Norway is a country of stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, deep fjords, and serene lakes. One of the best ways to experience this scenery is by taking the train journey from Oslo to Bergen, which is considered to be one of the most scenic and spectacular rail routes in the world. Along the way, you can also explore the charming village of Flåm, which is home to one of the steepest and most scenic railways in the world, the Flåm Railway. This article will give you an overview of the train journey from Oslo to Bergen, along with the railways at Flåm, and some tips and suggestions on how to plan and enjoy your trip.
The Bergen Railway: From the Capital to the Coast
The Bergen Railway is the main railway line that connects Oslo, the capital and largest city of Norway, with Bergen, the second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords. The railway line is 471 km long and takes about 7 hours to complete. The train runs through some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes in Norway, from the urban and suburban areas of Oslo and Drammen to the rural and mountainous regions of Hallingdal and Hardangervidda, to the coastal and hilly areas of Voss and Bergen. The train also passes through 182 tunnels and crosses 300 bridges, making it an engineering marvel as well as a scenic wonder.
The Bergen Railway has several departures per day, both day and night and offers different classes of service, from economy to business. The trains are modern and comfortable, with spacious seats, power sockets, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant car. The trains also have large windows that allow you to enjoy the views along the way. The Bergen Railway is a popular tourist attraction, as well as a convenient and reliable mode of transportation, and is often regarded as a highlight of any trip to Norway.
Flam, Norway
The Flåm Railway: A Branch Line to the Fjords
The Flåm Railway is a branch line that runs from Myrdal, a station on the Bergen Railway, to Flåm, a small village at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The Flåm Railway is 20 km long and takes about an hour to complete. The train descends from an altitude of 867 meters at Myrdal to sea level at Flåm, making it one of the steepest railway lines in the world, with a gradient of 5.5%. The train runs through some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Norway, from the snow-covered mountains and glaciers of the high plateau to the lush valleys and waterfalls of the lowlands, to the fjord and the sea at the end. The train also passes through 20 tunnels, some of which are spiral-shaped, and stops at several viewpoints, such as the Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can get off and take pictures.
The Flåm Railway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway and is often combined with a cruise on the fjord or a hike or bike ride in the area. The Flåm Railway has several departures per day, both in summer and winter and offers different classes of service, from standard to premium. The trains are modern and comfortable, with panoramic windows, audio guides, and a souvenir shop. The Flåm Railway is a unique and unforgettable experience that will take your breath away.
Tips and Suggestions for Your Trip
- The train journey from Oslo to Bergen, along with the railways at Flåm, can be done in one day, but it is recommended to spend at least two or three days to fully enjoy the scenery and the activities along the way. You can book your tickets online or at the stations, and choose between one-way or round-trip options. You can also buy a Norway in a Nutshell package, which includes the train journey, the Flåm Railway, a fjord cruise, and a bus ride, and allows you to customize your itinerary and stops.
- The best time to take the train journey is from May to September when the weather is mild and nature is green and blooming. However, the train journey is also beautiful and enjoyable in other seasons, especially in winter, when the landscape is covered in snow and ice, and the contrast between the warm and cosy train and the cold and harsh outside is striking. The train journey is also less crowded and cheaper in the off-season.
- The train journey is suitable for travellers of all ages and interests, as it offers a variety of scenery, activities, and attractions along the way. You can admire the views from the train, or get off and explore the towns and villages, such as Gol, Geilo, Finse, Voss, and Flåm, where you can find accommodation, restaurants, shops, museums, and more. You can also enjoy nature and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, or ziplining, in the mountains, valleys, and fjords. You can also learn about the history and culture of the region, from the ancient and medieval times to the modern and contemporary times, through the architecture, art, and traditions of the people.
The train journey from Oslo to Bergen, along with the railways at Flåm, is a scenic adventure that will show you the best of Norway. It is a journey that you will remember and cherish for a lifetime.
