aurland fjord cruise

NORWAY – WESTERN NORWEGIAN FJORDS

A local's guide to the fjords in Western Norway.

AURLANDSFJORD AND NÆRØYFJORD – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

The aurlandsfjord and nærøyfjord in sogn are two of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic fjords. the name nærøyfjord origin from the norse god ‘njord’, the god of the seafarer and the sea..

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are two of many fjordarms in the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord. In 2005, the Nærøyfjord became a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage together with the Geirangerfjord.

Visit sognefjord.

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.

Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Some highlights from the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On 14 July 2005, the Nærøyfjord together with the Geirangerfjord became part of our common UNESCO’s world heritage .

From Flåm you can take part in a fjord safari or a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. You can take this fjord cruise as a round trip (both ways) or one way combined with bus between Flåm and Gudvangen. See the great view from Stegastein viewpoint , 650 meters above Aurland . Taste the local goat’s cheese in Undredal or in Skjerdal , two villages by the Aurlandsfjord.

Flåm Railway is the train journey from fjord to mountain, perhaps the most beautiful railway in the world. You can combine this train journey with cycling along Rallarvegen which goes from the high mountains via Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. The lower part of Aurlandsdalen, which is also the most popular, starts from Østerbø and ends at Vassbygdi in Aurland.

The Flåm Valley is a beautiful adventure. The valley between Myrdal (866.8 masl) and Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord is 18 kilometer long. The valley is narrow and the mountains are steep, and there are waterfalls and rivers wherever you turn around. Flåm Valley is a great place for hiking and biking . Flåm Zipline sends you off at over 100 kilometers per hour, you are just hanging in a thin steel wire high above the valley.

By the Nærøyfjord, we have the small villages of Gudvangen , Bakka, Styvi and Dyrdal. Styvi is the only place without permanent inhabitants during the winter, and is together with Dyrdal without road connection. Gudvangen is one of two ports where the iconic ferry trip along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives. Visit the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the history and culture of the Viking Age.

The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are both part of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is located in the northern part of the county of Vestland, in the middle of Western Norway.

From Oslo and Bergen to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord in one day

You can travel by train from Oslo or from Bergen to Myrdal and further by train down the Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. In Flåm, you can buy yourself a good cup of coffee and something good to eat at Flåm Bakery before you board the boat and join a Fjord Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. You can do all of this in one day, and best of all, the entire trip is sustainable.

You get to experience Bergen Railway , Flåm Railway , Flåmsdalen Valley, Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord . Both train and boat on this round trip are electric. The boats run on batteries that are charged up on short-distance hydropower. The boats are both sustainable and silent, which makes the trips on the fjord an even better experience.

Winter – It is easy to understand why more and more people are discovering how beautiful and exotic the Norwegian fjords are in winter. The fjords is a fantastic playground for those who want to ski, go snowshoeing , take a winter fjord cruise or a RIB boat trip on the fjords or just take in the cold and fresh air and enjoy the beautiful winter landscape.

Flåm and Aurland are perfect starting points for exploring this area. It is a short distance to the fjords and the mountains and all the activities, attractions and sights you can do starting from these two fjord villages. Read about our winter trip to Aurland . The video below is from a winter trip from Oslo to Flåm. In the video we see Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway, Flåmsdalen Valley, Flåm, the Aurlandsfjord and Stegastein in winter clothes.

Season and Time to use – Day trip or more, season all year round. We recommend staying longer and experiencing more in this wonderful area.

Fjord Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

Here you will experience the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord (UNESCO World Heritage) in a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen.

The boats from run on batteries that are charged with electricity from short-distance hydroelectric power. The boat trips are both sustainable, climate-friendly and silent, which makes the trips on the fjord an even better experience.

Numerous wild and beautiful waterfalls and rivers characterize the landscape, crossing the rugged mountains and deciduous and coniferous forests on their way down to the fjords.

Beautiful villages with a sustained cultivated landscape with remainders of old farms and mountain pastures and unique cultural monuments gives a extra dimension to the dramatic natural landscape. Season: all year.

Flåm Railway – from fjord to mountain

Flåm Railway has been named one of the ten most beautiful railways in the world. It starts at Flåm at the inner part of the Aurlandsfjord and ends at Myrdal Train Station which is part of the Bergen Railway.

This is the train journey from fjord to mountain, and many people take the train ride both ways.

Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most spectacular railways with its 20 tunnels and a gradient of 1 to 18 on almost 80% of the line. The train stops at Kjosfossen Waterfall where passengers can experience and take pictures of the wild and beautiful waterfall before the train continues on to the end stations which is Myrdal on the high mountain or Flåm down by the fjord.

Flåmsbana is also a fantastic experience in winter. It is highly recommended! Season: all year.

FjordSafari – Activities on and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

FjordSafari offers guided activities, adventures and fjord excursions by RIB boat where you will get to explore the UNESCO world heritage site on and around the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

The area represents an extreme, dramatic and a fantastic fjord landscape.

Their slogan is BOAT – HIKE – BIKE – SNOW, and they give you experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Season: The activities and excursions can be done all year round, but they vary between summer and winter excursions.

Ferry trip on the Sognefjord between Gudvangen and Kaupanger

Kaupanger is one of two ports where the iconic ferry trip along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives.

This is a two and a half hour long fjord cruise on the Sognefjord and the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord , between Kaupanger and Gudvangen .

On this ferry trip you will see the mighty Sognefjord, where the fjord is at its widest. The outermost part of the Aurlandsfjord is narrower than the Sognefjord, but still quite wide. The Nærøyfjord is narrow and the precipitous mountains rise high above the fjord.

Countless rivers and waterfalls cascade down the steep mountain sides. On this ferry trip you can see and experience the stark contrasts and the beautiful and wild nature of this wonderful piece of Norway.

You can take your car on this ferry trip.

Season: Summer, see link for more information about season and scedule .

Waterfalls along the Nærøyfjord

Along the Nærøyfjord there are several beautiful waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful are Kjelfossen Waterfall at Gudvangen , which is located deep inside the Nærøyfjord, Tuftefossen Waterfall next to the Rimstigen trail at Tufto outside Bakka and Lægdafossen Waterfall at the very end of the Nærøyfjord.

Tuftefossen (680 meters high) and Lægdafossen (575 meters high) are best seen from a fjord cruise or from a fjord safari with a rib boat on the Nærøyfjord. You can see Kjelfossen (755 meters high) from the Viking village of Njardarheimr in Gudvangen, just look straight up in the southeast direction.

Below you can see a video from a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, at the end of the video you can see the Lægdafossen Waterfall cascading down the steep mountainside.

Aurland by the Aurlandsfjord

In the middle between Oslo and Bergen lies beautiful Aurland. The idyllic fjord village that offers adventures and nature experiences in beautiful and wild nature.

It is a short way to well known tourist attractions such as Aurlandsdalen Valley , Aurlandsfjellet, Aurlandsvegen Mountain Road and Stegastein Viewpoint . But the Aurlandsfjord itself is perhaps the most beautiful and most famous of them all.

