Flåm Railway Scenic Train with Kids: Homejourney Family Guide

The Flåm Railway Scenic Train with Kids: Family Travel Guide is all about helping families safely enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful train rides while planning smartly from Singapore and beyond. As a parent in Singapore who has done this journey with children, I’ll walk you through exactly how to ride the Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway) with kids—what to book, when to go, safety checks to make—and how this ties back to long‑term lifestyle and property planning with Homejourney.

Why Take the Flåm Railway with Kids?

The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is a 20 km mountain railway between Myrdal and Flåm, dropping about 865–867 m in under an hour through 20 tunnels, waterfalls and dramatic valley scenery.[1][3][6] It’s consistently ranked among the world’s most scenic train rides, with National Geographic and Lonely Planet calling it a top or even the best train journey globally.[4][5]

For kids, this is the easiest way to experience Norway’s fjords and mountains without long hikes or cold boat decks. The old‑style carriages have 2–3 seats facing each other in groups, which work perfectly for families of 4–5 to sit together by the window.[1] There’s no need for car seats, and toilets are onboard—critical when you’re travelling with young children.

Best Time to Visit Flåm Railway with Kids

Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, warmer weather (often 12–20°C), and milder conditions for kids. This is peak season, so trains are busier and tickets can sell out days or weeks in advance. Fjord cruises and outdoor activities run at full schedule.[2][3]

Shoulder seasons (May, September–early October): Less crowded and often better value on accommodation. You still get lush green valleys in late spring and golden colours in early autumn, with reasonably kid‑friendly temperatures if you pack layers.[3][6]

Winter (late November–March): Magical snow scenery and fewer crowds, but colder, darker and more logistically challenging with kids. The Flåm Line even doubles as a kind of ski‑lift for winter sports at Myrdal.[6] Suitable mainly for older children used to the cold.

From Singapore, most families find late May to early September the most comfortable window, especially for first‑timers adjusting from tropical humidity to Scandinavian weather.

Getting to Flåm Railway from Singapore

There are no direct flights from Singapore to Flåm, but the route is straightforward:

Step 1 – Fly Singapore to Oslo or Bergen: Usual connections are via hubs like Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Total travel time is typically 15–20 hours including transit.
Step 2 – Norway rail connection: From Oslo or Bergen, take the Bergen Line to Myrdal (around 4.5–5.5 hours from Oslo; 1.8–2.3 hours from Bergen).[2] Then transfer to the Flåm Railway down to Flåm.[2][3]
Step 3 – Direct train to Flåm: At Myrdal, the Flåmsbana train is clearly marked; connection times on popular "Norway in a Nutshell" style routes are usually timed to match.[3][5]

For families from Singapore, it’s wise to avoid tight connections on your arrival day in Norway. Overnight in Oslo or Bergen first, then take the train to Myrdal and Flåm the following day to give kids time to recover from jet lag.

Tickets, Duration and Costs (Family Planning)

The Flåm Railway journey itself takes about 50–60 minutes one way over 20 km.[3][4] Most families do a one‑way trip (Myrdal–Flåm or Flåm–Myrdal) combined with other fjord activities, but you can also go up and back.

Norway prices can feel high if you’re used to Singapore family outings. Exact fares change seasonally, but for planning purposes, budget roughly:

Adults: mid‑hundreds of NOK per person one way in high season.
Children: Norway rail often offers discounts or free rides up to a certain age when accompanied by adults on specific tickets—check the latest rules before purchase.

To avoid surprises, convert NOK to SGD before booking. Homejourney supports multi‑currency thinking for investors and travellers; use your bank or a fintech app to monitor NOK–SGD trends when budgeting your trip and any property exploration.

Family‑Friendly Highlights on the Flåmsbana

Key moments kids usually love include:

Kjosfossen waterfall stop: The train makes a short photo stop at this dramatic waterfall.[2][3][5] Children can step onto the platform (holding an adult’s hand) to feel the mist and hear the roar; in season, there is often a performance featuring a mythical "Huldra" figure near the falls.[3]
Spiral tunnels: Several tunnels curve and even turn 180 degrees inside the mountain—great to point out as the view “jumps” sides.[1][4]
Old‑style carriages: The wooden interiors and seating layout (2 + 3 facing seats) feel like stepping into a storybook train, and are perfect for board games or snacks during the ride.[1]

At Flåm station, step into the Flåm Railway Museum to learn how workers hand‑carved 18 of the 20 tunnels—a good way for older kids to appreciate the engineering feat.[1][3][8]

Practical Travel Tips & Child Safety

Norway is generally very safe, but with young children and mountain railways it pays to be extra cautious—aligned with Homejourney’s focus on safety and verified information.

Visa, Documents & Insurance

Norway is in the Schengen Area. Singapore passport holders typically enjoy short‑stay visa‑free entry for tourism, subject to current regulations—always check the latest requirements with official Norwegian or EU sources before booking. Travel insurance that covers children, mountain activities and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Onboard Safety Checklist for Families

Platform safety: Hold children’s hands at Myrdal, Flåm and Kjosfossen. Do not allow kids to stand near platform edges for photos—mountain weather can be gusty.
Doors/windows: Some windows can be opened slightly for photography; keep children seated when windows are open, and never allow arms or heads outside.[4]
Seat selection: For Myrdal–Flåm, many travellers prefer sitting on the right‑hand side for dramatic valley views; with kids, prioritise being together over which side is “best”.[2]
Temperature: Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains. Bring layered clothing, beanies and spare socks for kids leaving warm Singapore.

Money‑Saving Strategies from a Singapore Family Perspective

Travel off‑peak times: Early morning or later afternoon trains can be less crowded and sometimes slightly cheaper depending on promotions.
Consider packages: Norway in a Nutshell style itineraries often bundle the Flåm Railway with fjord cruises and other segments, which may offer better value than buying everything separately.[3][5]
Pack snacks & water: Norway food is high quality but pricey compared with hawker centres in Singapore. Bring kid‑friendly snacks from Oslo/Bergen supermarkets.

Where to Stay in and Around Flåm with Kids

Flåm village itself is the most convenient with kids—it sits by the Aurlandsfjord right next to the station, cutting walking time with strollers or luggage to just a few minutes.[2][3]

Family‑friendly options typically include:

Central hotels/guesthouses in Flåm: Easy access to the station, fjord cruises, supermarket and playgrounds, ideal for families wanting minimal transfers.
Vatnahalsen mountain hotel: Near Vatnahalsen station above Flåm, popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking; better suited to active families with older kids who enjoy being outdoors all day.[4]
Nearby Aurland or Gudvangen: Quieter fjord villages within a reasonable drive or ferry ride of Flåm; good if you prefer calmer evenings.

Book early for June–August, similar to how Singaporeans must book desirable HDB or condo units early in hot districts. Check recent reviews and avoid any accommodation that does not clearly state safety measures, child policies and location relative to the station.