Oslo-Bergen by train, “one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world”

Embark on this short but sweet journey from Norway’s capital Oslo to Bergen. This journey combines all the good things in this life with vibrant cities and the magnificent Norwegian scenery.

Day 1: Oslo

The capital of Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities. International media is constantly writing about Oslo’s innovative architecture, new museums and neighbourhoods, as well as everything that happens on the food, fashion, art and music scenes.

Over the last few years, several new quarters have been established in the city centre, with exciting new activities and attractions. The high-rise buildings in the Barcode area and captivating landmarks like the Opera House, Munch Museum, National Museum and the Astrup Fearnley museum are changing the face of the city.

Oslo is a green city and was awarded the prestigious title European Green Capital in 2019. More than half of the municipality of Oslo is covered by forests and parks, and the fjord extends all the way to the city centre. The centre itself is becoming increasingly car-free and easy to explore on foot or by bike. An efficient public transport system makes the rest of the city easily accessible.

The capital is full of green experiences, whether you want to swim, kayak or go island hopping, relax in lush parks or walk, cycle or ski in the forest. And when was the last time you were in a big city with urban farms and a separate motorway for bees? In the Botanical Garden you can visit the Nordic region’s first Climate House and see exhibitions on climate and climate change. And in addition to all of this, more and more restaurants are focusing on green menus, while the number of environmentally certified hotels is increasing every year.

Highlights or suggested excursions

Munch Museum, Astrup Fearnley, National Museum, Holmekollen Skijump arena, Vigeland Sculpture Park, enjoy the endless hiking trails in Nordmarka or take a local ferry out to the islands in the Oslo Fjord.

Day 2: Oslo – Bergen

The journey from Oslo to Bergen with the Bergen Railway takes about seven hours. It’s a trip that’s been voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

With almost 500 kilometres of tracks, you have a unique opportunity to experience the great variation of the dramatic Norwegian landscape. The journey goes from an urban environment in Oslo through a highlights reel of Norwegian nature: forested valleys, stunning fjords, and Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda.

Since the weather in Norway varies a lot throughout the year, a ride with the Bergen Railway provides completely different experiences depending on the season in which you travel.

Highlights or suggested excursions

You can stop at Myrdal Station and hop on the famous Flåmsbana. This 2-hour return journey is part of the Norway in a nutshell tour where an old-fashioned train takes you through as many as 20 tunnels, all the way down to the fjord village of Flåm, where you can take a cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and other fjord branches nearby.

Day 3: Bergen

We have many names for the things we love, and few cities in Norway have more nicknames than Bergen.

“The heart of the fjords” is one of them.

Even though Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it has the vibe of a small town, packed with charm and urban character. You have probably seen it on Instagram, the picturesque wharf with several old, wooden buildings standing tall in different colours. The UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen, “The Hanseatic Wharf”, is the most obvious remnant from the time Bergen used to be the center of trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. Today, the wharf houses a museum, shops, galleries, and restaurants, and is a focal point for both locals and visitors.

Just a stone’s throw away is the lively Fish Market which has been providing the locals with freshly caught treasures from the sea since 1276. Today, it is one of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets, and also offers fresh fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs. Seafood lovers – or let’s just say food lovers in general – have plenty of reasons to like Bergen, which is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Fresh seafood is the core of Bergen cuisine. Among local specialties, you’ll find Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and “persetorsk”, a traditional Bergen steamed cod dish.

Highlights or suggested excursions

Fløibanen takes you up with a funicular to the top of Fløyen that has great views over Bergen and the fjord. Bryggen is the old Hanseatic harbor that is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Ulriksbanen takes you to the highest top in the area and for the thrill seekers you can enjoy the zip line up there. Akvariet, Norway’s national Aquarium that houses our local marine wildlife and they also have a tropical section. Fantoft stave church and Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen.