train journey in norway

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The dazzling fjords and mountains of Norway offer the most spectacular views in Europe, and they’re all yours to discover on scenic train routes. Make your trip complete with a visit to these exciting towns and cities. Norway is the ideal destination for an adventurous European holiday.

Train types in Norway

Expect to be impressed by trains operated by VY Railways, GoAhead Norge, and SJ . Modern, comfortable, and ready to carry you across the country at all times of the day, they're pretty awesome. You can check times for trains in Norway using the Eurail Timetable .

Reservations for most Norwegian trains are shown as optional in the Timetable. However, we advise you to always make reservations in Norway , because trains often get fully booked. 

The German railways are run by Deutsche Bahn. You can check train times on the Interrail train timetable  or on the DB website .

• Domestic trains
• International trains
• Night trains
• Scenic trains

Regional and intercity trains in Norway

Local trains and short distance commuter trains in the Oslo area (SUB)

Regional trains linking larger cities to surrounding towns on various short-distance routes.

2nd class carriages only.

No reservation required.

VY Tåg trains (REG / RE)

• Regional trains linking bigger cities and smaller towns around Oslo and Bergen 
• Oslo – Myrdal - Bergen
• Oslo – Oslo Airport – Hamar – Lillehammer – Dombås 
• Oslo – Drammen – Larvik – Skien 
• Oslo – Lillestrøm – Kongsvinger
• Oslo – Moss – Fredrikstad – Halden
• Reservations on some routes are mandatory.

Go-Ahead Norge trains (REG/ RE)

• Regional trains linking bigger cities and smaller towns between Oslo and Stavanger 
• Oslo – Kristiansand – Stavanger 
• Stavanger – Egersund 
• Nelaug – Arendal 

SJ Norge trains (REG)

• Regional trains at Dovrebanen, Rørosbanen, Raumabanen, Nordlandsbanen, and local trains at Trønderbanen and Meråkerbanen. 
• Oslo – Dombås – Trondheim 
• Hamar – Røros – Trondheim 
• Trondheim – Mo I Rana – Bodø 
• Trondheim – Hell – Storlien (Sweden) 

Gjøvikbanen AS (REG)

• Regional train from Oslo, through Nordmarka, to Gjøvik.
• Reservations are optional.

With a  Eurail Pass  valid in Norway, you only have to pay the reservation fee.

Bus services in Norway

Service from Åndalsnes to Molde.

Tickets can be bought on the bus.

50% discount for holders of an  Eurail Pass .

SJ high-speed

• Trains from Oslo to Stockholm (Sweden)
• Reservations are mandatory

VY Regiontog day trains (REG)

• Trains from Oslo to Gothenburg (Sweden)
• Reservations are optional
• Trains from Trondheim to Storlien (Sweden)

Night trains in Norway

Domestic night trains (REG)

Domestic overnight trains on the routes:

• Oslo - Stavanger (GoAhead Nordic)
• Oslo - Bergen (VY Tog)
• Oslo - Trondheim (SJ Norge)
• Trondheim - Bodø (SJ Norge)

Sleep in a cosy compartment and awake to inspiring scenery passing your train window.

Keys to sleeping compartments are collected from the on-board cafeteria (Meny Kafé).

• You must reserve a bed or seat in advance.

Go-Ahead Norge night train (REG)

• Domestic overnight train on the route Oslo - Stavanger 
• Comfortable beds,  maximum 2 adults and 2 childre per compartment 
• Complimentary voucher for free water and earplugs 
• You must reserve a bed in advance

Tourist trains in Norway

Flåm Railway  (RE)

Very wild and scenic train route.

Connects mountain railway station Myrdal to Flåm, located in the magnificent Aurlandsfjord, 865 meters below.

Not covered by rail passes, but holders of a  Eurail Pass  do benefit from a  30% discount .

Buy your ticket in advance by calling the Entur customer centre: +47 61 27 90 88

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

Here are the routes between major cities using regional trains in Norway, all covered by the Eurail Pass .

You can travel to and from Norway from popular cities in the following European countries:

To travel overland from  Denmark  to  Norway , you can take a regional train from  Copenhagen (Denmark)  to  Gothenburg (Sweden) . Then take the direct VY Regiontog listed in the above table. In total, this will take under 9 hours. Reservations are recommended on the trains between Sweden and Norway.

Reservations

We strongly recommend that you reserve a seat on the long distance trains because these trains can fill up quickly, especially in high-season. 

How can I make reservations for trains in Norway?

Eurail reservation self-service system.

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• Entur  Domestic trains

Locally at the train station in Norway

By calling the Entur call center:

• +47 61 27 90 88 (press 9 for services in english)

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 07:00 – 23:00 Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00 Sunday: 08:00 – 23:00 Opening hours during bank holidays are shorter.

Entur Call Center handles bookings on behalf of all Norwegian train operators (except Flytoget AS). You may book tickets or seat reservations for the following train operators: Vy (Vygruppen AS), GAN (Go Ahead Nordic AS), and SJ (SJ Norge AS).

Seat reservations are usually available up to 90 days in advance and are not compulsory in Norway. However, seat reservations are highly recommended where available. Popular trains to and from popular destinations tend to be full during holiday seasons (i.e. the Oslo–Bergen Line during summer).

We only accept payment by card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Payment is required when you book.

Ticket collection

• The easiest way to get your travel documents and receipts is to choose a home print solution. You will receive an e-mail with details and an attached PDF including your travel documents. You can either show the digital documents on your smartphone or tablet, or print your tickets at home and bring them onboard to show the train manager (note: If you choose the home print option, your tickets will not be available for print at TVM’s).
• As an alternative to home print tickets you can request to get your tickets printed at self-service ticket vending machines (TVM’s). You will receive an e-mail with details of your travel, the receipt of your purchase and a booking reference/Order ID that can be used at the TVM’s for pick up.
• TVM’s are available at many of the train stations in Norway. For more information and station details, please see  Bane NOR  for a list of stations in Norway. Manned train stations in Norway are Oslo S, Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Good to know:

• On domestic day routes, there's no reservation fee for 1st class Pass Holders. However, 1st class Pass Holders need to have a seat reservation in upgraded compartments (Komfort, Pluss, Premium - depending on the train company). You can book this for free, but you must book locally.
• On night trains there is no difference for 1st class or 2nd class.
• The Komfort Night place is only offered on the Sørlandsbanen (Oslo–Kristiansand–Stavanger–Oslo) night train. It is available all nights except for Saturday night to Sunday morning and the fee is 230 NOK (approximately €25), which can only be booked in Norway.

Get your Pass for Norway

Norway pass.

Spend your whole vacation exploring Norway by rail.

Standard prices from  $ 184

Global Pass

Have the freedom to visit Norway and up to 32 other European countries.

Standard prices from  $ 233

Scandinavia Pass

Explore Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland with one Eurail pass.

Standard prices from $ 207

Tips and tricks for Norway

The main norwegian train stations.

You'll find the hub of Norway's rail traffic in its capital city.  Oslo Central Station , "Oslo S" for short, connects Norway's major cities as well as international destinations.

Railway stations in Norway have top facilities:

ATMs and foreign exchange desks

Cafés, restaurants, shops

Tourist info

Elevators, escalators

Good access for disabled travellers

Railway companies in Norway

There are 3 railway carriers in Norway that are included in your Interrail Pass: VY, Go Ahead Norge, and SJ. 

You can book all trains from these 3 carriers through  Entur , either by phone or at their ticket desks at the train station. Reservations are mandatory on VY Tog regional trains between Oslo and Bergen. For other long distance and regional trains, reservations are not mandatory, but they are recommended since trains can fill up quickly!

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Epic Train Journeys in Norway

10 min read.

When travelling by train in Norway you can experience wild, dramatic and beautiful sceneries. These trips are not about getting somewhere the fastest way possible. It’s about sitting back and enjoying the ride. Several of the railway lines in Norway are listed as some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Here are 8 epic train journeys to explore in Norway.

The Rauma Railway (Raumabanen)

Voted Europe’s most scenic railway by Lonely Planet, one could easily argue that Raumabanen is Norway’s most beautiful train ride. Travelling between Bjorli and Åndalsnes in Romsdalen this journey offers incredible views of the wild and dramatic western Norwegian scenery. Marvel at Verma Waterfall as it plunges 380 metres down from the mountain edge, and see one of Norway’s finest engineering pieces – Kylling Bru – up close. With a 57 kilometre distance this ride is not the longest, but definitely a memorable one.

A lmost hugging Trollveggen, the Rauma railway line treats you to a spectacular views of Europe’s largest vertical rock face.

The Arctic Train

Narvik – the gateway to a complete northern holiday, the northern lights train, the ofoten railway (ofotbanen).

Travel through a desolate, wild and beautiful landscape. Transporting you 43 kilometres on the Ofoten Line, The Arctic Train offers epic views, with rich and dramatic history as a backdrop, making your experience even more gripping. During the cool winter evenings you can step aboard the Northern Lights Train and chase the magical lights high up in the mountain, far away from the light pollution of the city. Read more about the Arctic Train or the Northern Lights Train

B ack in the 1800s the Ofoten Line was built to secure access to an ice-free port for the plentiful iron ore deposits from Sweden. At the most over 5000 people took part in the construction work, many of them itinerant workers, so called “rallers” seeking new opportunities.

Check out our popular activities

Rib-safari: speed up in romsdalen (45 min - 1 hr).

Join in on our RIB safari to nearby villages in the area. Enjoy the natural environment and the feeling of the speed.

The Arctic Train - Ofoten Line

Arctic Train travels through a desolate, wild and beautiful landscape on Norway’s most northerly railway.

Chase the Aurora Boralis while travelling on Norway’s northernmost railway.

The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen)

Tracing Hallingdalen up to Hardangervidda, this railway line offers spectacular views of rivers, mountains and gorges. The railway reaches its highest point at Finse before passing Myrdal and following Raundalen past Voss to the beautiful blue fjords in Bergen. The Bergen Railway goes from Hønefoss to Bergen.

