Destination Flåm

In the fifties and sixties, the Flåm Railway was included on the list of threatened side railways, and closure could become a fact. But gradually, travel numbers began to rise in the years that followed. The Flåm Railway was again threatened with closure in the eighties. In winter, there were few travelers on the Flåm Railway. The rail tracks were worn and large funds for maintenance and upgrades was needed. This took a toll on the economy, and the Norwegian State Railway only wanted to keep the line open during the summer months. At the same time, local forces started fighting for the Flåm Railway's future as a year-round railway, both to increase the number of passengers and to ensure much needed maintenance. The current station building was completed in 1992 with its own post office. Tourist guiding on board the Flåm Railway was introduced in 1996 to provide a better overall experience of the journey. A new era for the Flåm Railway started in 1998 when Flåm Utvikling took over operational and marketing responsibility, and product development of the Flåm Railway. The Norwegian State Railway (Vy) and Jernbaneverket (BaneNor) were still responsible for safety, train operation and maintenance of the section, as well as staffing of the trains. Now plans were made for a tourist destination in Flåm, with opportunities to accommodate more cruise traffic and more hotel guests. The cruise quay was completed in 1999 and the expansion of Fretheim Hotel the following year.