The beautiful small town of Flåm is nestled deep in a tributary
of the world's longest and deepest fjord, the 204-kilometre-long
and 1308-metre-deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides,
roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, this area is a truly
spectacular natural wonder, whether the sun is shining or rain is
pouring from the sky.
The name "Flåm" means "little place between steep mountains,"
and at the end of the 1800s many cruise ships with English and
German travelers found their way here to experience Norwegian
fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The ships' passengers laid the
foundation for hotel operations and a steady stream of tourists,
who were transported in two-wheeled buggies through the spectacular
scenery. After the Bergen Railroad was opened in 1909, Flåm became a
crossroad for passengers, mail and freight to and from the trains
between Oslo and Bergen, in connection with the steamships on the
fjord.