A Guide to Taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in Winter

Taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter is a magical journey through the snowy heart of Norway. The train leaves the colorful city of Bergen and climbs into the high, frozen mountain peaks near Myrdal. You will experience one of the most beautiful rail routes in the entire world during this trip.

This route is part of the famous rail system that connects the two largest cities in the country. Travelers from all over the globe come to see the wild mountains and the deep fjords in winter. You can expect to see incredible natural wonders while sitting in a warm and very comfortable train carriage.

The journey takes you through several different climates and landscapes in just a few hours of travel time. You will witness the transition from the rainy coastal weather to the deep snow of the high mountains. This guide will help you plan every detail for your upcoming 2026 winter adventure in beautiful Norway.

Starting Your Journey at Bergen Railway Station

Your snowy adventure begins at the historic railway station located in the center of beautiful Bergen city. The station building features grand architecture and provides a warm place to wait for your morning train departure. You will find several small cafes and shops where you can buy coffee and snacks for the ride.

Many travelers consider this route to be among the most spectacular Bergen winter day trips by train today. The train staff will help you find your seat and store your heavy winter luggage in the racks. You should check the digital screens to confirm your platform number at least fifteen minutes before your departure.

The train cars are very comfortable and offer plenty of legroom for a relaxing four-hour mountain journey. You can choose between standard class seats or upgrade to the premium plus carriage for extra snacks and coffee. Large windows are designed to give every passenger a great view of the passing white Norwegian winter landscapes.

It is important to remember that winter days in Norway are quite short during the months of January. You should take the earliest train possible to ensure you see the mountain scenery in the bright daylight. The morning sun creates a golden glow on the snow that makes for incredible photography from your train window.

Tickets for the Bergen Railway usually go on sale about ninety days before the scheduled date of travel. You can use the official Vy app to purchase your tickets and choose your favorite side of the train. Make sure you book your tickets early when taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter for 2026.

Climbing the Snowy Peaks Toward Myrdal Station

The train leaves the city behind and begins its steep climb into the rugged mountains of western Norway. You will pass through many small tunnels as the tracks rise higher above the sea level every few miles. The lush green forests of the coast quickly turn into a world of white snow and jagged mountain rocks.

Look out for the rushing rivers that flow alongside the tracks during the first hour of your journey. These rivers are often partially frozen and create beautiful ice patterns along the rocky edges of the water. The train moves at a steady pace which allows you to enjoy the changing views of the valleys below.

You will soon reach the high mountain plateau where the snow can be several meters deep during the winter. This area near the town of Finse looks like a different planet because of the vast white empty space. Many movies have used this specific location to film scenes that take place on frozen and distant snowy worlds.

A day trip to Myrdal station from Bergen is the only way to access this remote mountain wilderness. There are no roads that lead to this part of the country during the heavy winter snow season. You can only reach these high peaks by taking the train or by using very specialized arctic snow equipment.

The air outside the train is freezing but the cabins remain warm and cozy for all the travelers inside. You can walk to the cafe car to buy a hot meal or a traditional Norwegian reindeer meat sandwich. Eating a warm meal while watching the snow fall outside is a very peaceful and memorable travel experience.

Taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in Winter Highlights

Many people enjoy taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter because of the unique and icy scenery. Myrdal station sits high in the mountains and serves as the junction for the famous Flåmsbana railway line. You must step off the main Bergen train and walk across the platform to board the green carriages.

The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the entire world for its length. It drops from eight hundred meters above sea level down to the fjord in just twenty kilometers of track. You will feel the train slow down as it begins the sharp descent into the deep and narrow valley.

This part of the journey is often included in a Norway in a Nutshell winter itinerary from Bergen. The train tracks curve through twenty different tunnels that were carved into the solid rock by hand many years ago. Every turn offers a new view of the steep mountain walls and the tiny villages far down below.

The train makes a short stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall so that passengers can get out and take photos. In the winter the waterfall is usually a massive wall of blue ice that clings to the dark rocks. The sound of the wind and the silence of the snow create a very magical atmosphere at this stop.

Be sure to have your camera ready as the train passes through the most scenic parts of the valley. The windows on the Flåm Railway are quite large and can sometimes be opened for a better photo view. Just remember to close them quickly because the cold winter wind can be very sharp and bite your skin.

Witnessing the Majestic Winter Fjord Scenery

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As the train reaches the bottom of the valley you will see the blue waters of the Aurlandsfjord appear. The contrast between the white snow on the mountains and the dark water of the fjord is truly breathtaking. This area remains one of the most photographed locations in all of Norway during the quiet winter tourist season.

The fjord water does not freeze because it is filled with salt and remains relatively deep throughout the year. You might see small boats moving through the water as locals travel between the tiny villages along the coast. The reflection of the snow-capped peaks in the calm water creates a perfect mirror image on the bright days.

