Guide to Travelling Norway by Train

What is the best way to travel in Norway?

While coastal cruising is synonymous with exploring Norway, train journeys are among some of the most scenic in the world, and thousands of visitors to Norway choose to use the railway system as a comfortable and sustainable way to traverse the country.

The most famous train line in Norway is the Bergen Railway, which often tops the list of the world’s best train journeys due to its location. Crossing some truly epic scenery, including fields, fjords, forests, and mountains, it is one of the best ways to ensure you see the wide variety of landscapes Norway is famous for.

You can transfer at Myrdal station to take another world-famous train journey along the Flam Line, which is one of the steepest train rides on earth. This spellbinding journey brings together some impressive contemporary engineering skills with the spectacle of nature.

Is the train from Bergen to Oslo scenic?

The Bergen Line or Bergensbanen, which travels between the fjord city of Bergen and the capital Oslo is known to be an incredibly scenic train route. Journeying across Europe’s highest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, the train passes through picturesque mountain scenery as well as the lovely resort towns of Gol and Geilo. It continues through the Hallingdal valley towards the village of Finse and over the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The Bergen Line is also the ideal starting point for those looking to explore the Norwegian fjords as you can change at Myrdal for the Flam Railway which takes you down to Sognefjord. You can then take a boat trip on Naeroyfjord.

How long is the train from Oslo to Bergen?

The full train journey from Oslo to Bergen on the Bergen Line is around seven hours. However, with 22 stops along the route, you can choose to get off the train and visit some of the neighbouring villages to extend your journey. This is a great opportunity to explore some of Norway’s traditional mountain towns.

How long is the train ride from Oslo to Flam?

The journey to Flam from Oslo is made up of a couple of stretches of railway. The journey starts with a four and a half-hour ride from Oslo to Myrdal, where you will change onto the Flam Line. This 20km branch line runs through the Flam Valley to the village of Flam.

How long is the Flam Railway trip?

Beginning from the mountain town of Myrdal in Fjord Norway, the Flam Railway journey takes just one hour, which is surprising considering its reputation as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The reason it sustains this reputation is the magnificent panoramic views it offers, which take in the majesty of Norway’s fjord landscape.

It is also a feat of engineering prowess, taking over two decades to complete, and is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world.

What is there to see in Flam Norway?

Flam is a small village located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord branch of the enormous Sognefjord. It is a pretty village that encompasses many of the traditional features visitors have come to expect of Norway – colourful wooden buildings lining the fjord and dotting the hillside and an astounding mountain backdrop.

Another attraction in Flam is the Stegastein viewing platform which allows visitors to step out 650m above the fjord below. The views across the fjord and surrounding landscape are sublime, demonstrating everything there is to love about Norway’s natural features in one place.

Are trains expensive in Norway?

Travelling by train in Norway can be expensive if you do it by yourself, but our Over the Roof of Norway holiday includes train travel between Oslo and Bergen and a journey on the Flam Railway as well as including accommodation and breakfasts across the six-night trip.