The Bergen Railway, which runs between Oslo and Bergen, is one of the most beautiful train experiences, offering continuous panoramas of unspoilt scenic beauty.

This epic 7-hour ride connects Oslo and Bergen, traversing one of Europe's highest mountain plateaus, passing thundering waterfalls and serene lakes, and navigating through an astonishing 182 tunnels. It's an unforgettable experience and a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering.

This guide provides everything you need to know, from the spectacular experience and its fascinating history to a detailed list of the most interesting stops along the way, including how to connect to the legendary Flåm Railway.

 It is a comfortable way to discover the beautiful Norwegian nature. The seven-hour tour between Oslo and Bergen takes you across one of Europe's highest mountain plateaus, surrounded by spectacular and varied scenery. 

In the city of Myrdal, you can get off and take the famous fjord mountain railway, "Flåm Railway".

Norway's Bergen Railway: The ultimate guide to an epic journey

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) is more than just a trip between two cities—it's a breathtaking adventure across the rooftop of Norway.

The journey on the 493-km Bergen Line is a comfortable and deeply immersive way to witness Norway's dramatic and varied nature. From Oslo, the train glides south towards Drammen before turning west into the mountain landscape.

You'll pass through the forested Hallingdal valley, gradually climbing into a wilder, more rugged terrain.

The true highlight is the 100-km stretch across the Hardangervidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau. Here, the landscape transforms into a vast, windswept expanse of rock, lakes, and distant glaciers.

In the summer, the line serves as a gateway for hikers exploring trails accessible only by train. In winter, it becomes a lifeline for ski tourists, cutting through a pristine world of deep snow.

The highest point of the journey is inside the Finse Tunnel, at an impressive 1,237 meters above sea level.

A feat of engineering: The history of the Bergen Line

Completed in 1909 after 34 years of gruelling construction, the Bergen Railway is a testament to incredible engineering and perseverance. More than 15,000 men worked on the line, much of it by hand, battling harsh weather and challenging terrain to carve the tunnels and lay the tracks.

To deliver materials into the mountains, the workers created an access road. Today, this road is famously known as "Rallarvegen" (the Navvies' Road) and has been transformed into one of Norway's most spectacular cycling and hiking routes. You can cycle its entire length from Haugastøl to Voss, renting a bike at stations like Finse.

The legendary detour: Connecting to the Flåm Railway

One of the highlights of the Bergen Line is the opportunity for a spectacular side trip. At Myrdal station, you can transfer to the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbanen). Previously named "the world's best train journey" by Lonely Planet, this 20-km line is one of the steepest in the world, descending an incredible 862 meters in under an hour. The train winds its way down a stunning valley to the village of Flåm, nestled on the shores of the magnificent Aurlandsfjord.

Key stops along the Bergen Line: A stop-by-stop guide

The journey is an attraction in itself, but the towns and stations along the way offer unique experiences.

1. Oslo: The vibrant capital. The journey begins at Oslo Central Station. Norway’s capital, situated at the head of the Oslofjord, is a hub of culture and design. Before you depart, consider exploring its world-class attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the striking new Munch Museum, or the historic Akershus Fortress.

Bergen is an exciting and fascinating city. Besides being the starting point for many trips to the beautiful Norwegian fjords, it is also a historic city with numerous attractions, activities, and shopping options, including Bryggen Wharf, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Flå: gateway to Bear Park Approximately two hours from Oslo, the train reaches Flå, deep in the mountain landscape. The town's symbol is a bear, and for good reason. Flå is home to Bjørneparken, a large wildlife park where you can see bears, moose, and other Norwegian animals in spacious, natural enclosures. It’s a fantastic stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

3. Gol: A tear-round adventure hub. Located in the Hallingdal valley, Gol is a paradise for outdoor lovers. In winter, the area boasts stable snow conditions and two major ski centres, including nearby Hemsedal, one of Norway's best ski resorts. Activities like dog sledging and ice climbing are also popular. In summer, the region transforms, offering fantastic hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and world-class fishing in its 18 lakes and four rivers.

4. Ål: culture and family fun This charming mountain village marks the halfway point of the journey. Ål is a popular base for both cross-country and alpine skiing, and it hosts a lively folk music festival. Nearby, you can visit the historic Torpo Stave Church from 1192. For families, Hallingdal Holiday Park offers a vast play area, a zipline, and one of Norway's top campsites.

5. Geilo: Norway's Classic Ski Resort As Norway's first ski resort, Geilo remains one of its largest and most popular. Its location on the edge of the Hardangervidda National Park makes it a prime destination year-round. After the snow melts, the area is ideal for canoeing, rafting, and exploring numerous hiking trails that lead into the vast mountain wilderness.

6. Finse: The Remote Wilderness Outpost Accessible only by train, Finse is a place of stunning isolation at 1,222 meters above sea level. Situated at the foot of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, it offers a profound sense of peace.

This is a significant access point for the Rallarvegen cycling path and for glacier hiking. The stark, treeless landscape was so otherworldly that it famously served as a training ground for Captain Scott's South Pole expedition and as a filming location for the ice planet Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

7. Myrdal: The Flåm Railway Junction Myrdal isn't a destination in itself but a crucial high-altitude junction. Located in a mountain pass between two tunnels, this is where you disembark to catch the world-famous Flåm Railway for the spectacular 20-km descent to the fjord.

8. Voss: The Adrenaline Capital. Known as the home of extreme sports, Voss is a magnet for adventurers from around the world.

Every year in late June/July, it hosts "Ekstremsportveko" (Extreme Sports Week), a massive festival of skydiving, paragliding, rafting, and more. For cyclists, Voss also marks the official end of the historic Rallarvegen.

9. Dale: Home of Iconic Norwegian Knitwear. This small village is famous worldwide for one thing: Dale of Norway. The brand has been producing its iconic Norwegian sweaters with traditional patterns since 1879. You can visit the factory outlet and a visitor centre to see how the high-quality wool is treated and spun into these beloved garments.

10. Bergen: The Gateway to the Fjords The journey's end station is Bergen, Norway's beautiful and historic second city. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is a fascinating destination in its own right. Its most famous landmark is "Bryggen", the old Hanseatic wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colourful wooden houses. The city is also the starting point for countless cruises and tours into the majestic Norwegian fjords.