O riginally Bergensbanen was a 485 km long railway stretch between Oslo and Bergen via Drammen and Nesttun. Back in the early 1990s this line gave people the chance to travel between Bergen and Oslo (called Christiania at this time) in one day. In 1847 the steamboat took over 5 days. By train this 371 kilometre stretch lasts about 5-6 hours.

The Flam Railway (Flåmsbanen)

A short, yet scenic journey bringing you from Myrdal to Flåm Station. On Flåmsbanen you get a rare view of the dramatic western nature with impressive waterfalls, small farms clinging on to the steep rock wall, and majestic mountains towering over you. 80% of the journey has an uphill rise of 5,5%, making this one of the steepest railways in Europe. The journey 20,4 kilometres and lasts around 50 minutes.

Ending in Flam, at the end of Aurlandsfjord, (a branch of the Sognefjord) you can continue to explore the Norwegian western beauty as you step off the train. For the thrill seekers out there, Flam can offer Norway’s longest zipline. Rallarvegen – the road built to transport materials to the construction of the Bergen Railway, is an epic cycling route all bike lovers should explore.

The Dovre Railway (Dovrebanen)

Stretching 485 kilometres, from Eidsvoll to Trondheim, the Dovre line climbs up Dovrefjell to Hjerkinn. If luck is on your side, you might even be able to spot a musk or two on the beautiful mountain area of Dovrefjell. This is actually the only place in Norway you can observe musk in its natural habitat. Step off the train in Hjerkinn and continue the adventure with one of many mountain hikes in the area. The most well-known is Snøhetta, located 2286 metres above sea level.

A fter 70 years of construction work the Dovre Line officially opened in 1921. Passing through the Gudbrandsdalen valley, and crossing the beautiful Dovrefjell mountain areas, this railway takes you through several places not accessible by car. This stretch passes several stations with other noteworthy train lines connecting, including the Roros Railway, Nordland Railway, and Rauma Railway.

The Roros Railway (Rørosbanen)

This 383 kilometre line takes you from Hamar to Trondheim through pristine wilderness and the fairytale-like forest areas of Osterdalen. The train continues to Roros before ending up in Storen. From the comfort of your train seat you could spot the king of the woods, the moose peeking through the green scene. If Lady Luck happens to have bored the train with you, you could even spot species like wolverine, lynx, wolf and bear. Some species are more shy than others so keep your eagle eye glued to the window to make sure you don’t miss any surprise appearances.

L isted on UNESCO World Heritage List, the old mining town of Roros is worth a visit. Back in 1644 copper was discovered in the mountains around the town, marking the start of a “Norwegian Klondyke”, which again led to the founding of the city in 1966. Stop by Roros Museum and the Olavsgruppa copper mine, to learn more about the history of this area.

The Sorland Railway (Sørlandsbanen)

Stretching 549 kilometres from Oslo to Stavanger, this route may not be as known for its scenery as the rest of the train rides on this list. It is still a much more picturesque route than travelling by car via the highway. The railway brings you through lush valleys and forests before reaching the beautiful sea views. By adding a few stops, you could turn the Sorlandsbanen trip into a holiday by train – there are a lot of exciting family activities along the way.

W hen travelling on the Sorlands Railway, Kongsberg, the historical mining town, is about an hour away from Oslo, and worth stopping by. Visit the Kongsberg Church, The Lagdal Folk Museum, or the Norwegian Mining Museum. In Bo you can stop by Scandinavia’s biggest water park “Bø i Sommerland”, with lots of fun for the whole family. Explore Telemarkskanalen by boat on your next stop in Lunde, and check out the idyllic summer town of Kristiansand further south.

The Norland Railway

Norway’s longest railway line, between Trondheim and Bodo, takes you through a varied scenery rich with contrasts. Lush forest landscape, rigid and raw mountain areas, deep valleys and beautiful fjords – a picturesque journey from start to finish. On this 729 kilometre stretch you have a good chance of seeing reindeer – especially in the mountains.

Passing several places connected to WW2 and other historical sites, the Norlandsbanen railway line is an interesting stretch. Stop by the stunning Nidaros Domkirke, the historic Gothic cathedral built on the burial ground of the Viking King Olav II. Other highlights on this route include Stiklestad, the idyllic Golden Road , Namsskogan Wildlife Park , Bjorgefjell National Park , Saltfjellet , and Sjunkhatten National Park .

Norwegian Travel is a premium brand aiming to offer high-quality experience-based tourism in selected unique destinations in Norway. From the fjords to the mountains. From the sandy beaches to the rough cliffs. From urban buzz to the massive stillness of the old mountains. We wish to inspire people to explore the treasures to be found in Norway. At our destinations you can explore amazing nature, good food and exciting activities all year round.

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Norway's best train journeys

Our top 4 recommendations for train travel in Norway.

No. 1 - oslo - bergen train journey.

If you are looking for a convenient travel option between Oslo & Bergen, this train trip also comes with a massive bonus! The journey is considered one of the most picturesque in Europe - 7 hours of beautiful scenery. Starting through gentle countryside landscapes dotted with quaint farmhouses, the journey just keeps getting better with fjords, waterfalls, barren mountain peaks and classic Norwegian forests. Comfortable classy trains with free Wi-Fi, free coffee & tea and restaurant car - why fly! Read more here

No. 2 - Local train to Frognerseteren, Oslo

If you are spending some time in Oslo and looking for a trip out of town, we recommend jumping on a local train to Frognerseteren (end of the Frognerseteren line). Approximately 30 minutes out of town, this train journey gives you privy to the backyards of Oslo and is particular enjoyable in winter, as you can watch the local kids ski and toboggan alongside the train. Locals reminisce about the time King Olav V frequently travelled with his skis in hand. Once at Frognerseteren you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Oslo. After a hot chocolate at Frognerseteren restaurant stroll down to Holmenkollen and visit the Ski Museum, and the famous ski jump.

No. 3 - Rauma line

This short 90-minute journey runs from Dombås on the Dovre Line to Åndalsnes. Situated between Trondheim and Oslo, this scenic train trip can be combined with the Hurtigruten voyage and is linked by bus to bigger cities close by. Big panoramic windows will make sure that you can enjoy the splendid views on each side of this comfortable modern train - not to mention the view of the infamous Troll Wall (Trollveggen) where you might spot base jumpers taking the 'plunge'.

Image: Leif Johnny Olestad, Visit Norway

No.4 - Flåm Railway or Flåmsbana

A highlight for many travellers to Norway is a journey on the  Flåm Railway between Myrdal and Flåm in Aurland. The Flåmsbana is one of the steepest train lines in the world on normal tracks, where almost 80% of the journey has a gradient of 5.5%.

Needless to say, it is a beautiful train journey on a lovely old train. This train trip is often combined with a package called Norway in a Nutshell which gets you from Oslo to Bergen via the Flåm & Gudvangen.

Image: Torild Moland, Travelstock.

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The 5 Best Train Journeys in Norway

Norway has arguably some of the most stunning scenery in the world. As a result, it offers some amazing train journeys along its fjords and through its wild and dramatic countryside. We’ve put together a list of what we consider to be the  5 best train journeys in Norway.

The Flåm railway might be the most well-known of Norway’s train rides as it is popular with tourists. The 20 km route is a scenic feast for the eyes and runs between the Myrdal mountain station and the end of the Aurlandsfjord. Every year tourists from around the world flock to the area to experience the train for themselves. The line runs alongside roaring waterfalls, epic mountainsides, and through a whopping 20 tunnels.

While not as popular with tourists as the Flåm line, the Rauma line is arguably even more beautiful. In fact, Lonely Planet dubbed it as one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/europes-top-10-scenic-rail-journeys . If this praise isn’t enough to convince you to climb aboard, parts of the Harry Potter film, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, were shot on the Rauma Line. From Bjorli to Åndalsnes you will see some of the most incredible scenery as you wind your way through the Romsdalen valley, home of the famous Troll Wall (this blogger’s favorite area!). The journey is just over an hour and a half and the train is designed for tourism with panoramic windows and guides during the summer months.

Nordland line

The Nordland line is Norway’s longest railway line. The 729 km journey between Trondheim and Bodø passes through varied landscapes from coastal scenery, picturesque villages, and dramatic mountain landscapes – It even crosses the Arctic Circle! From the Nordland line you can marvel at the midnight sun or the northern lights, depending on the time of year as this train runs year-round. The journey is a long one (about 8 hours) but is a wonderful way to see the scenery and travel North. Sleeping cars are available, but book early.

Bergen line

Have you ever heard of “Slow TV”? Norwegians are obsessed with it. Slow television is a broadcast of ordinary events in their complete length. A popular “episode” is the train ride from Bergen to Oslo! Since then the journey has become a favorite with tourists. Many tourists transfer at the Myrdal station to experience the famous Flåm line (mentioned earlier). The Bergen line connects two of Norway’s largest cities (Bergen and Oslo) and travels through a stunning array of Norwegian countryside. From fjords, to forests, cities, villages, and mountains, this line offers it all on its 7 hour journey.

Named after the UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros, the Røros line is Norway’s oldest trunk line. It was built in stages from 1862-1877. the train travels from Hamar to Trondheim through areas along the Glomma river, the largest wilderness area in Scandinavia. Along the journey you’ll get to see many charming old train station buildings and if you’re lucky, maybe even a moose! The 382 km trip takes 5 hours thanks to the powerful diesel powered train. All aboard the Røros line for a truly memorable journey.

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A guide to the Flam Railway: Norway’s most scenic train trip

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2023

Take a scenic rail journey through the Norwegian fjords on board the Flamsbana or Flam Railway, a spectacular day trip by train through the mountains from Myrdal to Flam on the banks of the Sognefjord.

