Rail Journeys Through Norway: Scenic Train Routes to Try

Embark on a voyage with Norway train tours, traversing landscapes of fjords and mountains via Norwegian railways. With options for eco-friendly and self-guided scenic train travel, adventures through Norway offer customizable excursions and overnight stays in picturesque locations¹. Whether experiencing the Arctic Nordland Line or the historic Bergen Line, the beauty of Norway is accessible year-round. From witnessing the Northern Lights to enjoying summer fjord cruises, there is a variety of seasonal preferences available¹. These Norway train tours range from 4 nights to 12 nights, ensuring a perfect fit for any traveler¹.

The World-Famous Oslo to Bergen Line

The Oslo-Bergen railway is among the most iconic scenic train routes to try, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience across Norway.

Historical Significance

Initially planned in 1871, the Bergen Railway was completed in 1909, representing a significant engineering accomplishment of its time. This almost 500-kilometer route has connected the eastern and western parts of Norway for over a century². Approximately 2,400 railway workers contributed to its construction².

Highlights Along the Route

The journey from Oslo to Bergen spans about seven hours and includes over 180 tunnels and 22 stops³. A notable highlight is the Finse Station, which sits at an elevation of 1,222 meters above sea level, making it the highest point on the route⁴³. Passengers can transfer to the Flåmsbana Railway at Myrdal, adding yet another scenic train route to their adventure⁴.

Geilo’s Vestlia Resort, acclaimed as Norway’s best ski resort, provides an excellent stopover for ski enthusiasts³.

Travel Tips

For those planning to experience the Oslo-Bergen railway, tickets can be booked through various platforms including Vy’s app and the Entur website⁴³. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors, while additional costs apply for transporting dogs and bicycles⁴³. The PlusNight ticket offers a budget-friendly option, featuring lie-flat seats for overnight journeys.

Due to its strategic location, the Bergen Railway Station provides easy access to key tourist attractions such as Bryggen and the Fish Market⁴.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the journey:

Feature	Details
Distance	496 kilometers3
Tunnels	1803
Stops	224
Highest Station	Finse, 1,222 meters3
Journey Duration	7 hours3
Daily Departures	5 (4 in winter)4
Ticket Price	£75 per person3

Exploring the Flåm Railway: Myrdal to Flåm

The Flåm Railway, renowned for its intricate engineering, offers one of the most scenic fjord rail journeys in Norway. Spanning 20 kilometers, this remarkable line travels from 863 meters at Myrdal to sea level at Flåm, showcasing breathtaking views all along the route⁵.

Engineering Marvel

Constructed between 1924 and 1940, the Flåm Railway is a testament to marvels of engineering and Norwegian resilience. With 18 tunnels dug out by hand, it took about a month to dig just one meter, totaling almost 5700 meters of tunnels⁵. This outstanding workmanship makes it one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys.

Key Stops and Scenery

Along the journey, passengers can revel in the stunning vistas, including the majestic Kjosfossen waterfall, which stands over 90 meters tall⁵. This fjord rail journey also features 10 stations, 20 tunnels, and one bridge, offering passengers numerous opportunities for photos and exploration⁵.

Best Times to Visit

The Flåm Railway operates year-round, providing distinct seasonal experiences. During the high season (May-September), there are nine trips daily in each direction, whereas in the low season (December-March), it offers four services per day⁵. With over 700,000 visitors annually, it’s advisable to book in advance and consider the seasonal variations to maximize the travel experience⁵.

Season	Number of Services Daily
High Season (May-September)	9
Low Season (December-March)	4

With a high customer satisfaction rating, the Flåm Railway stands as a favorite among travelers seeking awe-inspiring fjord rail journeys through Norway⁶. It remains not just a mode of transport, but an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Norwegian landscapes.

