Mist, Trolls, and Fjordside Wonder: A Day in Flåm

There’s something quietly enchanting about waking up to a crisp morning in Flåm, Norway. Nestled deep within the Aurlandsfjord—one of the narrowest fjords in the world—this tiny village greeted us with clear skies and calm reflections. It was the only rainy day of our journey, but the weather didn’t start that way. As we waited for our train time, a curtain of fog began to drift in, softening the cliffs and cloaking the village in a quiet hush.

🚂 Riding the Flåm Railway: A Journey Through the Clouds

One of the quintessential experiences in Flåm is the roundtrip ride on the Flåmsbana, a marvel of engineering and scenery. This 20-kilometer train journey climbs nearly 900 meters from sea level to Myrdal station, winding through steep mountainsides, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys. With a gradient of 5.5%, it’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world.

The train’s large windows offered panoramic views of the fog-draped landscape, where waterfalls tumbled like silver ribbons and tiny farmhouses clung to impossibly steep hillsides. At one point, the train paused at Kjosfossen waterfall, where we caught a glimpse of a mythical Huldra dancing in the mist—a nod to Norwegian folklore that felt perfectly timed with the weather.

The two-hour ride was quietly social—sprinkled with light conversation, shared glances at the scenery, and the kind of easy connection that often blooms between travelers on a shared path. It added a gentle warmth to the cool, misty journey.

🧸 Trolls, Trinkets, and Town Charm

Back in the village, we wandered through Flåm’s quaint shops, where troll figurines peeked out from shelves and windows with mischievous grins. These whimsical souvenirs—each one a little different—felt like a playful nod to the region’s rich mythology. The town itself is tiny but charming, with wooden buildings, cozy cafés, and a backdrop of towering cliffs that seem to rise straight from the water.

We skipped the tourist fare, opting instead to save our appetites for the indulgent comforts of the ship. After all, when steak and lobster await in the onboard restaurants, it’s hard to justify a hot dog and fries.

🚢 The Fjord Ballet: Sailing In and Out of Flåm

The true magic of Flåm lies in the sail-in and sail-away. Navigating the narrow fjord requires precision and grace from the ship’s captain, as the land presses close on either side. It feels like threading a needle made of mountains and mist.

During the sail-away, we welcomed friends into our suite for treats and tours, laughter echoing against the backdrop of misty peaks. We stepped out onto the balcony during breaks in the rain, capturing snapshots of emerald cliffs before the wind nudged us back inside. The warmth of conversation and camaraderie wrapped around us like a blanket, making the day feel less about the weather and more about connection.

Flåm may have been our foggiest stop, but it was also one of the most atmospheric. The rain, the trolls, the train, and the fjord’s embrace all combined to create a day that felt like drifting through a Nordic reverie. As our ship glided silently between towering cliffs, the narrow fjord framed each moment like a moving painting—land so close you could almost reach out and touch it.

And as we sailed away, hearts full and bellies soon to be filled, we knew this misty little village had left its mark.