Surprisingly not that well known outside of Norway, the Bergensbanen is nevertheless acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful train trips in Europe, if not the world. Train enthusiasts globally are well aware of this train and the route it takes. People who love to travel by train to enjoy seeing so much more than you can from the air also have this trip on their radar. Here you do not simply buy a train ticket but an amazing travel experience.
Traveling just short of 7 hours from the capital of Oslo, this train crosses virtually all of the breath of the country to reach Bergen on Norway’s west coast. It is also the highest mainline railway in Europe.
By taking this legendary trip during the day, you will see some magnificent natural scenery of forests, mountains, rivers, canyons, fjords, snow and ice, spotting glaciers and lakes not to mention some very pretty homes, mountain cabins and villages along the way.
Such is the reputation of the Bergensbanen of being the best rail journey in Norway, my fiancé and I travelled especially to Oslo to experience this for ourselves. We were in Stavanger, Norway and had previously planned a road trip along Norway’s Atlantic coast. Rather than drive directly to Bergen, we decided to fly to Oslo so we could catch and experience this journey.
The best train journey in Norway and possibly Europe?
Well, Lonely Planet certainly regards it very highly, including it in its book Amazing Train Journeys, a fascinating book that reviews what they identify as the best train trips in the world.
The Oslo to Bergen Railway is some 496 km or 308 miles long, traveling for the most part at around 80 km/h or 50 mph – a pace that allows you to really take in the beauty surrounding you. The 6 hours and 48 minutes scheduled travel time on the day we took the best train journey in Norway went by so quickly. Such was the enjoyment of this experience.
This railway is quite a marvel of engineering, climbing to 1,237 metres (4058 feet) and including some 182 tunnels, some of them extremely lengthy (with 1 over 6 miles or 10 km in length) along with a total of 22 brief stops at stations along the way. The railway itself has some interesting history to it, beginning construction in 1875, but not being completed until 1909. It was not the easiest project by any means, working around fjords, mountains, lakes, valleys, glaciers and gorges as well as the massive mountain plateau of Hardangervidda which stays snow-covered for most of the time.
Preparing for our journey
Flying from Stavanger on the southwest coast to Oslo, we arrived a day ahead of our scheduled departure. This allowed us time to visit the two main attractions in Oslo that were of interest to us and which are mentioned in more detail later.
The Bergensbanen departs from Oslo’s Central Station (Oslo Sentralstasjon). This is Norway’s largest and busiest rail station and is world-class in terms of its design, space, efficiency, and cleanliness. Signage is very good and it is easy to work out which platform you need to be on.
The train caters well to tourists and their needs. We brought all the luggage that we had packed for the entire European and North Africa trip we were taking and this was no problem at all. Everything is this regard was included in the ticket and there was plenty of space for all our bags on the train.
We purchased our tickets online long before we arrived in Norway and printed these up to have with us. The booking process online was very straight forward and the process was the same as you would book any other train trip in Europe. There were no marketing messages or mention of this being the best train journey in Norway or the like. Our seats were allocated on the tickets in line with what we had selected and staff were on hand to help if we had any questions.
The train itself
Aside from being on time, the train itself was very nice and modern. Comfortable seats, plenty of personal and luggage storage space and again very clean.
As was the case inside Oslo Grand Central Station, all announcements on the train were made in Norwegian as well as English and everyone we came across spoke English very well. Indeed, all the railway staff were extremely friendly, informative and helpful.
The train also has a dining car and kiosk where you can purchase hot and cold meals and a variety of snacks and drinks you can enjoy as you sit back and take in the scenery.
Enjoying this wonderful trip
Once the train departs Oslo Central and you are clear of the city and suburbs, you emerge into the beautiful lush green Norwegian countryside. Here is where you start to see the beginning of the pine forests, numerous rivers and other natural features that change as you move from one landscape and elevation to the next.
As the train moves beyond the town of Nesbyn, it really starts to gain some altitude. On reaching the high Hardangervidda Plateau, this becomes much like an arctic landscape, being blanketed with snow for most of the year. The section on the plateau between the stations of Geilo and Finse many say is the most memorable part of the best train journey in Norway. It is here that Captain Scott’s last expedition trained before setting off for Antarctica. It is also not far from Finse station that the filming location was for the Ice Planet ‘Hoth’ in George Lucas Star Wars film ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. The Finse tunnel close by is the highest point of the journey at 1,237 m (4,058 ft).
Over the plateau, the train descends down the mountain ranges as it heads towards Norway’s western fjords. The views on this side of the mountain plateau are no less gorgeous and each turn continually brings a new vista resulting in cameras being used all over each of the railway carriages. You would just kick yourself if you were on this journey and your camera didn’t work!
An optional detour
At the Myrdal station (roughly 70% into the journey) many tourists get off here to take a detour rail trip down to Flåm. Flåm is a gorgeous village nestled deep in Aurlandsfjord (a fjord that is off the larger Sognefjord) and surrounded by steep mountains. Flåm is predominately a tourism center with a hotel and a cruise ship port.
The Flåm railway line is also a very beautiful one. Having only a total distance to travel of 20 kms, it is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world, with 80% of the journey running on a gradient of 5.5%. It runs through 20 tunnels, over 1 bridge and has 8 stops during the course of the descent, passing by some spectacular sights, including the Kjosfossen waterfall which is a mandatory stop for photos. Indeed, many would argue that the Flåm Railway is the best train journey in Norway, rather than the main Bergensbanen line.
If you have any doubt regarding the functionality of generic ED medicine then shed all your worries as you can take levitra overnight shipping. levitra male erectile dysfunction. Be Prudent The likelihood of experiencing (and online sale viagra worsening) side effects can be reduced by making certain lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly – do physical activity for at least half an hour at least 5 minutes. Negative Side-impacts: Some symptoms are generally basic, for example, expanded thirst and an unsteadiness after sudden developments – this is totally regular as blood moves into the genital territories.Less often subject may encounter one or a greater amount of thefollowing: queasiness, dazedness andheadaches, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal blockage, brief visualabnormalities (counting changes in shade discernment, increasedsensitivity to light and smudged vision), urinary tractinfections, makeshift hotness rashes. viagra generic sale While the drug is generic, performance capabilities may be difficult to rely on, for dealing with erotic hindrances, but the drug proved it wrong and now is amongst the most preferred cheap viagra order solutions as the interesting options for men living with impotence.
If you were to take this detour as a tourist, you would have two choices once you arrive at Flåm. You would either take a cruise to Bergen (or cruise/drive combination known as the ‘Norway in a Nutshell‘ tour option for those with limited time) or catch the same train back to Myrdal so you could then complete the Bergensbanen trip to Bergen.
While the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour shows you some gorgeous scenery, if you have more time it would be much better to visit these points within your own drive itinerary if you can. Both options are pretty costly compared to other tourism destinations but it’s a matter of what your time and budget will allow as to what would be best suited to you.
Completing the journey
Moving past Myrdal, the train definitely enters fjord country as it makes its way toward the town of Voss (the name known for its pure water, bottled and exported around the world). Aside from all the fantastic natural wonders, you also see many farms and small settlements dotted against the landscape. From there we make our way toward the coastal city of Bergen and the end of the line.
The Bergensbanen: Things to see and do at either end
Oslo and Bergen are of course destinations in their own right. The following is what we saw and enjoyed at both places.
Oslo
The two places we wanted to see when in Oslo were both included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist.
This is one of my favorite travel books listing the 500 best places on the planet… ranked.
The two Oslo places that were featured in the book were the Oslo Opera House and Vigelandsparken.
Oslo Opera House
Similar to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Oslo Opera House is likewise famous for its architectural design.
This building resembles the natural beauty that inspired its design: a shimmering glacier carving into the Oslofjord. This effect is achieved by huge slabs of Italian marble that slide (ice-like) into the waters of the bay that this structure sits in front of.
All the way up the structure, including its roof, was specifically designed to be a public living space. Locals and tourists alike visit to walk all over the structure and admire views out to the Oslo harbor and areas of the city itself.
We certainly enjoyed walking all around and over the Opera House, taking in the views and appreciating this impressive structure.
Vigelandsparken
Vigelandsparken (or The Vigeland Park) celebrates the work of famous Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. It is a beautifully maintained park filled with flowers, fountains, and his sculptures of people in many different poses and interactions of sculptured people, all of which are naked.
These sculptures are many, imaginative and controversial. The park leads you through to the ultimate and most famous of the statues – the monolith. This is a 14 m-tall carved column consisting of 121 people connected together. Certainly, a talking point.
Irrespective of differing views of the sculptures themselves, the park itself is a very beautiful place.
Bergen
Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city after Oslo and the country’s former capital. It is situated on a lovely harbor in the southwestern fjordlands, surrounded by 7 mountains. This city is set in a simply stunning location and is a popular cruise ship port and magnet for tourists that visit the country. It’s close proximity to many fjords and places of natural beauty make it an ideal base for exploring the western coast.
Bryggen
Bryggen is a very picturesque and small section of the harbourside in Bergen that houses museums, shops, restaurants and pubs, where the buildings were previously and traditionally used for sorting and selling fish and other commodities brought in by sea.
Today Bryggen is a colorful, vibrant centre that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colorful part of the Bergen Port/Harbour is most identified with Bergen’s promotional image and is something I also found to be quite reminiscent of my memories of the lovely buildings along Stavanger Harbour, some 210 km to the south.
Conclusion
So, there was our Scandinavian adventure involving the best train journey in Norway. We loved every minute of it.
We took this trip during summer as we were also doing a road trip from Bergen and many roads north would have been closed during winter. Although we found this journey so beautiful during the summer, there is no doubt that a winter trip on the Bergensbanen would present yet another level of beauty. Which is better? That really depends on your own point of view.
As this article covers the Bergensbanen, I should also mention that you can of course take this journey going the other way and that the line also offers an overnight service with sleeping compartments. Not something I would do by choice, simply as you miss all the scenic natural beauty this line is renowned for.
I’m the first to admit James and I are not the best photographers that ever lived but I hope some of these images I have included with this story convey how special this train journey really is and that this may convince you that such a trip might be worthwhile for you.
What are your impressions of the best train journey in Norway: the Bergensbanen? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is part of the Natural Beauty Travel Series authored by travel writer Nicole Anderson.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
Train journeys are our favorite especially here in Europe. The scenes change so much and you can just watch the whole world go by. We can imagine in the Nordics, how incredible the experience must be and would love to have the opportunity to go one day or maybe just try it with our campervan (but it won’t be the same as like in the train!). One thing is for sure, Norway is a destination we’re eyeing and we might just consider doing it with a train after reading your article!
Thank you so much, Antoine and Marielle! I love train travel as well to see beautiful sights in rural areas and Norway is just such a gorgeous country. I would also recommend a road trip to get to places the train can’t get to and I’m sure you would have a fabulous time there. Thank you so much again for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.
So lucky! I love train journeys too. They are such fun–so comfortable and fascinating. And the scenery of this one is to die for. The views are stunning, especially of the Oslo Harbour. What a pleasure it must have been. I now need this kind of a holiday.
With this terrible pandemic at the moment, Ambica, I think we would all be up for any kind of holiday! Thank you for reading and leaving such a nice comment. Let’s hope we can all travel again safely soon.
What a memorable journey and with stunning landscapes to enjoy throughout. I would love to take this train ride and have noted it on my to do list.
That’s great, Elizabeth. Thank you for your lovely comment and I hope you get to experience this wonderful trip as well.
Your photographs are lovely ❤️ I haven’t been to Norway in ages and have some aunts, uncles and cousins there (I saw some last year as they made their way to NY during the holiday season). Your photos make me want to return and I’d love to take a train ride. Such a gorgeous way to see the countryside. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Charlotte. Going to such a lovely place is, of course, made much more special if you also get to spend time with family. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Wah, what a great experience! I hope one day I will get there to see these sites. Norway is somewhere I have always wanted to camp out in nature and this type of trip would be a great forerunner for that.
I couldn’t agree more Ana. I’m sure you will have a great time immersing yourself in this beautiful land.