The Scenic Dovre Line: Oslo to Trondheim

The Dovre Line, stretching a remarkable 485 kilometers, offers passengers breathtaking views of lakes and the Dovrefjell mountain plateau⁷. This historic railway line, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, connects the bustling city of Oslo with the scenic city of Trondheim⁷. Travelers find themselves immersed in natural wonders and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife, including the approximately 200 muskoxen residing in the areas of Dovre, Hjerkinn, and Kongsvoll⁷.

Utilizing this mountain rail route also means tapping into practical transit solutions. The journey takes around six and a half hours, making it a feasible day trip or overnight adventure⁸. The Dovre Line encompasses vibrant landscapes in the Gudbrandsdalen valley and offers numerous wildlife-viewing opportunities through the Dovrefjell mountain plateau, home to an impressive collection of 300 wild musk oxen⁸. The route serves as a winter sports gateway, connecting to popular locations like Lillehammer and Oppdal, with tickets readily accessible via SJ Nord’s official website⁷.

For those aiming for a more luxurious experience, the line offers several carriage options, including Premium, Premium Pluss, and Family carriages⁷. Passengers on the nighttime departure can enjoy added amenities like reclinable seats, warm beverages, and a small meal with the Premium Pluss option⁷. Travelers can also indulge in local cuisine, as the cafés onboard provide dishes made with quality ingredients, offering a taste of Norway’s culinary delights⁷.

The Dovre Line truly encompasses the essence of Norwegian nature, presenting a seamless blend of comfort and natural beauty. For those looking to explore further, connections to other rail lines such as the Røros line, the Nordland line, and the Rauma line, provide ample opportunities to discover more of Norway’s stunning landscapes⁸.

Navigating the Arctic Circle: The Nordland Line

The Nordland Line offers one of the most captivating Arctic Circle train trips, stretching an impressive 729 kilometers from Trondheim to Bodø⁹¹⁰. This journey not only allows travelers to traverse the picturesque Saltfjellet mountain range but also cross the Arctic Circle itself¹⁰.

Journey Through Saltfjellet

The Nordland Line’s route through Saltfjellet is truly a marvel. The mountain range reveals a unique botanical divide between its southern and northern regions¹⁰. As the train makes its way across 293 bridges and through 154 tunnels, passengers are treated to breathtaking views that epitomize the rugged beauty of Northern Norway¹⁰. Expect an experience enriched by both historical and natural splendor, with parts of the railway dating back to World War II and built using forced labor from Russian prisoners of war¹⁰.

Wildlife and Nature

In addition to its stunning landscapes, the Nordland Line also offers opportunities to explore Arctic wildlife and unspoiled nature. Norwegians north of the Arctic Circle enjoy continuous sunlight from mid-May to mid-July, providing an ideal time to observe diverse Arctic flora and fauna⁹. Børgefjell National Park, which the railway crosses, is a fantastic spot for hunting and fishing enthusiasts¹⁰. Furthermore, the Polar Circle, which the train crosses, moves 14 meters every year, adding a dynamic aspect to the journey¹⁰.

Connecting to the Lofoten Islands

For those looking to extend their adventure, the Nordland Line serves as a vital conduit to the Lofoten Islands. Passengers can easily access ferry links from Bodø, providing a seamless connection to one of Norway’s most beautiful archipelagos¹¹. Additionally, the Valnesfjord area near Bodø is known for its accessible trails suitable for all ages, including wheelchair users, making it an inclusive destination for nature lovers¹⁰.

Route	Distance	Key Features
Trondheim to Bodø	729 km	293 bridges, 154 tunnels, Arctic Circle crossing, Saltfjellet mountain range
Midway Stops	Various	Børgefjell National Park, Mosjøen with the world’s longest stone stairway trail
Final Destination	Bodø	Connection to Lofoten Islands, accessible nature trails in Valnesfjord

Rauma Line: Connecting Dombås to Åndalsnes

The Rauma Line, stretching 114.2 kilometers, connects Dombås to Åndalsnes by the scenic Romsdalsfjord, offering one of Europe’s most beautiful rail journeys¹².

