Norway is a country where the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination. Dramatic mountains, deep valleys, quiet lakes and rugged coastlines create scenery that seems to change around every bend. While many travellers associate Norway with road trips and cruises through the fjords, the country’s railway network offers another excellent way to appreciate its landscapes. Large windows, comfortable seats and routes that pass through some remarkably remote areas make train travel an experience in its own right.
For anyone planning a first Norwegian adventure, scenic rail journeys can also make the logistics much easier. Instead of concentrating on the road, you can sit back and watch forests, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks pass by. Several routes are particularly memorable, ranging from famous intercity lines to shorter mountain journeys that showcase a different side of the country.
Oslo to Bergen: A Classic Cross-Country Journey
The railway connecting Norway’s capital with its second-largest city is widely regarded as one of the country’s great scenic journeys. The train from Oslo to Bergen crosses the mountains between eastern and western Norway, passing through forests, valleys, lakes and high-altitude landscapes along the way.
The journey takes several hours, but the changing scenery keeps it interesting. Leaving Oslo, the landscape gradually becomes more rural before the railway climbs towards the mountainous Hardangervidda plateau. At higher elevations, the environment becomes increasingly stark, particularly during the colder months when snow can remain on the ground for an extended period.
Arriving in Bergen provides a satisfying contrast. The city sits among mountains and fjords on the western coast, making the rail journey an excellent introduction to the country’s geographical diversity.
The Beauty of Hardangervidda
One of the most memorable sections of the Oslo to Bergen route is the crossing of Hardangervidda. This enormous mountain plateau is one of Europe’s highest and largest of its kind, creating an extraordinary sense of openness.
During summer, travellers may see broad stretches of rocky terrain, lakes and patches of vegetation. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wilderness, with conditions that make the landscape feel particularly remote.
Keep your camera close, but do not spend the entire journey looking through a screen. Some of the best moments are simply watching the scenery unfold outside the window.
The Flåm Railway
For travellers looking for a shorter but exceptionally dramatic journey, the Flåm Railway is difficult to overlook. The line connects the mountain station of Myrdal with Flåm, a small settlement at the head of the Aurlandsfjord.
The railway descends steeply through the Flåm Valley, passing waterfalls, mountain slopes and viewpoints that seem almost too dramatic for a conventional train journey. Its relatively short length means the experience can easily be incorporated into a broader itinerary around the fjords.
Flåm itself is worth exploring after the train arrives. From the village, visitors can continue by boat or take advantage of walking routes through the surrounding landscape.
Waterfalls Along the Flåm Valley
The waterfalls are among the highlights of the Flåm Railway. Several can be seen directly from the train, while one particularly famous stop allows passengers to leave the carriage briefly and admire the scenery.
The combination of steep mountains and rushing water creates a very different visual experience from the open plateau landscapes encountered farther east. It is a good example of how dramatically Norway’s terrain can change within a relatively short distance.
If you are travelling during summer, consider allowing additional time in Flåm rather than immediately continuing to your next destination.
The Rauma Railway
Another fascinating option is the Rauma Railway, which runs between Dombås and Åndalsnes. The route travels through the Romsdalen valley and offers spectacular views of mountains, rivers and waterfalls.
One of the most impressive sights is the Kylling Bridge, an elegant stone railway bridge surrounded by dramatic scenery. The route also passes beneath towering mountain walls, giving passengers a strong sense of the scale of the landscape.
Åndalsnes is a useful base for further exploration. The town lies close to several famous hiking areas and scenic roads, making the railway a natural part of a wider mountain itinerary.
A Journey Through Romsdalen
Romsdalen is particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy rugged landscapes rather than polished tourist scenery. The valley is surrounded by imposing peaks, while the Rauma River follows much of the route.
The railway provides access to an area that can otherwise feel challenging to reach without a car. For visitors building a trip around outdoor activities, arriving by train can therefore be both practical and memorable.
Once in Åndalsnes, you can continue exploring on foot or connect with other forms of transport depending on your plans.
The Dovre Railway
The Dovre Railway connects Oslo with Trondheim and crosses the Dovrefjell mountain region. It provides a fascinating look at the transition from southern Norway towards the country’s central areas.
The route passes through forests, agricultural landscapes and mountain terrain, with the scenery becoming increasingly open as the train approaches Dovrefjell. The journey is longer than some of Norway’s shorter scenic lines, so it works especially well for travellers who want to combine transportation and sightseeing.
Trondheim makes a rewarding destination at the end of the route, with its historic centre, colourful waterfront buildings and famous cathedral.
