Perched high among steep peaks and plunging valleys, the Myrdal Valley is not a town but a mountain railway junction with panoramic nature all around.

Accessible only by train and framed by dramatic landscapes, this high-mountain area invites adventurers and nature lovers to step off the tracks and into a world of waterfalls, forest paths, and a famous cycling route that descends toward the fjords.

It's a place where tranquil wilderness meets incredible accessibility—and your time here can be more than a transfer stop.

Getting There: Train Access Only

Myrdal Station is uniquely remote, connected to the wider world by railway only—no roads run all the way to the station.

From Bergen – Catch the Bergen Railway to Myrdal Station. This scenic ride takes about 2 hours, climbing through mountain plateaus and lush countryside, terminating at Myrdal's 867 metre high station.

From Oslo – The Bergen Railway from Oslo is one of Norway's great long distance trains, typically 5 hours to Myrdal, slicing across high mountains and offering glacier views.

From Flåm – Myrdal is the upper terminus of the Flåm Railway, a 20 km line rising nearly 867 metres from the fjord below; this train journey takes about 1 hour through waterfalls and verdant valleys.

At Myrdal Station, facilities are limited but cozy: sheltered waiting areas, vending machines, toilets, and the Rallaren Café are available during the warmer months (roughly April to October). Otherwise, the station itself becomes a quiet alpine viewpoint.

Exploring the Valley: Trails and Routes

The real allure of Myrdal Valley lies not in urban attractions but in outdoor experiences that connect you directly with the landscape.

Rallarvegen Trail – This historic construction road, known as the Navvy Road, was built for the Bergen Railway in the early 1900s and today forms one of Norway's most famous cycling and walking routes. From Myrdal, you can follow the descending path toward Flåm — a scenic 16–20 km stretch that winds through meadows, beside streams, and past waterfalls.

Rock and Water Views – Along the valley, the railway itself showcases dramatic views of peaks and plunging rivers. Taking short walks around the station area or nearby lookouts offers striking vantage points of the valley below, especially in summer when greenery is lush.

Waterfall Highlights – Nearby along the Flåm Railway, Kjosfossen Waterfall (93 m high) and Rjoandefossen is sometimes listed at ~310 m total height, but sources also note that the most prominent visible drop is smaller—so treat “310 m” as a total-height figure rather than one single plunge.

Depending on your pace and chosen route, walking or cycling from Myrdal down toward Flåm can take about 2 hours by bike or longer on foot with stops.

Trails are best undertaken with proper shoes and weather-appropriate gear.

Seasonal Considerations and Opening Times

Weather and season shape your experience:

Spring to Summer (May–September) – This is the most popular period for hiking and cycling. Trails are easier to traverse, and chances of snow are lower.

Autumn – Crisp air and changing colours add dramatic contrast to valley views but prepare for cooler temperatures.

Winter – Snow may cover higher trails; hanging around the station or taking short snowshoe walks can be memorable but demands caution and winter gear. Local tourist resources and train timetables often note winter schedules.

There is no official “closing time” for the valley itself; trains operate to set timetables year round, and trails are open unless weather conditions make them unsafe.

Transportation Tips Within and Around Myrdal

Because road access ends before the station, moving around and planning your next connection requires attention.

Train Schedule Planning – Train tickets for the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway can be booked via the official train operator's app or website; plan connections carefully, as gaps between trains can be long. Tickets cost approximately $35–$45.

Walking Routes – Routes from the station to surrounding lookouts are unmarked beyond formal trails; bring a map or track information downloaded in advance since mobile coverage can be patchy.

Accommodation Nearby

Staying near Myrdal Valley means choosing places in nearby stations, Flåm, or the surrounding valleys since there are no hotels directly at Myrdal Station.

Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell – A high mountain hotel near Vatnahalsen station, offering comfortable rooms with panoramic mountain views and often starting around $110 per night in peak seasons.

Myrdal Fjellstove – A simple lodge/hostel-style stay near Myrdal (confirm seasonal availability before planning overnight).

Flåm Village – For more amenities, staying in Flåm is a popular choice. You'll find a range of hotels and guesthouses there, and it's just a train ride down the valley. Booking early is advised during summer.

Dining Costs

Food options near Myrdal itself are limited (mainly the station café when open), so many travelers plan meals in Flåm or bring snacks.

Budget anchor for Norway: A simple meal at an average restaurant can easily cost around $30–$40, and a more upscale dinner can exceed $80 per person (varies by place and season).

Tip: Packing snacks and water is especially useful because services at Myrdal are limited.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Pack Smart – Weather in the valley changes quickly; pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes.

Stay Hydrated and Fueled – There are limited shops at the station; bring snacks and water for longer walks.

Respect Nature – Trails run through untouched landscapes; stay on paths and leave no trace to protect the valley's fragile environment.

Final Thoughts

The Myrdal Valley isn't a bustling destination—it's a threshold to pure mountain scenery. What draws people here isn't shops or nightlife, but the chance to stand high above the fjords, feel cool mountain wind on your face, and trace your path down ancient routes carved first by rail builders and now by bikers and walkers alike. Whether you linger while waiting for your connection or choose to spend a night nearby, let the silence and grand nature be your companion. Journey slowly, breathe deeply, and allow the valley's panoramic beauty to become part of your travel story.