Iconic Landmarks

One of the most iconic landmarks on this route is the Kylling Bridge, which spans 76 meters and towers 59.3 meters above the Rauma River¹². This architectural marvel is among the highlights that make the Rauma Railway an unforgettable experience. The route also features dramatic horseshoe curves, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the stunning vistas of the Romsdal valley.

The River Rauma and Surrounding Landscape

The Rauma Line meanders through the captivating landscapes of the Romsdal valley, providing spectacular views of the serene Rauma River and the majestic Romsdal Alps. The journey’s endpoint, Åndalsnes, is a hub in Romsdal, offering access to notable scenic destinations such as Trollstigen, the Romsdal Gondola, and the Romsdalseggen mountain ridge¹². Åndalsnes also serves as a gateway to other attractions like Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord, and the Atlantic Road¹².

For travelers looking to embark on this picturesque journey, Rauma Line details and bookings are conveniently accessible via sj.no, ensuring an enriching off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Historical Significance of the Bergen Line

The Bergen Line, a cornerstone of scenic train travel in Norway, has a rich history that began with its planning stages in 1871 and culminated with its official opening in 1909². Spanning nearly 500 kilometers, this railway exemplifies Norwegian engineering prowess and fortitude, especially considering construction efforts by an estimated 2,400 railway workers². Additionally, the Bergen Line not only serves as a remarkable example of scenic train travel but also boasts being the highest mainline railway in Europe, with its peak at the Hardangervidda plateau reaching 4,058 feet above sea level¹³.

In the summer, the Bergen Line becomes a haven for cyclists, featuring the renowned 82-kilometer Rallarvegen route, which snakes its way from Haugastøl via Finse to Flåm, and is considered one of Norway’s most popular cycling trails². During WWII, this railway was pivotal for both German military and civilian transportation, and its history includes a notable tragedy in which an accident in 1944 claimed the lives of 25 civilians and an unknown number of German soldiers¹⁴.

The Flåmsbana Railway, tied to the Bergen Line, is another highlight offering passengers breathtaking journeys through 20 tunnels down to the picturesque fjord village of Flåm². For those planning their trip, tickets and schedules can be found through VY, ensuring that this historic and scenic train travel experience remains accessible to all. Round trips like “Norway in a Nutshell,” which incorporate sections of the Bergen Line, also remain highly popular, offering flexible starting points in Bergen, Oslo, Voss, Geilo, or Flåm².

Eco-Friendly Travel: Sustainable Rail Journeys in Norway

Norway is at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly travel through sustainable rail journeys, offering a greener solution for exploring the nation’s breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for their environmental benefits, these rail routes provide an excellent alternative to other, more carbon-intensive methods of transportation.

Environmental Benefits

Traveling by train significantly reduces carbon footprints. For instance, the carbon emissions on a Norway in a nutshell® trip from Oslo to Bergen are just one-tenth of what would be generated by a comparable flight¹⁵. This makes train journeys an attractive option for environmentally conscious travelers looking to minimize their impact while enjoying luxurious and scenic experiences.

Prominent Eco-Friendly Routes

Several rail routes in Norway are particularly noted for their sustainability and stunning landscapes. The Bergen Railway, famous for traversing through the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, offers unparalleled views and minimal carbon emissions¹⁵. The Flåm Railway, another iconic journey, is among the steepest standard gauge railroads in the world and provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Norwegian fjord landscape¹⁵. Additionally, the Dovre Railway and Rauma Railway each feature enchanting scenery and unique travel experiences, making them noteworthy eco-friendly alternatives¹⁵.