I’d love to take a proper train journey someday. I think it would be really fascinating. I’ve never been to Norway either! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Lauren. Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
We love train journeys and with so many landscapes packed in one, Bergensbanen, will help us look beyond Switzerland as an option.
I’m so happy to hear that, Pubali. While there is no doubting Switzerland has stunning scenery as well, I’m sure you would enjoy riding the Bergensbanen to enjoy the beautiful sites of Norway.
I really love to visit Norway one day in my life. The train ride in these photos looks so beautiful. I would definitely try.
Thank you Nimra. I certainly hope you make the visit at some point also.
That is a great itinerary to get one out of Oslo and see the real Norway. Too bad we just stayed in Oslo when we went.
Hopefully, this might be one reason to inspire your return at some point, Carol, to see so much more of Norway. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
This looks like it would be an amazing adventure. I would love to visit Norway some day, and this sounds like a great way to do it.
That’s for sure, Marysa! A great way to get an introduction to this beautiful country and be the start of further exploring so much of what Norway has to offer.
I can see why this is such a famous and highly talked about train journey! My favorite part about it is you get to see different scenery along the way, it isn’t all the same. There’s snow, green grass, rivers. It is never the same, and that would keep it interesting for me. I would agree that there is no real point in taking this trip at night, even though it does run. This would be a very appealing train trip for me and an excellent way to see Norway!
Completely agree, Erica. The scenery just keeps changing all the time. You just keep going from one beautiful landscape to the next, each time you make a turn or come out of a tunnel. Daytime is definitely the time to travel this amazing route. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your comment.
I would add this railway trip from Oslo to Bergen to my bucket list. It is a fabulous trip! 7 hours admiring such amazing views, changed landscapes. And it’s almost 500 km long way. It’s a great idea for an adventure.
Thanks so much Agnes, we thought as much too. It was also a trip that was extremely highly rated for the beautiful scenery it passes through.
I no longer have a bucket list – but putting this on my wish list, I just have to do this train trip. Not only am I in love with all things Scandinavia (although I have never been), the cold, the scenery. Your photography does convey all of it. I love the dining car, too How dreamy! I would also not want to miss the scenery and would travel exactly like you did. So much packed into this trip! Love it. I am saving this entire post for better travelling times ahead.
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Stella. This trip to Norway was a dream come true for me as well. I would love to go back and spend some more time there once it is safe to travel again.
This looks like an incredible way to travel and see the sights. The only train that I’ve had the opportunity to experience was a short commuter train within the province of Ontario – nothing overly exciting. Definitely, nothing that would offer a dining car and food lol! My husband and I have been talking about different places that we want to visit in the coming years. I’m going to have to share this with him. I think we’d really enjoy spending that time on the train, experiencing it together.
It is indeed a special experience, Britt. James and I both enjoyed being together and taking in the magnificent scenery within a country renowned for its immense natural beauty. Your husband and you would surely enjoy such a lovely journey, and of course, all the fabulous things you can do at either end. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sounds like a great trip idea. I would love to try it for myself as well. Looks pretty awesome!
Thanks, Lyosha. Appreciate your comment and hope you will be able to try it as well.
I’ve always loved train journeys and grew up in a really train-friendly country (Switzerland). This landscape actually reminds me a bit of Switzerland, it’s very gorgeous and green. Norway is such an interesting country, I can’t wait to explore it when I get the chance.
Well of course Switzerland is world renown for its train system and beautiful scenery also, Kat, so I can appreciate the similarities you mention. I also hope you get up to Norway to enjoy and compare their wonderful natural landscapes. I’m sure you will love it.
Wow! Norway looks amazing. I love the efficiency of train travel in Europe. I wish we had more of this in the United States.
Europe is certainly well known for its punctual and efficient train travel, Michelle. It is indeed something for many other countries and regions to aspire to. Thank you for reading and commenting on your thoughts here.
What an amazing train trip. I’d love to do this trip one day. The train looks really spacious and the scenery is spectacular. Great photos!
Thank you, Kelly. I’m so pleased you liked what I have shared here.
I have yet to explore Norway, and I love trains (especially in Europe). This is my kind of dream trip! The countryside looks absolutely pristine!
