Train travel between Bergen and Oslo - Norway
The train journey between Bergen and Oslo: a winter's tale on rails
Ever since I started planning this trip to Norway, I discovered the famous train journey between Bergen and Oslo, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world. And rightly so. It was December, winter was already showing its strength, and so it seemed like the perfect time to experience this journey. While Paola and André were flying to the Netherlands, I decided to do something different. I chose to go to Oslo by train. I believed that this route would make the experience even more special.
In addition, I had this expectation of experiencing something almost cinematic. After all, when you think of Norway during the winter, what comes to mind are images that remind you of Christmas movies or New Year’s cards. For this reason, when I settled into the seat next to the window on that freezing morning, I had no idea that the next seven hours would be full of charm, surprises and unforgettable landscapes.
Plan your own adventure with the Bergen Travel Guide.
Departure from Bergen: The beginning of the enchantment.
The train left Bergen station shortly after 8:00 a.m. The sky was still dark and the air bit your face with its damp, silent cold.
As soon as you left the station, the urban landscape began to recede. Little by little, the buildings gave way to frozen lakes, forests covered in white and mountains that seemed to be asleep under the ice. With each turn, the scenery became more spectacular. As we gained altitude, the view became more icy and impressive. So, even in the first few kilometers, the train journey between Bergen and Oslo proved to be worth every second.
The train moves forward, and the snow multiplies.
One of the great reasons that makes this trip so special in December is, without a doubt, the constant presence of snow. It changes everything. It doesn’t just cover the ground, but transforms the entire atmosphere. The small villages along the way, which might go unnoticed at another station, become the protagonists of a movie set. Red and white houses appear amidst the absolute white, creating contrasts that look like living paintings.
As the train moves forward, these scenes repeat themselves, but never in a predictable way. Each new scene brings a different touch, a new light or an unexpected surprise. In addition, the stations through which the train passes seem to have come straight out of a children’s book. The contrast between the colorful buildings and the monochromatic landscape further reinforces the feeling of traveling in a dream.
The comfort of the train amidst the ice.
Another highlight of the train journey between Bergen and Oslo is the comfort of the carriages. Outside, the Norwegian winter shows its strength, but inside, everything is cozy and warm. The seats are spacious, ideal for those who want to stretch their legs and relax. In addition, the panoramic windows are a constant invitation to contemplation.
The train also has a restaurant car, perfect for sipping a hot coffee while watching the frozen world slowly pass by outside. In some sections, the snow was so intense that it seemed as if the train was gliding through a white tunnel. It was like traveling inside a huge igloo, where every curve revealed a new detail of winter Norway.
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Finse: the pinnacle of Norwegian winter.
At the highest point of the railway line — literally and emotionally — is Finse. Located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, this small station is surrounded by mountains, frozen lakes and an endless expanse of white. In December, Finse is wild and inaccessible. There are no roads, cars or permanent residents here. Just the train, the snow and absolute silence.
As I passed through this area, I was completely mesmerized. The visibility was perfect, so I could see far and wide: ski trails, peaks shining in the sun and a sky that seemed hand-painted. At times, I completely lost track of time. It was as if the world outside had stopped.
From absolute white to a city full of lights.
As we approached Oslo, the scenery changed. There was still snow, but urban signs began to appear more frequently. The lights became brighter, the streets began to move again and the landscape began to take on a more familiar look. However, even with this return to the urban world, the enchantment of the trip did not disappear.
We arrived in Oslo in the late afternoon. The city was completely decorated for Christmas. Illuminated trees, winter markets, soft music and that smell of cinnamon that fills the air at this time of year. It was as if the journey had ended with a gift — literally — wrapped in Christmas lights.
Practical Information.
A Bergen RailwayIt is the railway line that connects Oslo to Bergen, the two largest cities in Norway. It is almost 500 km long (approximately 6:30 – 7:30 hour trip).
The route crosses theHardangervidda, the largest mountain plateau in Europe, reaching 1,237 meters in altitude at its highest point.
What to see and do along the way
The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. In winter, the scenery is a desert of white snow; in summer, the valleys turn green and vibrant.
- Finnish:The highest station on the line. It’s a popular destination for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Fun fact: the location served as a training ground for polar explorers.
- Myrdal and the Flåm Railway:In Myrdal, you can make a connection to the famousFlåm RailwayThis 20 km branch line descends steep mountains to the village of Flåm, on the edge of an arm of the Sognefjord. It is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering.
- Outdoor Activities:The routeRallarvegenThe cycle path between Finse and Myrdal is one of Norway’s most famous cycle paths and trails, attracting thousands of adventurers annually.
Price variation for the Bergen–Oslo train
The train journey between Bergen and Oslo is one of Norway’s most famous and popular routes, with prices varying considerably depending on how far in advance you book, the time of year, and the type of ticket.
- Average price: 800–1200 NOK (approximately US$70–US$110).
- Promotions may lower prices to 200–500 NOK. If purchased in advance. I bought mine during peak season, but two months in advance, and paid 499 NOK.
- During peak season and closer to the travel date, prices can exceed 1,200 NOK.
There are between4 to 6 departures per dayFrom each city. The night train has compartments with beds, but it’s not ideal for those who want to enjoy the view.
Tips for saving money
Conclusion: a memorable journey on rails.
The train journey between Bergen and Oslo is much more than just a simple journey between two Norwegian cities. It is, in fact, a sensory, emotional and visual experience. At every turn, a new landscape. At every stop, a new detail. And, all the while, a magical atmosphere that transforms what would otherwise be just a journey into a true celebration of winter.
If you have always dreamed of seeing snow, experiencing a European Christmas and being enchanted by breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect trip. More than just a means of transport, the train becomes part of the itinerary, the enchantment and the memory.
Traveling more and better is also about this: making choices that transform the journey into a destination. And, without a shadow of a doubt, this icy route between Bergen and Oslo is one of the most beautiful in Norway — perhaps in the world.
After all this, all I had left to do was return to Amsterdam and catch my flight back home. But this time, with my heart warmed by everything I experienced on these frozen tracks.