Norway Round Trip Train Tourism with Scenic Railways

Norwegian train journey are some of Norway’s most beautiful scenic railways and will take you along the coast and through the mountains of the north, west and center. Immersed in Its otherworldly landscapes of deep fjords, rugged coastline, majestic glaciers and jagged mountain ridges throw in the picturesque fisherman huts and the colourful Northern Lights that dance around the skies, which make journey in Norway as a stunning adventure.

Scenic Railways in Norway is a well design sightseeing itinerary, this one of world’s best railway journeys offer an entirely new perspective on a destination. From cutting through the countryside to connecting a country’s great cities, brings you closer to nature in new and surprising ways. From the far north to the deep interior southwest, Norwegian architecture and design are integrated into the landscape, Art, design and architecture complement the natural landscape on Norway’s boutique travel itinerary.

Norwegian train journey will take you beyond Oslo and the famous fjords, innto the rest of country, out of the cities and off the major roadways, experience the remote even mysterious Norway at its most magical: vast stretches of serene, postcard-perfect landscapes. Board the Flam Railway for a scenic train journey showcasing the country’s amazing sights including racing rapids, deep ravines, tumbling waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. Cruise along the world-famous Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, in southern Norway, marveling at the mountainside towns and tumbling waterfalls.

Norway offers some of the worlds most picturesque railway journeys,, ranging from steep mountain lines to calm railway experiences along the Norwegian fjords, traveling deep into the heart of spectacular scenery to experience Norway’s forces of nature firsthand. The Bergen Line, Rauma Line, and the Flåm Railway are all part of Europe’s top scenic rail journeys. Everything is on a grand scale in the wilderness from the deep, blue-black fjords and rearing snowy peaks to jagged forested hills and seemingly limitless expanse of Arctic tundra.

Norway may have a clutch of attractive, cosmopolitan cities, appealing destinations in their own right, but where the country really shines is not in its urban culture, but rather in the low-key, amiable small-town feel that pervades throughout its settlements. Trondheim, with its superb cathedral and charming, antique centre; the beguiling port of Bergen, gateway to the western fjords; gritty, bustling Stavanger in the southwest; and northern Tromsø. All are likeable, walkable cities worthy of time in themselves, as well as being within comfortable reach of some startlingly handsome scenery.

Norwegian rail travel is an immersive exploration of the fjords, the country’s most famous geographical wonder. Norway stretches north in a long, slender band from the Skagerrak, the choppy channel that separates the country from Denmark, its coastline battered and buffeted by the Atlantic as it juts up towards the Arctic Sea. Behind this rough and rocky coast are spectacular mountain ranges, harsh upland plateaux, plunging river valleys, rippling glaciers, deep forests and mighty fjords of unsurmounted beauty.

The trains, buses and ferries of Norway’s finely tuned public transport system will take you almost anywhere you want to go. Every bit as scenically stunning as the publicity suggests. Dip into the region from Bergen or Ålesund, both accessible by public transport from Oslo, or take more time to appreciate the subtle charms of the tiny, fjordside villages, among which Balestrand, Lofthus, Loen, Flåm, Ulvik and Mundal are especially appealing.

Major Railway Lines
On the Scenic Railways in Norway, Imagine traveling surrounded by stunning fjords, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers. Norwegian architecture and design work hand in hand with nature, which improve the enjoyment by enhances the senses of appreciation of nature and offers new experiences. On every part of the journey, whether it’s a viewing platform, an art installation, or a rest area with a gorgeous toilet, you can see many places that have never been seen before.

The Bergen Line
The Bergen Railway is the approximately 500 kilometres long railway line between Bergen and Oslo. Bergen Railway is Northern Europe’s highest stretch of railway, roughly 100 km of which runs through wild mountain terrain. The round trips to the fjords, Bergen Line is one of the most popular scenic Norwegian train journey. The line crosses both the Langfjellene mountains and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The duration of the trip between the two end stations is Bergen ad Oslo is approx 7 hours.

