Scenic Norway: From Oslo to Trondheim by Train

The Norwegian capital can be discovered through its incredible buildings, picturesque districts with colourful houses and forests of pine and larch trees. Both peaceful and trendy, it’s full of museums and galleries such as the Munch Museum, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Art. Art lovers might also enjoy a stroll through The Vigeland Sculpture Park. There’s also plenty of history to discover here, whether at the castle, the royal palace or the Maritime Museum. Or, you can simply wander in the Frognerkilen marina or in the trendy district of Hegdehaugsveien, between sampling delicious Scandinavian cuisine. If the weather is in your favour, we can also arrange for you to take a nature walk to the most beautiful Oslofjord viewpoints.

We also recommend a trip to the creative Bygdoy peninsula, which can be reached by ferry from the pier in front of the Town Hall (in winter, you can take the bus). Bygdoy is renowned for its museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Norsk Folkemuseum, the Kon-Tiki Museum - which displays boats and objects that belonged to the famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, and the Fram Museum, dedicated to the ship that undertook three expeditions to the Arctic. Between visits, stroll along the peninsula’s pretty paths that lead to the summer residence of the kings of Norway.

It’s time for your first proper train journey of the trip, so head to the station to board your two-hour train to Lillehammer. This small town is located in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, on the banks of Lake Mjosa. You’ll spend one night here in a centrally located hotel with large modern rooms.

You’ll have tickets to visit the Maihaugen Museum today, an open-air eco-museum that’s the largest in Norway and one of the most beautiful. Among other things, it’s home to 175 ancient buildings including houses, farms and a stave church from the Lom region, and your visit here is a great opportunity to dive into the history of the area.

After this journey into the past, hop back on the train first to Dombas (two hours away), and then onto a scenic train trip between Rauma and Andalsnes, gazing through the large windows at the region’s incredible landscapes. This magnificent one-hour-and-40-minute trip from the mountains to the fjords crosses numerous bridges and follows the Rauma River. The trail will slow as you pass beautiful sights such as the Troll Wall and waterfalls.

When you arrive in Andalsnes, you’ll set down your suitcases for two nights on top of a hill overlooking the village and fjord. With a classic mountain atmosphere, your hotel promises both cosiness and a breathtaking view.

At the mouth of the Rauma River on the Romsdal Fjord, the small town of Andalsnes has a spectacular location that’s long attracted walkers and sports enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking routes here, so choose one to suit your level and head off to explore your surroundings and enjoy magical views of the fjord and mountain peaks. Keen hikers might want to tackle the demanding yet rewarding Romsdalseggen Ridge route, while the less adventurous can take the trails on Litlefjellet, which still boast striking scenery.

We’ll also arrange for you to head up to Nesaksla’s peak by cable car while you’re here. This mountain summit offers dizzying 360° views of the Romsdal region and its grandiose fjord.

Today you’ll take the train to Oppdal, one of Norway’s most famous ski resorts. The journey takes just under four hours, and when you arrive you can head straight to your modern hotel full of big windows that look out onto the surrounding peaks. A trip to the sauna is a must this afternoon – you are in Scandinavia after all!

Located in the Trollheimen mountain range (meaning ‘home of trolls’), Oppdal is home to an impressive ski area. In the summer, you can enjoy magnificent forest landscapes and explore beautiful Lake Gjevilvannet by kayak.

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park is the only place in Norway (and one of the few places in the world) where you can see muskoxen in their natural habitat. Today, you’ll take a trip to visit these fascinating animals that live in small herds. With a calm temperament and clumsy appearance, they belong to the Rocky Mountain goat family and survived the last ice age.

Your next train journey takes just under three-and-a-half hours and transports you to Roros. You’ll stay close to the station in a historic building with cosy rooms. Enjoy a refined dinner of regional cuisine tonight in the hotel restaurant, or head to the bar-tavern for a more informal experience and some excellent drinks.

The former mining town of Roros is built entirely of wood and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the oldest wooden towns in Europe, Roros has preserved its authenticity in the form of colourful houses, traditional streets, an old bell tower and its foundries, which have now been converted into a museum. Today, take a stroll through this charming town that’s been awarded a prestigious Sustainable Destination certificate thanks to its work to reduce the impact of tourism. Don’t forget to sample some excellent food while you’re here, all based around local produce.

Your final stop is Trondheim, two-and-a-half hours away. Located at the mouth of the Nidelva river in the country’s centre, this city was capital of Norway in the Middle Ages. Accordingly, its full of history including colourful houses built on stilts, and the Nidaros Cathedral on the grave of Saint Olaf, a national shrine. Music is also a huge part of the city, and you’ll find not one but two museums dedicated to it. As the modern capital of Norwegian technology, Trondheim also boasts a dynamic city centre full of designer boutiques, excellent restaurants and bars. If you need any recommendations about where to eat or would like to make a reservation, just ask our local Concierge.

You’ll spend tonight in a contemporary hotel in the Bakklandet district, so you’ll be central enough to explore the city’s main sights on foot. Don’t miss sampling some brunost: a brown Norwegian cheese with a caramelized flavour.