Top Train Journeys in Norway
Sustainable and scenic, riding Norway’s rails is easily one of the most romantic ways to travel across the country. In fact, Norway train trips are among the most beautiful ways to travel across any country, often ranking high in lists of the world’s most scenic rail journeys – it’s no wonder our Norway specialist, Izzy, recommends slow travel between destinations. But with each route boasting equally enticing accolades, it can be hard to choose which one to take. That's where we come in: read on for our shortlist of the top train journeys in Norway...
The Bergen
Distance: 293 miles
Duration: six-and-a-half hours
Daily Departures: six
Kicking our shortlist off on a high note (literally) is the Bergen, northern Europe's highest mainline railway. Also known as the Bergen Railway and ‘Bergensbanen’ in Norwegian, this route connects the super sleek capital, Oslo, to the photogenic fjords of Bergen.
Along the way, 39 stops offer plenty of opportunities to hop out and explore. Nature lovers can search for bears in Bjorneparken near Fla, while adrenaline junkies should hold out until Voss for everything from paragliding to rafting. Prefer to don skis? Step off in Geilo, one of Norway's oldest ski villages. History buffs can also buy an audio guide for the journey, offering folktales, historical insights and lore about local landmarks.
Of course, window seats are highly sought-after, and knowing which side to choose is key. If you're travelling from Oslo, stick to the left (or vice versa if travelling from Bergen). When your eyes aren't glued to the windows, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi, along with hot and cold meals. Plus, anyone travelling with little ones can also use the onboard playroom – perfect for entertaining tiny train enthusiasts.
Image by Tamme - stock.adobe.com
The Flam
Distance: 13 miles
Duration: one hour
Daily Departures: nine (fewer in winter)
It only makes sense to follow the Bergen with the brief but beautiful Flam (pronounced 'flo-m') – after all, you can switch from one to the other at Flam station. Starting at one end of the UNESCO-listed Aurlandsfjord, part of the famous Sognefjord, the route climbs towards Myrdal, a now nearly-vacant hamlet popular for its walking and cycling tours.
The Flam Railway is famous for its enviable views and, counterintuitively, its 20 tunnels, some of which feature sharp twists to cut through the mountains. Being one of Norway's major tourist attractions, it's equipped with large windows offering sweeping panoramas of the valleys, waterfalls, mountain farms and peaks it passes en route. There's even a five-minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall for passengers to step out, enjoy the view and feel the spray on their faces.
For more thrills, pair your Flam train trip with a whizz down the Flam zipline, the longest zipline in northern Europe. Alternatively, those who covet calm can ride the rails in spring or autumn, when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are considerably thinner.
Image by Norbert Zingel / 500px / Getty Images
The Dovre
Distance: 301 miles
Duration: six-and-a-half hours
Daily Departures: four on weekdays, two on weekends
Instead of taking the Bergen from Oslo, you could also opt for the Dovre Railway, which trundles towards the bright lights of Trondheim, Norway's first capital. Travelling through Norway's inland countryside, this trusty train has long been offering a comfortable alternative to flying for locals and visitors alike.
The Dovre passes farms, lakes, rivers, forests, valleys and mountains, earning it the endearing moniker: 'trail of the trolls'. It also draws near some of Norway's best national parks. Among the worthwhile stops are Lillehammer for the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Hjelle for its world-famous bike park and Oppdal for canyoning in summer and skiing in winter. Other highlights include the wild musk oxen in the Dovrefjell region, the Snohetta mountain and the salmon river in Gaula, which the train passes over.
There are three rungs of comfort on board: Standard, Premium and Premium Plus. Unsurprisingly, window seats are snapped up first, and word to the wise, you'll want to be on the left travelling out of Oslo for views of Lake Mjosa, Norway's largest lake. That said, after Lillehammer, the twists and turns along the route make both sides equally scenic.
Image by imageBROKER/Sonja Jordan / Getty Images
The Nordland (Arctic Circle Express)
Distance: 453 miles
Duration: ten hours
Daily Departures: two
After pulling into Trondheim, you could continue your journey north on the Nordland, nicknamed the Arctic Circle Express. Initially intended to run as far as China when it opened in 1882, the first train only reached the Norwegian village of Hell – talk about a bad omen. Despite this, the Nordland has grown into Norway's longest mainline railway, and one of the only lines in the world to cross the Arctic Circle.
From May to August, it’s all about the midnight sun (when the sun never sets), while in winter, the Northern Lights take centre stage. Mo i Rana and Bodo are the gateway towns for these experiences, but since the Nordland offers uninterrupted views and nighttime routes, Northern Lights spotting can also take place on board.
If you are travelling at night, the Nordland offers sleeper cars, while those travelling during the day can indulge in Premium class seating. However, if you don't fancy settling in for a long stint, there are several scenic stops. Helgeland is fantastic for foodies and outdoorsmen, Verdal offers Old Norse history and Bodo has two ferry links to different parts of the lovely Lofoten Islands.
Image by Olivier Romano
The Rauma
Distance: 71 miles
Duration: one-and-a-half hours
Daily Departures: one to two
Closing out our shortlist of the top train journeys in Norway is, once again, a line that can be picked up from one of the previous routes. We're talking about the Rauma Railway, which connects to the Dovre in Dombas. Dubbed 'the Golden Train' because Norway's gold reserves were smuggled out of the country on it during WWII, the train crosses 32 bridges between Andalsnes (Norway's mountaineering hub) and Dombas, inland.
The first leg travels to the mountain villages of Lesja and Bjorli before reaching Trollveggen, home to Europe's tallest vertical overhanging rock face at 3,280ft – a niche claim to fame, but a claim to fame all the same. And the star power is palpable, since the Rauma featured on both the big and small screen in Mission Impossible 7 and Succession. It also passes the ominously named Kylling Bridge, featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Neither a purpose-built panoramic train nor a luxury experience, this is the only railway in the region that doesn't link two major cities. That said, the Rauma still celebrates slow travel, stopping to give passengers a chance to take in the silver-screen-worthy scenery throughout.
Image by arild lilleboe / Getty Images
Header image by MariusLtu / Getty Images
Why visit Norway with Original Travel ?
Norway’s majestic fjords, verdant valleys and wild isles offer something special in every season, so it’s easy to see why our team are so passionate about the country. Using their expertise to tailor every trip, you could enjoy mushing a team of huskies, fishing for dinner in the Lofoten Islands, taking part in a local cooking class, and much more. We can advise the most scenic driving routes, tips for avoiding crowds and the best spots to admire Norway’s beauty, be it a cosy fisherman’s rorbu or Scandi-style hotel. The weather can change quickly, but our fantastic Concierges will ensure everything runs smoothly, regardless.
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