Enjoy some of the world’s best train journeys
All aboard! Ride in comfort past stunning fjords, over mountains, to the beautiful south, and above the Arctic Circle. Several lines in Norway consistently rank among the best train journeys in the world. Check out the eight lines below for their spectacular views.
Norway by rail
Riding the train in Norway is as much about the unique, beautiful scenery along the way, as it is about the destination. According to Lonely Planet and others, many Norwegian railway lines rank among the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Train travel is one of the most sustainable ways to explore the country.
Jan Helge Østlund has written several books about Norwegian railway history and train journeys, and according to him, Norway is an excellent rail destination.
“Switzerland and Austria provide stiff competition, but I would still say that Norway is an excellent European rail destination. They may have faster trains further south, but we rank highly in terms of history, interesting stops, and beautiful nature along the tracks,” says Østlund.
1. The Bergen Line
The Bergen Line is perhaps the most popular Norwegian scenic train journey, and with good reason. The train passes through beautiful mountain scenery from Oslo to Gol and Geilo, up through the Hallingdal valley towards Finse in the high mountains, and along the gorgeous Hardangerjøkulen glacier, before descending towards the final stop.
“Not only does the Bergen Line connect two of our most important cities, Bergen and Oslo, it also passes through a stunning cross-section of Norwegian landscapes along the way. Fields, fjords, forests, and mountains are all part of the seven-hour ride. The fact that it reaches Norway’s highest point for a railway line is also interesting,” says Østlund.
Many take the opportunity to transfer at Myrdal station to experience the world-famous Flåm Line, for a trip through some of Norway’s most breathtaking nature.
The beginners guide to the Bergen Railway
Get inspired
Get more tips for must-see sights and fun mountain adventures along the Bergen Railway with Norway's famous Locomotwins.
Book your tickets on the Bergen Line with VY.
2. The Flåm Line
The fact that it's one of the most famous railways in the world, despite its brief duration of about an hour, says a lot about the Flåm Line and the views it offers along the way. Every year, more than half a million travellers are spellbound by the steep journey from Myrdal station down to the village of Flåm, located in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord.
“The Flåm Line has gorgeous views in fair weather. With dramatic waterfalls, rivers, valleys and mountains, this stretch is for many the very definition of Norwegian nature,” says Østlund.
As a lifelong lover of trains, Østlund particularly appreciates the technical aspects of the antique trains on the Flåm Line.
“Above all, the Flåm Line is a technical masterpiece. Due to the steep ascent from 0 to 866 metres above sea level, two locomotives are required – one in front and one behind the train, and every carriage is rigged with a special brake system,” he explains.
Experience Flåm railway...
...in different seasons! The Flåm Line is a wonderful experience in autumn, and has become a great attraction during the winter, when it doubles as a ski lift!
Book your roundtrip Norway in a nutshell with Fjord Tours, or book train tickets with VY.
3. The Dovre Line
The Dovre Line is an unforgettable way to journey from Oslo to Trondheim. The seven-hour ride through Gudbrandsdalen, Rondane and Dovrefjell, passes through some of Norway’s most stunning national parks.
“The Dovre Line makes for a fine day of travelling. There are many gorgeous things to see as you travel along Lake Mjøsa, and towards Hamar and Lillehammer. You also travel past Eidsvoll, the birthplace of the Norwegian constitution. Although the scenery won’t be quite as dramatic as on our more famous railway lines, there is still plenty to see along the way. Among other species, the musk ox is often spotted on this journey,” says train expert Østlund.
The beginner's guide to the Dovre Railway
Come along
At Bjorli station, you can change trains and ride the renowned Rauma Line. But first, get more tips on what to see and do along the Dovre Railway with train expert Erik Sveberg Dietrichs.
You'll find tickets and timetables for the Dovre Railway on SJ NORD.
4. The Rauma Line
Østlund calls The Rauma Line one of Norway’s “most beautiful and wildest railway lines”. The 114-kilometre stretch will always have a special place in his heart.
“From Bjorli and down to Åndalsnes you will experience some of the most jaw-dropping scenery this side of Switzerland. In my opinion, it might be the most beautiful stretch of land this country has to offer,” he says.
The ride lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Highlights include the Romsdalen valley, the Trollveggen rock face, and the unique Kylling bridge. If you travel with the Dovre Line, you will have easy access to the Rauma Line via Dombås station.
