Norway is a beautiful country, known for its rugged coastline, big landscapes and unspoilt fjords. How better to discover all this stunning scenery than by taking one of the country’s breathtaking rail journeys?

Here’s our run down of the most famous rail journeys in Norway. 

The Bergen Line: Norway’s Great Mountain Crossing

Starts: Oslo Ends: Bergen (or vice versa)

The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys. Crossing the Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, the route climbs to over 1,200 metres above sea level before descending towards Norway’s spectacular west coast. The scenery changes constantly throughout the journey. Forests and lakes give way to vast, windswept mountain landscapes, while snow often lingers on the plateau well into spring. During winter, the route becomes even more magical, with frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks and tiny mountain stations seemingly lost in the wilderness.

The Bergen Line is also the gateway to the famous Flåm Railway (below). At Myrdal station, passengers can leave the main line and board one of the world’s most spectacular branch railways as it descends to the shores of the Aurlandsfjord.

The Flåm Railway

Starts: Myrdal Ends: Flåm (or vice versa)

One of TMR’s top ten in Europe, the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is also the most famous rail journey in Norway. 

Running for just 20 kilometres (12.5 miles)  between Myrdal and Flåm, this remarkable line descends from the mountains to the shores of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the UNESCO-listed Sognefjord. Despite its relatively short length, the Flåm Railway boasts some truly dramatic scenery.

Passengers are treated to towering waterfalls, steep mountainsides, deep ravines and picture-perfect valleys as the train winds its way between the top of the mountain and the valley floor. The line’s engineering is equally impressive, with tunnels carved through solid rock and gradients among the steepest found on standard-gauge railways anywhere in the world.

It’s easy to see why the Flåm Railway consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

The Rauma Railway

Starts: Dombås Ends: Åndalsnes (or vice versa)

While the Flåm Railway often steals the spotlight, the Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) is believed by some to be Norway’s best-kept rail secret. Lonely Planet has even voted it the most beautiful rail journey in Europe.

The line connects Dombås with Åndalsnes on Norway’s west coast, following the emerald-green Rauma River through a landscape of jagged peaks and dramatic valleys. Along the way, you’ll cross the famous Kylling Bridge (the most photographed railway bridge in Norway) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face.

The scenery feels wild and untamed, with mountains seemingly rising straight from the railway tracks. Unlike some of Norway’s better-known routes, the Rauma Railway remains relatively uncrowded, allowing travellers to relax and enjoy the journey.

The Dovre Railway: Across Norway’s Mountain Heart

Starts: Oslo Ends: Trondheim (or vice versa)

The Dovre Railway (Dovrebanen) forms the backbone of Norway’s rail network, linking Oslo and Trondheim through the country’s mountainous interior.

Crossing the vast Dovrefjell plateau, this route offers a completely different perspective on Norway’s landscapes. Here, open mountain scenery stretches towards the horizon, punctuated by lakes, forests and rugged peaks.

The line is also one of the best places in Norway to spot wildlife. The Dovrefjell region is home to wild musk oxen, descendants of animals introduced from Greenland almost a century ago. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled as the train crosses the plateau.

Nordlandsbanen: Into the Arctic

Starts: Trondheim Ends: Bodø (or vice versa)

For those seeking adventure, few journeys can match the Nordland Railway (Nordlandsbanen).

Stretching nearly 730km (454 miles) from Trondheim to Bodø, it is Norway’s longest railway line and one of Europe’s great rail journeys. The route crosses the Arctic Circle and ventures into landscapes that become increasingly remote and dramatic as the train heads north.

Those on board experience an ever-changing panorama of forests, mountains, lakes and fjords. During summer, the Midnight Sun brings extended daylight, while winter offers opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

This is slow travel at its finest, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of northern Norway.

The Jæren Line: Coastal Norway 

Starts: Stavanger Ends: Egersund (or vice versa)

Running between Stavanger and Egersund, the Jæren Line (Jærbanen) is a commuter route with a difference!

Instead of towering mountains and dramatic fjords, the route passes through gently rolling farmland, stunning sandy beaches, miles of dunes and pretty coastal villages. The landscape feels surprisingly open, offering a refreshing contrast to the country’s more rugged regions.

The line plays an important role for local communities but is equally rewarding for visitors seeking a quieter, less explored corner of Norway.

The Sørland Railway: Southern Norway’s Scenic Route

Starts: Stavanger Ends: Oslo (or vice versa)

Connecting Oslo and Stavanger, the Sørland Railway (Sørlandsbanen) traverses forests, lakes and highland scenery across southern Norway.

It offers a wonderfully varied journey through landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Summer brings lush greenery and sparkling lakes, while winter transforms the route into a snowy wonderland.

The line provides a relaxing and scenic way to travel between two of Norway’s most important cities while experiencing parts of the country that many international visitors never see.

Create your perfect Norwegian holiday by rail

We can help find the right route into Norway either by train, air, ferry or a combination of the three. Once there, you can focus on one of the country’s stunning rail routes or a combination of them all! Just let us know how long you’d like to be away and what you’d like to see. We’ll do the rest!

You can give us a call on 020 3322 7741 or send us an email with your plans to info@tailormaderail.com