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Norway’s most beautiful train journeys

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A Scandinavian getaway by rail

Towering fjords, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, picturesque villages… Did you know that Norway’s most beautiful sites are accessible by train? A very special and environmentally friendly way to explore the vast expanses and enjoy the treasures of Scandinavian nature and culture in delightful tranquility. Immediate departure.

The Oslo-Bergen line: heading west

Whether strolling through the trendy districts of Aker Brygge or Grünerløkka, or visiting the cathedral, opera house or Akershus Fortress, you are sure to be enchanted by the tranquillity of Oslo, Norway’s capital. And there’s another good reason to stop here: the town is the departure point for the main national train lines.

Heading west, the “Bergensbanen“, the line running all the way to Bergen, crosses green valleys, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and gives a glimpse of the famous Hardangervidda plateau, the largest mountain plateau in Europe.

The capital of the Norwegian fjords,the port of Bergen, city of seven hills, boasts the superb houses of the Bryggen district, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its authenticity.

One good train leads to another, the Flam

Ranking as one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world, the Bergensbanen stops close to another famous line: the Flam. This one is just twenty kilometres long, but provides an unforgettable experience. Between each tunnel, the route includes sightings of astonishing valleys traversed by the Flåmselvi river and magnificent waterfalls at Kjosfossen.

Heading north: Oslo-Trondheim

Known as the “Dovre Line”, the Oslo-Trondheim route winds its way through the mountains of Dovrefjel National Park. These vast stretches of wilderness, home to the musk ox and dotted with colourful villages, are reminiscent of the Greenland landscape in spring.

A taste of the Arctic, for the price of a train ticket!

Trondheim, a Nordic holiday resort

To explore Trondheim, go with the flow: warehouses on stilts, typical of the town, reflect its maritime character. Locals and visitors alike enjoy bathing on the beaches of Munkholmen island and kayaking on the Nidelva river. In town, the Gothic cathedral of Nidaros, decorated with 5,000 sculptures, and the many fine restaurants, make Trondheim a must-visit destination!

Arctic Express: the Nordland line

The train line to Bodø, known as “Nordland”, departs from Trondheim, and covers 729 kilometres of track. In winter, the proximity of the Arctic Circle and the long nights offer ideal opportunities to admire the aurora borealis directly from your seat.

In summer, the exceptional light allows you to enjoy the lush, rolling countryside of Trøndelag , before entering the mountainous area of Vefsna Regionalpark. It’s along this section of the route that you’ll have the best chance of spotting reindeer. Finally, the train passes through Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, before reaching Bodø.

Bodø: Norway’s other capital

European Capital of Culture 2024, Bodø, the last stop on the Nordland line, is surprisingly lively. Don’t miss:

A walk to explore the walls decorated with street art.
Saltstraumen, the maelstrom (or swirling current) that separates Saltenfjord from Skjerstadfjord.
The natural beach at Mjelle: its turquoise waters are within walking distance of the town.

Practical info: booking a train ticket in Norway

Apps such as Entur allow you to book tickets for the entire rail network and combine companies. The frequency of trains and the numerous connections make Norway easy to visit by this mode of transport. Oslo is seven hours from Bergen or Trondheim. It takes ten hours to travel the Nordland line, between Trondheim and Bodø.