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Snapshots of Norway’s scenery flash past the train window – snow-sprinkled mountains, steep rocky cliffs, deep blue lakes, lush green meadows and neatly painted red clapboard houses. It might only be 20km long, but the Flam Railway (or Flamsbana) packs a seriously scenic punch, and is ranked as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys .

The Flam Railway has been transporting passengers from the mountains to the fjords since the 1940s, and has kept its vintage-style charm. Today it’s a hugely popular day trip from Bergen, and was one of the highlights of my trip to the Norwegian fjords . So if you’re planning a trip on the Flam Railway, here’s everything you need to know.

The history of the Flam Railway

The idea for a train route to the fjords was first proposed in 1871, and in 1908 the Norwegian Parliament approved plans to build a standard gauge railway on the route between Myrdal and Flam. But the steep gradient made it a huge engineering challenge from the start. Construction didn’t start until 1924 and the line finally opened in 1940.

The finished line is only 20 kilometres long, but it travels a huge distance in height from 863 metres at Myrdal to sea level at Flam. Most of the route runs at a gradient of 5.5%, which makes it one of the world’s steepest standard gauge lines.

Around 200 men worked on the site at a time and it was tough work, with 10 stations, 20 tunnels and a bridge to build. Eighteen of the tunnels were painstakingly dug out by hand, including one which does a 180-degree turn inside the mountain. It took around a month of work to dig just one metre of tunnel, with almost 5700 metres of tunnel in total.

The gradient wasn’t the only challenge though, the steep rocky cliffs and river gorges didn’t help – the construction team even had to redirect the river through tunnels inside the mountain. And this was all designed and planned on paper, long before computers, in an environment where landslides could wipe out weeks’ worth of work.

Construction was almost finished in 1940 when Norway was invaded by the Germans, but they ordered the line to be finished and goods trains started running. Passenger services were soon added, and by the 1950s over 115,000 passengers a year used the line. It’s now one of Norway’s top tourist attractions with over 700,000 visitors a year.

You can find out more about the railway’s history in the free Railway Museum in Flam.

How often does the Flam Railway run?

The Flamsbana runs year-round, but the timetable and number of services per day varies through the seasons. During the low season (December–March), there are four services in each direction per day. But at the peak of high season (May–September) there are nine trips in each direction every day. You can check the current timetable online .

The journey takes 50 minutes each way. The first trains normally leave at 8.30am–9.30am, and the last trains are around 5pm in low season and 7pm–8pm in high season.

Can I do the Flam Railway in a day from Bergen or Oslo?

One of the easiest ways to experience the Flam Railway is on the hugely popular self-guided Norway in a Nutshell day trip. This customisable package tour includes tickets for the train from Oslo or Bergen to Flam, a boat trip along the Nærøyfjord from Flam to Gudvangen, then a bus to Voss for the train back to Oslo/Bergen (you can also do it in reverse).

It is also possible to do the trip independently. The train journey from Bergen to Flam takes around three hours, so if you take an early train you would arrive late morning and have time to explore Flam and take a fjord cruise before heading back to Bergen.

There are a couple of different route options for a combined Flam Railway and fjord cruise day trip from Bergen, depending on whether you want to retrace your steps and do the Flam Railway twice or take the slightly quicker but less scenic route via Voss.

• Mainline train from Bergen to Myrdal (2 hours)
• Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam (50 minutes)
• Fjord cruise from Flam to Gudvangen (2 hours)
• Bus from Gudvangen to Flam (20 minutes)
• Flam Railway from Flam to Myrdal (50 minutes)
• Mainline train from Myrdal to Bergen (2 hours).

Option 2 (can also be done in reverse)

• Bus from Gudvangen to Voss (1 hour 20 minutes)
• Train from Voss to Bergen (1 hour 15 minutes).

If you’re travelling from Oslo to Flam , the train journey is around six hours each way so it would be better to stay overnight in Flam or Bergen if you can. It is possible in a day if you left Oslo at 08.25 (arriving in Flam at 14.05 and departing at 16.40) and arrived back there at 22.27. It’s a very long day though and doesn’t give you time for a fjord cruise.

What’s it like on board the Flam Railway?

Carriages on the Flam Railway have a vintage feel, with their exteriors smartly painted in dark green with gold lettering. And inside there are wood-panelled walls and chrome luggage racks. But there are mod-cons too, like the screens at the end of the carriage which tell you what you’re seeing and give information about the history of the line.

Seats are set up in blocks of four or six – if you want to get a window seat get there early, particularly in high season when you’ll need to queue up before boarding. Not all the windows open so try to bag one that does if you want to take photos to avoid reflections (though there are a lot of tunnels so don’t hang cameras or phones out of them).

The Norway in a Nutshell trip gets really busy. So a good tip if you are doing the trip independently is to check out the Norway in a Nutshell timetable and avoid the trains they use and travel early or late in the day instead – we got a carriage almost to ourselves!

Which direction is best?

Generally the most scenic views are on the left-hand side of the train if you’re travelling from Mydral or the right-hand side if you’re travelling from Flam. But it’s still beautiful in each direction so ideally you would sit on both sides if you’re doing a return trip.

We did the journey in both directions and although you see the same scenery, you do get a different experience. Travelling downhill from Myrdal–Flam was a much smoother journey and better for taking photos. Travelling uphill from Flam–Myrdal you could feel the train working hard so you get a lot more squealing of brakes and and lurching around.

What can you see on board the Flam Railway?

Our scenic Flam Railway journey started off at its highest point in Myrdal, and even in May the ground was still covered in a thick layer of snow. The track zigzags down a gradient of 5.5%, meaning it descends one metre in height for every 18 metres it travels.

The beginning of the route runs through a snowy forest, dotted with red and yellow wooden houses. It passes the Reinungvatnet mountain lake, which was just starting to thaw after being frozen for months. The track then starts to descend steeply and disappears into the first of many tunnels before a five-minute stop off at the Kjosfossen waterfall.

The waterfall is over 90 metres tall and according to Scandinavian fokelore, it’s home to mythical creatures called the Huldra – beautiful sirens who bewitched passing men with their song and lured them into the woods. Keep an eye out as you might spot one dancing among the waterfalls (though they only seem to appear on busier train journeys!).

Back on the train, windows cut into the tunnel walls give you flashes of the view down the valley and across the valley to the sinuous Rallarvegen. The name roughly translates as the ‘navvies road’ and it was originally built as a construction and access road for the railway track works. Today it’s used as a mountain biking track with 21 twists and turns.

By this point we had descended almost halfway and the snow had disappeared, replaced by green fields and cascading waterfalls. At Breikvam the track splits in two so that the Flambana trains travelling in opposite directions can pass each other. Then towards the end of the journey, the gradient smoothes out and the valley starts to open up.

Looking down on the old part of Flam it seemed like a model village, with miniature houses and a tiny wooden church on the riverbank. The newer part of Flam lies further downriver, along the banks of the Sognefjord, at the end of the line for the Flamsbana.

What is there to do in Flam?

Flam is a fairly small town and doesn’t have a huge amount of things to do, but the setting is beautiful and it’s really peaceful in the evenings when the day trippers and cruise ships have headed off. We spread the trip out over two days and spent a night in the Fretheim Hote l ,* doing some walks around Flam on day one and a fjord cruise on day two.

Flam is a popular jumping off point for exploring the fjords by boat. You can take a two-hour cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – two branches of the huge Sognefjord – to Gudvangen, where it’s just a 20-minute shuttle bus trip back to Flam.

You can also explore the fjords using smaller RIB boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, take a short hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall (20 minutes each way), visit the Fretheim Cultural Park behind the Fretheim Hotel and try local beer at the Ægir Brewery.

How much is the Flam Railway trip?

The cost of tickets for the Flamsbana varies by season, with the highest prices during the peak summer season. Adult prices range from 350–470 NOK (€30–€40/£26–£35/$32–$42) one way or 500–680 NOK (€42–€57/£37–£50/$45–$61) return.

There are reduced fares for children aged 6–17 years old as well as a 30% discount on one-way fares if you have an Interail or Eurail pass.

How do I book a trip on the Flam Railway?

Flam Railway tickets can be booked via the VY (Norwegian Railways) website. This includes tickets all the way from Bergen and Oslo as well as just the Flam Railway itself.

If you have an Interail/Eurail pass you can’t buy discounted tickets online so would need to either book tickets in a train station in Norway or phone the VY call centre.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Flam?*

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Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Thank you for sharing. Over 50 years ago, I was on that train as a teenager foreign exchange student traveling alone to my host family’s home. The beauty of that place was so enchanting, and it is forever etched in my memory as one of the most beautiful places on earth. I seem to recall that the track makes pigtail loops in order to climb the altitude at a train worthy grade. It is spectacular. It’s hard to think it was so many years ago but still such a vivid memory. It makes me homesick to go back.

Sunday 26th of November 2023

@Lucy Dodsworth, am I right in thinking that the station is very close to the cruise terminal. I’m cruising there in June 2024 with P&O but the organised trip from the ship is full. I’d like to do it independently but have some mobility problems and can’t walk far.

Lucy Dodsworth

Thursday 15th of June 2023

Such a great journey – glad to have brought back some good memories!

Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train

Slow travel is back in fashion.

May - September

Best suited for

Fans of trains and green travel

We invite you to take your seat on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls. Alight at select spots to inspect nature at closer quarters – on foot, by boat or even in a kayak. See the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle to enjoy never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun!

Impact Statement

This slow travel journey through Norway's diverse landscapes offers perfectly good reasoning for why the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) decided to rebrand their operations in 2019 to Vy; a Scandinavian word meaning outlook or vision. In combination with public passenger ferries, this is a greener travel choice that focuses on UN SDG 13.3 ' Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning' . Perhaps you will return with a new vision as well?

Your itinerary

Itineraries are designed by our travel curators in collaboration with our partners to give you the most rewarding experience possible. Please note that itineraries can be tailored to your specific wishes when you make an inquiry.

