects to the cruise so you can easily plan to take a round trip departing from either point.
Round Trip Cruise In Nryfjord: Flm To Gudvangen
Overview
FlåmGudvangenAurlandsfjordNærøyfjord
Summer Road Trip: Mountains & Fjords – 12 Days
Steer a relaxing 12-day course through the highs and lows of Norway’s spectacular landscapes from Jotunheimen National Park to the depths of Sognefjord, the country’s deepest fjord. You’ll enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace when visiting museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and explore the wonders around you. Buckle up and pack your camerathis is going to be one gorgeous drive!
Oslo to Bergen Winter Adventure – 6 Days
Prepare to discover Oslo and Bergen’s charm and culture as you explore the city by public transport during a local-led tour in both cities. You’ll travel by train from Oslo to Bergen, with a stop in Flåm, on one of the world’s steepest and most beautiful journeys that winds past lush fjord landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and steep, snow-capped mountains. In Flåm, you’ll go on a fjord cruise past some of the highest peaks in the regionbefore heading to Bergen where you’ll discover the city’s magical layout and history during a local touras well as go on a second fjord cruise past Mostraumen and finally to Modalen.
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Guided Tour And Fjord Cruise To Nryfjorden Flm And Stegastein Viewpoint
Enjoy a beautiful cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjorden and the spectacular viewpoint Stegastein on this round trip from Bergen.
Is there anything more enchanting than the breathtaking beauty of Norwegian nature, fjords, waterfalls and mountains? On this round trip with Fjordrive you can experience this amazing scenery firsthand on a private road trip, including a two-hour cruise on the Nærøyfjord.
The tour starts by minibus at the Tourist Information in Bergen, before heading east, where our first sightseeing stop will be at the magnificent waterfall, Tvindefossen. The tour continues towards Gudvangen, and then onwards to Flåm on a battery powered boat on the beautiful Nærøyfjord. From there we will be continuing to Aurland, and we will start the amazing climbing to the top of the Stegastein viewpoint. Stegastein has a unique and spectacular viewing platform that hangs 30 meters from the mountainside, 650 meters above the fjord, and offers an unparalleled panoramic view. The road from Aurland to Stegastein is part of National Scenic Routes in Norway. We will have the opportunity to take pictures and go at the platform and see the amazing view.
Afterwards the tour goes back to Bergen, with memories that will last for a lifetime.
What Other Similar Attractions Are Recommended In Gudvangen
FlamFlam TrainAurlandsfjordPort of GudvangenGudvagenNaeroyfjordenStegastein LookoutKjosfossen FallsKjelfossen WaterfallRimstigenBrekkefossenNordic VenturesFlaamsbana MuseetStalheimskleivaNorwegian Fjord Voyage ASCar ferry cruise Kaupanger – GudvangenSognefjordenViking Valley The Magical White Caves in Gudvangen, NorwayFjord1
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Popular Types Of Attractions In Gudvangen
Where To Stay In Gudvangen Flam And Laerdal
Depending on where you start your fjord adventure you may wish to spend a night or two in Gudvangen or Flam. Either have great accommodation options and as I detailed above it is easy to travel the 20 kms between the two destinations via road either by car or bus.
If you would like to escape the tourists in Flam and experience a more authentic Norwegian experience why not take the bus to the beautiful village of Laerdal?
Laerdal is only 42 kms from Flam and takes approximately 40 minutes by road. You also experience the famous Laerdal tunnel if you opt to stay there which really does bring home just how isolated these villages must have been before the roads and tunnels were built.
You can find out more about visiting Laerdal in my dedicated article to the town.
I recommend the following accommodation options in each of the destinations.
Gudvangen accommodation options
There are 3 accommodation options in Gudvangen.
If you are on a budget consider the camping or budget hotel options both of which have excellent reviews.
Alternatively, the Gudvangen Fjordtell and Apartments offer a rather unique option with skylights and hide covers on the beds. We took a look at this option when we were in Gudvangen and would recommend it for a stay in a phenomenal location with a true Viking feel!
Flam accommodation options
Flam offers more accommodation options and I have selected the following:
Laerdal
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Visit The Village Of Undredal With Its 12th
You will find stave churches across Norway from Bergen to Undredal to Laerdal. There are 28 stave churches remaining in Norway and they are worth visiting to appreciate the beautiful design.
The church in Undredal is the smallest of the stave churches in Norway and only seats 40 people! You can travel to Undredal by car or bus from Gudvangen as you will only see it from the boat as you sail the fjord
Suggested Itinerary For One Day In Flam
- 8.35 AM 10.35AM Scenic Flam railway.
- 10.40 AM Visit Flam Railway Museum and/or Aurland shoe shop, and have a quick lunch.
- 12.00 board the Naeroyfjord cruise. Arrive in Gudvangen at 2.15 PM.
- 2.20 PM Visit the Viking Valley in Gudvangen.
- 4.20 PM catch a shuttle bus back to Flam.
- 4.40 PM arrive in Flam. If you have a car, drive up to Stegastein viewpoint and/or to Undredal. Alternative hike to Brekkkefossen waterfall.
- End your day with dinner at Aegir Brew Pub.
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Viking Valley Njardarheimr In Gudvangen
The newly opened Viking Valley in Gudvangen is not a museum, but an authentic Viking village. You can meet real Vikings, learn more about their lifestyle, crafts, and history. There are regular guided tours, and its really interesting to meet these people who are so passionate about the Viking era that they choose to live that way today.
Make sure you talk to the Vikings. If you show some interest in what they do, you get to meet some amazing people and learn a lot.
We didnt know what to expect of this place before our visit and thought it was some kind of a museum. But we spent almost 3 hours here and left with a feeling that we have experienced something truly unique.
I highly recommend including Viking Village in your Flam itinerary, also if visiting with kids. To me, Viking Village is one of the best things to do in Flam area!
- For more practical information check their official website.
Booking The Norway Fjord Tour Route Independently
Its actually incredibly easy to replicate the Norway fjord tour because they give you all their itineraries on their website. So if you want to do the exact Norway fjord tour you can simply find the itinerary you want to copy here, and then book your train, ferry, and bus tickets yourself.
So for example, if you want to do a tour starting and ending in Oslo, enter Oslo as your start and end point.
Note: this tour gets incredibly crowded in the summer, especially in July, so I would highly recommend visiting outside of that time if at all possible.
Another advantage of booking this Norway fjord tour independently is that you can supplement it with some other really cool tours and activities since youll be deciding all of your own transport times. Youll find some really great adventure tours and activities here . And since youll be saving money by booking your Norway fjord tour yourself, youll have extra money for adding activities.
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What Is Norway In A Nutshell
A fjord cruise is something I’ve always been curious about. Actually, the only kind of cruise I would have done is something like that. However, I was not that crazy about spending too many hours trapped on a boat, let someone else decide where to stop and for how long, missing whole days by sailing.
Eventually, the Norway trip arrived and I had the moral duty to make at least a fjord cruise Norway in a Nutshell suited perfectly!
After two beautiful days in Bergen, we had to get to Oslo somehow, then fly to the Lofoten Islands. I’ve heard that the Bergen-Oslo railway is one of the most beautiful in the world and it gives you the chance, with a little deviation, to see Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.Norway in a Nutshell is just this: a cumulative ticket that allows you to catch trains, buses and boats and enjoy wonderful landscapes, small villages and a couple of fjords in one day, one of which is protected by UNESCO.
BINGO !!!
Hire A Bike And Explore Flm And Beyond
If you wish to spend more time in Flam there are other options open to visitors including bike rental . We cycled a lot when we were in Norway even in winter and there are some great cycle trips to take from Flam.
About 20 minutes from Flam is the famous Brekkefossen waterfall which is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.
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