Flåm

Flåm is a well-known village, both nationally and internationally. The tourist village has a long tradition and a proud history, connected to the fjords, mountains, the Flåm river, the Fretheim Hotel and most notably the Flåm railway, which in the last 20-30 years has put Flåm on the map. Did you think that Flåm would be a bigger? There are many who think that, but actually there are no more than 400 inhabitants living in Flåm itself. Most of them live on a 4 kilometre stretch between the fjord and Flåm Church. Many people choose to walk this stretch when they visit Flåm. Flåm church was built down by the fjord and was completed in 1668 but blew down the following year! In 1670 the church was rebuilt, but this time further up the valley, where the church still stands today. Flåm Church is made of wood and is still in active use today. The Flåm river was an important element of early tourism in Flåm. The river was renowned for its good fishing, both salmon and brown trout. The excellent fishing enticed wealthy English tourists, also known as the “salmon Lords” they streamed into Flåm towards the end of the 19th century. This was considered by many to be the start of tourism in Flåm. The large white building down by the railway line is the historic Fretheim Hotel, which was built early in the 20th century. Since then the hotel has been developed and extended several times, it is open year round. At the back of the hotel you will find the Fretheim culture park, with nice hiking trails and a good view over Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord.