THE BERGENSBANEN: THE MOST SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY IN THE WORLD

Bergensbanen (The Bergen Line) is widely considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, connecting Norway’s two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. It is the highest mainline railway in Northern Europe, crossing the rugged Hardangervidda mountain plateau and reaching its peak at 1,237 meters (4,058 ft) above sea level. The full length of the route is approximately 471 to 496 km (about 308 miles), and takes between 6.5 and 7.5 hours, depending on whether it is a day or night service. The line features 182 tunnels, including the 10.3 km Finsetunnelen, and took 15 years (1894–1909) to build. Service is operated by Vy, with about 5 to 6 daily departures, including an overnight sleeper train. When traveling from Bergen to Oslo, the right-hand side is often recommended for the best mountain views. Booking in advance via the Vy website  can secure significantly cheaper "Minipris" tickets compared to buying on the day of travel. 

                               

History of the Bergensbanen

The history of the Bergensbanen (The Bergen Line) is a saga of national ambition and extreme engineering. Completed in 1909, it was the first year-round land connection between Norway's two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen.

Early Vision and Planning (1870s–1890s)

Initial Survey (1872): The first surveys for a trans-mountain railway began when Norway was still an impoverished part of a union with Sweden.

The Voss Line (1875–1883): Construction began on the first segment between Bergen and Voss. It opened in 1883 as a narrow-gauge line.

Political Hurdles: After a recession halted progress, the Norwegian Parliament debated for years before voting (60 to 53) in 1894 to extend the line across the high mountains to Oslo.

Construction Challenges (1894–1909) 

Building the line took 15 years and was considered the "oil project of its day" due to its scale. 

Extreme Environment: Over 15,000 workers (known as rallare) battled arctic winters on the Hardangervidda plateau, where temperatures frequently plummeted well below freezing.

Engineering Feats: To navigate the terrain, crews built 182 tunnels and over 300 bridges. Most tunnels were painstakingly carved by hand through solid gneiss.

Rallarvegen: To transport materials into the roadless mountains, workers built an access road. Today, this Rallarvegen  (The Navvies' Road) is Norway's most famous cycling route.          

                                

Key Milestones

Conversion to Standard Gauge: In 1904, the entire existing Voss Line was converted from narrow to standard gauge overnight to accommodate the new mountain crossing.

Official Opening (1909): The first through-train between Oslo and Bergen ran on November 25, 1909. King Haakon VII officially opened the line two days later, viewing it as a symbol of the newly independent Norway.

Electrification (1954–1964): The line was electrified in stages, with the full Oslo-Bergen route completed by 1964.

Modern Improvements: The Finse Tunnel (10.3 km) opened in 1993, allowing the train to bypass the most snow-prone sections of the plateau and operate more reliably year-round.

                             

Key Highlights and Scenic Stops

The Bergensbanen journey is famous for its dramatic transition from urban landscapes to lush valleys and eventually a high-altitude alpine wilderness. The scenery is so varied that many travelers consider the train itself the main attraction of their trip.                  

                              

Hardangeridda

The Hardangervidda is Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau and Norway's largest national park, covering nearly 6,500 square kilometers. It is a massive alpine tundra shaped by glaciers over millennia, offering a vast, treeless horizon dotted with lakes, rivers, and rugged peaks. Often called the "heart of the journey," this is the most iconic stretch. It is the highest altitude traveled by any mainline train in Europe, offering panoramic views of a vast, treeless tundra and snow-capped peaks.                      

Tyridjorden

After passing through Drammen, the landscape opens up into wide valleys, eventually revealing the vast expanse of Tyrifjorden. The train stops at this transport hub near the lake's northern end, where the Begna river forms the Hønefossen waterfall as it flows into the lake. Tyrifjorden (Lake Tyri) is one of the first major scenic highlights you'll encounter on the Bergensbanen journey, located about 40 kilometers northwest of Oslo. As Norway's fifth-largest lake, its shimmering waters and rugged surrounding hills provide a stunning introduction to the country's diverse landscapes. The lake is so large—covering over 138 square kilometers—that from certain viewpoints like "Skaret," it can give the impression of a real fjord. 

Hardengerijokulen

Visible from the area around Finse, this is Norway's sixth-largest glacier and povides a stark, otherworldly backdrop. The glacier's highest point reaches 1,863 meters (6,112 ft) above sea level. The ice is up to 380 meters thick in some places. It is a plateau glacier, meaning it sits like an ice cap atop a mountain, with several "arms" or outlet glaciers—such as Blåisen and Midtdalsbreen—flowing down into the surrounding valleys. The glacier is world-famous among film fans as the filming location for the ice planet Hoth in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

Sorfjorden

As you descend toward Bergen, the tracks snake along steep fjord walls, offering views of deep emerald waters and colorful wooden houses. Sørfjorden is a dramatic, 38-kilometer-long branch of the Hardangerfjord, widely known as the "Fruit Orchard of Norway". While the main Bergensbanen train route offers spectacular views of a different Sørfjord (located between Voss and Bergen), the Sørfjorden in Hardanger is a major destination for travelers taking the "Norway in a Nutshell" style detours.