There are many activities you can do in this area all year round. You can take a Fjord Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord or you can join a Fjord Safari in a RIB-boat to get even closer to nature.

In Aurland, there is something for everyone and not least a treasure trove of local food and drink, and is a perfect place to spend your holiday. Marianne Bakery and Café at Aurlandsvangen serves you a good atmosphere, the best of baked goods and a good selection of coffee and other drinks.

Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord

Flåm is one of several fjord villages located by the Aurlandsfjord. Flåm is a fantastic starting point for many great adventures in beautiful and wild nature.

Where the Aurlandsfjord ends, the Flåmsdalen Valley starts. If the Aurlandsfjord is an adventure, the Flåmsdalen Valley is an even more beautiful adventure, and both should be experienced.

It is easy to travel to Flåm. “All roads” leads to Flåm, and you can also get there by train via the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway. If you take the Flåm Railway down to Flåm, you will experience the beautiful Flåmsdalen Valley at the same time.

You can experience and do a lot with Flåm as a starting point. A fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord or a trip on the fjord with Fjord Safari is a must. So is a visit to Flåm Bakery , located on the quay near where the fjord cruise starts.

You can see and do a lot with Flåm as a starting point. In Flåm there are many places to eat and sleep. It is also a short distance to other beautiful fjords where you can visit idyllic fjord villages and experience beautiful and dramatic nature.

An autumn trip to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord

One evening in October, I boarded the train at Oslo Central Station. I was going to take the train along Bergen Railway to Myrdal. Finally, I was going to experience the Flåmsdalen valley, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord in autumn colours again.   It had been far too long since the last time.

I joined a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Never have I seen these fjords more beautiful than this day. Here are some words that I got from a tourist who was on the same boat trip. He posted the comment on a timelapse video I made from that fjord cruise:

– My girlfriend and I were on this cruise that day and it was truly a magical morning. The water was like glass and the rising sun kept changing the mountain views all around us as we silently glided through the fjord.

Guided Kayak Trips on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are great to explore from a kayak.

You can join guided kayak-trips both in Flåm at the inner part of the Aurlandsfjord and in Gudvangen at the inner part of the Nærøyfjord.

• Guided Kayak trips on the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – Start from Gudvangen
• Guided Kayak trips on the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – Start from Flåm

NOTE – For safety reasons, we recommend you to join a guided kayak trip if you are going to paddle kayak on the fjords. Here are some good advices on how you can be safer when kayaking on the fjords and during other activities and when traveling in Norway and Western Norway in general.

Season Kayak: Summer, check with the guide companies when they offer guiding. Seasons mentioned on this website are approximately dates.

Flåm Valley

The Flåm Valley is a beautiful small adventure. The valley between Myrdal (866.8 masl) and Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord is 18 kilometer long. The valley is narrow and the mountains are steep, and there are waterfalls and rivers wherever you turn around.

Flåm Valley is a great place for hiking and biking . Flåm Zipline sends you off at over 100 kilometers per hour, you are just hanging in a thin steel wire high above the valley.

Rallarvegen ends in the Flåm Valley, and you can take the train up and down the Flåm Valley with Flåm Railway . Brekkefossen Waterfall is a popular hiking goal in the Flåm Valley.

Flåm Zipline – The longest zipline in Norway

Take the Flåm Railway from Flåm to Vatnahalsen Station or Bergensbanen Railway from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal Station. From Vatnahalsen it is only a couple of minutes to walk to Flåm Zipline. From Myrdal Station it is 1.5 kilometers to walk.

When you have finished the zipline, you can rent a bike and cycle down the Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Remember to book everything in advance ( package with train, zipline and bike rental ).

Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Café

Meet goats, sheep and horses at a traditional Norwegian mountain farm. The  brown and white goats cheese has been produced in this valley for hundred of years.

Experience the life on the farm and taste traditional, local food at Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Cafè . The mountain farm is about 30 minutes hike from Skjerdal outside Aurland. Follow an old farm road up through steep landscape, with beautiful views over the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding steep mountains.

You can combine a Fjord Safari on the Aurlandsfjord with a visit to Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Cafè, then you need to walk from the fjord and up to the café. This service is provided by FjordSafari in collaboration with Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Café.

Fjord Sauna on the fjord outside Flåm

Enjoy the heat in a sauna on the Aurlandsfjord and jump into the fresh water in the Aurlandsfjord . FJORD SAUNA is a floating sauna that is heated with electricity when it is at the quay and with wood when it is out on the fjord.

Season Floating Sauna: All year

Fjord Photography – Fjord Photoshoots

More and more people are choosing the fjords of Norway to do their engagement and wedding photos in the spectacular nature. And for good reason. With so many gorgeous and inspiring locations, the photos are spectacular.

Paul Edmundson of Fjord Photography in Aurland offers his product Fjord Photoshoot for couples to have their pictures taken in front of stunning fjords, mountaintops, waterfalls, forests and historic sites such as Otternes Mountain Farm and Borgund Stave Church. You can even have a Viking theme photoshoot, dressing up with authentic Viking gear and swords.

See some of the stunning locations around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord with some of his pictures below.

Gudvangen – Where the Vikings still live

Gudvangen is the innermost village by the beautiful and wild Nærøyfjord and is a perfect starting point for many great adventures in beautiful and wild nature.

Gudvangen is a perfect starting point for many great adventures in beautiful and wild nature. Gudvangen is a tiny village where the Nærøyfjord ends. The Nærøyfjord is a perfect base for adventures and nature experiences.

If you include the nearby area on and around the Aurlandsfjord, you can stay there for weeks and discover new and wonderful adventures every day.

Today you can visit the Viking Village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the real history and culture of the Viking age.

Guided hike to Rimstigen above the Nærøyfjord

The Hike from Tufto by the Nærøyfjord to Rimstigen Viewpoint is very steep. The two kilometer long Rimstigen Trail starts down by the fjord and ends 725 meters above it.

A guided hike up to Rimstigen and back will take you around seven hours, and the prize is a fantastic view of the UNESCO Protected Nærøyfjord. A private guide will be with you and a light meal will be served in amazing surroundings. The guided hike includes transportation from Voss, Gudvangen or Flåm to where the hike starts.

Stalheim Hotel

From Stalheim Hotel you have a great view towards the narrow Nærøydalen Valley which is surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls.

IMPORTANT! Due to the great danger of rock falls and both rock- and snow avalanches, the road Stalheimskleiva and the road and trail below Stalheimskleiva are now permanently closed, both for cars, for cycling and for hiking/walking. Do not stay in this area at all due to the high risk of rockfall and avalanches!

Skaldegard Cultural and Historic Farm

Come and visit Skaldegard, an old farmstead that clings to the mountain-side and enjoys splendid views over the Aurlandsfjord and surrounding mountains.

Skaldegard invites small groups to come and learn about the local area’s natural environment, history, agriculture and way of life, both past and present. The farm is situated at Skjerdal above the Aurlandsfjord, outside Aurland .

