Norway's Best Train Journeys
Our top 4 recommendations for train travel in Norway.
There's something timeless about travelling by train in Norway. The gentle rhythm of the journey, ever-changing landscapes outside your window and the sense of connection to the country make rail travel one of the most rewarding ways to explore. While Norway's classic routes remain as captivating as ever, the Nordic region is also seeing exciting new developments that make sustainable, scenic rail travel even more appealing.
No. 1 - The Bergensbanen
The Bergensbanen, connecting Oslo and Bergen, is one of Europe's greatest railway journeys. Crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, it offers sweeping views of lakes, tundra and snow-capped peaks. Completed in 1909, this historic line is one of the highest mainline railways in Northern Europe.
The route ends in Bergen, a colourful coastal city framed by mountains and fjords. Many travellers choose to stop at Myrdal to connect with the famous Flåm Railway, continuing down to the fjords for one of Norway's most iconic rail experiences.
Read our guide to the Oslo to Bergen Railway to learn more.
No. 2 - Local train to Frognerseteren, Oslo
If you're spending time in Oslo, the metro ride to Frognerseteren is one of the city's best local escapes. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, Line 1 of the Oslo Metro winds through the forests of Nordmarka, revealing sweeping views over the city, particularly in winter.
At the final stop, enjoy a hot chocolate at the historic Frognerseteren Restaurant before walking down to Holmenkollen to visit the world's oldest Ski Museum and its iconic ski jump, one of Oslo's most recognisable landmarks.
No. 3 - The Rauma Line
Running from Dombås to Åndalsnes, the Rauma Line takes just 90 minutes, but it's packed with spectacular scenery. The journey passes the towering Troll Wall (Trollveggen), Europe's highest vertical rock face, and crosses the graceful Kylling Bridge, one of Norway's best-known railway landmarks.
Conveniently located between Trondheim and Oslo, the route is easy to combine with a Norwegian Coastal Voyage or a road trip through the fjords. For many travellers, it's one of Norway's most scenic short rail journeys, capturing the country's wild mountain landscapes in a single ride.
Image: Leif Johnny Olestad, Visit Norway
This route has also appeared in travel documentaries, drawing attention to its dramatic landscapes and engineering marvels like the Kylling Bridge.
No.4 - The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana)
A highlight for many travellers to Norway is the Flåm Railway between Myrdal and Flåm in Aurland. The line is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, with almost 80% of the journey running on a 5.5% gradient.
This spectacular ride descends from the mountain plateau to the fjord, passing waterfalls, tunnels and traditional valley farms. It's often combined with our Highlights of Norway guide, connecting seamlessly with the Bergensbanen and Norwegian fjord cruises and tours, making it one of Norway's signature rail experiences.
Image: Torild Moland, Travelstock
New Nordic Developments in Sustainable Rail
As Norway’s classic lines continue to inspire travellers, new initiatives across the region are reshaping sustainable travel. Copenhagen’s award-winning CopenPay. The program rewarded visitors for making conscious travel choices, including those arriving by train, with perks like free bike rentals, yoga sessions and discounted entry to major attractions.
With over 100 participating venues, CopenPay encourages travellers to stay longer and explore more mindfully, aligning with Copenhagen’s goal to become the world’s most sustainable urban destination. Following its success, the initiative is expected to return next summer, continuing to inspire greener travel habits across Europe.
At the same time, the much-anticipated Norient Express is on the horizon, a new luxury sleeper train designed to connect major Nordic cities with elegance and comfort. Blending Scandinavian design with the romance of long-distance rail, it promises to make cross-border travel more sustainable and stylish than ever before.
Whether you're gliding past frozen lakes in Norway, arriving in Copenhagen by rail or planning future Nordic adventures, train travel across the region continues to celebrate both heritage and innovation. It's a reminder that sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
Whether you're travelling between Norway's cities, connecting with a fjord cruise or simply enjoying the journey itself, the country's railways offer a front-row seat to some of Europe's most spectacular scenery.
Ready to start planning? Explore our collection of Norway tours, browse our Norwegian fjord tours, discover our Norwegian Coastal Voyages, or find more inspiration in our Norway travel articles.