Thanks so much, Sage. I hope you will give this particular train journey a go when next being able to move around in Europe.
Traveling by train is such a great way to see Europe! You captured so many amazing photos of the beautiful landscape. This definitely looks like a very scenic and lovely train journey. I haven’t made it to Norway yet, but it does look like a stunning place to visit.
That’s for sure, Kat. And doing it by train is a great way to see so much in comfort. I’m sure you will love the stunning scenery when you make your trip to Norway. Thank you for reading.
Gosh your post and pictures made me miss traveling so much! I really can’t wait until the pandemic is over to start seeing the world again, too!
I know how you feel, Iris, as we are all essentially in the same boat when it comes to traveling at the moment. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Bergensbanen Train trip. The train interiors and the journey looks so comfortable. I am sure the changing landscape during the 7-hour journey would have made the travel more interesting! While Oslo is certainly intriguing, Bergen looks like a great place to explore!
The trip was certainly very comfortable, Jayati, and the landscapes were just gorgeous all the way. Bergen certainly had a more country feel to it and had much more beautiful surroundings than Oslo but both cities were clean and easy to get around.
This looks awesome!! I really want to do this..I have only one concern and that is the price? I remember Norway was so expensive that last time, I visited Bergen and Trolltunga then ran away. Was the cost of the train insanely high?
There is no denying that Norway is a very expensive destination, Jacqueline. Compared to other train journeys in Europe, it is expensive (as is most other things to buy there). We purchased the tickets online and in advance, so you can plan for it. We still found it very worthwhile for the enjoyment of the experience and stayed a while to see as much as we could, and to miximize the costs of getting there and back. Thanks so much for reading and your question.
Icy landscapes, snow capped mountains and almost frozen lakes are really captivating and beautiful. What better than a train journey to experience them!
I couldn’t agree more, Anuradha. You get to see all this and more from the comfort of this lovely train, while still having the option to rent a car to get closer if you wish. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
This is such a helpful post that I’m definitely bookmarking it. I intended to visit Oslo this year, but….you can probably guess why I didn’t do it. However, since I’m not driving, I appreciate it when countries have good public transportation options – and this train would be just perfect for me. So as soon as we can travel again, I’ll extend the planned Oslo-trip… 🙂
That is so good to hear, Renata. I’m so pleased you liked this post and the idea of taking this trip while on your future visit to Oslo. Bergen is also such a beautiful city set amongst some stunning nature. Best wishes for your trip.
You mentioned you are not a great photographer, but I loved your photographs. They are amazing, they made me add this Norway travel journey to my travel wish list. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Thank you so much, Ramya. Norway is so beautiful that it is easy to take some lovely shots. The photos I saw of Norway beforehand really made me want to go. I’m sure you would love it as well.
Good on you that you were able to take that journey. Trains are a fun way to travel to a place and you could never go wrong when you visit Norway.
Totally agree, Eric! This was one trip in particular that I was so happy we could make.
You’re lucky the seats were comfy. I’d love to take this kind of a train journey.
We found the trains in Norway to be very comfortable all around, Rosey. It certainly made for a comfortable way to see such stunning scenery.
I have heard from a close friend of mine too that the scenery is stunning. I hope one day to go. Merry Christmas to you!
I hope you do as well, Rosey! Happy holidays to you as well.
Well, I think it is so good you got to travel this journey. Norway is a country full of fascinating features and yes, your photography wasn’t as bad as you think.
Good to know Ntensible! Thank you for your kind comment and I’m so pleased you liked this post.
Woah – your post made me miss Norway so much, can’t wait to go back again soon once covid is all over.
I think many of us who enjoy travel would likely all be feeling the same way, Anas. Hope you are able to return safely to this lovely country soon.
This looks like such a great journey. I can’t wait to start traveling again.
I know what you mean, Katrina. Hopefully, we will shortly overcome the pandemic.
I have plans to visit Norway. Then I love train rides too. I was reading through the article and can feel the transition from greenery to the snow-capped mountains. Amazing
Thanks so much, Kuntala. I hope you will consider doing this trip on your upcoming visit to Norway. It is not something you would ever forget.