You can also take a guided tour on the line with The Golden Train roundtrip, which has regular departures from Åndalsnes station. After your trip, enjoy a gondola ride to the top of Nesaksla mountain in Åndalsnes where you can enjoy lunch or dinner at Eggen Restaurant.
The Rauma Railway
Don't miss a thing!
Starting in the fjord village of Åndalsnes, also called “Norway's mountaineering capital”, you can hike the famous Romsdalseggen ridge, go ski touring, or experience the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen.
Book your journey on the Rauma Railway with SJ NORD.
5. The Røros Line
The Røros Line opened in 1877 and is Norway’s oldest main line. The five-hour ride connects Hamar (an hour by train from Oslo) and Trondheim through the beautiful wilderness and mysterious forests of Østerdalen before it continues to the unique, UNESCO-listed mining town Røros and all the way to Støren.
“Many consider the Røros Line to be a bit boring, but there’s actually plenty of action to witness if you take the time to look. In the vast swathes of forest, with a bit of luck, you can spot moose, wolverine, lynx, wolf, and bear,” says Østlund.
Come along
Ride the rails from the lush Hamar region to the historic mining village of Røros and Trondheim in Trøndelag – and back again!
Book tickets for the Røros line with SJ NORD.
6. The Sørland Line
Although the eight-hour journey between Oslo and Stavanger may not have the wild reputation of its northern equivalents, the Sørland Line is still a more pleasant and picturesque alternative to driving if you are going to the “happy south”.
The train passes many family-friendly destinations, including the biggest water park in Scandinavia, Bø Sommarland in Telemark, and Kristiansand, known as the summer capital of the south, with its many great beaches and family attractions such as Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park.
“Many picture a train track right along the water’s edge, but large parts of the Sørland Line were built inland to avoid wartime bombardment. It’s actually not until you approach Egersund that you can see the ocean. Before that, it's mostly valleys and forests. From Nelaug, there is a branch that runs to Arendal, with beautiful views along the way,” says Østlund.
Travel to the south
The Sørland Line also provides easy access to Southern Norway’s beautiful coastal scenery and towns with quaint old white wooden houses, including Risør, Grimstad, Mandal, Flekkefjord and Egersund.
7. The Nordland Line
The 729-kilometre route between Trondheim and Bodø is Norway’s longest railway line. The Nordland line runs through gorgeous and varied landscapes, from distinct northern coastal scenery to tiny inland towns and high mountain stretches. It even takes you to Hell! Hop off there, or at one of the other stations in Trøndelag, to go salmon fishing or explore the three national parks located in Namdalen. You can also disembark at Mosjøen or Mo i Rana if you want to explore the beautiful Helgeland coast.
“The Nordland Line is 729 kilometres of experiences, history, and spectacular nature. Many suspect that the trip will be boring because it is an 11-hour journey. In reality, this is one of the true Norwegian railway gems,” says Østlund.
Beginner's guide to the Nordland Line
Travel with the Nordland Line
The Nordland Line is the only Norwegian railway that crosses the Arctic Circle, and you can enjoy it all year round. You can choose between two daily departures from Trondheim and Bodø.
Book your trip on Nordlandsbanen with SJ NORD.
8. The Ofoten Line
Called “the eighth wonder of the world” when it was first built, the Ofoten Line is Norway’s northernmost train line. This old iron ore railway goes from Narvik, past Ofotfjord, to the Swedish border. The train glides through beautiful, wild, historic landscape with fantastic views of the fjord, jagged mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls. The trip to the border takes about an hour, and you can continue south through Sweden to Stockholm and other destinations in Europe.
It's not only the scenery that's awe-inspiring. Traces of the navvies (rallare in Norwegian) who built the railway in the late 1800s create a captivating backdrop for the journey. There are also remnants from the Second World War – much of the fighting during the Battle of Narvik took place close to the railway, which was the export route for Europe’s largest and most important iron ore deposits.
Hop off at Katterat station, which is surrounded by quaint red-painted buildings, and hike back to Rombaksbotn by the fjord, following the beautiful old navvy road Rallarvegen. In summer, guided tours and RIB transport back to Narvik are available. If you love skiing, the Narvikfjellet ski resort is open until May, and in the summer a gondola takes you to the top of the mountain to enjoy the amazing fjord views.
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