Flåm is a tiny village at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord. It is best known for the Flåmsbana — a spectacular railway that climbs 867 metres from the fjord to the mountain station at Myrdal through 20 tunnels and past waterfalls. The line is a marvel of engineering and one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions.
The village is a standard stop on the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour, which combines the Flåmsbana with a ferry ride through the narrow Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. On cruise ship days the small waterfront can feel crowded, but the setting — steep green mountains dropping straight into still water — is genuinely spectacular. Outside peak hours, Flåm makes a pleasant base for kayaking on the fjord or hiking in the surrounding valleys. The Otternes historic farm, a short hike above the waterfront, offers a window into how people have lived in this dramatic landscape for centuries. The Ægir Brewery on the quayside is the best spot for an evening drink once the day-trippers have gone.