I love train travels. I’ve been on long train journeys only in India and not so far in Europe. This 7-hour journey in Norway would be awesome. Good to know that it has also been featured in Lonely Planet’s book. Climbing a km in altitude? Whoa! That’s a lot! The train looks neat. The dining car is perfect and so essential for a long trip. The views are indeed absolutely fabulous.
Thank you very much, Bhushavali. It is indeed a special train trip for those who love impressive natural scenery. So happy you liked this.
Wow! This looks like such an incredible trip to take! I’d love to visit Norway. 🙂
Thanks, Catherine. Norway is truly a very beautiful country.
Oh my goodness! I’m so envious. This looks like an AMAZING way to see Norway. The sights are gorgeous, and it looks like their cafe is fairly well stocked. I would definitely do this someday. So fun!!
The time onboard actually goes so fast just because you really do enjoy such a lovely experience, Jennifer. I’m so pleased you liked this article and would like to do this trip as well.
Oh, how I’d love to pack up my bags and get travelling to a place like this soon! I can’t wait until the vaccine is readily available for us all.
It certainly would be wonderful to freely travel again, once it’s safe to do so, Emily, and after we have overcome this awful Covid pandemic.
That looks like a beautiful train trip. Norway is one of the nicest places and I hope to visit it someday!
Thanks, Gervin. I couldn’t agree more. Our experience there was so enjoyable. I hope you will visit also.
I haven’t done many trips on a train but I will consider it now! What a scenic ride you had. Your photos look amazing. I’m sure it was an unforgettable experience.
It certainly was, Stephanie. I’m so pleased you liked this article, as this is a trip I don’t think we would ever forget.
What a beautiful trip! I would love to be able to take the train across Norway someday! It is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel.
Thank you very much, Sarah. I believe you would really love this trip and whatever else you would choose to do at either end. There are truly so many fabulous options.
When I read your articles, I always wish that I was more of an outdoorsy type of woman. Your trips always look amazing, and I love your images!
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Ann. You have really made my day! I am so happy you enjoy my articles and photos and I so appreciate you saying so.
Norway is on my top dream list of places to visit , it is such a beautiful country
That’s for sure, Pati!
I have always wanted to go to Norway. It’s at the very top of my list!
It was for me as well, Heather. I’m so pleased I was able to visit and explore this stunningly beautiful country. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
That is an experience of a lifetime! You got to see everything! I love traveling by train too! Especially the bullet train in Japan!
The bullet train in Japan is certainly a fabulous experience as well, Bri. So pleased you liked this post and thank you for commenting.
Norway looks like a beautiful place to visit. Would love to do this train ride one day.
Thanks, Ashley. I’m sure you would love it as much as I did.
What a fantastic experience! I would love to travel by train in Norway at some point.
It is something I would totally recommend. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment, Cinny.
I can’t wait to visit Norway someday. I have a lot of ancestors from there. A train ride would be incredible! Great photos!
Thanks so much, Matt! It would be even better if you are able to trace and meet up with relatives at the same time.
OMG isn’t really for me! But the fact that I’m a curious woman who loves to know. Interesting!
That’s fair enough, Cristina. I’m glad you found it interesting.
I think my husband and I would totally put this on our to-do-list.
Thanks, Halimah. I hope you do, we really loved it.
I’ve always loved traveling by train. It’s a wonderful way to take in the beauty of an area, and it has a certain feel you just can’t get with any other form of travel. I think a train trip through Norway would be amazing.
I really get what you mean about the feel of a train trip that is unlike other types of travel, Brianne. This really has been our favorite train journey so far.
This looks like an incredible journey. I love train travel for the same reasons you do, to be able to see all the scenery as you glide along. Vigelandsparken looks like a nice stop with all it’s beautiful flowers and sculptures. Bergen also looks amazing for its proximity to the water. I’m a sucker for UNESCO World Heritage sites, so Bryggen would probably be my favorite. The buildings are so beautiful and colorful.
So many people love Bryggen, Chrissi, and Bergen more broadly is a really lovely city on the water, surrounded by seven hills. Vigelandsparken is also very popular in Oslo and a lovely precursor to this wonderful train journey. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.