Cycling Rallarvegen from mountain to fjord

One of the finest and most famous cycle roads in Norway is the 82-kilometer long Rallarvegen (the Navvie`s Road) running from the high mountains to the fjord.

The most popular part of the cycle route is from Finse, at 1222 meters above sea level, to Flåm down by the Aurlandsfjord.

When arriving in Flåm, you can leave the bike at Flåm Railway Station before you enjoy something good to eat and drink at Ægir Brewery by the harbour.

Hiking the Aurlandsdalen Valley

If you want to have a day or two hiking in the Aurland and Flåm area, you should hike the Aurlandsdalen Valley. Many people combine this hike with biking along the Rallarvegen (the old Navvies Road), that is an excellent option if you have the time.

Wild scenery, wild rivers, narrow valleys, much history from old Norway and how they lived at that time. Many people consider this as the most beautiful and wildest hike in Norway.

The lower part of Aurlandsdalen is the most dramatic. It is a 20 kilometer long hike that starts at Østerbø and ends in Vassbygdi by Aurland.

There is now  a bus-service that has made it easy to travel to and from the start and end of the Aurlandsdalen hike. The bus will transport you between Flåm, Aurland, Vassbygdi and Østerbø. This Bus-service is delivered by Norway´s Best .

Stegastein Viewpoint and Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road

Stegastein Viewpoint is part of the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, 650 meters above Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord. Great view from the viewpoint towards the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains. Stegastein Viewpoint is a wooden platform, made of of glulam, which juts 30 meters out from the mountainside by the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route . The panorama-view, 650 meters above Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord , is one of the best views in the fjords.

At Flåm you can rent a small electric car, and you can experience Stegastein Viewpoint and the area around Flåm and Aurland. The electric car is an urban two-seater which is fun and easy to drive, and the GPS-guide will supply you with loads of interesting things along the way. Season: Summer, check Norway´s Best website .

You can also join a sightseeing bus from Flåm to Stegastein Viewpoint . Departures at Flåm and Aurland. The tour will take one to two hours.

Otternes farmyard between Aurland and Flåm

Otternes farmyard is a cluster of 27 old buildings from the 1700s. The view towards the Aurlandsfjord and to Flåm from the farmyard is fantastic. Look south and you see the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord towards Flåm. In the other direction you will see out the Aurlandsfjord towards the mountains which encircle Aurland.

Undredal Fjord Village

Undredal is an idyllic little village down by the Aurlandsfjord which is known for the many goats and the local white and brown goat´s cheese.

The movie Frozen I is inspired by this small village, with the surrounding steep mountains rising straight up from the fjord.

You do not need to go hiking or onto a fjord adventure when visiting Undredal. Many people just want so see and experience this beautiful village and the fjord from land, to buy some goat cheese from Underdalsbui and  to learn about the tradition of goat cheese and farming in Undredal with tasting at Eldhuset  by the pier.

Undredal Stave Church in Undredal is Norway’s smallest church. In Undredal you will also find what is believed to be the smallest fire station in Europe.

Undredal Stave Church in Undredal

Undredal Stave Church stands in Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord. Undredal Stave Church is Norway’s smallest church with only 40 seats.

The stave church had its 850th anniversary in 1997 AD. The year 1147 AD. is found in the carvings inside the church and is used as the official date of the building.

Season: There are no fixed times for guided tours of the church except for a period in the summer. A visit or a guided tour inside the church can be booked via Visit Undredal . See the official website for season and opening hours .

Solvorn, Fjærland and Undredal – Vibrant Fjord Villages by the Sognefjord

The Sognefjord is the lifeblood, indeed the main artery of the villages that lie along the fjord and of the fjord people who live there. The longest fjord is the very reason why these fjord villages exist and that they are located where they do.

Solvorn by the Lustrafjord, Fjærland by the Fjærlandsfjord and Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord are three great examples of vibrant fjord villages in the area around the Sognefjord.

These fjord villages have welcomed tourists since they began visiting Norway in the 17th century. At the same time, time has in a way stood still in these beautiful fjord villages. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and refined.

Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord 



“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.

How to travel to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

It is easy to travel to Flåm and Aurland, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Almost “all roads” go to Flåm and Aurland , and you can also travel there by train, bus and boat. It is only a short distance between the two neighboring villages of Flåm and Aurland.

You can start this fjord adventure by train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal station. Then you get to experience the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen and Flåm Railway , one of Norway’s most spectacular railway lines, from Myrdal station to Flåm, which is located down by the Aurlandsfjord . If you take Flåm Railway, you get to experience the beautiful Flåmsdalen valley at the same time.

There are several daily bus departures between Oslo/Bergen and Flåm.

The nearest airport is Sogndal Airport at Haukåsen near Kaupanger. Most flights that go to and from Sogndal Airport come from and go to Oslo and Bergen. From the airport to Flåm, it is 70 kilometers by road, including a wonderful crossing of the Sognefjord by ferry.

HOTELS - ACCOMMODATION - LINKS

The sognefjord with nærøyfjord and aurlandsfjord – map overview.

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Welcome to Aurland

Scenic route aurlandsfjellet, vangsgaarden gjestgiveri, unveiling the viking roots and world famous natural wonders of sognefjord.

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Sognefjord region, Aurland has emerged as a true gem that encapsulates the rich heritage of the Viking era, along with a stunning array of natural wonders.

With a history dating back centuries, this charming village is a destination that combines history, culture, and unrivaled world famous natural beauty.

Stegastein Viewpoint: A World-Famous Spectacle

One of Aurland's most iconic attractions is the Stegastein viewpoint.

Aurlandsdalen: Norway's Grand Canyon

Often referred to as "Norway's answer to the Grand Canyon," the Aurlandsdalen valley is a hiker's paradise.

Explore Aurland

Accommodation, food & drink.

A variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler`s preferences.

Activities & Attractions

Stegastein Viewpoint: A world-famous spectacle

Hiking in Aurland

Hiking through majestic landscape

How to get to Aurland

Aurland is easily accessible whether you come by car, boat or  bus . From Aurland you can take the  fjord cruise  to Undredal, Gudvangen or Flåm, a  shuttle bus  to Stegastein, or the  hiking bus  to Aurlandsdalen. Aurland is about a 10-minute drive by car to Flåm.

Expressboat to and from Bergen 

Consider combining your trip with an expressboat to Sogndal or Flåm.

The nearest airport is in Sogndal, 1,5 hour drive from Aurland

Get inspired in Aurland

Stories from Aurland

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Attractions & Activities

Image of Stegastein Viewpoint

Stegastein Viewpoint

The wooden brigde is a spectacular viewpoint 650 meters above sea level provides a panorama view over Aurland and the fjord.

Image: Visit Norway

Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway is a breathtaking train journey from Flåm to Myrdal.

Image: Fjord Norge AS

The Aurland valley

A spectacular and scenic hike from Østerbø down to Vassbygdi. The hike is 20 km and takes about 6 hours.

Image of the mountain top "Prest"

Hiking in the mountains

Aurland is surrounded by beautiful mountains, offering lots of hiking routes.

Image: The Fjords

Fjord cruise

Experience the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord from one of many available fjord cruises.