Welcome to Oslo

Your Arctic Circle rail-adventure gets underway in Oslo

This incredible rail voyage departs from Oslo. Our capital is without doubt worth a night or two of exploration before your train journey commences. Easy access to the fjord and surrounding forests allows the people of Oslo to indulge in a wide range of favourite activities all year round. We will book you in one of our city centre located hotels with easy access to the train station.

First stop Finse

The Bergen Railway

The Oslo - Bergen Railway to Myrdal has the distinction of being the highest major rail route in Northern Europe. You will pass through desolate mountain terrain and see snow-covered peaks even in mid summer.

Your first night will be spent at the highest point along the Bergen Railway, 1222 metres above sea level at the historic hotel Finse 1222, overlooking the stunning Hardangerjøkulen glacier. This hotel sits in the midst of one of Norway’s most scenic and beautiful mountain regions and is only reachable by train, bicycle, or foot.

The hotel itself, while steeped in history, has (as of summer 2021) refurbished under the auspices of the famous architecture firm, Snøhetta , who have strived to create a balance between tasteful modern furniture and its elegant history.

Alternatively, if you want to take your pace a little slower, we can arrange for 2 nights at a charming eco-lodge in Aurland where you can dive a little deeper into the region, exploring on foot or via row boat.

The Flåm Railway

Europe's Steepest Railway

The Flåm Railway is Europe’s steepest railway line, dropping 862 metres (2831 ft) down to the fjord below. Lonely Planet Traveller awarded the journey from Myrdal to Flåm one of the "best train journeys in the world", and it won't take you long to see why.

After arriving at the bottom, a fjord cruise along the majestic (and UNESCO protected) Nærøyfjord awaits. It's a truly out of this world experience: cruising through a fjord with mountains towering more than a thousand metres above your head.

We invite you to spend the next two nights in one of our favourite boutique hotels; either near the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf or within the wharf itself. Dinner tonight is served at Restaurant 1877, situated just a stone’s throw away in a former meat market dating from, yes, you’ve guessed it, 1877.

...and embark on a sea voyage

Explore Bergen

Your agenda for today is exploring the Hanseatic city and whilst there’s undoubtedly plenty to do, we will help you make the most of the day regardless of your interests. Peruse the aforementioned allies of Bryggen Wharf and their charming craft shops and take the Fløibanen to the top of the mountain for panoramic views out of the city. Other ways to spend the day might include visiting Troldhaugen - the home of famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and viewing the art at the KODE galleries. We will help you make a plan based on what interests you the most.

From Bergen, the journey continues late in the evening aboard Hurtigruten or Havila, often described as the world's most beautiful sea voyage. Sleep through the night in your cabin, while the ferry slips north at a comfortable pace.

...and enjoy a day cruise to Geirangerfjord

Wake up in Art Nouveau City Ålesund

Start your day with the most amazing view as you wake up on board your coastal voyage ship. Enjoy breakfast before you meander your boat down one of the famous fjords; Geirangerfjorden or Hjørundfjorden. These really are front-row seats to epic nature!

The evening will see you docking back in Ålesund - also known as the Venice of the North, just in time for dinner. The city, which is perched across 7 islands, was built in art-nouveau style at the turn of the 20th century giving Ålesund a truly unique and distinct appearance. Your home for the next two nights is a boutique hotel that sits on the edge of one of these waterways and boasts a rather magnificent fireplace.

We will book you in for a sharing menu at Apotekergata 5. The restaurant is a firm favourite among the Up Norway team.

Ålesund & Beyond

The course of the day today will be decided based on your interests - we can truly recommend a leisurely hike to Alnes lighthouse and Godøya with one of our favourite nature guides. Godøya is an island outside of Ålesund famous for its beautiful nature and mountain Storhornet, offering a fantastic 360° panorama view of Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, spend the day at sea level exploring Ålesund via kayak along the waterways that divide the islands. The adventure will take you to various points in the city where you may uncover some of the dark history that lies behind its colourful facade.

From Ålesund via Åndalsnes to Trondheim

The Rauma Railway

After travelling like a local to the town of Åndalsnes another wonderful rail adventure is on the agenda. The Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås is known as one of Norway’s wildest and most beautiful train rides. Shoot through the beautiful Romsdalen with iconic natural attractions such as 'Trollveggen' (the Troll Wall), Europe's tallest vertical cliff. Cross the old granite 'Kyllingbru' (Chicken Bridge), Norway's most photographed bridge and an architectural gem. It took ten years to build it using granite quarried from the nearby mountains. The whole trip lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Switch trains in Dombås and continue on another two hours to the pilgrims' city of Trondheim. Overnight at Britannia Hotel - a regal hotel dating all the way back to 1870 - the hotel had a grand reopening in 2019 after being restored to the glories and elegance of its origins. Dine in style at the brasserie and take your first steps into uncovering why Trondheim is famous the world over for excellent restaurants and cuisine.

City exploration and excellent local food

Pilgrims' City: Trondheim

Start the day with a stroll in the picturesque old town with its colourful wooden houses, cafes and small shops. While in the city, don't miss the chance to visit the largest medieval cathedral in the North, Nidarosdomen, which has been a pilgrimage site for nearly 1000 years.

Surrounded by countless large- and small-scale food producers, Trondheim is the city in Norway with the strongest focus on local food. The city is scattered with high-quality restaurants, and we'll be sure to give you our top recommendations.

The Polar Express

Nordland Railway & Arctic Pasture to Table

The Nordland Railway is known as "The Polar Express", as it crosses the Arctic Circle on its journey to Bodø. You will hurtle through stunning landscapes, passing more than 40 stations, crossing 290 bridges and plunging into 150 tunnels on your way to Bodø.

Upon arrival at Mo i Rana you will make a detour to Utskarpen where Chef superteam Elise and Marius will introduce you to a perfect example of ruralization gone right. The duo exchanged their previous lives as world-class chefs and managers of the Oslo Culinary Institute to create their own vision here; on a perfectly blurred line between mountain and coast, with views down the Ranfjord.

Their Pasture to table concept is simple: use the best raw products, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients that are handled with supreme care and attention all the way from the chopping board to your plate. The charming restaurant and hotel provide a stunning backdrop for a feast of locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.

When you're here there is no need to rush. Spend a leisurely day relaxing by the fjord, go for a hike, a boat trip or maybe visit Elise's sister who runs the neighbouring farm and can introduce you to modern farming in Arctic territory.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Last stop Bodø or continue to Lofoten and Narvik to venture on Ofotbanen - The Arctic Railway!

After breakfast, head back to Mo i Rana and board the Nordland Railway again to Bodø. Crossing the Arctic Circle is a highlight. Enter the Arctic zone in sustainable fashion, and recharge with Nordic energy from the midnight sun.

Step off the train for the last time for now. Check in to your hotel in the city centre, and discover Bodø's street art and vibrant emerging restaurant scene. Be brave – try the local specialty, dried fish at one of our favourite restaurants.

For those of you who still have the taste for adventure, you may step aboard a RIB-boat and witness the world’s strongest whirlpools, Saltstraumen. Experience the swirling maelstrøm up close as you slip safely into the vortex to witness nature’s raw power.

Feel like extending your Arctic train journey?

For true rail enthusiasts, this itinerary may be extended to a 15-night rail-centric experience by including a stint on the legendary Ofoten Railway. Referred to as the Arctic Train, this railway line traverses Norway's stunning fjords and mountains through a rugged and untamed landscape from Narvik towards Sweden. The history of this remarkable railway is intertwined with the area’s Second World War history, lending an equally dramatic backdrop to the scenic ride.

The 15-day itinerary option takes travellers by ferry from Bodø to the Lofoten Islands on day 11 and offers a curated Lofoten experience with one of our favourite 'rorbu' lodges as a base for exploring the majestic nature and rich local culture. The Lofoten Express Bus takes travellers on Scenic Route Lofoten as you progress towards Narvik, where a private guided tour of the War Museum offers insight into the events during the Second World War that shaped the area. The Narvikfjellet Cable Car provides panoramic views of the city and its surrounding fjords and mountains. The standout highlight of the extended itinerary is the chance to experience the third railway in the trio of Norway's most spectacular railways: Flåm, Rauma and Ofotbanen.

Personalize and book the Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train journey

Personalized itinerary

This journey has been curated to take you on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls. It can be booked as proposed or further personalized to you.

Worry-free booking

With our flexible terms , we hope to provide you with all the certainty and adaptibility you need when booking a well-deseved escape.

Read more about our pricing here.

Featured in

"This Train Trip Takes You Through the Arctic Circle Under the Midnight Sun."

"Alight at select spots to inspect nature at closer quarters — on foot, by boat, or even in a kayak. See the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle to enjoy never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun!"

Want a journey fully tailored to you?

Our travel curators create bespoke itineraries based on your wishes.

Torunn Tronsvang

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Our sustainability policy.

If sustainability is different in the Nordics than the rest of the world, it’s because the Nordic lifestyle is in harmony with nature. How do we do it? We’d like to show you.

For every sold Up Norway journey, we invest NOK 70 per person i forestry projects through Chooose . However, it all starts with the choices we make on behalf our guests: choice of transportation between destinations, encouragement to spend more time in each destination, and choice of quality assured partners with documentet sustainable practises.

Our guests find their destinations have always been tried and tested by our extended and discerning team. We also join collaborative initiatives with partners to drive sustainability, such as our 2020-project to create Norway’s Most Sustainable Journey .

It should go without saying that our guests’ safety and well-being is paramount. Our partners are expected to adhere to comprehensive guidelines for the health of their staff, and the cleaning and maintenance of their facilities and equipment. Our partner agreements ensure that no unlawful financial or employment practices are engaged or used.

The UN Sustainability goal we hold closest to heart is 11.4 : Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Through the experiences we co-create with our partners, we strive to keep our cultural heritage alive.

Read our full sustainability policy here

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Oslo to Bergen High-Speed Train

Oslo to bergen railway route.

