6 scenic train journeys in Norway

Make sure your vacation stays on track! These are six of Norway’s most stunning train journeys – and what to explore along the way.

Let’s be real – Norway is pretty stunning, but we won’t waste your time bragging about it (you’ve probably seen the pictures, right?). Instead, let’s talk about how you can experience it like a true local: on a train!

These six jaw-dropping train rides will show you Norway’s beauty from a whole new angle – and you might even have a little fun along the way.Simply hop on, kick back, and let the Norwegian scenery do the work. Trust us, the ride is half the fun.

Get ready for a spectacular journey – where the trip itself is the experience.

Here are some of Norway’s scenic railway journeys:

The Flåm Railway – one of the world’s most gorgeous train rides

We’re not saying this just to get your attention – the Flåm Railway is genuinely one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Lonely Planet agrees, and we’re not here to argue with them. Starting from Flåm Station (at the end of Aurlandsdalen), the train ascends steeply into the high mountains at Myrdal, located 867 meters above sea level.

The views will probably make you wonder if you’ve accidentally walked into a postcard. The ride is a cozy, old-school experience that takes about an hour, and you’ll be treated to everything from epic waterfalls (like Kjosfossen) to jaw-dropping mountain views. Don’t forget your camera!

Photo by Fjord Norway

Tip! Want an extra thrill? Take the train from Flåm to Vatnahalsen and zip back down on Scandinavia’s longest zipline. Flåm Zipline stretches across an impressive 1,381 meters and offers an epic bird-eye view of the stunning surroundings.

More info: The Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions, so book your tickets early, especially in the summer. You can also combine it with trips to Oslo or Bergen via Myrdal Station.

Photo by Fjord Norway

The Bergen Line – Northern Europe’s highest railway

With the Bergen Line, you can visit Norway’s two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen – in one epic journey. Both cities have plenty to offer, but the train journey between them is just as thrilling!

The Bergen Line is considered one of the world’s most impressive train journeys, and it’s easy to understand why. As you travel from one urban hub to the other, the railway winds through lush valleys, steep mountains, magnificent fjords, and mountain plateaus. The journey also passes through Norway’s largest national park and Europe’s largest mountain plateau – Hardangervidda.

In other words, you get a little bit of everything that Norwegian nature has to offer, making the journey itself an adventure!

Tip! If you have the time, Finse Station – Norway’s highest station at 1222 meters – and Voss are excellent places to stop along the way.

More info: The Bergen Line runs for nearly 500 kilometers between Oslo and Bergen, connecting with several other train routes in Norway.

Photo by Maverix | Visit Norway.

The Rauma Railway – a scenic journey

The famous Rauma Railway is a true gem if you want to experience nature the Norwegian way. The train takes you between Dombås and Åndalsnes, offering stunning views of mountain formations and famous landmarks right from your seat. Highlights include impressive waterfalls, the Rauma River, and the beautiful Romsdalsfjord.

However, this ride is not for the faint-hearted: The Rauma Railway crosses the Kylling Bridge, one of the world’s highest railway bridges, also known from the Harry Potter movies. Aerial, adrenaline-inducing and absolutely awe-inspiring! Be sure to look out for Trollveggen, Europe’s highest vertical rock face, as you approach Åndalsnes.

Photo by Leif Johnny Olestad | Visit Norway

Tip! Hop on the tourist train The Golden Train, which runs between Åndalsnes and Bjorli, slowing down at key sightseeing points.

More info: The Rauma Railway spans 115 kilometers between Dombås and Åndalsnes, with connections to Oslo and Trondheim at Dombås.

Photo by Norwegian Travel

Crossing the Arctic Circle with the Nordland Line

Ready for some real Norwegian wilderness? The Nordland Line runs between Trondheim and Bodø, offering an unforgettable journey through Northern Norway’s spectacular landscapes.

Expect breathtaking views of the mountain Saltfjellet, the stunning Lofoten peaks, Arctic wilderness, crystal-clear lakes, and charming fishing villages right outside your window.

On your way to Bodø, you’ll also cross the Arctic Circle, marking the boundary for the Midnight Sun and Polar Night. Maybe you’ll spot a reindeer or two along the way?

Tip! This trip is just as stunning during the winter months, when the mountains are covered in snow and the Northern Lights might dance across the sky.

More info: The Nordland Line stretches 729 kilometers from Trondheim to Bodø, with the full journey taking about ten hours.

On a safari with the Dovre Line

You don’t have to travel to Africa for a safari! On the Dovre Line, which runs between Oslo and Trondheim, you might spot Norway’s majestic muskox.

Traveling from Oslo, you’ll pass through the charming Gudbrandsdalen valley, known for its picturesque farms and agricultural landscapes, before crossing Dovrefjell – home to around 200 musk oxen.

If you're lucky, you might see these ancient animals from the train, but you can also hop off and follow the marked Musk Ox Trail. Just be sure to keep a safe distance!

Tip! The best chances to spot musk oxen from the train are at the Dovre, Hjerkinn, and Kongsvoll stations.

More info: The Dovre Line spans 485 kilometers from Eidsvoll to Trondheim, with a direct route from Oslo.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Maverix

A journey back in time on the Røros Line

Whether you start in Hamar heading north, or in Trondheim heading south, the Røros Line is a must for any Norwegian bucket list.

Halfway along the route, the train stops in the charming mountain town of Røros, known for its mining history. Today, visitors flock to its colorful wooden houses, cozy cafes, and unique boutique shops. The town is home to one of Europe’s oldest settlements of wooden buildings, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Tip! Arrive hungry! Røros is Norway’s local food capital, offering delicacies like reindeer sausage, rakfisk (fermented freshwater fish), and traditional baked goods like lemse.

More info: The Røros Line runs 431 kilometers from Hamar to Trondheim, with multiple connections to and from Oslo.

Photo by SJ

Bonus: Experience the old railways on a rail bike

Did you know you can "cycle" along several of Norway’s railway lines on a rail bike?

This old-fashioned mode of transport, once used to inspect the railway tracks, is a fantastic way to explore Norway’s nature and small towns. Using a pedal-powered rail cart, you can easily glide along the tracks through stunning landscapes, past charming stations, and by scenic attractions along the way.

This experience offers both a fun workout and an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Rail bikes can be rented at several locations across the country – all on railway lines without train traffic, of course!

Tip! Norway has several heritage railways where you can learn about railway history and hop aboard historic steam locomotives for a nostalgic journey. Be sure to check out Setesdalsbanen and Krøderbanen.

More info: Rail bike rentals are available at Flekkefjordbanen, Numedalsbanen, and Valdresbanen, among others.