Norway is one of the great overland destinations on earth. Its railways climb across mountain plateaux, dive into dramatic valleys and terminate at fjord-side quays where ferries take over — and the network, though not vast, links up to allow a journey from Oslo all the way to the far north without a plane. Here is how the main lines fit together, what each one offers, and how to string them into a trip that does Norway justice.
The Bergen Line: Norway's roof by rail
The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) is the backbone of any Norwegian rail journey and one of the most celebrated railway experiences in the world. It runs roughly 490 kilometres from Oslo to Bergen, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at over 1,200 metres — the highest main-line railway in northern Europe — and descending through a series of valleys and tunnels to the fjord city on the west coast.
The journey takes about six and a half to seven hours, and is best done in daylight: the plateau section, which passes through some of the most elemental mountain scenery in Scandinavia, deserves to be seen clearly. Trains are operated by Vy (formerly NSB), Norway's main rail operator, and run several times daily. The line is extremely popular in summer and over Norwegian public holidays — book ahead, particularly for window seats. The Bergen Line guide covers the route in detail, including the best seat for views.
The Flåm Railway: down to the fjord
Just over an hour into the Bergen Line from Bergen (or about five hours from Oslo), the train stops at Myrdal** — a lonely junction high on the plateau. Here, the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) branches off and descends nearly 900 metres in just 20 kilometres, one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. It terminates at Flåm, a small village at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord.
The Flåm Railway is a short detour — about an hour each way — but an unforgettable one: waterfalls, rock faces and hairpin curves, culminating at a fjord so calm it looks like a painting. From Flåm, you can take a fjord cruise or ferry on to Gudvangen or Flåm to Bergen direct by express boat, making the whole section a genuine loop. The Flåm Railway guide has the practical details, including the ferry connections.
The Rauma Railway: into the Trolls' Mountains
Further north, a separate detour rewards those who make the effort. From Dombås on the Dovre Line (which runs Oslo–Trondheim), the Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) branches west and descends through what many consider the most dramatic railway scenery in Norway: the Romsdalen valley, past the famous Trollveggen cliff face and down to the small coastal town of Åndalsnes.
The journey from Dombås takes about an hour and a half and is not on many mainstream itineraries — which is precisely why it repays the detour. Åndalsnes is a quiet base for hiking in the Romsdal Alps. From here you can continue west by bus and ferry connections into the fjord country. The Rauma Railway guide covers the journey and connections in detail.
The Dovre and Trondheim connection
To travel overland from south to north, the Dovre Line is the main trunk route from Oslo to Trondheim — about six and a half hours on the Vy express service. Trondheim is Norway's third city and a natural staging post for the long journey north. The Oslo to Trondheim route guide covers the options in detail.
From Trondheim, the rail network gives you two choices: press on northward by the Nordland Line, or branch west towards the fjords of the Møre og Romsdal region (requiring a combination of bus and ferry).
The Nordland Line: all the way to Bodø
The Nordland Line (Nordlandsbanen) is Norway's longest railway — over 700 kilometres from Trondheim to Bodø on the coast just south of the Arctic Circle. It crosses the Arctic Circle itself (there is a small ceremony and certificate for passengers on board), climbs past lakes and birch forests, and terminates in Bodø after a journey of around nine to ten hours.
The line is not fast by European standards — much of it is single-track and winding — but it is exactly the kind of slow, immersive journey that rewards the patient traveller. A night train option makes the Trondheim–Bodø leg possible without losing a full day. Book through Vy, as with all Norwegian mainline travel.
Bodø is the end of the Norwegian rail network. North of here, you continue by Hurtigruten coastal ferry or by local buses along the E6 road.
Beyond Bodø: the Hurtigruten and the far north
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry service runs the entire length of the Norwegian coast from Bergen all the way to Kirkenes near the Russian border, calling at around 30 ports. It is possible to join the Hurtigruten at Bodø and sail north — past the Lofoten Islands, through the beautiful Vestfjorden, on to Tromsø, the North Cape and eventually Kirkenes. The full Bodø-to-Kirkenes leg takes around four days.
This is slow travel in its purest form: not a cruise ship, but a working coastal ferry that carries locals, deliveries and tourists alike. The Hurtigruten operates year-round and is as much a part of Norwegian life as the trains. It is genuinely one of the world's great ferry journeys. See the Norway fjord ferries guide for more on coastal ferry travel and the smaller local routes.
Rail passes in Norway
Norway is included in the Interrail and Eurail pass networks, covering all Vy mainline trains including the Bergen Line, Dovre Line and Nordland Line. Pass holders must book a seat reservation on most Vy express trains, and the Flåm Railway operates separately and is not covered by standard passes — it is a private tourist line requiring its own ticket.
Point-to-point tickets bought through Vy's website and booked well in advance offer a minipris (mini-price) fare that can be very cheap. Norwegian trains do not require expensive last-minute fares to fill — book as early as you can for both passes and point-to-point tickets, as summer is particularly busy. The Interrail vs Eurail guide has the full comparison for European pass holders.
Practical tips for Norway overland
- Season: Summer (June to August) is peak season — long daylight hours mean you can see everything from the train, but prices are highest and trains busiest. May and September are excellent shoulder-season options.
- Connections: Allow generous transfer times at junction stations like Myrdal and Dombås — Norwegian trains are generally punctual, but the onward connections (particularly the Flåm Railway) are timed to meet each other, and missing one can mean a long wait.
- Bergen to Oslo or Oslo to Bergen? Either direction works. Going east (Bergen to Oslo) gives you the plateau section in the morning with light from the south; going west (Oslo to Bergen) gives you the descent into Bergen in late afternoon, often in golden light.
- Luggage: Norwegian trains have good luggage storage. The Flåm Railway can be busy with tourist luggage — travel light if possible or use Flåm's luggage storage facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel from Oslo to the Arctic by train and ferry?
Yes. The combination of the Dovre Line to Trondheim, the Nordland Line to Bodø, and the Hurtigruten coastal ferry from Bodø north takes you well into the Arctic — to Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands and beyond — entirely without flying. Budget around ten to fourteen days to do it properly.
Is the Bergen Line worth doing at night to save time?
A night option exists on some timetables, but most people choose to do the Bergen Line in daylight because the mountain scenery is the main attraction. If you are purely trying to get to Bergen quickly, a short flight exists — but that rather defeats the point.
How do I get from Bergen to the Lofoten Islands without flying?
Take the Bergen Line to Oslo, the Dovre Line to Trondheim, the Nordland Line to Bodø, then a ferry to the Lofoten Islands from Bodø. The ferry from Bodø to Moskenes (southern Lofoten) takes about three and a half hours. It is a long overland journey but a spectacular one.
Is the Flåm Railway covered by Interrail?
No. The Flåm Railway is a private tourist railway and requires a separate ticket regardless of what pass you hold. It is best booked in advance during summer, when it can sell out.