Travel time

​​6h 30 min

Daily Departures

Reverse Route

Oslo to Bergen Train Details

The following information about train stations will help you plan your journey smoothly from Oslo to Bergen

Departing from

Arriving at, train class features.

• Wide seats with more legroom
• Coffee, and tea service
• Complimentary newspapers
• Wi-Fi & power sockets
• Food & drink available at the restaurant car
• Comfortable seating with fixed or folding tables
• Luggage racks & overhead shelves
• Youngsters (up to 25 years old) are eligible for 15% discount
• Infants (up to 1 year old) travel for free without seats. You can reserve a seat using the youngsters discount.

FAQ: What to Know About Oslo - Bergen Train

How much is a train from Oslo to Bergen?

As you know, the price of the train tickets varies, depending on what travel classes you prefer for the journey, how far in advance you book your tickets, and what tickets tariff are you on the market for. In general, a one-way Oslo - Bergen ticket cost starts from 110 USD. You can find the current departure schedule and price and book your tickets online on Rail Ninja .

How long is train from Oslo to Bergen?

The trains serving the routes are very fast and can cover the Oslo - Bergen distance in just 6.5 hours.

Is a train ride from Bergen to Oslo scenic?

Norway is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, and a train journey is one of the best ways to admire the stunning nature of the region. On your way from Oslo to Bergen, you will path countless authentics villages, numerous crystal-clear lakes, and amazing valleys. Thus, make sure to book a ticket for Oslo to Bergen scenic train.

What is the best way to get from Oslo to Bergen?

How to get from Oslo to Bergen by train?

​Getting from Oslo to Bergen by train is a popular and scenic way to travel. Thus, be sure to check train tickets on Rail Ninja

Book Train Tickets from Oslo to Bergen

Related routes, oslo to myrdal train, bergen to voss train, trondheim to oslo train.

7 Day Norway Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Norway

N orway is maybe the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s full of mountains and waterfalls and fjords along with delicious food and incredible cities. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Scandinavia, this 7 day Norway itinerary will help you easily see some of the best parts of Norway.

This is an itinerary you won’t need a car for, so it’s super easy for every traveler, especially if you are hesitant about renting a car in another country.

Keep in mind, Norway is a HUGE country with TONS to see though. Seven days in Norway won’t let you see everything, but it is a manageable trip that will let you see some of the best and most popular parts of Norway!

Why Visit Norway?

Norway is a country on so many people’s bucket lists. And for good reason! It is a beautiful country with breathtaking mountains and fjords, refreshing forests, and dramatic landscapes. Here are some reasons you may want to visit Norway:

• To stand on top of some of the most beautiful mountains (and you don’t even have to hike to them!)
• To take a bucket-list worthy fjord tour that I promise you will remember forever!
• To go to some amazing museums where you can learn about Vikings, see some of the most famous art in the world, and even let your kids play.
• To enjoy some of the most photogenic (i.e. Instragrammable, because let’s just be honest here) architecture and landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Every season in Norway can be a good one to visit, even winter! Each season is just very different.

But I think the best time to visit Norway is summer. You’ll get the best weather, with mild temperatures and less rain. Plus the sun hardly sets at all, which gives you extended daylight hours to enjoy all Norway has to offer!

When we visited in the summer, temperatures hovered around 60 degrees. So we needed light jackets, but we were perfectly comfortable!

Getting to Norway

If you arrive at the Oslo Airport, you’ll need to take a train into the city center. Oslo Gardermoen airport is about 35 km (or 22 miles) northeast of Oslo. But it’s super easy to take a train to the Central Train Station in downtown Oslo.

Likewise, the Bergen airport is several miles from the city center, but you can easily take the light rail into the city. It takes about 45 minutes or so. You can also choose to take the bus, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you are coming from a nearby country, you may choose to arrive by train. In that case, you should arrive at the central train station for each city, and from there it should be easy to walk or find public transportation to your accomodations.

Getting Around Norway

If you wanted to, you could definitely rent a car to get around Norway. However, it is NOT necessary! Norway has a fantastic public transportation system, with trains that can take you from city to city as well as around the city you are staying in.

On our trip, we didn’t rent a car at all and instead relied on trains and buses. And while going back to Norway and renting a car to drive around ourselves is definitely on my bucket list, we didn’t have any issues or feel like we missed anything by just taking public transportation!

Plus, since we bought the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card , all of our transportation (except for our longer train ride between Bergen and Oslo) was included!

7 Day Norway Itinerary Summary

Before we dive into the details of each day, let’s take a look a summary of this 7 day Norway Itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Oslo and Explore Oslo
• Day 2: Explore Oslo with Akershus Fortress and Holmenkollen Ski Jump
• Day 3: Go to the Bygdøy Peninsula Museums in Oslo
• Day 4: Take the train from Oslo to Bergen

Day 5: Explore Bergen’s Mountains

Day 6: take a fjord tour.

• Day 7: Tour Bergen’s Best Museums

Norway Travel Resources

Do the cost analysis and consider getting an Oslo Pass and a Bergen Card . These passes include free (or sometimes discounted) admission to almost all of the city’s attractions and include free public transportation.

Where to Stay in Oslo: The Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion for families. Thon Hotel Opera for a super convenient location.

Where to Stay in Bergen: The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekonteret for families. Opus XVI for a splurge.

Or use VRBO in either city to find a vacation rental.

You can buy a train ticket for the journey between Oslo and Bergen directly on Vy.no .

7 Day Norway Itinerary

Now let’s dive into the details of this itinerary! We’ve broken each section up into morning, afternoon, and evening to help you plan each day.

Also feel free to switch days around based on what works best for your schedule or even what the weather looks like! I mean, you don’t want to be going up mountains on the rainy day and touring museums on the sunny day!

One note: We did choose to start this itinerary in Oslo for a reason. Mostly because you know that travel advice to go from low to high or budget to luxury when moving resorts? I’m going to apply it to cities here too. Oslo is great and fine and good. And there are some incredible things to do here. But Bergen is one of our favorite cities ever, so it’s the best note to end on! BUT if it works better for you to reverse that order, definitely do it!

Planning a trip to Norway? Here are some books set in Norway to read before you go!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Day 1 morning: get settled.

We’re going to assume you’re arriving to Oslo in the morning, so some of your morning time will obviously be taken up with travel logistics. We won’t pack a lot into the first morning, because you’ll want to find your bearings.

Once you get into the city, head straight to the Oslo Opera House . This is one of the most iconic sites in Oslo. It sits right on the water and you can WALK on the roof, which is pretty cool. I think this is a great place to start out because it’s a quick stop and it gives you some beautiful views, which I always appreciate after traveling.

Day 1 Afternoon: MUNCH Museum

Grab some lunch from one of many restaurants in the area near the Opera House and then head to the MUNCH Museum !

This new museum opened in 2021. It featured the works of famed Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, but it also has galleries featuring other artists and an exhibit about the life of Edvard Munch.

There are so many great things about this museum:

• Bright spaces and large galleries.
• Incredible views of Oslo!
• Fun, interactive displays and activities for kids in almost every different gallery space!
• You can see different versions of the famous painting, The Scream , here.

And if you bought the Oslo Pass , you can use it for admission into MUNCH.

Day 1 Evening: Frogner Park

Hop on the cable car near MUNCH at Dronningens gate (you’ll walk back past the Opera House) and get off at Vigelandsparken to go to Frogner Park . This is a large park in a central part of Oslo. It’s also where you’ll find the Vigeland Sculpture Park , a free outdoor museum featuring the work of Gustav Vigeland.

This is a great place to spend an evening walking the beautiful grounds and seeing some incredible (and free!) art!

Day 2: Explore Oslo

Day 2 morning: oslo’s royal history.

Let’s start day two of our 7 days in Norway visiting the royals! Well…kind of.

Start the morning off at Akershus Fortress where you can visit Akershus Castle . This complex was built in the late 1200s and has been used as a fortress and a royal residence. Today, you can tour the rooms and see the Royal Mausoleum.

While Akershus Castle is the main draw, Akershus Fortress is home to other Oslo attractions as well. You can visit the Norway Resistance Museum , which tells the story of Norway’s occupation and resistance during WWII. Or you can go to the Armed Forces Museum , which has exhibits of Norwegian military history from the Viking Age to modern day.

While entrance into the grounds of Akershus Fortress are free, you will need to use either an Oslo Pass or pay an admission fee for the museums.

After your time at Akershus, head to The Royal Palace . It’s about a 20 minute walk, or you can take the bus from Wessels plass to Nationaltheatret.

You can tour the inside of the Royal Palace from late June to mid-August, usually. But most of the time you’ll just stop by and see the outside of it. Depending on how long your morning took, you may decide to stick around and see the changing of the guard, which takes place at 1:30 p.m. each day.

Day 2 Afternoon: Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum

Note: The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is closed for renovations until the end of 2023. Until then, head to some of Oslo’s other museums like the National Gallery or the Nobel Peace Center.

For the afternoon, take the train to Holmenkollen to go to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum . (Remember, your Olso Pass gets you free access to local transportation including the regional trains like this one!). To get there, you’ll take the train from the Nationaltheatret station to the Holmenkollen station.

Pro Tip: To find the train station, you’ll go under the road from the park behind the Nationaltheatret. It’s a little hidden if you aren’t looking for it!

Once you get to Holmenkollen, it’s about a 15 minute walk (and kind of uphill, so be prepared!) to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum.

This ski jump has been operating since 1892, although of course it has been rebuilt since then. Inside the Ski Museum you’ll find exhibits about the history of skiing and the ski jump as well as the cutest indoor children’s play area I’ve ever seen.

Then you can take an elevator to the top of the ski jump for some incredible views!

Want more adventure? You can also go ziplining from the top of the ski jump!

