Norway Guide | Norway's Trains | Discover By Destination

Bergen Railway

Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the Bergen Railway enables us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages.

Beginning in Bergen in Western Norway, the train begins its ascent into the rugged mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock to the stations at Arna and Dale. After the Trollkona tunnel - the longest on the line at 5.5 miles (8.7km) - we reach Voss, situated by the Sognefjord in an area renowned for its skiing and extreme sports. We travel onwards to Myrdal, the upper terminal of the Flåm Railway, and then continue our ascent to Taugevann, the highest point of the line at 4,267 feet (1,303m). Sub-arctic Finse, the highest station on the route at 4,009 feet (1,222m), is our next stop. The scenery is truly breathtaking.

From Finse, the Bergen Railway then begins a 3,281 foot (1,000m) decent over the next 62 miles (100km). The train takes us through the pretty Hallingdal Valley and along a ledge above the Hallingdalselva River to Lake Krøderen, where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the mountain of Norefjell. Having passed through towns and villages such as Geilo, Gol and Flå, our journey through some of the wildest nature accessible by train anywhere in the world, slowly begins to become more urban as we approach our destination, vibrant Oslo.