Key Stops & Activities

Fla- 155m- Home to Bjørneparken (Bear Park), just 2km from the station.

Gol- 207m Famous for the Gol Stave Church (a faithful 13th-century replica) and outdoor adventure hubs.

Geilo- 794m- A premier mountain resort for skiing in winter and hiking/biking in summer

Finse- 1222m- The highest station in Norway; it is roadless and only accessible by train, foot, or ski.

Myrdal- 867m- The transfer point for the legendary Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway) descent to the fjord.

Voss- 57m- Known as the "Adrenaline Capital" of Norway for rafting, skydiving, and gondola rides.

                               

Fla

Flå is a primary stop on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) that serves as the southern gateway to the Hallingdal valley. Located approximately 152 km from Oslo, it is a key destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The station is served by direct express trains between Oslo and Bergen. The journey to Oslo takes about 4 hours. Nearby Gulsvik Station Museum  preserves the area's railway history from 1907, including exhibits on the Bergen Line's construction. 

Top Highlights Near Flå Station

Bjørneparken (Bear Park): Just 2 km from the station, this wildlife park is the area's main draw. Visitors can see bears, wolves, lynx, and the rare Amur leopard.

Høgevarde Mountain: A popular hiking destination offering views over large parts of Eastern Norway from its summit at 1,466 meters.

Vassfaret Valley: A protected landscape area famous for its 16 km nature and culture trail that traces old mountain farm settlements and forestry history.

Outdoor Adventure: The region is a "mountain biking mecca," featuring machine-built flow trails like Sauvallsvingen and extensive cross-country skiing tracks in winter.

Gol

Gol is a major mountain resort and transport hub on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line), located roughly midway between Oslo and Bergen. Gol station is located about 202 km from Oslo Central Station and sits at an elevation of 207 meters and serves as a vital gateway to the high mountain plateaus and the nearby ski resort of Hemsedal. The train climbs through the lush forests and rivers of the Hallingdal valley, offering some of the first dramatic mountain views of the trip. 

Local Highlights & Activities

Gol Stave Church: Located near the station is a faithful modern replica  of the original 13th-century stave church. (The original was moved to the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo in 1884 to save it from demolition).

Hallingmo Trail Center: A popular hub for mountain biking and outdoor skills, featuring seven trails of varying difficulty.

Tropicana Water Park: A large indoor/outdoor tropical water park located at Pers Hotel in the town center, ideal for families and rainy days.

Gol Bygdetun: An open-air museum showcasing traditional 17th-century farming buildings.

Winter Sports: From the station, travelers can take a shuttle bus (about 30 minutes) to reach Hemsedal, one of Norway’s premier alpine ski areas.

Geilo

Geilo is a high-altitude mountain village and a major year-round resort stop on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line). Situated at approximately 800 meters (2,625 ft) above sea level, it marks the dramatic transition between the forested valleys of Hallingdal and the high alpine tundra of the Hardangervidda plateau. The journey takes approximately 3 hours (176 km), climbing steeply through fjords and past the town of Voss. Geilo is recognized as Norway's first official ski resort and is a "National Park Village" serving as a gateway to both Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks. Geilo is known for high-end spa hotels and wellness retreats.

Station Location & Amenities

Geilo Station  is exceptionally well-positioned for travelers: 

Immediate Access: The station is directly in the village center. Iconic lodgings like the historic Dr. Holms Hotel are within 100 meters.

Ski-In/Ski-Out: The nearest ski lifts are just a short walk (approx. 100m) from the platform, allowing you to be on the slopes shortly after arrival

Finse

At 1,222 meters (4,008 ft) above sea level, Finse is the highest station on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) and the highest point on the entire Norwegian railway network. This roadless mountain outpost is uniquely accessible only by train, foot, or ski. Just west of the village is the Finse Tunnel, a 10.3 km (6.4 mi) passage that contains the highest point on the line at 1,237 meters.

Top Highlights & Activities

Star Wars Filming Location: Finse famously served as the ice planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. Fans often visit to see the landscape that doubled as a galaxy far, far away.

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier: Norway's sixth-largest glacier is clearly visible from the station. Guided hikes to the icy "blue fingers" are popular in summer, typically reachable in under two hours from the village.

Rallarvegen (The Navvies' Road): Finse is the high-mountain hub for Norway's most popular bicycle route. Many travelers take the train to Finse to begin the 82 km descent to Flåm.

The Rallar Museum: Located adjacent to the station, this museum is dedicated to the history of the workers (rallare) who built the Bergen Line under extreme conditions.

                                 

Myrdal

Myrdal is a high-mountain railway station on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) located 867 meters (2,844 ft) above sea level. It is world-famous as the upper junction for the Flåmsbana  (Flåm Railway) and is a roadless location accessible only by train, bicycle, or on foot.  Myrdal is the primary transfer point for travelers taking the "Norway in a Nutshell"  tour. 