Day 2 Evening: Oslo Street Food

For the evening, head to one of Oslo’s popular food halls, Oslo Street Food . Here you can get dinner from a variety of different food stalls that have food from around the world. Options include burgers, tacos, Hawaiian food, Korean food, and more. This is a popular place to go, so it will be busy! So find some great food and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 3: Tour Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula

Day 3 morning: norsk folkemuseum.

For most of our third day in Norway, we’re going to enjoy the museums on Oslo’s Bygdøy Peninsula, which are some of the best museums in Oslo . To get there, you can easily take a bus from several spots in the city center.

The Norsk Folkemuseum , also known at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, is one of my favorite museums in Oslo. It’s a step back in time, as you can tour historic buildings in their open-air space and enjoy exhibits on Norwegian history in several indoor spaces.

Really though, my favorite thing about this museum is that you get to enjoy some peaceful nature in the middle of Norway’s capital city !

There are several highlights to see here:

• 160 historic buildings in the outdoor open-air museum.
• Gol Stave church, which is a great, easily accessible (as in, you don’t have to travel far) place to see a traditional Stave church.
• Wessels gate 15 Apartment House with rooms decorated from different time periods.
• Old Town area with buildings from Oslo, including old shops.
• Seter Summer Dairy Farm with fam animals.

This really is a beautiful museum, and is especially a great place to take kids because there’s so much outdoor space for them to run around in. Plus, on the weekends they have demonstrations that kids will enjoy like baking traditional lefse, seeing the blacksmith at work, and listening to fairytales.

While you are touring the museum, you can also enjoy lunch here at the Kafe Arkadia.

Admission to this museum is free with the Oslo Pass.

Day 3 Afternoon: Bygdøy Ship Museums

Spend your afternoon touring the rest of Bygdøy’s famous museums that all revolve of sea exploration. There are three you can choose from, and honestly, I recommend going to as many as you can. None of them are particularly huge museums, so you can spend an hour or two in each one and be able to see so much! Plus an Oslo Pass will give you free admission to all of them.

Bonus: They are all within walking distance of each other!

• Fram Museum — This museum is all about polar exploration. Climb aboard the Fram ship, learn about the race to reach the poles, go inside a sub-zero room, and test your skills as an explorer in interactive elements. This museum is really so much fun for the whole family!
• Kon-Tiki Museum — This is a smaller museum than the Fram Museum, and is all about the Kon-Tiki expedition where a Norwegian man build a balsa wood raft and sailed it with a small crew across the Pacific. The backstory of the expedition and the expedition itself are fascinating! I highly recommend this museum.
• Norwegian Maritime Museum — If you are interested in general maritime history, this is a great museum to go to! Here you can see different ships from Norway’s seafaring history, view an exhibit about what a sailor’s life has been like throughout history, and see a Viking boat being reconstructed.

Note: Normally the Viking Ship Museum is another popular museum to visit on Bygdøy. However, this museum is currently closed as they build the new Museum of the Viking Age which will open in 2026.

Day 3 Evening: Vippa

Take the ferry back across the fjord and then spend your evening at another popular Oslo food court: Vippa . This food court is located right on the Oslo fjord, which means you can enjoy your food and some great outdoor space at the same time. Here you’ll be able to find things like Syrian street food, Polish Pirogis, Chinese food, and more. They frequently switch up the food offerings, so you should find different options all the time!

This is a perfect way to end your time in Oslo — eating some great food and admiring the Oslo fjord. (And knowing that even more spectacular fjords are in your future!)

Day 4: Take the Train from Oslo to Bergen

We’re up to day four of our seven day Norway itinerary, and today you’ll be spending most of it traveling. Which can sound dull, but I promise you this mode of travel IS NOT.

Day 4 Morning & Afternoon: Train to Bergen

Today, take the train from Oslo to Bergen . This train, known as the Bergensbanen , is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. And I have to say, I agree!

You’ll start in Oslo and travel out into its suburbs before climbing mountains that still sometimes have snow in the summer, passing through forests, and getting a preview of some of Norway’s best fjords.

The train journey itself takes about 7 hours. But it doesn’t seem that long at all!

Besides the most amazing scenery, there are some other great perks to this train journey:

• A family car, with a cushioned play area kids can play and climb in.
• A café car that offers food and drink. I got a warm sandwich here and honestly though it was pretty great!
• Wi-Fi, although it can be a bit spotty in some areas.
• Lots of tunnels, which are just fun!

Day 4 Evening: Dinner in Bergen’s Fish Market

Depending on when you leave Oslo, you’ll probably get into Bergen in the late afternoon. Once you get settled, head to the central area of Bergen and find some dinner at the Bergen Fish Market .

Bergen has long been known for their fishing history, and this area in the center part of town has several restaurants you can choose from. During the summer, there are also outdoor stands that offer different menus.

Then find a bench along the water and take a deep breath of fresh Bergen air and enjoy your evening people-watching and boat-watching!

Day 5 Morning: Bryggen

Start your first morning in Bergen with a stop at it’s most photographed area — Bryggen . These wooden buildings were once used as harbor warehouses and office buildings, but are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And while this place can get super crowded later in the afternoon and evening, I love exploring it in the morning before the crowds are out! Be sure to go down the different alleyways and walk along the wooden planks. The architecture of this area has so much character.

Plus, morning is a great time to get photographs of beautiful Bryggen without the crowds!

Day 5 Afternoon: Mount Ulriken

Grab an early lunch, and then head to Ulriken643 to go up to the top of Mount Ulriken . You’ll have to take a bus to get here and then walk about 10 minute (kind of uphill), but I promise it is worth it!

This cable car will take you to the top of Mount Ulriken, where you’ll find amazing views of Bergen and the surrounding area. There are all kinds of hiking trails and places to explore up here. Although my favorite honestly might just be standing at the top of the mountain and looking at all the other mountains surrounding you. You can even see the lakes on top of some of them!

Ulriken is an incredible place and I definitely recommend making the time for it, even if getting to the cable car is a little out of the way.

If you are really up for an adventure, you can make a whole afternoon of hiking here too! You can hike from Ulriken to our next stop, Fløyen, across the mountaintops! It’s a medium-difficultly hike with some challenging areas and takes about 5+ hours. (And be sure to hike safely !)

Day 5 Evening: Mount Fløyen

End your day at my favorite spot in Bergen: Mount Fløyen ! This is another mountain in Bergen that offers amazing scenery and views of Bergen.

It’s a bit easier to get here than Ulriken. You can take the Fløbanen funicular, which departs just a couple blocks from the city center.

The terrain here is also very different from Ulriken. This mountain is forested, which gives you some really fun areas to explore. There are also fun things like a several playground areas, a troll forest, and ice cream stand, and a café.

You can grab dinner here, and then spend your evening exploring the forests and finding a spot at the overlook to watch the sun dip down. (Although, depending on what time of year you are visiting, it might not actually go down before you need to head to bed!)

Day 6 All Day: Fjord Tour

Bergen is known as “The Gateway to the Fjords” because it’s a great home base for seeing some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords in a day trip.

There are lots of different tours you can take to see the fjords, but we recommend the Norway in a Nutshell tour .

This tour is a self-guided tour that takes you through multiple modes of transportation (seriously, a train to a bus to a boat to another train, etc.) to popular fjords. You can choose to either book all of these tickets on your own, or pay a higher prices to have Norway in a Nutshell book the tickets for you .

When they book the tickets for you, they make sure all of your timings are worked out perfectly and they give you step-by-step instructions on how to follow the itinerary. Honestly, if it’s your first time in Norway or you feel remotely nervous about managing your own travel plans, I think this is the way to go!

This tour will take you through some of the most amazing places:

• The popular Nærøyfjord , which has to be one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.
• Aurlandsfjord , which is a lot wider and definitely different, but still beautiful.
• Flåm , a small town situated at the base of the fjords
• The historic Flåm Railway , which takes you through the mountains and has you stop at an incredible waterfall.

I mean, did you really go to Norway if you didn’t see the fjords? So definitely make sure you set aside a day during your 7 days in Norway for a full day-trip of fjord-touring.

Day 7: Explore Bergen’s Museums

It’s your last full day in Norway, and since yesterday was so busy, we’ll take it a bit easier today with some of Bergen’s best museums.

Day 7 Morning: Gamle Bergen Museum

Start your morning off at the Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen). You can take the bus from Bryggen and get off at the Gamle Bergen stop. Then it’s just a short walk under the road to the museum.

The Old Bergen Museum is an open-air museum with houses from…well, Old Bergen. They have been reconstructed to create a small town that shows what life was like in Bergen in the 1800s. You’ll find houses from community leaders, an old grocery store, and historic actors that tell you about Old Bergen.

Plus, this spot has some beautiful views out into the fjord. Besides all the things we learned about Old Bergen, I really loved this place because it felt so peaceful!

Admission to this museum is free with the Bergen Card.

Day 7 Afternoon: More Museums

Bergen has so many more museums! So after you grab lunch (maybe in Bryggen?), find one or two of these museums which sound most interesting to you!

Most of these museums have free admission with the Bergen Card.

• Norwegian Fisheries Museum — A small museum along the water that teaches you about the history of fishing in Norway and current fishing practices. Plus they have some great interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy!
• VilVite (Bergen Science Center) — If you are traveling with kids, this is a must! This museum is full of science experiments for kids. They will learn a lot, but they will really feel like they are playing the whole time!
• Bryggens Museum (Bergen City Museum) — If you want to learn more about the history and restoration process of Bryggen, then head here!
• Leprosy Museum — This is definitely one of the more unique museums in Bergen! Late 1800s, Bergen was home to the largest concentration of leprosy patients in Europe, and you can learn about this at what used to the be leprosy hospital.
• Fantoft Stave Church — If you want to venture out of town just a bit, you can take the bus to see the Fantoft Stave Church. This is less of a museum and more of just a sight to see, but if you are interested in Stave churches you’ll want to add this to your list.