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 Bergen and Oslo, it also travels through a stunning cross-section of Norwegian landscapes along the way. Fields, fjords, forest and mountains are all part of the ride.

The decision to build the railway line was made in 1894 and it was completed in 1909. The stretch of railway between Bergen and Voss, which was completed already in 1893, really revolutionized life for the communities along the line. It is said that the construction of the Bergen Railway was a huge project in its day and that it can be compared with today’s development of the oil industry on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in the North Sea. One of the railway’s greatest challenges is the harsh and changeable weather.

Today, skilled workers, efficient equipment, tunnels, and snow tunnels make the Bergen Railway one of the safest and most comfortable ways of traveling between Oslo and Bergen. Norwegian broadcaster NRK filmed the entire journey and broadcast it live without interruption, pioneering ‘slow TV’. Since then, the journey has become a favourite among tourists. Many take the opportunity to transfer at Myrdal station to experience the world-famous Flåm Line, a trip through some of Norway’s most breathtaking nature.

The Flåm Line
One of the most famous railways in the world, the Flam Railway (Flåmsbana) is a spectacular train journey that offers a panoramic view of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape. Flåm offers a wide range of activities and eco-friendly fjord sightseeing all year round. 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. The Flåm Line has also become a great attraction in wintertime, when it doubles as a ski lift. The 20 km-long train ride took 20 years to build and is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world. Despite its brief duration of about one hour, says a lot about the Flåm Line and the views it offers along the way.

The railway is one considered to be one of Norway’s major and most thrilling tourist attractions and the train journey provides some of the countrys wildest and most awe inspiring scenery. On the 20 km-long train ride that operates between Myrdal and Flåm, you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes.

The Flam Railway makes a photo stop at the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain bear witness to the most daring and skilled engineering in Norwegian railway history and is truly a sight to behold. The end stop of the railway is the small picturesque village of Flåm, situated innermost in the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the 204-km long and up to 1308 metre deep Sognefjord.

To make the most of your journey here, you can add a Norway in a nutshell experience with a cruise. This legendary tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, as well as a trip on Europe’s top scenic rail journeys, the Flåm Railway and The Bergen Railway. Travel the waterway through the heart of the Norwegian fjord- and mountain landscape on the beautiful Sognefjord. This relaxing fjord experience also includes scenic train journeys with the Flåmsbana and Bergen Railway.

When taking a fjord exploration tour from Bergen, Flåm is usually part of the itinerary. You’ll travel on the Bergen railway to the city of Voss. Here you’ll embark on a bus that takes you through some stunning twists and turns before arriving in the Gudvangen village. The final leg of the trip is an unforgettable fjord cruise to Flåm. Experience an epic journey on the Bergen railway westward across the mountains to the Myrdal Tain station.

The Røros Line
A train on the Rørosbanen with a view on the town of Røros, Trøndelag, Norway. The Røros Railway is 384 kilometers long and runs between Hamar and Trondheim. The tour goes through beautiful wilderness in Østerdalen and across Røros to Støren. With a bit of luck you can see moose, wolverine, lynx, wolf, and bear on during the trip. A visit to the mining town Røros is worth the entire trip.

The Røros Railway was built gradually in the period between 1862-77 and officially opened in 1877. A trip on the Røros Railway is a magical journey through real Norwegian wilderness. The five-hour-long ride connects Hamar (one 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. Hamar and Trondheim are considered as the end stations of Røros Railway, although the train starts its journey from Oslo. The highest point of the trip is 670 meters above sea level, at Harborg (between Glåmos and Rugldalen).

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, the Dovre Railway is in total 548 km long and takes you through some of Norway’s best national parks, mountains and scenic attractions. There are several great destinations to visit along the route.