A train trip sounds like the perfect way to experience this beautiful country. On a train, you can just concentrate on the scenery and on each other without worrying about driving and watching the road.
You definitely make a good point Surekha, and both James and I really enjoyed these aspects of seeing Norway. There are some advantages we enjoyed with driving in Norway in that you can head off to investigate areas inaccessible to trains and of course you can always stop where you like also. But enjoying a train trip does give you a nice break and the ability to focus on the sights together.
I love train rides, especially in Europe, where the trains are so punctual and organized. Where I live, part of the adventure is wondering whether the train is going to arrive at all ????. Norwegian train rides look amazing, with dramatic landscapes of mountains and lakes. If that was summer, I wonder how winter looks like. By the way, you take beautiful photos!
Thank you so much Ummi. Love your comment and that we both share a love of train journeys out into the countryside. I agree it would be quite something to also do this trip in winter with everything outside covered in snow and ice. Still amazingly beautiful, just in a different way.
Hi there,
Get this… I did the exact same trip two years ago. We were on a three-week stint across Norway, Finland, and Sweeden. We took the train from Oslo to Bergen! Sadly for us, we made the mistake a taking a later train ride which resulted in it getting dark earlier than would be ideal. However, it gave me the lust for trains. And, wow – Norwegian trains are fabulous! Reading this brought back so many memories! I loved Norway and Bergen was the highlight. Nikki
That’s fabulous Nikola! I agree train travel is such a great way to see a lot of a country and this particular trip is just one of the best experiences in that way. Norwegian trains are a real joy to travel with. Bergen is a lovely place to explore, as well as being an ideal spot to launch to other areas up north. Thank you for sharing your experience here.
We visited Norway by cruise ship. But it made us want to go back and see more. I would love to travel around Norway by train. The trip from Oslo to Bergen sounds like a great way to start. Such a stunning variety of scenery as you travelled. I might never want to leave my window! We did the Flam Railway trip on our visit so we would not need that optional detour. Your photos certainly convinced me to try this one day.
Thanks so much, Linda. On this trip, we cruised from Bodo, north of the Arctic Circle, out to the Lofoten Islands, but other than that we traveled by land via car, trains, and ferries. We found it so great to be able to get into such stunning nature here. This rail journey did have us glued to the window as it seemed that around every corner was another amazing vista.
The train journey and its views make the journey so enjoyable. I love the various places that you have stopped at too – especially Vigelandsparken . I remember reading a detailed post on this about the garden of sculptures. The train seems quite well equipped with the basic traveler’s comfort. Definitely one good option in Europe.
Thanks, Ami. It’s a lovely way to see some beautiful scenic landscapes. Vigelandsparken was an enjoyable and interesting park, combining art and nature. The train itself was very comfortable, clean, and ran very smoothly.
I have done a train journey in Norway! However it was the Oslo airport speedy train to Oslo central. So havent been on the scenic one which goes throught the fjords to Bergen. It is a dream of mine to do this (as I work for the railway in London, UK). However I did watch the whole train ride with a view from the drivers cab of that line on Youtube a few years back…LIVE! The views on the screen looking stunning and with the photos you have taken and described in words….I think it must be one of the most stunning journeys in the world (I wonder if it beats the Jungfraubahn in Switzerland in terms of scenery…thats a journey I also recommend to do in Euroland). Hope to do this soon, and I hope it won’t destroy my bank account (Norway is expensive for me 😀 😀 😀 ).
It is definitely true that Norway is an expensive destination, Danik, but an extremely beautiful one. How great to have watched this journey live on YouTube from the front end! As someone who works in the rail industry, I guess you would have a lot of inside knowledge of some fabulous trips to experience. Lonely Planet also rates this particular trip extremely highly in global terms. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience.
I enjoy trains because they allow you to see the complete change in landscape along your journey! Instead of seeing Point A and Point B, you get the entire scope of the journey. It looks like you got to experience just that on this train journey. Thanks for sharing!
Totally agree with your reasons for enjoying train journeys like this one, Chloe. It really adds another great dimension to any trip or vacation.