Day 7 Evening: Bryggen

There’s no better way to end your last evening in Norway than back in Bryggen , where you can grab some dinner, relax by the water, and maybe do some souvenir shopping. (Although try to hit the shopping before dinner since stores will start to close!)

We’ll keep it low-key this evening, since you probably need to head back to your hotel and start packing up. But stay out for a bit and soak up a bit more of that fresh mountain air that you will wish you could bottle up and take home with you.

Tips for Visiting Norway

If you’re coming from the United States, Norway is a relatively easy country to visit. Most Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, most restaurants and shops take credit cards (in fact, lots don’t take cash!), and cars still drive on the right side of the road.

Here are a few tips to make your travels to Norway a little smoother though:

• Expect rain! It can rain a lot in Norway, and weather can easily change from clear skies to rain within the day. Always have rain gear with you! And wear shoes that will be okay in the rain.
• Wear layers. Temperatures during the day can vary, so always be prepared with layers.
• Wear sunscreen! This is just a good all around travel tip, and since Norway can sometimes be gray or rainy, you may not think to put sunscreen on. But always apply it!
• Budget for food expenses. Norway is known to be one of the most expensive countries to visit, and we definitely saw that in the food prices! So make sure you have plenty of room in your budget for food. We definitely found Oslo to be more expensive than Bergen though.
• Learn some Norwegian. Even though Norwegians are comfortable speaking English, learn a few words like “hello” and “thank you” in Norwegian to be polite.
• Don’t be surprised with you don’t get a response. If you are trying to be polite and say “thank you” don’t be surprised if you don’t get a “you’re welcome” back. It’s just one of those cultural things, but no one is being rude!
• Consider City Passes. If you plan to see a lot of sights in Oslo and Bergen during your 7 day Norway itinerary, consider getting the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card to save money. They also include local transportation!
• Check attraction times and dates. Always be sure you know what time something opens. And check the dates too! Some museums may be closed on certain days or even during the winter entirely!

More Norway Posts

• Norway in a Nutshell Review: How to See Norway’s Incredible Fjords
• 3 Days in Bergen, Norway: What to See and Do
• 13 Best Museums in Oslo, Norway
• How to Spend One Day is Oslo, Norway

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The post 7 Day Norway Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Norway appeared first on Flying Off The Bookshelf .

More From Forbes

A guide to norway’s ålesund for cruise ship visitors.

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Ålesund's picturesque central waterway is just a few minutes' walk from the main cruise terminal.

Ålesund is a picturesque Norwegian city renowned for its striking art nouveau architecture—unique in Norway—and its stunning natural setting. Situated on Norway's west coast, the city serves as a prime port, one that welcomes ever-increasing numbers of people on cruise ships touring the fjords and the Norwegian coastline.

In 2023, Ålesund welcomed more than 650,000 visits from cruise ship passengers, topping the list ahead of other popular ports like Bergen, Stavanger and Geiranger.

The city's harbor facilities are well-equipped to accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world from the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. On some summer days, more than one large cruise ship can be accommodated.

Cruise visitors to Ålesund will be offered excursions to the surrounding region. Most cruise ships calling at Ålesund are on a Norwegian fjords itinerary , but if your itinerary doesn't include the fjords, take advantage of the sightseeing boat tour to the stunning Hjørundfjord, a favorite of European royalty through the ages.

That being said, you don't need to take a pricey excursion to enjoy the best of Ålesund itself. The compact city is an excellent place to explore the beauty of Norway independently, without straying too far from the cruise port, which is in the heart of the city.

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Top ceo bets on a shock biden crypto flip as congress hurtles toward a crucial vote that could blow up the price of bitcoin ethereum and xrp, iphone 16 pro max all-new design upgrade promised, insider claims, discover the architecture of ålesund.

A simple walk around both sides of the central waterway is the best way to experience the city’s distinctive architecture .

A simple walk around the downtown area is the best way to appreciate the architecture of Ålesund.

This style flourished after the great fire of 1904, which led to the reconstruction of the city influenced by young local and European architects who preferred the ornate stone buildings, turrets, and whimsical facades inspired by natural motifs that were popular across Europe at the time.

Many of Ålesund’s central streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings adorned with intricate floral patterns, curved lines, and detailed reliefs that make it a visual feast regardless of your knowledge of architecture.

From the cruise terminal, walk along both sides of the central waterway towards the lighthouse Molja fyr and then to the Quality Hotel. This route showcases the finest examples of Ålesund’s distinctive architecture.

If you want to understand the story behind the architecture, visit the Art Nouveau Museum ( Jugendstilsenteret ) to learn more about the devastating fire and take a deeper dive into the artistic movements that influenced the city's renaissance.

The museum is housed in a former pharmacy, itself a prime example of art nouveau design. Visitors can join guided walking tours offered by local experts that focus on notable buildings, but these are quickly snapped up on cruise days, so arrive early for these, or seek independent options using websites such as Viator or GetYourGuide.

Your ticket also grants you access to KUBE, the art museum located in the former bank building next door.

Enjoy The View

For photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, or those simply seeking a spectacular cityscape, a visit to the city park is a must.

This well-known view of Ålesund in its spectacular natural surroundings is the reward for climbing ... [+] the Aksla steps.

Here, you'll find the base of the 400+ steps leading up to the Aksla viewpoint—a favored spot for capturing Ålesund’s most iconic images.

The breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Sunnmøre Alps and maze of waterways are hard to beat.

When you reach the summit, treat yourself to a well-earned reward at the café, where you can enjoy ice cream and snacks while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Just bear in mind that the steps are steep, and there is quite an uphill walk before you even get to the first step. Benches and smaller viewpoints are dotted along the stairway, offering enjoyable views even if you don’t make it all the way to the top.

There is no actual railroad service in Ålesund, but a sightseeing road train operates on cruise days.

Starting from the cruise port, the tour includes parts of the downtown area and a 15-minute stop at the Aksla viewpoint, for those who don’t want to or can't make the walk.

The 'city train' is a sightseeing road train in Ålesund.

Tickets ($30) can be bought from the sales booth at the cruise port departure point.

Atlantic Sea Park

There’s lots to see in northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium, both inside and out. A small penguin colony gifted from Chile is the star attraction.

At more than $20, entrance isn’t cheap but it’s a worthy use of time if you have children. To make the most of your visit, check the website in advance of your visit for feeding times in the various sections.

From the cruise port, take the short walk to the bus stop Dronning Sonjas Plass to pick up bus line 1. From the stop Tuenesvegen , it’s a further 10-15 minute walk to the aquarium. Alternatively, a combined ticket including a shuttle bus is available from the sales booth at the cruise port.

Ålesund By Kayak

Explore Ålesund by kayak to see the city's striking architecture from the peaceful waters that surround it.

This vantage point provides views of quaint islands and active harbors, combining urban discovery with the calm of sea kayaking for a unique experience.

Kayak More Tomorrow provides comprehensive kayak and hiking tours throughout Norway, including a shorter 2-3 hour kayak tour around Ålesund’s waterways.

Kayak tours are a wonderful option to appreciate Ålesund's architecture from a different ... [+] perspective.

This tour offers numerous opportunities for photography and is led by a guide with extensive local expertise.

Sightseeing Bus

Regular cruisers will be familiar with the concept of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Passengers can use the bus as a 70-minute sightseeing tour of the city, or as transport between the major sites. The $40 day ticket is valid whichever method you choose.

The route calls at the Aksla viewpoint but also takes in many more of the city’s sights than the road train, including the Atlantic Sea Park and the Sunnmøre open-air museum.

However, departures run only every 45 minutes, so you will need to plan carefully to avoid lengthy waits. Tickets can be bought from the sales booth at the cruise port departure point.

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Rail travel boom: These new train trends are the hottest tickets of 2024

As rail travel hits new levels of popularity, new and updated trains are being being launched in every corner of the world - and this avid rail traveller says there's one experience that stands out above all.

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I’ve ridden the rails to scenic waterfalls in Flåm, Norway; taken a locomotive straight out of the wild west in Durango, Colorado; been on and off intercity carriages in the US, Europe and Canada  and I’ve even been ensconced in a Hello Kitty-themed bullet train in Japan. But the ultimate experience in rail travel has to be bunking on a sleeper train.

On a recent Great Southern rail trip from Brisbane to Adelaide the train clattered through the night. Intermittently, it creaked and shuddered to a halt, almost exhaling a sigh while waiting for a freight train to roll down the line. It’s easy to relax into the rhythm, the motion (and maybe the Baileys the attendant presented just before bedtime) lulling me into slumber. As morning light broke, the giant windows afforded an ever-changing vista of bucolic landscapes. It’s a glorious way to wake up.

Train travel is undergoing a renaissance, sparked by a boom in demand for transport with a lower carbon footprint, and the attractions of slower travel. We can’t get enough. More than 66,000 Eurail passes were sold in Australia in 2023, for example, a 91 per cent increase on pre-Covid sales in 2019. And with this resurgent worldwide demand comes new and refurbished luxury trains, a wider range of routes, and new developments.

All aboard for the latest trends on the tracks:

1. Luxurious new rail journeys

Train travel is going through a glow-up with a flurry of refurbished and new luxury trains hitting the rails.

Already, a lucky few have stepped aboard to experience the nostalgic glamour of The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train in Southeast Asia. Relaunched in February after a long hiatus, the 15 restyled carriages include eight sleeping cars, a piano bar car, two restaurant cars, and the open-air observation car.

Meanwhile, this month resort group Anantara launched a second Vietage train carriage in Vietnam operating a new five-hour route between beach towns Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. On board, there’s a lavish afternoon tea, and to add to the relaxation factor, guests receive a free massage. 

WHAT’S NEXT: In next year’s European spring, hotel and resort group Accor will introduce  La Dolce Vita Orient Express , a new luxury train traversing Italy. The design harks back to Italy in the 1960s. Think mid-century modern bold geometric prints and curves. La Dolce Vita, named after the Fellini movie from 1960, will operate overnight routes on nine journeys of one or two nights, taking in such destinations as Venice, Rome and Portofino. Expect to savour the finest Italian cuisine and wines in the dining cart. Bookings are open now.