        

From Myrdal, the Flåmsbana descends nearly 900 meters over just 20 km to the village of Flåm, making it one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railways. Trains departing Myrdal for Flåm make a five-minute photo stop at the powerful Kjosfossen waterfall, which is only accessible by train. Nearby is the Flåm Zipline, Scandinavia's longest zipline, which starts near the Vatnahalsen stop (one stop away from Myrdal on the Flåm Line).

                                  

Voss

Voss is often called the "Adrenaline Capital of Norway" and is one of the most important hubs on the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line). Located between the high mountains and the western fjords, it serves as a gateway for both extreme sports and scenic fjord tours. Direct trains run frequently, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can take either the long-distance Bergensbanen or the regional Vossebanen commuter trains, which share the same scenic route.

Key Highlights & Activities

Voss Gondol: Located directly at the train station, this modern gondola whisks you from the platform to the top of Mount Hanguren (818m) in less than 9 minutes.

Outdoor Adventures: Voss is world-renowned for skydiving, white-water rafting on the Stranda or Raundal rivers, and paragliding.

Tvindefossen Waterfall: A stunning multi-tiered waterfall located a short bus or car ride north of the town center.

Winter Sports: The town is a major base for two large ski resorts, Voss Resort and Myrkdalen, which offer extensive alpine and cross-country trails.

Culture: The Voss Folk Museum  (Mølstertunet) features a picturesque cluster of historic farm buildings with views overlooking the town and Vangsvatnet lake.

Tips for Riding the Bergensbanen

When traveling from Bergen to Oslo, the right-hand side is often recommended for the best mountain views, particularly after leaving Voss. If you are traveling from Bergen to Oslo: Sit on the Left Side for the best initial fjord views, then the Right Side for the mountain plateau. Booking in advance via the Vy website  can secure significantly cheaper "Minipris" tickets compared to buying on the day of travel. Trains include a café carriage (serving Norwegian snacks like waffles), family areas with play zones, and free Wi-Fi (though connectivity can be spotty in the mountains). 

What makes the Bergensbanen Unique

The Bergensbanen is unique primarily for its extreme altitude and its role as a cross-section of Norway’s entire natural landscape. Often cited as one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, it is a massive engineering triumph that connects the country's two largest cities across a seemingly "impossible" mountain route. 

Extreme Altitude & Engineering

Highest in Northern Europe: It is the highest mainline railway in Northern Europe, reaching a peak of 1,237 meters (4,058 ft) at the Hardangervidda plateau .

Engineering Triumph: Built between 1875 and 1909, the line required carving 182 tunnels through solid gneiss rock—roughly one tunnel for every 2.7 km of track.

Roadless Access: It serves several isolated areas, such as Finse, which are only accessible by train, bicycle, or on foot. 

                               

Breathtaking Scenic Diversity

The journey provides a compressed look at nearly every landscape Norway has to offer in a single 7-hour trip: 

Urban to Alpine: Starts in urban Oslo, moves through lush forested valleys and lakes, and then enters a desolate alpine tundra.

Plateau to Fjord: Crosses the Hardangervidda National Park , Europe's largest high-mountain plateau, before descending steeply toward the emerald western fjords. 

                              

Unique Wildlife & Pop Culture

Arctic Fauna: From the window, travelers may spot Europe's largest wild reindeer herd, as well as Arctic foxes and snow owls on the plateau.

Cinematic Fame: The remote, icy landscape around Finse is famous as the filming location for the planet Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. 

Direct Fjord Connections

The Flåm Junction: At Myrdal , you can transfer to the Flåmsbana—one of the world's steepest standard-gauge lines—for a dramatic descent to the Sognefjord. 

Why Take the Bergensbanen

Taking the Bergensbanen is about the journey as much as the destination. The train arrives in the heart of Oslo  or Bergen, saving you the 45-minute taxi or bus rides typically required from the airports. While flying between Oslo and Bergen takes under an hour, this 7-hour train ride is consistently voted one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys because it traverses a complete cross-section of Norway's dramatic geography. You cross the Hardangervidda plateau , Europe's largest high-mountain plateau, moving from lush forests to arctic tundra and frozen lakes in a single afternoon.  It is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel across Norway, operating as a fully electrified mainline since the 1960s.

                              

Reaching 1,222 meters, you visit Finse Station, the highest point on the line, accessible only by train. This icy landscape famously served as the planet Hoth  in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. At Myrdal , you can connect to the legendary Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway) for a steep descent into the fjords. From your window, keep an eye out for Europe's largest wild reindeer herd, arctic foxes, and snow owls on the high plateau. Use the official Vy website to secure "Minipris" tickets, which are significantly cheaper than last-minute fares. For the best mountain views when traveling from Oslo to Bergen , try to sit on the left side of the train.