3 min read
Published 21. March 2024
How to travel from Oslo to the rest of Norway
Many people visiting Norway will begin their journey in Oslo. The capital city is rich with history, landmarks, architecture and culture. It also serves as an excellent launching point for a larger Norwegian exploration.
Since much of the country is wild (2/3 tundra or rock and 1/3 forest), it may feel intimidating to consider crossing mountain ranges and river valleys, but there are many practical ways to get around Norway with just enough adventure to fill your scrapbook.
Here are the most popular methods of traveling from Oslo to the rest of Norway.
From Oslo to the rest of Norway by car
No matter where you're heading, there's a scenic route to follow. Beautiful winding roads and relatively light traffic make driving a realistic way to travel.
Either gas-powered or electric vehicles are appropriate for traveling through Norway. They have invested heavily to support electric infrastructure and there are more than 20,000 charging stations and rapid chargers throughout the country.
While Norway isn't a large area (385,207 square kilometers; 148,729 square miles), it is long and due to the winding roads and high mountain passes, cities can be deceptively far apart. When planning your route, take time to factor in slower traveling speeds and longer stretches in the car.
From Oslo to the rest of Norway by train
Travelers can get from Oslo to most major Norwegian destinations by taking Vy, the national railway service. Routes take passengers through Norway's majestic landscapes, past mountains, waterfalls, forests and more.
Norway is well-known for its scenery and Lonely Planet dubbed The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen), as one of the world’s best train rides. This east to west route is 495 kilometres (308 miles) and crosses some of Europe’s most inhospitable terrain.
There are many train lines and companies to choose from, giving travelers a variety of options for destinations and schedules, direct or scenic, high-speed or regular routes.
From Oslo to the rest of Norway by plane
With over 50 airports throughout Norway, domestic air travel connects you with nearly every city and town in the country. Flying from Oslo airport to the northernmost towns in the Arctic Circle takes around two hours so this is an efficient way to get from one place to another.
Norway has three main airlines—Norwegian, SAS and Widerøe—and many smaller carriers moving passengers around the country. Those traveling to remote destinations should prepare for delays due to weather and other factors.
No matter how you choose to travel from Oslo to the rest of Norway, you will find a variety of options to suit every preference and schedule. Whether by land, sea or sky, expect to have an unforgettable journey.
Robyn Roste is a professional writer living and working in Abbotsford BC Canada.