TIP: Choose the coast-to-coast route from Venice to Portofino on La Dolce Vita and begin your Italian stay with a side 3.5-hour train trip to Lake Como. Book through Rail Europe and stay at the glorious Mandarin Oriental Lake Como .

2. The rise of sleeper trains 

Sleeper trains are enjoying a resurgence, especially in Europe. According to Hugo van Vondelen, train travel expert and product specialist at Eurail , sleeper trains (that is, trains you sleep on which travel through the night) are growing in popularity. “Not only because they offer a time- and money-saving way to explore Europe, but also because they’re a more nostalgic, slow and sustainable mode of travel,” Hugo says.

WHAT’S NEXT: Late last year, a new night train service, the OBB Nightjet connecting Vienna, Innsbruck and Hamburg, was launched. The OBB Nightjet offers a new type of sleeping pods for maximum privacy. And the latest addition to OBB Nightjet services now connects Brussels and Paris to Berlin. The latter, previously known as the City Night Line, has not operated since 2014.

For added luxury, consider crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul (or vice versa). Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ new eight-day journey aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express includes crossing the Unesco-listed Semmering Pass. The ensuite cabins include a personal cabin attendant. The journeys begin in May 2025. 

TIP: According to Rail Europe , many tour operators are moving towards train travel rather than coach touring (with hotel stays) in Europe because it’s a more convenient and sustainable travel option.

3. New rail travel classes

Whichever way you wish to travel by train, there’s an array of choice across different price points. With more travellers keen to ride the rails comes more demand for choice. Traditionally, tickets in second class generally cost about a third of first-class fares, and in Europe, both are usually quite comfortable.

There are other names for the classes as well, Australian operator Journey Beyond has introduced a new gold premium class on The Ghan  (and soon to be on The Great Southern). Sitting between gold and platinum, the gold premium suite option includes a three-quarter-size double bed plus a fold-down upper berth and a lounge area.

WHAT’S NEXT: In June, the  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , a Belmond Train, will travel to the Ligurian coast connecting Paris and Portofino for the first time in its four-decade history. Belmond has added eight new suites, which means travellers can choose from a trio of cabin categories. These include the Historic Cabins, where a daytime lounge transforms into cosy upper and lower berth beds, new Suites offering twin or double beds with marble ensuite bathrooms, or one of the six opulent Grand Suites. 

TIP: Travelling on the Eurostar linking London with Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels? There is not too much difference between first and second class, except a more spacious seat and better recline. Save your money and go second. 

4. Better accessibility

Railways and train stations around the world are upping their game to make train travel truly accessible for all.

Accessibility in rail travel is more than structural adaptations such as ramps or elevators. It also means providing assistive technologies and passenger information that is intelligible to all. For example, for those considering a US rail adventure, it’s good to know that Amtrak has invested $US800 million into complying with the All Stations Accessibility Program Act to provide an accessible passenger experience. On Amtrak trains, for example, newly designed accessible bathrooms are being added to 23 Superliner and Coach cars.

WHAT’S NEXT: Prefer a European rail adventure? A report on Europe’s most accessible railway nations by booking site Omio found that Norway scores extremely well in wheelchair access to platforms and trains, guidance for the visually impaired, and the availability of digital visual passenger information. Tour company UpNorway offers an Arctic Circle Express Train itinerary taking in such delights as travelling on the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås and experiencing the Nordland Railway (also known as the Polar Express).

TIP: Train booking site Rail Europe has a handy guide on how to book accessible train travel in Europe. 

5. Travellers choosing trains over planes

Tired of delays, cancellations and price gouging, travellers are looking at train travel instead of flying. It’s also better for the environment. Opting for a train instead of a domestic flight would reduce your emissions by around 86 per cent.

We’re increasingly willing to stay on track for 11 hours from Sydney to Melbourne or reverse rather than catch a plane. Look at the statistics: monthly patronage on the night train services has jumped by about 3000 on average between 2013 and 2023. We’re going to have to wait for an upgrade to these trains, though, with 2026 likely to be the year new Spanish-built trains will come into service.

WHAT’S NEXT: Heading to Japan? Instead of catching a plane to the island of Kyushu , take the shinkansen train. There, JR Kyushu’s new Limited Express D&S train, Kanpachi Ichiroku , launched last month, connecting not only major cities within Kyushu but also smaller towns and rural regions. The five-hour journey train departs from Hakata Station and traverses the Yufu Kogen Line, passing through Yufuin before reaching Beppu Station six times a week. The best part? Included in the fare is a bento box meal sourced from esteemed local eateries in Fukuoka and Oita. Beats an airplane meal any day. 

TIP: Wendy Wu Tours has a 22-day Japan by Rail tour taking in Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. 

6. Solo travellers flocking to rail travel

Do whatever you like, go where you want to go – no wonder solo travel is more popular than ever. It’s no secret that solo travel has been on the rise since the pandemic – Google searches for “solo travel” have quadrupled since 2020. Encounter Travel director and solo travel expert Justine Waddington says it’s a different landscape to when her agency launched in 2006. “Back then, the solo traveller was either not considered or not catered for by tour, cruise or rail companies,” she says.

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Train travel could be the perfect mode of transport for those going it alone. On select lines, affordable single sleeping quarters are on offer, and in the entertainment and dining carts, you can socialise if desired.

WHAT’S NEXT: Encounter Travel is offering a Ghan Expedition Solo Group tour from Darwin to Adelaide in October. The group takes up a whole carriage on board Journey Beyond’s The Ghan, using 16 solo cabins. Included are immersive off-train excursions in Katherine, extended time in Alice Springs and a full day in Coober Pedy. The tour includes a pre-rail night in Darwin and post-journey stay in Adelaide. 

TIP: Journey Beyond also offers Gold Single cabins on the  Indian Pacific  which journeys from Sydney to Perth (and vice versa). This train trip across the Nullarbor is perfect for solos wishing to have time out with a good book and an excellent view. 

Originally published as Rail travel boom: These new train trends are the hottest tickets of 2024

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Including the finger-snapping

“ I have so many fond memories of travelling by train as a child. ”

“ The sound of the railway in the background, while listening to my mother's Interrail stories. ”

“ And absorbing knowledge from my father about the different trains. ”

“ I guess that’s where my passion for train journeys started. ”

Erik Sveberg Dietrichs, author of Togferie ("Train holidays")

Do you want to experience epic nature while travelling through eastern Norway from Oslo to Trondheim?

Do what Erik does: Take the train!

Experience the Dovre Railway

With train expert erik sveberg dietrichs.

"When we were kids, my sister and I used to take the train to visit our grandparents. Candy from the restaurant car was a must on the long and slow ride. Back then, the destination was the most important part of the journey. Today, the journey itself is just as enjoyable," says Erik.

"Trains are great. I'm quite tall, so it can quickly get a little cramped on the bus. Trains, on the other hand, have a lot more space, which makes the journey more comfortable. Not to mention that trains are a good way to travel more sustainably," explains Erik.

Erik has a real passion for train journeys, and has even written a book about his experiences called Togferie ("Train holidays"). In his book, Erik guides the reader through amazing train journeys in Europe, with both travel tips and suggested itineraries.

Today, he will be your personal guide to an important line in Norway, the Dovre Railway, which is the  main national connection between Oslo in Eastern Norway and Trondheim in Trøndelag. It's a trip that takes about six and a half hours.

The railways are a great starting point for your journey from one destination to another, as well as being a more sustainable choice. The Norwegian lines pass through many epic locations with lots of activities nearby, from visits to quaint villages and guided tours to incredible mountains. There's so much to see and do. Many of the best attractions are located just a short walk or bus ride away from the train stations.

“ Trains may not be the fastest way to travel, but on the other hand, they give you enough time to get a real close-up of the fantastic nature. ”

The 100-year history of the line

The Dovre Railway was officially opened on September 17, 1921. It took seventy years to complete, and was a long and difficult process. Several lines have been added over the years. 

Although 'Dovre Railway' formally refers to the stretch between Eidsvoll in Eastern Norway to Trondheim in Trøndelag , you can take it  straight from Oslo or Oslo Airport.

Bring your camera 

During the 485 kilometre-long trip, the train passes through the well-known Gudbrandsdalen valley, as well as crossing the beautiful Dovrefjell mountain plateau, which is one of Norway's national parks. Dovrefjell is home to a population of 300 wild musk ox. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot one from your seat!

" The railways takes you places that are not easily accessible by car. That's one of the things I love about train travel," says Erik.

The Dovre Railway passes several stations where other lines connect, including the Røros line , the Nordland line , and the incredible Rauma line .

"We have many amazing railways in Norway. The Rauma Railway is one of my favourites," says Erik.

“ The Dovre Railway is also perfect for travelling from Oslo to Trondheim on a business trip. ”

“ You can even take the night train and wake up in a new city. ”

“ But I recommend taking the day train, so you can enjoy the beautiful view in daylight. ”

Great adventures await! The train passes through some of the most amazing places in Norway. There are many attractions for families, couples and solo travellers close to the stations. When you're travelling by train, you can easily hop off at a station to explore the nature or join an activity, and hop back on a later train to continue your journey. See the majestic musk ox on a guided tour at Dovrefjell, get your heart rate up with  rafting in Sjoa, and end the night in a cosy Norwegian fjellstue (mountain lodge)! 

If you're travelling from Oslo to Trondheim by train, you can continue your journey further north with the Nordland line from Trondheim, which will bring you all the way to Bodø in Northern Norway.

The video below shows you everything you need to know about taking the Dovre Railway between Oslo and Trondheim :

Click below for even more inspiration for your Dovre Railway holiday!

Norway by train.

Ride the railways through fjords, valleys, and mountains.

Find your holiday by rail

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