Venture into Flåm’s natural wonders, and you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring sights that take your breath away. Whether you embark on a scenic train ride through the mountains or embark on a serene fjord cruise, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature’s majesty at every step.

The village, today a major tourist hub, is renowned for its world-famous Flåm Railway, a remarkable train journey that winds through dramatic landscapes, passing cascading waterfalls and steep valleys.

Flåm is also known for the Flåm – Gudvangen fjord cruise, taking you on a scenic fjord cruise through two of Norway’s most spectacular fjords: Aurlandsfjorden & Nærøyfjorden.

A lot of travelers just pass by Flåm and the surroundings when traveling between Oslo and Bergen. However, with some extra time I think its well-worth your time spending a night or two to take in more of this beautiful part of Norway.

In this article I’m focusing on hotels and places to stay in Flåm and the nearby Aurlandsvangen & Balestrand.

Do you need help planning your journey to Norway? Check out my Tour Planning page.

You might also like: My Top Hotel Recommendations for Bergen

Accommodation in Flåm

Just to warn you, Flåm is sometimes a very busy place. A cruise harbor, a transfer point for the Norway in a Nutshell tour, and a gateway to the fjords, it can packed with tourists.

Still, it can be an enjoyable place to stay for a night or two. You are close to a lot of sights and things to do, and its easy to catch your connecting ferry or bus when its time to leave.

Find things to do in Flåm here

Here’s a few of my favorite places to stay in Flåm:

Flåm Marina

Tucked away just a short walk from “downtown” is the Flåm Marina. For a room with a fjord view this might be your best bet. They also got a decent restaurant overlooking the fjord, and is a great place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Choose between a family room, junior suite or a regular double room. Some rooms have a kitchenette. Try get a room with a view!

Book here –> Booking.com – Agoda.com

Fretheim Hotel

Just a few steps behind the Flåm Railway Station is the historical 19th century Fretheim Hotel. Here you can find a restaurant with fjord views, a cozy fireside bar, and a garden cafe.

Some rooms are traditional with old-world furnishings, while others are more modern. Suites are available, some with a whirlpool tub.

I think this is a good option for staying in a classic Norwegian Fjord Hotel.

Book here –> Hotels.com – Booking.com – Agoda.com

Do you need help planning your journey to Norway? Check out my Tour Planning page.

Flåm Camping & Hostel

This is a great budget option for staying in Flåm. The Flåm Camping and Hostel is located a short walk across the Flåm river. You can choose between basic hostel rooms with private or shared bathroom, various types of cabins, and they rent a holiday home.

This is also the place to go if you arrive to Flåm with a tent or a campervan. Their RV sites are spacious, grassy and some of them are shaded.

Book here –> Booking.com – Agoda.com

More options in Flåm

If the above options are fully booked, or don’t meet your desires you can also check out these two places:

• Flåmsbrygga Hotell
• Heimly Pension

You might also like: My Top Hotel Recommendations for Bergen

Accommodation in Aurlandsvangen

To escape the sometimes busy Flåm you can consider heading to nearby Aurlandsvangen. With its breathtaking backdrop of towering mountains and shimmering fjords this place is s a sight to behold. Even better, it’s easy to get there from Flåm.

Take a bus or a ferry. You can find the schedule on ENTUR.

Staying in Aurlandsvangen you are also close to the Stegastein Viewpoint.

Aurlandsvangen is quite small, but has a couple of good options for sleeping. Here are my two favorites.

Vangsgaarden Guest House

A warm and inviting guest house in an 18th century property. Vangsgaarden guest house rent both cabins and rooms, and there is a cozy restaurant with outdoor seating.

Book here –> Booking.com – Agoda.com

Hotel Aurlandsfjord

A boutique fjord hotel only a 6 minute walk away from the ferry docks.  The Aurlandsfjord hotel has 30 rooms, all with a view of the fjord or the mountains. A daily 3-course dinner is served in their restaurant.

Book here –> Hostel.com – Agoda.com

Accomodation in Balestrand

At the other end of the Sogne Fjord you find the village of Balestrand. The village itself is a charming blend of traditional Norwegian architecture and idyllic countryside, with colorful wooden houses dotting the shoreline.

There’s a lot to do in Balestrand, such as going on a boat tour, visiting a nearby glacier, kayaking, hiking in the mountains or just strolling along the fjord taking in the beautiful scenery.

From Flåm you can get here with the Express boat from Norled. Book tickets here.

After your stay in Balestrand you can head back to Flåm with the ferry and do the fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, or you can take a Norled ferry on the Sogne Fjord taking you directly into Bergen.

Considering Balestrand is a bit off the beaten path I’d recommend staying at least two nights here to get a full day so that you can enjoy all this gem of a place has to offer.

You might also like: My Top Hotel Recommendations for Bergen

Kviknes Hotel

The Kviknes Hotel is a landmark in Balestrand and an iconic hotel in the Sognefjord area. It oozes of old-time charm and is one of the most traditional hotels you’ll find in Norway.

You can choose between a room in the old 1800s part of the hotel, or in the newer building on the back. Rooms come with a fjord and/or a mountain view.

The hotels serves up a tasty breakfast, and in the evenings you can feast on their buffet or a 4-course meal in the restaurant.

Book here –> Booking.com – Agoda.com

Balestrand Hotel

The Balestrand Hotel is family run, and a warm and cozy place with a bar, a garden and nice views of the Sognefjord.

It’s a great option to the more expensive Kviknes Hotel mentioned above. Occasionally there will be concerts, yoga, bingo and quiz-nights. Breakfast is not included, but can be offered at the nearby Kviknes Hotel.

Book here –> Booking.com – Agoda.com

Tour Planning in Norway

I hope this article inspired you to spend some time in Flåm or Aurlandsvangen. For help planning your journey to Norway check out my Tour Planning page.

Thanks for reading!