Cafe Rallaren - Myrdal

Well the first part was scary and I walked BUT the views and the waterfalls amazing then the path gets better and we loved it amazing day

I pre-booked and paid in advance for both the one way Flam scenic railway trip up from Flam to Myrdal and separately for the bike rental from Myrdal back to Flam. Overall it was a truly memorable trip in both directions but the ride down was the highlight. But it could be a bit scary... Why scary? The first 2km from Myrdal station is on gravel and extremely steep for the second km. I must stress that the staff at Cafe Ralleran do not recommend riding this section so only ride it if you are a very confident mountain cyclist. They recommend walking with the bike. And even this is a bit hairy. There were dozens of mountain bikes to choose from and you are allowed to find one to suit your size. You can do the same with a helmet. You can ride the bike around part of the station to make sure the brakes are working and it is comfortable before you set off. The first gravel section is relatively flat but downhill with the only issue being that the views are so distractingly spectacular it can be dangerous trying to admire the view and ride at the same time (take it very easy). I cycled up (Ok, I walked it; v v steep) to the Flåm Zipline to see some mad people jump off the mountain and I recomend you do too as the view is truly staggering. The screams are fun as well... The ride down from the zipline to the start of the paved roadway is the dangerous part snaking backwards and forwards for over 1km. I chose to ride it because I had spent too much time taking photos and I needed to reach my cruise ship by a set time. I also tried to walk but found walking with the bike just too awkward on the slippery gravel...but I was very very wary and took it super slowly the whole way. Standing on the pedals the whole way down is the only safe way to do it with brakes engaged nearly the whole way down. Cycling the valley the rest of the way is a dream with dozens of scenic stopping points. I was very lucky with the weather so I see this as the only risk if pre-booking. The bike was not brand new but worked perfectly. Overall I can recommend taking the split trip with the railway ride up and the bicycle back down as the experience was a standout highlight of my Norweigien adventure.

Good service, easy bike reservation and good staff concerned about safety. They do have bikes suitable for young children, but as the staff member pointed out, the track/ride itself is only suitable for experienced cyclists and not young children. The smallest bike is a “fixie” so has no rear brake. The next smallest is only suitable for 9/10 yr olds and older and if a very competent cyclist then they would be ok. Anyone younger, particularly if not used to a fixie would really struggle. They have bikes with child seats for up to 20kg only. So if you have 4-9 year olds with you then im afraid this bike ride is probably not suitable for you. Next season they are withdrawing the smallest bike as they have recognised this. So in summary: minimum age 9/10 but for very competent cyclists only.

We took the train from Flåm up to Myrdal, and had planned to cycle back. Our cruise ship's itinerary was changed the day before we sailed but Cafe Rallaren were amazing, as we they changed the pick up date without a hassle. The scenery was breath taking, but even more so on the way back (18km), because we were able to return at our own pace whilst taking in the spectacular views. We had a leisurely cycle back to Flåm once we, like the majority of people had walked alongside our bikes for the first 1.5km (approx) , as it is a steep descent with hairpin turns on a gravel track.

This is the only restaurant at beautiful Mrydal station. Beside food they also sell jackets, goggles and souvenirs. The restaurant is a self service one. It is an ideal place to spend some time while waiting for your trains. Worth trying...