The Bergen Line: A Journey Across the Roof of Norway
Often hailed as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Europe, the Bergen Line (or Bergensbanen) connects Norway’s two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. But this seven-hour trip is far more than a simple commute; it’s a cross-section of the entire
country's diverse landscapes. The journey begins in the gentle, forested valleys near the capital before starting its ascent. The real drama unfolds as the train climbs onto the Hardangervidda, Europe's largest high-mountain plateau. Here, at over 1,200 meters above sea level, the scenery transforms into a wild, tundra-like expanse where snow can linger even in summer. From the comfort of your carriage, you’ll witness a raw, powerful landscape of barren rock, serene lakes, and the distant Hardangerjøkulen glacier before the train begins its descent towards the coast, navigating 182 tunnels along the way.
The Flåm Railway: The World's Steepest Scenic Ride
Branching off the Bergen Line at Myrdal station is a journey that has been called one of the most beautiful train rides on the planet: the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana). This one-hour, 20-kilometre trip is a masterpiece of engineering, descending 866 metres from the high mountains to the fjord below. It's one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, with 80% of the route on a 5.5% gradient. The train winds through 20 hand-excavated tunnels, clinging to sheer mountainsides and offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. The journey takes you past tiny farms perched precariously on steep slopes and alongside rivers that carve through deep ravines. A highlight is the brief stop at the powerful Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can step out onto the platform to feel the spray and capture the raw beauty of the cascading water before the train completes its short but unforgettable journey to the village of Flåm, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord.
The Rauma Line: Waterfalls and Dramatic Peaks
Named Europe's most beautiful railway journey by Lonely Planet, the Rauma Line (Raumabanen) packs an incredible amount of dramatic scenery into its 1-hour and 40-minute run between Dombås and the fjord-side town of Åndalsnes. The train slows at key moments, allowing you to soak in the views from panoramic windows. Soon after departing, you are treated to a view of the famous Kylling Bridge, an elegant stone structure curving 60 metres above the emerald-green Rauma River. The journey continues through the Romsdalen valley, coming face-to-face with the Trollveggen, or Troll Wall, Europe's tallest vertical rock face. The line’s cinematic quality has not gone unnoticed; it has been featured in films like "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Mission: Impossible".
The Dovre Line: A Path Through National Parks
For a different, quieter kind of beauty, the Dovre Line (Dovrebanen) connects Oslo with Trondheim, the historic Viking capital. This route, sometimes called 'the trail of the trolls', winds through the heart of inland Norway, showcasing broad farmlands, deep forests, and the vast Gudbrandsdalen valley. The main attraction is the journey across the Dovrefjell mountain range, a protected national park. From your window, keep an eye out for the region's unique wildlife; you might be lucky enough to spot a herd of wild musk oxen, which were introduced to the area in the 1930s. Passing through historic towns and alongside the towering Snøhetta mountain, the Dovre Line offers a serene and majestic look into Norway’s rugged interior and cultural heartland.