Dovrefjell’s Wild Landscapes
Dovrefjell has a distinctly untamed appearance. The mountain region is known for its open terrain and wildlife, including the possibility of encountering musk oxen in the wider area.
Although seeing wildlife from a moving train is not guaranteed, the landscape itself makes this section worthwhile. The open mountains create a strong contrast with the wooded areas encountered elsewhere on the journey.
For travellers who want to spend more time outdoors, Dovrefjell can also form part of a hiking-focused itinerary.
The Nordland Railway
For a longer adventure, consider the Nordland Railway between Trondheim and Bodø. The route travels north through forests, valleys, mountains and increasingly Arctic landscapes.
Crossing the Arctic Circle is one of the journey’s defining moments. The scenery changes gradually as the railway moves farther north, creating an excellent opportunity to observe the transition between different regions.
Bodø provides a dramatic finishing point beside the Norwegian Sea. From there, travellers can continue towards other northern destinations or explore the surrounding coastline.
Experience the Arctic Circle
Crossing the Arctic Circle by train gives the journey a memorable geographical milestone. The railway passes through remote areas where settlements become less frequent and the landscape takes centre stage.
During summer, northern Norway experiences exceptionally long daylight hours, while winter brings the possibility of travelling through landscapes illuminated by low sunlight and, under suitable conditions, seeing the northern lights.
The experience varies considerably according to the season, so think carefully about what kind of scenery you want before booking.
Winter or Summer?
Norway’s scenic trains are rewarding throughout the year, but the experience changes dramatically between seasons. Summer brings green valleys, flowing waterfalls and long daylight hours, making it ideal for combining train travel with hiking.
Autumn introduces golden and red tones across the landscape, while winter creates snow-covered mountains and frozen surroundings. Some routes can look almost completely different under a blanket of snow.
Spring offers another perspective, with melting snow feeding waterfalls and gradually bringing colour back to the lower valleys.
Choosing the Right Route
The best railway journey depends on how much time you have. The Flåm Railway works well as part of a shorter fjord holiday, while the Oslo to Bergen route can connect two major cities while providing several hours of spectacular scenery.
The Rauma Railway suits travellers interested in dramatic mountain valleys, while the Dovre and Nordland lines are better for those who enjoy longer journeys through changing landscapes.
There is no need to choose the most famous route simply because it appears on every itinerary. Consider the scenery and destinations that interest you most.
Make the Train Part of the Holiday
Scenic railway travel works best when you avoid treating the train as merely a way to get somewhere. Choose a comfortable seat, keep some time free for looking outside and resist the temptation to fill the journey with work or constant phone use.
Bring snacks and drinks, especially on longer routes, although onboard facilities vary. A small camera or binoculars can also be useful for appreciating details in the landscape.
Most importantly, allow yourself to enjoy the pace. Norway’s scenery is often most impressive when viewed gradually.
Plan Around the Weather
Norwegian weather can be unpredictable, particularly in mountainous regions. Clear conditions provide expansive views, but cloudy or snowy journeys can also create a dramatic atmosphere.
Checking forecasts before travelling can help you decide where to spend extra time, although it is impossible to guarantee perfect visibility. Flexible plans are valuable if you are hoping to combine railway journeys with outdoor activities.
For longer routes, booking ahead is sensible during busy travel periods, particularly if you want specific departure times or seating arrangements.
Combine Train Travel With Other Experiences
A scenic railway trip does not have to stand alone. Norway’s railways connect naturally with ferries, buses, hiking routes and coastal destinations.
The Flåm Railway, for example, can form part of a fjord itinerary, while the Oslo to Bergen line can be combined with time in both cities. The Rauma Railway provides access to mountain adventures around Åndalsnes, and the Nordland Railway opens the door to northern Norway.
Building a trip around several forms of transport can reveal more of the country’s geography without requiring you to drive.
Conclusion
Norway’s scenic railways offer an enjoyable way to experience landscapes that can otherwise be difficult to appreciate without spending long hours behind the wheel. From the high plateau of Hardangervidda to the steep valleys around Flåm and Romsdalen, each route reveals a different side of the country. Longer journeys towards Trondheim and Bodø add even more variety, taking travellers through changing landscapes and into northern territory. Choose a route that fits your wider plans, consider the season carefully and give yourself enough time to look beyond the window. In Norway, the railway is not simply a means of reaching the next destination. It can be one of the most memorable parts of the journey itself.
Last Updated on September 17, 2026