Image:  Flåm Guide Service

Fjord Safari

Fjord Safari offers exciting high speed boat rides on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

Image:  Vatnahalsen

Rallarvegen cycle route

Possibly Norway's most beautiful cycle route with a total distance of 80 km from the mountains and down to Flåm.

Image: Visit Flåm 

Flåm Zipline

The longest zipline in Scandinavia with a span of 1381 meters between Vatnahalsen and Kårdalen in the Flåm valley.

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Flåm & Aurland

In the heart of the Western Norway’s fjord region, you find Flåm and Aurland. Nestled between the Aurlandsfjord and steep mountains, the two idyllic villages offer some of the most breathtaking experiences the region has to offer.

Flåm has welcomed tourists for almost 200 years and knows a thing or two about hospitality. It is the starting point of the famous Flåm Railway, which the adventurous of you can combine with Scandinavia’s longest zipline. Another bucket list experience to do while visiting, is a fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Historic Fretheim Hotel makes sure you get a good night sleep, and its renowned restaurant Arven is a good place for dinner.

Nearby Aurland is a traditional fjord village and the starting point of some of the most popular hiking opportunities in the area. Our shuttle buses will take you to the starting points of the trails to Mt. Prest and the wild Aurlandsdalen Valley. Stay overnight at cosy Hotel Aurlandsfjord and enjoy a nice meal on the terrace or inside the restaurant. Also, don’t miss the Aurland Shoe Factory while visiting. The last of its kind in Norway.

Discover all our offers in Flåm and Aurland below.

Round trip with The Flåm Railway

• Cultural/ Historical

From NOK 500,- Book now

Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

From NOK 555,- Book now

Flåm Zipline

From NOK 800,- Book now

Stegastein Viewpoint

From NOK 380,- Book now

Scenic day trip to Lærdal & Stegastein

• Norwegian Scenic Routes

From NOK 850,- Book now

Fjordsafari Winter

From NOK 920,- Book now

Fjordsafari

From NOK 820,- Book now

Fjord Safari & Hiking

From NOK 1710,- Book now

Fjordsafari Taste

From NOK 1130,- Book now

Fjord Sauna

From NOK 395,- Book now

Snow coach & lunch in Jotunheimen

From NOK 1595,- Book now

eMobility - Electric Car Rental

From NOK 1500,- Book now

Rallartoget

From NOK 190,- Book now

Viking Valley

From NOK 235,- Book now

3-hour Fjord Kayaking from Flåm

From NOK 1120,- Book now

Exclusive mountain and fjord holidays in Flåm

• Accomodation

From NOK 4785,- Book now

Hike or Bike the Flåm Valley

From NOK 440,- Book now

Flåm Bike Rental

• Hiking trail

Rallar Package

From NOK 3890,- Book now

Fretheim Hotel - Standard room

From NOK 1890,- Book now

Heimly Guesthouse

From NOK 2090,- Book now

Accommodation, Flåm Railway & Zipline

From NOK 2785,- Book now

Vatnahalsen Hotel

From NOK 2190,- Book now

Hotel Aurlandsfjord

Aurland Shoe Économusée

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Be inspired to visit Flåm

Learn more about Flåm and find inspiration for what to do during your visit. Whatever time of year you decide to come here, great adventures await you.

Flåm Railway Museum

The Flåm Railway Museum take you back in time and gives you insights into the history and challenges of building the world's steepest railway, Flåmsbana. 

Memories from Flåm

Go shopping in Flåm! In Memories from Flåm you find a wide selection of local handicrafts and quality products from Norwegian and Scandinavian brands. Drop by when in Flåm or shop online for a good shopping experience.

Get the best of Flåm in a day

Experience the best of Flåm in a day. We’ve put together an agenda for anyone who wants a day filled with spectacular nature, adrenaline, activity and delicious food. Explore Flåmsdalen with the Flåm Railway, the Flåm...

Cycle Rallarvegen from Finse to Flåm

Rallarvegen is one of Norway’s most popular cycling tours and has been named the most beautiful cycling trip in Norway on a number of occasions. You can do the route from Finse to Flåm as a day trip where you’ll get to see...

13 reasons to visit Flåm in winter

Visit Flåm in winter when the pace is slower, the landscape frosty and the light bluish. Here you get our 13 best reasons to come, with activities and experiences for everyone. Plan your trip to Flåm now!

Magical autumn in Flåm

Autumn is the season for hiking, bicycling on the Navvies Road “Rallarvegen”, tasty stews and fantastic colours in the mountains. Visit Flåm in autumn and leave with lots of great memories.

Eco-friendly travel to Flåm

Let somebody else take over the driving so that you can sit back and keep your camera to hand as our beautiful landscape glides by. The location of Flåm in the heart of Western Norway makes it easy to use eco-friendly...

Explore the Nærøyfjord from a fjord cruise

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord is one of the fjords that can only be seen from the fjord. If you take a cruise on the fjord, you can watch the beautiful, historically rich landscape glide past, or you can hop...

Our top tips: Activities in Flåm based on your interests

With as many activities available as Flåm has, it can be difficult to choose. To make it easier, we have listed our top picks based on your interests. Continue reading to plan your holiday by the fjord!

An eventful holiday to Flåm

Explore Flåm and its surroundings by foot, zipline, bicycle, train, and boat on a minibreak filled with action and fantastic nature. Plan a trip with family or friends now!

The Nærøyfjord

One of the narrowest fjords in the world, the Nærøyfjord is situated in the unique and cultural nature of Sogn and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Only a few places in the world can offer such grand spectacle of nature, as the fjords in the western part of Norway. The Nærøyfjord is unique with steep mountain inclines, ascending 1800 metres high, wild waterfalls, and a living cultural landscape. The Nærøyfjord arm (part of the Sognefjord) is 19 Km long and only 250 metres wide in some places.

The Nærøyfjord is rich in contrasts and offers a unique interaction of scenery and landscape. The magnificent mountains surrounding the fjord rise vertically, allowing many powerful cascading waterfalls to majestically crash into the fjord below. There are many untouched, wild areas and small farms surrounding the Nærøyfjord. No visible roads connect the farms and tiny villages, demonstrating what an important lifeline and travel route the fjord provided in the past.

Read more about the Norwegian fjords :

• Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords
• The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway
• The little-known fjords you mustn't miss

A hike in Aurlandsdalen is something quite unique. The river Aurlandselva runs through this wonderful landscape and you have a magnificent view towards the fjord and mountains. The valley starts at the plateau Hardangervidda and ends by the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

There are many possibilities to experience the Nærøyfjord close to the water. Go by sightseeing boat or ferry, RIB boat safari, or even kayak.

Read more: What is a fjord ?

Hiking routes around the Nærøyfjord

Bakkanosi mountain is another popular hike that offers fantastic views of the fjord. The hike to the summit is long and demanding, and you should have experience hiking in the mountains and bring a map and compass.

