Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) Scenic Ride

Overview

The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) is one of Europe's most celebrated scenic train journeys, climbing from sea level in Bergen to the 1,237 m Hardangervidda plateau before descending to Oslo. The 7-hour ride passes through fjord valleys, alpine lakes, and bare mountain tundra.

Highlights

• Hardangervidda crossing: The highest mainline railway in Northern Europe, traversing Europe's largest mountain plateau.
• Finse station: At 1,222 m, the highest station on the line, surrounded by glaciers and used as a filming location for The Empire Strikes Back.
• Voss-to-Bergen stretch: The final descent winds through lush green valleys and past waterfalls.

History

The line opened in 1909 after nearly 20 years of construction through some of the most challenging terrain in Europe. It remains a lifeline for communities along the route and a bucket-list experience for rail enthusiasts worldwide.

Visitor Tips

• Seat choice: Sit on the left side (heading to Oslo) for the best views of Hardangerfjord.
• Stopover at Flåm: Combine with the Flåm Railway branch for an even more spectacular day trip.
• Duration: 6.5–7 hours for the full Oslo route; day-trip options to Voss or Myrdal (2–3 hours return).