You can take a guided boat tour from the village of Flåm to see the fjord from a different perspective. These electric boats are very quiet and allow you to hear the sounds of nature as you glide along. Standing on the deck of a boat in the winter air is a refreshing and very exciting experience.

The surrounding mountains rise over one thousand meters straight up from the edge of the cold and dark water. You will feel very small as you look up at the giant cliffs that tower over the narrow fjord path. Many of these cliffs have small farms perched on the ledges that are still used by local families.

Winter light in the fjords is very soft and creates long shadows that highlight the textures of the mountains. The silence of the snowy valley is absolutely breathtaking during the quiet months of January and February. The soft light makes taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter a dream for all nature photographers.

Visiting the Charming Village of Flåm in Winter

You will find that taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter is the best way to travel. Flåm is a small village that feels very peaceful and quiet once the large summer crowds have all gone. You can walk through the village and enjoy the traditional wooden houses that are decorated with festive winter lights.

You should visit the Flåm Railway Museum to learn about the incredible history of building this famous mountain track. The museum is located right next to the station and offers free entry to all visitors in the village. It features old locomotives and many interesting exhibits about the engineers who designed the steep and winding railway.

The Ægir BrewPub is a great place to stop for a warm lunch and a local craft beer. It is built in the style of a traditional stave church and features a large fireplace in the center. Sitting by the fire with a hearty bowl of soup is the perfect way to warm up after exploring.

You can also take a bus from the village up to the Stegastein viewpoint for a bird's eye view. This wooden platform sticks out thirty meters from the side of the mountain and hangs high above the fjord. The view from the top is absolutely terrifying for some but it is also one of the most beautiful.

Most shops in the village close early during the winter months so you should plan your shopping for the morning. You can buy high quality wool sweaters and handmade souvenirs to take back home to your family and friends. Support the local economy by purchasing items that are actually made in Norway by the local village craftsmen.

Practical Travel Tips for Your 2026 Train Trip

Follow these simple steps when taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter for a very smooth trip. Planning your trip for the year 2026 requires checking the latest train schedules on the official railway website. Train times can change during the winter because of heavy snow or maintenance work on the high mountain tracks.

High quality wool base layers will help you keep your body heat trapped safely near your skin. Waterproof winter boots with excellent grip are essential for walking on the very slippery ice. A thick down jacket will protect you from the biting arctic winds at high altitudes. Carry some touchscreen gloves so you can take photos without freezing your cold fingers.

Carrying a small power bank for your phone is very useful because cold weather drains battery life very quickly. You will want to take many photos and videos of the landscape so a full battery is very important. Most trains have power outlets under the seats but they can sometimes be busy or difficult to reach easily.

Buy some snacks and drinks at the grocery store in Bergen before you board the train to save money. Food on the train and in the tourist village of Flåm can be quite expensive for many budget travelers. Having your own water bottle and some chocolate will make the four-hour journey much more comfortable and pleasant.

Consider staying overnight in Flåm if you want to experience the true silence of the winter fjord at night. The stars are very bright in the dark sky because there is very little light pollution in the valley. Waking up to a view of the frozen fjord from your hotel window is a memory you will cherish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter worth it?

The route offers some of the most beautiful snowy landscapes in the entire world during the winter months. You will see frozen waterfalls, deep snow, and quiet fjords that are not visible during the busy summer. The peaceful atmosphere of the winter season makes this a much more relaxing trip for every modern traveler.

How long does the train trip from Bergen to Flåm take?

The total journey takes about four hours including the short transfer time at the mountain station of Myrdal. This makes it a perfect day trip if you start your journey early in the morning from Bergen. You will have enough time to see the village and return to Bergen before the sun sets completely.

Can I see the Northern Lights on the train to Flåm?

It is very rare to see the Northern Lights from the train because Bergen is located too far south. You would need to travel much further north to the city of Tromsø to see the lights reliably. The winter sky in Flåm is very dark but the aurora borealis usually stays in the arctic circle.

Are the trains in Norway heated and comfortable in winter?

The Norwegian trains are modern and very well heated to keep all the passengers warm in the freezing weather. You can sit back and relax in the comfortable seats while watching the snow fall outside the window. The large windows allow for great photography without ever having to step out into the cold mountain air.

Taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in winter is a bucket list experience for any traveler visiting Norway in 2026. The combination of high mountain snow and deep blue fjords creates a landscape that looks like a fairy tale. You will enjoy the comfort of the train while witnessing the raw power of the Norwegian arctic winter.

Plan your journey today and discover why this is one of the most famous train rides on the earth. You will return home with amazing photos and many stories about the incredible natural beauty of the fjords. This winter trip is sure to be the highlight of your entire Norwegian vacation during the cold season.

Key Takeaways

Book train tickets ninety days in advance for the best prices in 2026.
Wear several layers of thick wool and down to stay warm in the mountains.
Take the earliest morning train from Bergen to maximize your limited winter daylight hours.

Taking the Bergen Railway to Flåm in Winter Guide 2026

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