Fjord cruise There are a number of ways to seethe Nærøyfjord at close range. Take a Nærøyfjord cruise from Flåm, Aurland or Gudvangen, or experience the beautiful scenery on a RIB boat, both in winter and summer . There is also a car ferry between Gudvangen and Kaupanger , or get even closer to the Nærøyfjord on a stand up paddleboard .

Other attractions nearby

The area around the Nærøyfjord and Flåm offer lots of great scenic experiences.

Gudvangen is a small fjord village in the heart of the beautiful Nærøyfjord and is surrounded by high mighty mountains and a beautiful fjord landscape. Directly from Gudvangen you look out over the fjord which has been named by several foreign media "The world's most beautiful and spectacular fjord, UNESCO Nærøyfjorden".

The town of Flåm is small, but full of great adventure and fun. The town is a travel hub for the Sognefjord and Norway in a nutshell, connecting Flåmsbana Railway to the UNESCO world heritage Nærøyfjord.

At the village centre, Aurlandsvangen, is located an eco-bakery, two restaurants and multiple possibilites for accommodation. This is also where where the National Tourist Route, Aurlandsfjellet starts.

Welcome to Undredal - in the middle of the world heritage. Undredal is a small fjord village between Flåm and Gudvangen, a car ride only 10 minutes from Flåm.

Experience the Sognefjord!

Read more about the different experiences on offer in the area around the Sognefjord and the Nærøyfjord.

The Sognefjord in its autumn splendour – ready for adventure

Bring your partner or family and visit the area around Norway’s longest and most action-packed fjord! We’ve made the planning easy for you, see tips below.

Stave churches - a fascinating cultural heritage

Stave churches are considered to be among the most important examples of wooden Medieval architecture in Europe.

A landscape shaped by the Ice Age: Sognefjord

The Sognefjord is a land of wonder that has inspired artists, writers and sagas.

Things to see and do around the Nærøyfjord and in Aurland

Find activities and experiences in the Nærøyfjord area!

Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

Regardless of the season, a cruise on the Nærøyfjord will be an unforgettable experience.

Viking Village Njardarheimr

Viking Valley, Gudvangen - in the heart of the unique UNESCO listed Norwegian fjord landscape - is the setting for the town of Njardarheimr.

SUP Norway - Fjord expeditions

SUP Norway - Fjord expeditions in Gudvangen. Unique and exclusive stand up paddling adventures in the most magnificent nature Norway has to offer. 

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Where to stay and eat in and around the Nærøyfjord

Find places to eat and stay near the Nærøyfjord.

Gudvangen Fjordtell restaurant

On Gudvangen Fjordtell you will find 3 restaurants: Seafood, À la carte restaurant and Viking diner in Gudvangen.

Nærøyfjorden Camping

Welcome to Nærøyfjorden camping - where the sounds and silence of the nature is a spa treatment for the mind. Wake up to the majestic scenery of the unique Nærøyfjord, the World Heritage Listed landscape of Norway.

Gudvangen Fjordtell

Gudvangen Fjordtell is the perfect base for exploring the many sights and activities available in the beautiful Sognefjord

Understand [ edit ]

Founded in 1716 as a fortress on the Imperial Russia's expanding southern frontier, by 1850s Omsk grew to become the capital of Western Siberia and parts of Central Asia . The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway in the late 1890s brought a rapid development boom, culminating in an extravagant 1910s World Fair, around the time of which Omsk acquired much of its neoclassical architectural heritage. Largely due to its strategic importance as the gateway to Siberia and the Russian Far East , Admiral Kolchak of the anti-Soviet White Army chose Omsk as his base and "capital of Russia" in 1918–1919.

Today, Omsk is Russia's seventh largest city with a population of over 1.5 million. An Omsk visit is one of the highlights of a trip to Siberia for the city's attractive and bustling 19th century center, and its numerous cultural opportunities. Literature lovers will find a special interest in Omsk, as it was Dostoevsky's home during the majority of his exile from Saint Petersburg .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

When taking a taxi from the airport, be sure to negotiate the price in advance and take a legal taxi.

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]

The city center around Lyubinsky prospekt is easily walkable and is best explored on foot. In autumn 2017 Lenin St south of the River Om is being dug up and is difficult to walk along, but businesses there and the cathedral remain open.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are plentiful and there are several taxi companies operating in Omsk.

See [ edit ]

The historical part of town is centered on Lyubinsky prospekt, near the confluence of the Om and Irtysh rivers. It is lined with century-old buildings of former merchant salons, residences, and larger commercial, government and religious establishments. The area now has some of the poshest shopping and the best nightlife in the city.

Ulica Krasnyh Zor' (aka Nikol'skij prospekt) leads from the Cossacks' cathedral to a few blocks of historical carved-wood houses. This street can give an idea what Omsk and Siberia used to be like for centuries before industrialization. Unfortunately, these houses are not yet protected as cultural heritage landmarks and may eventually be demolished.

Religious buildings [ edit ]

• St. Nicholas Cossack Cathedral , ul. Lenina, 27 , ☏ +7 3812-315748 . Built in 1843, it is one of the oldest churches in Siberia. During communist times, it was used as a cinema and concert hall.  
• Dormition Cathedral (Uspenskij sobor) , ul. Internacional'naja, 12 , ☏ +7 3812249065 . Built in the 1890s, it is one of the largest churches in Siberia.  

Buy [ edit ]

Omsk is rich in shopping. There is a big difference between the rich and the poor in the city, and this is visible in its shopping malls. While there are shops with extremely cheap goods, there are also modern, upscale malls where every shop is very expensive; a simple shirt at one of these stores could be £100, for example, and a handbag £200. Nevertheless, Omsk offers some great shops with lots of goods.

Nightclubs [ edit ]

• Angar Kemerovo st., 1/3  8 381 290-57-77
• [dead link] Zanzibar Nochnoy Klub , ul. Lukashevicha, 10В , ☏ +7 381 278-11-51 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Dangerous areas of the city are Neftyaniki (town of oilmen), Amurskiy posyolok (Amur settlement), Port Arthur, Staryi Kirovsk (Old Kirovsk), and the area of the Omsk tire plant.

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Omsk is a convenient hub for several regional attractions. Distances are large and locals will consider a city 700km away to be 'nearby'. However, trains are reliable.

• Tobolsk and Tomsk are the oldest cities of Siberia. Because the main transportation arteries originally bypassed them, the towns stayed small, avoiding the typical Soviet development, and retaining their unique picturesque characters. They are reachable by overnight train, or, in the case of Tobolsk , by speed jet boat along the Irtysh River (10-12 hours). Irregular boats also operate to Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard , within the Arctic Circle , a 2783 km journey taking six days (see timetable ). This is the best way to see the West Siberian terrain, grand rivers, and rural lifestyle. For some towns, this boat is the only access to the outside world.
• Barnaul (16 hours by train or a 1½ hour flight) is the gateway to the Altai mountains and national parks.
• Kazakhstan is accessible by train - Petropavlovsk (4 hours), Astana (12 hours), or bus - Pavlodar (8 hours).

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More From Forbes

How to see the best of iceland on a cruise.

