Travelling The Famous Bergen Line

In many parts of Europe, a train ride is a matter of convenience and practicality, a sensible and affordable way to get from one destination to another. But Norway’s famous Bergen Line is much more than that! As train travel expert Mark Smith, the author behind The Man In Seat 61, says, this is: “one of Europe’s most scenic train routes, a journey worth doing for its own sake.”

Passengers on the journey from Bergen to Oslo will enjoy every modern comfort, including Wi-Fi, a cafe, and a children’s area, but behind this sleek train is a long history and legendary stories. What we now know as the Bergen Line began dates back to 1871. It was then that the idea of a Bergen route via Voss and Hallingdal to connect with the existing Krøderen Line was proposed, and survey work began the following year.

Initially, there were rocky years as the project faced political and financial challenges, but the first rail section officially opened in July 1883. Expansions followed, and the Bergen Line as we know it today was completed in 1909.

Photo: Fjord Norway

More than a century later, the Bergen Line has enjoyed success (expanding the line to connect Bergen and Oslo, Norway’s two biggest cities), challenges (how, exactly, can you efficiently clear snow from one of Europe’s northernmost rail lines), and even tragedies (such as tunnel fires).

Today, visitors know the route as a comfortable way to see some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. The Bergen line encompasses everything from the Oslo suburbs, valleys, rivers, Hardangervidda National Park, and the Hardangervidda Plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. Along the journey, the train passes through more than 180 tunnels.

The route is beloved by outdoor adventurers who have a particular fondness for the Finse station, which stands at 1,222 meters above sea level (and was used by explorers Nansen, Amundsen and Shackleton for their Antarctic training.) It’s an area so remote that the town doesn’t even have road access!

Other popular destinations on routes include ski resorts at Gol and Geilo. And cyclists aren’t left out! The Rallar Road (Rallarvegen) was once an access road constructed to aid in the railway’s development. Now, the 80-kilometre route is one of the country’s most popular cycling paths.

Photo: Fjord Norway

Everyone has a strong opinion about which part of the route is the most scenic – and everyone is right! But if there’s one area you’ll want to prep your camera for, it’s Voss. With a population of just under 15,000 people, this is a major hub for tourists and the views you enjoy from the train show why. The river between Voss and Dale is gorgeous (and home to a lot of the salmon you’ll see on Norwegian menus).

The picturesque Fleischer’s Hotel (near the station) looks like something from a fairytale. The nearby gothic-style Voss Church (Vangskyrkja) dates to the 13th century, while its brand new neighbour not far away is the stunning Voss Gondola. The Gondola opened in 2020 and offers visitors amazing views. Even the station itself is full of charm. You’ll want to check out the mischievous troll statues!

Trip highlights

Hardangervidda Plateau – Crossing Europe’s largest mountain plateau with tundra, frozen lakes, and snowy peaks.
Myrdal Station – A remote mountain station with access to the famous Flåm Railway.
Voss – An adventure hub with views of lush valleys, rivers, and mountains.
Waterfalls – Numerous waterfalls cascading down cliffs, especially around the Myrdal area.
Mountain Lakes – Picturesque lakes like Ustaoset and Tunga reflecting rugged mountain surroundings.
Seasonal Beauty – Different scenic experiences in each season, from snow-covered winter wonderlands to blooming summer landscapes.