Tips for Sustainable Travel

To make your travel experience more sustainable, consider opting for rail journeys that align with eco-friendly travel principles. Trains not only decrease your carbon footprint but also allow for greater flexibility in planning your trip. Fjord Tours emphasizes that with train travel, you can stop where and when you please, arranging accommodations and activities at your leisure¹⁵. Choosing longer round trips, such as those offered by Norway in a nutshell®, can further enhance the sustainability of your travel itinerary, ensuring a comprehensive and environmentally mindful exploration of Norway¹⁵¹.

Route	Distance (km)	Unique Features	Environmental Impact
Bergen Railway	498	Hardangervidda plateau, minimal emissions	Low carbon footprint15
Flåm Railway	20	Steep gauge, fjord views	High scenic value, low emissions15
Dovre Railway	548	Mountain vistas, wildlife spotting	Eco-friendly1
Rauma Railway	114	Iconic landmarks, nature reserves	Environmentally advantageous15

Combination Tours: Fjord and Mountain Packages

Travelers seeking to experience the best of Norway’s fjords and mountains can benefit from combination tours that merge rail travel with breathtaking fjord cruises. These tours, such as the renowned Norway in a Nutshell®, offer a unique way to explore UNESCO-listed sites and scenic landscapes.

Popular Combo Packages

The most popular package, Norway in a Nutshell®, includes a scenic cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, exciting rides on the Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway, and a bus journey through the serene Nærøy valley¹⁶. If you’re looking to explore more, the Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ tour features an impressive fjord cruise on the Sognefjord, complemented by rides on the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway¹⁶. The Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™ tour showcases an express boat cruise between Bergen and Rosendal and includes visits to the Vøringsfossen waterfall and the Norwegian Nature Centre¹⁶. These tours are ideal for combining rail travel with remarkable watery landscapes, ensuring a memorable journey.

Best Seasons for Each Tour

The best season to explore the Fjord and Mountain Packages largely depends on the activities you prefer. Summer is ideal for cycling, warm cruises on the fjords, and hiking excursions such as the optional hike to Preikestolen on the Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ tour¹⁶. Winter, on the other hand, offers stunning views of snow-covered peaks and the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights¹⁶. Customizable tour packages allow you to create extended adventures by combining different tours, such as Norway in a Nutshell® with Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™ or Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ with Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™¹⁶. No matter when you visit, these tours provide a comprehensive view of Norway’s natural beauty.

For those interested in specific highlights, the UNESCO Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™ tour includes a cruise on the Geirangerfjord and visits to Ålesund and Åndalsnes, making it a must-see during the warmer months¹⁶. Meanwhile, the Hardangerfjord’s Vøringsfossen Waterfall and Folgefonna glacier are compelling reasons to opt for this tour year-round¹⁷. With so many Norway in a Nutshell® options available, exploring the fjords and mountains has never been easier or more accessible.

Source Links

1. https://www.fjordtravel.no/tours-cruises-norway/great-rail-journeys/
2. https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around/by-train/the-bergen-railway/the-locomotwins/
3. https://www.cntraveller.com/article/oslo-to-bergen-train-journey
4. https://en.visitbergen.com/visitor-information/travel-information/getting-here/bergensbanen-oslo-to-bergen-by-train
5. https://www.ontheluce.com/the-flam-railway-norways-most-scenic-train-journey/
6. https://www.norwaytrains.com/flamsbana-train
7. https://www.sj.no/en/strekning/dovrebanen-2/
8. https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around/by-train/the-dovre-railway/
9. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/arctic-rail-travel-norway-slow-train
10. https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around/by-train/nordland-line/
11. https://www.greatrail.com/tours/norway-and-the-arctic-circle/
12. https://www.fjords.com/rauma-railway/
13. https://jwalkingin.com/2018/11/18/oslo-bergen-railway/
14. https://www.campervannorway.com/blog/travel-ideas/bergen-railway
15. https://www.fjordtours.com/en/norway/people-and-culture/ecotourism/responsible-travel-by-train
16. https://www.fjordtours.com/en/norway/tours/the-best-round-trips
17. https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/tours/fjord-tours