In Flam, Norway and wondering how to get to the Stegastein Viewpoint and if it’s worth it? Check out my guide on how to get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flam and what to expect. I also include a few tips to help you make the most out of your Stegastein Viewpoint adventure.
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Intro
The Stegastein Viewpoint has one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Norway. It is located high up on a mountain above the Aurlandsfjord where you can experience the Norwegian fjords in all its glory! And the best part is that it is just a short bus ride from Flam. Other fjord views from high viewpoints are normally accessed by long uphill hikes, which makes the Stegastein Viewpoint a very accessible location and super worth going to!
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Stegastein Viewpoint Tickets
You can book tickets here, but if you do want to book while in Flam, you can definitely do so. When in Flam, you can purchase tickets at the Flam Visitor Center. In here, there’s a hanging board that shows the different excursion times as well as how many available seats are left. Additionally, the Bus Stop C sign also contains a QR code where you can simply scan and purchase tickets from. There are several departures available throughout the day so it’s super easy to fit this 1.5 hr excursion into your Flam itinerary!
The round-trip ticket is very affordable although I recommend booking in advance since the transportation I was in was a shuttle bus (not a large tour bus). Booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, guarantees a spot on the shuttle bus. Not only that but you can also visit at a desired time that fits your schedule.
How to Get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flam
To get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flam, there is a Bus Stop C right in Flam’s village center. It is right outside of the main Flam Visitor Center building near the Train Station. Looking at this building with the pier behind you, it is to the left at the parking lot curb. There will be a bench accompanied with a bus stop sign stating it’s the “Bus to Stegastein Viewpoint & Mt. Prest”.
When I visited, I had booked the 4 PM time slot, but our bus driver was not there on time. He did finallly arrive at 4:14 PM and I was relieved that he still told us we had the full 30 minutes at the viewpoint. I’m guessing this was probably because we were the last time slot of the day though.
But I could imagine if there is a delay in an earlier time slot then it’d inevitably impact subsequent excursion start times. Because of this, it’s best to keep an eye out on the time when you’re at the viewpoint. Purely in consideration for the other people on the tour with you, and for the other tours that follow.
Ride Up to Stegastein Viewpoint
The drive from Flam to Stegastein Viewpoint is 30 minutes. Then you’ll get a 30-minute stop to enjoy the viewpoint, followed by another 30-minute return trip to Flam. The drive up to Stegastein is an experience in itself where the bus winds up the steep and narrow mountain roads. Simultaneously, you’ll also start getting glimpses of the fjord and the area’s dramatic terrain. Just the amazing views from within the shuttle bus made the ride already worth it to me.
The Stegastein Viewpoint
When we arrived at the Stegastein Viewpoint, our bus driver told us to meet back at the bus in 30 minutes, which was plenty of time to soak in the views and take some pictures. The viewing platform itself was so unique with its modern design mixed with elements of nature. It’s made of wood and has smooth angles, and the glass at the end of the platform really maximizes the views with no obstructions.
The views were so amazing from the platform where you really feel immersed in the surroundings. The small houses and small boats on the water really put the impressive size of the fjords and mountains into perspective. I even thought of how large the ancient glaciers were to have carved these gigantic fjords before melting away. Truly incredible natural events that created these views.
I went on a 4 PM Stegastein Viewpoint time slot so the sun was lowering over the distant mountains. There were also some light clouds, so the sun peeking through gave the scenery a majestic softening with clearly visible sun rays poking through.
I was so enamored with the view that I forgot to check out the bathroom. But if you have time (and remember to), you should check out the bathroom! It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful bathrooms with a view looking out to the fjord.
Stegastein Viewpoint views
Ride Back to Flam
After 30 minutes here, around 5:12 PM, we hopped back onto the bus and went back down the mountain. A nice treat I wasn’t expecting though was that our driver stopped at the side of the road for another amazing view of the fjord. We got off the bus for 5 minutes to take plenty of pictures. Then we ended back at Bus Stop C in Flam around 5:50 PM, so we didn’t lose any time even though we started late.
Fjord Views at the Short Stop on the way Back to Flam
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Dress in Warm Layers
When going up to a higher elevation, the weather tends to be colder and windier! Because of this, bring some layers like a sweater and windproof jacket so that you can keep warm while enjoying the views. I had brought these two layers with me and it worked for me!
2. Bring a Camera
This goes without saying, but bring a camera!! Of course your camera phone will do just fine, but if you have a fancy camera or even an action camera, you can take some really amazing photos. I brought my Sony camera and my Insta360 and the photos did not disappoint.
3. Be Aware of the Time
As mentioned, please be aware of the time when you’re at the viewpoint! The excursion only allows you 30 minutes at the viewpoint, so it’s best to listen and adhere to the allocated time slot. The bus schedule has several back to back departure times so if any of the earlier excursions is delayed, it will impact the subsequent excursion tour times. This is purely in consideration for the other people on the tour with you, and for the other tours that follow.
Final Words
The Stegastein Viewpoint is a must-do fjord experience where you can admire an engineering marvel along with Norway’s natural beauty. The fairly short duration of 1.5 hours and several departures times make it easy to fit into your Flam itinerary. Not only that but the winding bus ride and awe-inspiring views at the top made the adventure to Stegastein Viewpoint so worth it. I hope you consider adding visiting the Stegastein Viewpoint from Flam. Bon Voyage!
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