Oslo - Bergen

 

The railway between Oslo and Bergen, the two largest towns in Norway, offer some of the best scenery in northern Europe. The 496 kilometer (308 mile) journey takes about seven hours but it is well worth the time. The track crosses the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The highest point of the railway is Finse, 1222 meters above sea level.

 

 

The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen in Norwegian) is strictly speaking the 371 kilometer railway track between Bergen and Hønefoss but the name is often used for the track going all the way to Oslo. The line between Oslo and Bergen was completed in 1909.

 

Oslo has some interesting stuff. Main drawback, dining is expensive, junk food is quick and not too expensive. A visit to the Vigeland Sculpture Park is a must. The park is located north-west of the city centre. It contains more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. If the sculptures are art or not is a good question but most people remember the visit to the park.

 

 

The first half of the journey towards Bergen is nice but nothing spectacular. It first when the train reaches the Hardangervidda mountain plateau that the scenery becomes really interesting. The climbing uphill starts after Gol. The highest point, Finse at 1222 meters above sea level, is 324 kilometers from Oslo, with 169 kilometers still to go before reaching Bergen.

 

Bergen Oslo railway map

 

During holiday times, most of passengers generally change trains at Myrdal, taking the Flam Railway down to Flåm. It is a short ride, just 20 kilometer, but the scenery is magnificent. Here you can learn more about the Flam Railway.

 

The scenery is splendid all the way to Bergen. Once the train reaches Voss, the train is down to just 57 meters above sea level. But the railway runs along a lot of water with plenty of interesting views. Bergen is a good place for exploring the fjords. The tourist information centre has a number of tours. If you have not seen the fjords, take a cruise. It is well worth the money, assuming it is not raining. Unfortunately, it is raining a lot in Bergen.