The Oslo-Bergen railway has ranked regularly among the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Tom Hall in Lonely Planet considered it Europe’s best train journey.
Norway’s legendary train journey from Oslo to Bergen may just be one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. However, make sure to book a day journey and book a window seat on the left side of the train (from Oslo) or right side (from Bergen) to get the best views.
The train ride is 496km (308 miles) long and lasts six-and-a-half-hour and passes through the Hardangervidda plateau, one of the worlds highest stretches of railway tracks. It is also one of the oldest in Europe – and one of the most scenic.
Speeding away from the Oslo city center, you have glimpses of the Oslo fjord with elegant wooden homes climbing the hillsides, passing Sandvika, which was declared a city in 2003, crossing the fjord and after half an hour or so come to a short stop at the commuter city of Drammen.
Among the World’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys, read on….
In Drammen, the track turns for the north. All in a sudden, the hills are higher and pristine alpine meadows and pine-clad foothills scales deep valleys studded with small villages and farmhouse clinging to precipices.
Anywhere else in the world, the Bergen Line would be herald as a wonder of the world. Norwegians in general consider it only as a way of linking two of the nation’s most important cities. The route was completed in 1909 and took 34 years to complete (1875-1909). There are five daily departures (four in the winter), including one overnight journey. The journey includes 180 tunnels and 21 stops.
Roughly two hours from Oslo, you arrive at the Hallingdal Valley, which offers a long list of outdoor activites, among them Bjørneparken (the Bear Park). This zoo is home to elk, lynx, and other species that roam free in a vast woodland park.
In the town of Gol, you can catch a bus to nearby Hemsedal, which draws skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer.
Along the way, the station signs proudly display just how high the train is going, and now the snow on the ground is getting heavier. The journey’s midpoint is the ski town of Geilo, altitude 794m.
Geilo is an essential stop and a perfect way to break up the journey. The alpine town draws both skiers and hikers and is the gateway to two of the country’s largest national parks. Norway’s best ski resort is also located near Geilo.
After about four hours, you emerge from a tunnel and into the high snows of the vast mountain plateau Hardangervidda at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. Hardangervidda covers nearly 6,500 sq km. and is one of the oldest geological formations on the continent’s north.
The highest point on this journey is the Finse station, at 1,222 meters above sea level. Photo: Vy
Among the World’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys, …. the journey continues
The highest point on this journey is the Finse station, at 1,222 meters above sea level. As the train then descends and makes its way to Bergen, it passes many fjords, waterfalls, and rivers.
Myrdal Station (867m) is clearly on the maritime coast of Norway, milder and damper than what’s come before. At Myrdal a train waited on a branch line that is one of the steepest railway lines on Earth. From Myrdal to Flåm, down by the banks of Aurlandsfjord, an inner arm of Sognefjord, the track twists and dives down through 20 tunnels, losing 866m in altitude in just 20km, falling at a gradient of 1:18.
The descent to the town of Voss happens gradually. The snow is thinner, the earth becomes green, and rivers, lakes and then fjords are clear and blue. Here is yet another Norway, one where the track hugged one fjord after another. Voss is a picturesque town popular with athletes interested in adventure sports.
And then, Bergen. The train weaves between the seven hills and seven fjords of this graceful city. Whitewashed wooden buildings climbed the hillsides above the city center. It is a fitting end to a memorable journey.
The train’s café car serves hot and cold snacks and more substantial dishes, and there is also wi-fi, though it can be unstable and often cuts out thanks to all the tunnels. There is a storage area for bikes and luggage, as well as a car with a designated play area for children.
Tickets can be purchased up to 90 days in advance from the Vy website, the primary train operator in Norway. Tickets do sell out in advance, especially during holidays and busy periods, so it makes sense to book ahead of departure. You can also buy tickets at Oslo S (Central Station) or Bergen Station from the vending machines or ticket office.
Note that there are discounts offered to children, students, and seniors. If you are travelling with dogs or bicycles, there will be additional charges.
Among the World’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): © Visit Norway