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The port of Isafjordur in the westfjords region of Iceland has attracted record numbers of cruise ... [+] ships in recent years.

Unlike more traditional cruise destinations, Iceland presents a rugged, untamed beauty. Known for its raw and varied landscapes, Iceland offers a seemingly endless list of natural wonders, from the steaming geothermal vents and spouting geysers to the dramatic glaciers and thunderous waterfalls.

The island's rich Viking heritage and folklore add layers of intrigue to its already captivating landscapes.

This unique terrain, coupled with the opportunity—depending on the season—to enjoy the midnight sun or mystical northern lights, makes Iceland a prime destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those fascinated by the interplay of culture and the natural world.

Cruising around Iceland not only allows travelers to experience the volcanic landscapes from a unique vantage point but also offers convenient transport between the main ports and highlights of Iceland , all from the comfort of a modern cruise ship.

The cruise industry has recognized Iceland's appeal, offering an increasing variety of itineraries that cater to different interests and time frames, including extensive circumnavigations of the island.

According to Cruise Iceland , cruise ships registered almost one million passenger visits in 2023, marking an 80% increase from 2019.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, what to expect on iceland cruises.

The accessibility of remote fjords, wildlife encounters including puffins and whales, and the chance to experience the midnight sun in summer or witness the mystical northern lights in winter, are among the highlights of these voyages.

Something to bear in mind is the additional cost required for excursions, whether you book through the cruise line or choose independent options.

Unlike a Norwegian fjords cruise , which you can enjoy without leaving the ship, Iceland cruises require additional transport to reach the most iconic sites. They are also a wise idea if you want to make the most of wildlife-watching opportunities.

Whale watching is a major tourist attraction in Northern Iceland.

The most popular Icelandic cruise port is Reykjavik, followed by Akureyri in the north of the country, Isafjordur in the westfjords region, and Seydisfjordur on the east coast.

An itinerary that includes all four of these ports—Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Seydisfjordur—offers guests a comprehensive appreciation of Iceland’s varied landscapes.

Fly-Cruise From Reykjavik

If you don’t mind flying, Reykjavik is the starting point for many of the more in-depth circumnavigations of Iceland.

Such cruises contain fewer sea days and may call at smaller ports, offering a more intimate experience of Iceland, while also allowing guests to spend a few days exploring the Icelandic capital before or after the cruise.

This 7-day Iceland Intensive itinerary from Celebrity Cruises begins and ends in Reykjavik and includes port calls in Reykjavik, Seydisfjordur, Djúpivogur, and Akureyri.

Iceland Cruises From The U.K.

The U.K. is a popular departure point for Iceland cruises, some of which may also include ports of call in Scotland and Norway. The Port of Southampton is the most common departure port, used by lines including Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, and Princess.

This 14-day cruise on Norwegian Prima starts and ends in Southampton and includes three Icelandic ports, including an overnight stay in Reykjavik, along with three ports of call in Norway.

Some small ship lines such as Ambassador, Fred Olsen, and Saga Cruises, offer departures from regional ports such as Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Rosyth.

The gateway to the westfjords region, Isafjordur is increasingly found on Iceland cruise ... [+] itineraries.

Other popular departure points across Europe include the Netherlands (Celebrity, Holland America) and Germany (AIDA). Although the latter does welcome English speakers, some knowledge of German is advised to get the most from the experience.

Northern Transatlantic Route

Another option to consider is a one-way cruise between North America and Europe that calls in to at least one port in Iceland. Such repositioning cruises that take a northern route often include additional ports of call in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

Luxury Cruises To Iceland

In addition to the mainstream cruise lines, Iceland is a popular destination for luxury and ultra-luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar.

Iceland is also a popular destination for expedition cruise lines such as Aurora Expeditions, Hurtigruten Expeditions, and Lindblad. This option is worth considering for travelers interested in learning more about the science behind Iceland’s geology or the wildlife that calls its chilly waters home.

Packing For An Iceland Cruise

When packing for an Iceland cruise, remember that the weather can be as varied as the landscape itself. It's essential to be prepared for all conditions, regardless of the season.

The cornerstone of any travel wardrobe for Iceland is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. This approach allows you to adjust your clothing to match the weather, which can change several times in a day.

A waterproof jacket and pants are crucial, as rain is possible any time of the year. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are also essential if you plan to explore Iceland's rugged terrain during port stops.

Don't forget warm accessories such as hats, gloves, and scarves, but also sun protection including sunglasses and sunscreen. For wildlife enthusiasts, a good pair of binoculars is invaluable. To keep all these accessories safe and at hand, a sturdy daypack is useful for shore excursions.

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Aurland is a small village situated in a clean natural, environment and boasts dramatic landscape and rich culture.

Aurlandsvangen lies in the middle of the Aurlandsfjord. For over 200 years people have lived here by hunting and fishing, and that was the reason why tourists became so interested in Aurlandsvangen.

English tourists started to come to Aurlandsvangen in the middle of the 1900`s to hunt and fish. Later on the Norwegians and people from other countries has really discovered this place and come to enjoy the fresh air and the clean and natural environment.

For discovering many of the pearls in the western Norway such as Flåm, Undredal, Gudvangen og Nærøyfjorden, Aurland is a good point of departure.

The Nærøyfjord is actually a prolongue of the Aurlandsfjord wich again is a prolongue of the Sognefjord.

The hiking trip ending in Aurlandsdalen is widen known and recomended. Each year over 30.000 has the pleasure of doing this trip. The view along the route will grant you sights of mountaintops, glaciers and rich cultural monuments.

Read more about the exiting hiking trip here

If you ever og to Aurland you are also nearby the spectacular viewpoint of Stegastein . It`s a must to visit the viewpoint to get the most astonishing view over the fjord.

Things to do in the Aurlandsfjord region

Hotels in aurland.

Hotel Aurlandsfjord

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Omsk: Garrison city on the Irtysh

Omsk. Irtysh River, morning panorama with rainbow. Foreground: K. A. Batiushkin mansion (residence of Admiral Alexander Kolchak in 1919). September 19, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

Yalutorovsk. Construction of Tobol River railroad bridge leading to Omsk. Summer 1912

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of Tyumen served as his launching point for productive journeys that included Shchadrinsk (established in 1662 on the Iset River) and Yalutorovsk (on the Tobol River).

Omsk origins

Omsk. Cossack Cathedral of St. Nicholas, southwest view. September 15, 1999

Founded in 1659 at a former Tatar settlement, Yalutorovsk was the construction site of a massive railroad bridge across the Tobol River, part of the new Tyumen-Omsk rail link that opened on the Trans-Siberian Railway in October 1913 (Before then, the railroad to Siberia went through the southern Urals town of Chelyabinsk ).

Omsk. Cathedral of the Elevation of the Cross, south view. September 15, 1999

Although Prokudin-Gorsky did not travel to Omsk, his photographs of Yalutorovsk show the making of a crucial rail link to the “capital” of western Siberia. I, however, reached Omsk in the late Summer of 1999.

