The Bergen Line: A Journey Across Norway's Heart
Often hailed as one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe, the Bergen Line connects Oslo and Bergen over seven magnificent hours. The route is a cross-section of classic Norwegian scenery, from tranquil forests and fields to the raw, untamed
beauty of the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe's largest high-mountain plateau. As the train climbs above the tree line, you enter a stark, stunning landscape where snow can linger even in summer. The highest point of the journey is Finse, at 1,222 metres above sea level, a remote station accessible only by train. This journey isn't just about transport between Norway’s two largest cities; it’s an immersive experience in the country’s dramatic geography.
The Flåm Railway: A Masterpiece of Engineering
Branching off the Bergen Line at Myrdal station is the world-famous Flåm Railway. In just about an hour, this train makes a breathtaking descent of 865 metres down a steep valley to the village of Flåm, nestled at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. Considered one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, its construction is a triumph of Norwegian engineering, featuring 20 tunnels mostly excavated by hand. The train passes cascading waterfalls, including a photo stop at the powerful Kjosfossen, and clings to mountainsides offering dizzying views of the valley below. Its short duration packs in an incredible amount of dramatic scenery, making it one of Norway's most popular attractions.
The Rauma Line: The Valley of Wonders
Named Europe's most beautiful railway journey by Lonely Planet, the Rauma Line between Dombås and Åndalsnes is a relatively short ride at under two hours, but it is packed with unforgettable sights. The train follows the emerald Rauma river through the magnificent Romsdalen valley, passing highlights like the Trollveggen (Troll Wall), Europe's tallest vertical rock face. A key moment is the crossing of the elegant Kylling Bridge, where the train often slows for passengers to take in the view. The journey showcases a wilder side of Norway, and its dramatic landscapes have even been a backdrop for major films like 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'.
The Dovre Line: The Realm of Musk Oxen
Connecting Oslo with Norway's historic Viking capital, Trondheim, the Dovre Line offers a different but equally compelling kind of beauty. The roughly seven-hour journey traverses the Gudbrandsdalen valley and crosses the vast Dovrefjell mountain plateau, a national park home to wild reindeer and a unique population of musk oxen. While the scenery is less about sharp peaks and deep fjords, its expansive, rolling highlands offer a sense of profound peace and space. Lucky passengers might even spot a herd of musk oxen from their window seat as the train passes through their protected habitat.
The Nordland Line: A Journey to the Arctic
For the ultimate Norwegian rail adventure, the Nordland Line offers a 10-hour journey from Trondheim to Bodø, becoming the only train in Norway to cross into the Arctic Circle. As the country's longest continuous train ride, it's a true immersion into the remote northern landscapes. The scenery shifts from the rolling hills of Trøndelag to the rugged coastal mountains and stark beauty of the north. Depending on the season, travellers can experience the endless daylight of the midnight sun in summer or have the chance to witness the Northern Lights dance across the sky during the long winter nights. This is slow travel at its most epic, a journey toward the top of the world.
