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 slow rhythm of the journey, the ever-changing landscapes outside your window, and the sense of connection to the land make rail travel one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country. While Norway’s classic routes remain as captivating as ever, the Nordic region is also seeing exciting new developments that make sustainable, scenic train travel even more appealing.
No. 1 - The Bergensbanen
The Bergensbanen, connecting Oslo and Bergen, is one of Europe’s great railway journeys. Crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, it offers sweeping views of lakes, tundra, and snow-capped peaks. Completed in 1909, this historic line sits at one of the highest elevations of any mainline railway in Northern Europe.
The route ends in Bergen, a colourful coastal city framed by fjords and mountains. Many travellers, however, stop at Myrdal to connect with the famous Flåm Railway, continuing down to the fjords for an unforgettable detour.
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No. 2 - Local train to Frognerseteren, Oslo
For those spending time in Oslo, the metro ride to Frognerseteren is a favourite local escape. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, this T-bane journey (Line 1) winds up into the forested hills of Nordmarka, revealing beautiful views over the city - especially magical in winter.
At the final stop, visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate at Frognerseteren Restaurant before walking down to Holmenkollen to visit the Ski Museum and its iconic ski jump, a beloved Oslo tradition.
No. 3 - The Rauma Line
Running from Dombås to Åndalsnes, the Rauma Line takes just 90 minutes, but it’s packed with drama. Panoramic windows reveal the towering Troll Wall (Trollveggen), Europe’s highest vertical rock face, and the graceful Kylling Bridge, an engineering marvel often featured in travel documentaries.
Located conveniently between Trondheim and Oslo, the route is easy to combine with a Hurtigruten coastal voyage or a road trip through the fjords. For many, it’s one of Norway’s most scenic short journeys, capturing the country’s wild mountain beauty 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 valley farms. Often paired with the Norway in a Nutshell package, it seamlessly connects with the Bergensbanen and fjord cruises, making it a must for first-time visitors.
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 returned this summer, running from 17 June to 17 August - three times bigger than its 2024 pilot. 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, rolling into Copenhagen on a quiet electric train, or one day stepping aboard the Norient Express, train travel in the Nordics continues to celebrate both heritage and innovation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best journeys aren’t just about where you’re going, but how you get there.
Whether you’ve seen these journeys on screen or are discovering them for the first time, Norway’s railways offer a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. Ready to ride?