Cathedral of the Elevation of the Cross. Interior view southeast toward icon screen. September 15, 1999

Omsk (current population around 1,110,000) was founded in 1716 as a fort on the middle reaches of the Irtysh River. During the 18th century, its primary purpose was to protect Russia’s southern border and establish authority over the aboriginal steppe tribes.             

Rising regional importance 

Omsk Fortress. Tobolsk Gate (originally built in 1792), the only one of the historic Omsk fortress gates to have survived. September 15, 1999

Although administratively subordinate to Tobolsk throughout the 18th century, Omsk gained increasing power in the 19th century. From 1808 until 1917, Omsk served as the headquarters of all Siberian Cossack troops and, in 1822, a separate Omsk Province was formed.  

Headquarters of Omsk Fortress (Taube Street), originally built in 1810s, modified in 1997. Red brick building on right (1915-17): Staff of Omsk Military District. September 15, 1999

Shortly thereafter, construction began on the Cossack Cathedral of St. Nicholas (1833-1840), based on a plan by the noted Russian architect Vasily Stasov. The St. Nicholas Cathedral was severely disfigured during the Soviet period, but has now been restored. It is, once again, the repository of one of the area’s great relics, the banner of Yermak , the late 16th-century Cossack leader who first established Muscovy’s presence in Siberia.

Siberian Cadet Corps building (Lenin Street 26), built in 1820s. In the prerevolutionary period, the street was known as Chernavin Prospekt, after a popular progressive mayor. September 15, 1999

In 1865-1870, Omsk witnessed the construction of another cathedral, dedicated to the Elevation of the Cross. It, too, survived the devastation of the 1930s and was reopened for worship in November 1943. In addition to its Orthodox churches, Omsk has mosques (the administration of the Iman of Siberia is located in Omsk), a remarkable wooden synagogue and a large Baptist church built in 1907.            

Omsk’s dark history

Residence of Governor-General of Western Siberia (Lenin Street 23), built in 1859-62 by Friedrich Wagner for Governor Gustav Gasford. Now one of the three buildings of Omsk Museum of Art. September 18, 1999

Its pervasive military presence linked Omsk with the Siberian exile system. The most famous of the fortress’ exiles was the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, condemned in 1849 for associating with intellectual “radicals” in St. Petersburg. In January 1850, Dostoevsky arrived under guard at the Omsk fort and, for the most part of three years (1850-54), he lived the harrowing existence of a convict sentenced to hard labor, which included unloading barges on the Irtysh River. 

City Trade Building (Lenin Street 3), built in 1914 by Andrei Kriachkov. Now the main building of Omsk Museum of Art. September 16, 1999

When his health broke down under the physical and psychological strain, Dostoevsky was hospitalized under the care of a sympathetic medic. It was during his stay in the infirmary that Dostoevsky began the writing of one of his seminal works, ‘Notes from the House of the Dead’. A few buildings still survive from that time, including one of the fortress gates.          

Railroad revolution

"Salamander" Insurance Company building, K. Liebknecht (formerly Gasford) Street 3, built by Nikolai Verevkin in 1913-14. Now one of the three buildings of Omsk Museum of Art. September 15, 1999

During the latter part of the 19th century, Omsk began a period of heady expansion, as the town became a transportation center for Russia’s vast interior. Regular steamboat service along the Irtysh River to Tobolsk began in 1862.  

Omsk Drama Theater, Lenin Street 8A. September 15, 1999

But, it was the railroads that made Omsk a boomtown. In 1894-1895, Omsk was linked by the Trans-Siberian Railroad to Chelyabinsk in the west and Novonikolaevsk (later Novosibirsk) in the east. In 1913, another rail line was completed from Omsk to Tyumen in what would become the new Siberian mainline. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population of Omsk had tripled to over 60,000 inhabitants.

"Rossiya" Hotel (Lenin Street 18). Built by Iliodor Khvorinov in 1905-07; expanded in 1915. September 15, 1999

This development as a transportation nexus led to a surge in the city’s commercial district.  What had formerly been a provincial garrison town consisting primarily of wooden structures punctuated with large churches, now became a preeminent site for banks, educational institutions, industry and retail trade in Siberia.  

International appeal

Brothers Ovsiannikov-Ganshin & Sons building (Lenin Street 12), originally completed in 1906 for a major textile company. Now the Omsk Medical Academy. September 15, 1999

In addition to branch offices for major banks and firms in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Omsk received investment from companies in the United States, Germany and Great Britain. The central part of Omsk had buildings whose design rivaled Moscow’s business district. Many of the new commercial projects were built in styles derived from the Florentine Renaissance.

Russo-Asiatic Bank (Gagarin Street 34), built in 1915-17 by Fyodor Chernomorchenko. Now Omsk City Hall. September 16, 1999

Cultural institutions also took root. In 1901-05, a large theater was built in a florid Beaux Arts style designed by the architect Iliodor Khvorinov. The theater still stands as an object of civic pride. Wooden houses with decorative detailing also grace the city, but their number has steadily decreased under the pressures of urban development and inadequate maintenance.

Soviet era…

"Treugolnik" (Russian-American Rubber Co.) Building, K. Liebknecht (formerly Gasford) Street 4, built by Nikolai Verevkin in 1914-15. September 15, 1999

During World War I, the then strategically located Omsk grew still further and, by 1917, the city’s population had reached 100,000. Following the October Revolution, Bolshevik power was proclaimed almost immediately in Omsk, but, with little local support, the Bolsheviks were driven from the city in June 1918. 

Omsk Railroad Administration (Karl Marx Street 35), de factor headquarters of western Trans-Siberian Railway. Built in 1914-16 by Fyodor Lidval. September 18, 1999

Opposition to the Bolsheviks was fatally divided and, in November 1918, a military coup installed a dictatorship headed by Admiral Alexander Kolchak (1874-1920), a renowned polar explorer and gifted naval commander, but incapable of dealing with the chaos of the Russian civil war (The mansion where Kolchak had his headquarters is a prominent landmark).

Omsk Synagogue (Marshal Zhukov Street 53). Known as "Soldiers Synagogue," built in 1855. September 18, 1999

For almost a year, Omsk could be considered the “capital” of the White forces in the Russian Civil War. In November 1919, Kolchak’s forces were driven from Omsk. In 1921, Omsk became one of the centers of the American Relief Agency during the terrible famine that afflicted vast territories in the Volga basin.

Hodja Akhmed Mosque (Marshal Zhukov Street 97). September 18, 1999

With its economy shattered and the countryside still recovering, Omsk struggled through the 1920s and achieved renewed industrial growth in the 1930s. Like many Siberian cities, it expanded rapidly during World War II as an evacuation haven and as a center of transportation and production. 

…and beyond

Philip Shtumfp house (Valikhanov Street 10), built at turn of 20th century for a prominet agronomist, entrepreneur, civic activist. September 19, 1999

Development of the city’s military-industrial complex continued after the war and, by the end of the 1970s, the population exceeded 1,000,000 – a benchmark of major significance. Omsk also became a center of the oil and gas industry.

