After the Bergen City Marathon: Flåm

The Route: Bergen → Myrdal → Flåm → Bergen Airport Logistics: The Bergen Line to Myrdal, then the Flåm railway down to the fjord. Book seats and keep your luggage light. Marathon Month: April Duration: 2 nights

Bergen station ──(Bergen Line)──> Myrdal ──(Flåm railway)──> Flåm (2 nights) ──(same route)──> Bergen ──(light rail line 1)──> Airport

Bergen's tourist board documents the rail connection from Bergen to Myrdal and onwards on the Flåm railway, which makes the village an easy extension for a runner who wants mountains and a fjord without a rental car. The marathon finishes on a Saturday, so the train leaves on the Sunday.

April in Flåm. Spring is cool, and snow can stay on the high ground. Some boats, cafés and attractions run reduced timetables or are closed until the season opens. Check each one before you plan a day around it, and do not assume that mountain paths are clear.

Getting there

Take the Bergen Line from Bergen railway station to Myrdal and change for the Flåm railway. The journey times and the Sunday timetable should be checked on the rail operators' sites for your date. Book seats ahead, and allow a generous margin at the change.

Night one: the village

Stay close to the harbour in Flåm so the station and the boat quay are within a short walk. Compare cancellable rates and ask about breakfast times and luggage storage. The flat walk to start with is the waterfront path, which is level and short. Eat early, since small villages close their kitchens early.

Day two: slow outdoors

Keep the day short. A gentle walk along the fjord and a seat in a café is enough. Ambitious hiking on tired legs is a mistake, and it is early in the year for the high trails. Ask at the tourist office which paths are open and flat.

Night two and onward

Pack the night before and check the first train. The return passes through Myrdal.

Getting home