The Dovre Railway was opened in 1921 and runs between Oslo and Trondheim. The railway line passes through the stunning Gudbrandsdalen valley and across the mighty Dovrefjell mountain range. The whole trip from Oslo to Trondheim takes about 7 hours, and the train has frequent departures throughout the day. The railway line also runs as a night train service with sleeping compartments. The Dovre Railway stops at Dombås, and here you can change trains to the Rauma Railway, which travels on to Åndalsnes.

There are many gorgeous things to see 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 a frequent sight on this journey. Make a stopover midway in the mountains of Dovrefjell. Join a musk ox safari, enjoy a gourmet meal at Kongsvold Fjeldstue, one of the most unique hotels and eateries in Norway, located close to Kongsvoll station.

The Rauma Line
The Raumabanen Railway is one of Norway’s most beautiful and wild stretches of railway. A trip on the Raumabanen Railway from Dombås to Åndalsnes is a unique opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. The railway line is 114,2 km long and takes about 75 minutes. Once aboard the train, just sit back and gaze out of the train’s large windows and enjoy the journey through contrasting, wild and magnificent scenery. From your seat you can admire well-known attractions such as the Kyllingbru bridge, the Trollveggen cliff, the fantastic Rauma river and the Romsdalen valley.

The Dovre Line is a easy access to the Rauma Line via Dombås station. The train has an emphasis on tourism, with panoramic windows and guides in the summer. From the fjord village Åndalsnes, also called “the mountaineering capital”, you can hike the famous Romsdalseggen ridge, go ski touring, or experience the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen.

The Sørland Line
The Southern Railway takes you from Oslo past Kristiansand to Stavanger through contrasting scenery. This stretch of railway travels along the southern part of Norway between Stavanger and Oslo. The whole journey takes approximately 8 hours. The train has four daily departures, and also runs as a night train with sleeping compartments. The Sørland Line is still a considerably more pleasant and picturesque alternative to driving if you are going to the ‘happy south’. From Stavanger, the city where narrow fjords, wild mountains, open sea and soft coastlines converge, there are varied and contrasting experiences to be enjoyed as the train makes its way towards Oslo.

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. 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, there is mostly valleys and forests. From Nelaug, there is a branch that runs to Arendal, with beautiful views along the way. The Sørland Line also provides easy access to Southern Norway’s beautiful coastal scenery and towns that are home to quaint old white-painted wooden houses, including Risør, Grimstad, Mandal, Flekkefjord and Egersund.

The Nordland Line
The Northern Railway runs between the historic city of Trondheim and the beautiful Northern town of Bodø. The 729-kilometre-long route between Trondheim and Bodø is Norway’s longest railway line. The long railway crosses the Arctic Circle and takes you through stunning Norwegian scenery. The journey runs through gorgeous and varied landscapes, from distinct northern coastal scenery to tiny inland towns and high mountain stretches. 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.

This train trip offers unique scenery, spectacular views and exciting stops. On your way across the Saltfjellet mountain you will pass the Arctic Circle. The Arctic circle marks the entrance to the Arctic and is located at 66 degrees North, this is one of the true Norwegian railway gems. The Nordland Line is the only Norwegian railway that crosses the Arctic Circle, and you can enjoy it all year round. The whole journey from Trondheim to Bodø takes about 10 hours. The train departs twice a day, and also runs as a night train with sleeping compartments. You can choose between two daily departures from Trondheim and Bodø. The night train journey has been named one of the world’s most beautiful by Lonely Planet. Book your trip early if you want a sleeping compartment.

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 takes you from Narvik by the Ofotfjord. The train glides through a beautiful and wild historic landscape with fantastic views of the fjord, jagged mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls. 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.

The trip to the Swedish border takes about an hour, and you can continue south through Sweden to Stockholm or other destinations in Europe. 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.

Railway Heritage
There are also several operational museum railways in Norway, including the Krøder Line, Setesdal Line, Urskog–Høland Line, Thamshavn Line, Rjukan Line, Valdres Line, Nesttun–Os Railway and Old Voss Line. The Norwegian Railway Museum is located in Hamar and includes exhibits of train hardware, related objects, as well as document and photography archives.