Omsk River Station & Hotel "Mayak". Excellent example of "neo-Constructivist architecture, built on site of original Omsk fortress in 1958-64 by Leningrad architect Timofei Sadovsky. September 15, 1999

The city’s major cultural institutions include a leading state university, established in 1974 and, since 2004, named in honor of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Omsk also has one of the largest regional libraries in Siberia and a major art museum--named in honor of painter Mikhail Vrubel, an Omsk native – that now occupies three landmark buildings in the center of the city.            

Omsk Regional Library. Built in 1986-95 by Omsk architects Galina Naritsina & Yury Zakharov. September 18, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France, where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, the architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

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The Top 12 Things to Do in Omsk

Feel the love in the very heart of Russia

In Russia, all roads lead to Moscow , on account of the city's status as the national capital and its importance throughout history. If geography were the deciding factor, however, the Siberian city of Omsk would be the point where all Russia's roads converge—it's located literally in the heart of the country, approximately as far from Vladivostok as it is from the Belarusian border. Omsk boasts a spate of exciting attractions, even if you simply make a stop here as you ride the Trans-Siberian Railway eastward or westward.

Marvel at Assumption Cathedral

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Orthodox architecture never gets old, even if you've been traveling in Russia for a long time. This is particularly the case when it comes to the Assumption Cathedral of Omsk, whose gold-and-turquoise domes look resplendent under the blue skies that bless Omsk during the warmer months of the year. The cathedral was built in 1891 under the orders Nicholas, the last Tsar of Russia.

Time Travel at Omsk Fortress

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The bad news? Much of what was once Omsk Fortress is now a residential area, with the only notable landmark that still stands being Tobolsk Gate (think Paris' Arc de Triomphe , but yellow and smaller). The good news? There's essentially no reason for a military fortification to exist in today's peaceful Omsk, which means you can stroll amid parks and cafés and imagine the area being war-torn—a small sacrifice to make in exchange for not being blown to bits.

Go Green at Ptich'ya Gavan'

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Or white, as it were: Omsk is covered with snow several months of the year, which means that its prized Ptich'ya Gavan' central park is often more of a winter wonderland than the green reprieve you experience in summer. The park is popular with local families, to whom you can say "Privet" (Hello) as you walk past.

Walk on Omsk's Artsy Side

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Although the building that houses Omsk District Museum of Visual Arts is unmistakably Russian, the collection you find inside is surprisingly eclectic for a city deep in Russia's interior. Recent collections have included a revival of Van Gogh's great works, among others. This is a particularly enjoyable Omsk attraction on cold winter days, when temperatures can drop far below freezing and sunshine can be rare.

Shoot for the Moon

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Though Omsk is a relatively large city, the skies over it become dark enough in the evening for stargazing. While visitors are not permitted to use the expensive telescopes housed inside, exhibits inside the museum provide a fascinating look into the cosmos, narrated by expert astronomical guides.

Shop on Lenin Street

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Lenin Street's name is appropriate: Although it's the high street of a city thousands of miles from Moscow, the European-style architecture and cosmopolitan vibe you feel as you stroll past its boutique and cafés evokes the capital of Russia more than its forlorn interior. Local specialties you can purchase here include rustic jams made from local berries (and even, in some shops, cedar cones), as well as handmade rugs from Kazakhstan, which sits just south of Omsk.

Sample Siberian Cuisine

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Speaking of unique Siberian food, it's not just preserves made from the fruits of evergreen trees. Omsk is a great place to discover the flavors of Russia's wild interior, whether you eat zagutai and stroganini (Siberia's take on sushi) or classic Russian plmeni dumplings filled with decidedly Siberian ingredients, such as bear and rabbit meat. Vkusno ! (That's Russian for "delicious"!)

Enjoy Historical Houses—While You Still Can

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The wooden houses that line Nikolskiy Prospekt aren't protected, but they should be. Historical structures that are unfortunately in a state of disrepair, these houses are slated for demolition at some unspecific point in the future. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these historical house before they're gone. There will, however, be at least one left standing for a long time. The Omsk State Art Museum is in a traditional wooden house.

Go to the Circus

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Omsk State Circus is a popular spot for local families, whose children love the opportunity to see acrobatic performances and animals that wouldn't otherwise make appearance in Siberia. If you do attend a show here, keep in mind that ethics with regard to animal treatment might not match up with those in North America or Western Europe, to say nothing of the smell that can pervade the auditorium during and even after a show.

Be a Drama Queen

While there's no guarantee that any shows will be playing at Omsk Drama Theater at the time of your trip, a visit to this 19th century building is a spectacle in and of itself. While not as huge, say, as Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, it's nonetheless an ornate architectural wonder that hearkens back to a glorious time in history. The interior of the theater is even open during the daytime; ask the person who's inside if any tours are available when you turn up.

Explore Cities Deeper in Siberia

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Siberia starts in Omsk, even if you can't continue far into it. If you don't plan to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway, take one of two day trips from Omsk. Travel to Tobolsk, whose hilltop Kremlin is one of the most picturesque in all of Russia, and whose beauty inspired a photo by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that ended up winning several awards. Or visit Tomsk, where you'll find a botanical garden dedicated to Siberian flora, and a museum that celebrates wooden architecture.

Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

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The idea of leaving Omsk behind can seem difficult, especially now that you've gotten to know this city in the heart of Siberia as well as you have. The mint-colored facade of Omsk Railway Station will make you smile, however, even if you're crying inside as you depart. Though it's not quite on the mid-line of the Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Beijing , Omsk is a worthy starting place to begin a journey to either. If you head east make sure to stop in Irkutsk , the home of Lake Baikal and another underrated Siberian city.

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THE 10 BEST Omsk Sights & Historical Landmarks

Omsk landmarks.

• Monuments & Statues
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Architectural Buildings
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Historic Sites
• Historic Walking Areas
• Government Buildings
• Military Bases & Facilities
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Monument to the Plumber Stepanych

2. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

3. Statue Lyuba

4. Achairsky Holy Cross Monastery

5. Tara Gates

6. St. Nicholas Cossacks Cathedral

7. Fire-Observation Tower

8. Love Statue

9. Omsk Fortress Historical and Cultural Complex

10. Buchholz Square

11. Monument to the Policeman

12. Batushkin Mansion (Kolchak's House)

13. Tobolskiye Vorota

14. Pedestrian Street of Chokan Valikhanov

15. Monument to the Children of Besieged Leningrad

16. Don Quixote Monument

17. Holy Cross Cathedral

18. Monument to Zhukov

19. Monument The Scales of Existence

20. Hungry Artist Art-Salon

21. Monument to St. Peter and Fevronia

22. Sculpture Deer

23. Seraphim Alekseyevskaya Chapel

24. Statue of Dostoyevskiy

25. Monument to Chokan Valikhanov

26. Omsk Gates

27. Church of St. John the Baptist

28. St. Nicholas Kazan Cathedral

29. Temple of St. Tatiana

30. Monument Cross bearing

What travelers are saying.

• Monument to the Plumber Stepanych
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Statue Lyuba
• Achairsky Holy Cross Monastery
• Fire-Observation Tower
• Love Statue