The Bergen Line is one of Norway’s great journeys, crossing the country between Oslo and Bergen over the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda. It is a railway built to handle real weather and big landscapes, and it delivers both in spades. Expect forests, deep valleys, mirror lakes, snow tunnels, and a windswept alpine world that looks almost lunar around Finse. Add easy connections to fjords and ski resorts, and you have a route that is both practical and unforgettable.
If you are wondering whether the Bergen Line is worth your time, the short answer is yes. This is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Europe, and it is also a reliable way to move between Norway’s two biggest cities without the hassle of flying. Trains are modern, seats are reserved, and connections to the Flåm Railway and Voss are straightforward.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of the Bergen Line, including how to plan your trip, when to go, where to sit, and how to turn a train ride into a full Norwegian adventure.
What Is the Bergen Line?
The Bergen Line, known in Norwegian as Bergensbanen, links Oslo and Bergen in about six and a half to seven and a half hours depending on the service. It climbs from lowland pine forests to treeless high plateau and drops back down through waterfalls and river gorges to reach the coast. The line is operated by Vy, with comfortable long-distance trains that include a café car, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and reserved seating.
The headline feature is Hardangervidda, the largest high mountain plateau in Northern Europe. The highest station on the line is Finse at 1,222 meters above sea level, where you can step out into crisp mountain air and often find snow even in early summer. Myrdal is the junction for the Flåm Railway, which corkscrews down to the Aurlandsfjord. On the western side, Voss is your gateway to waterfalls, rafting, and easy fjord day trips.
Route Overview and Key Stops
While you can ride straight through between the cities, it helps to know the highlights along the way. From east to west:
Oslo
Departure point with plenty of luggage storage and places to grab snacks. If you are starting early, bring a hot coffee and a simple breakfast for the first stretch.
Drammen and Hønefoss
Lowland river scenery as you settle in. Keep your camera away for now and enjoy your seat.
Gol and Geilo
You are in proper mountain country. Geilo is a classic ski town in winter and a hiking and cycling base in summer. If you are splitting the trip, Geilo makes a convenient overnight.
Ustaoset and Haugastøl
Sparse settlements, open views, and the sense that you are climbing above the tree line.
Finse
The highest point and a great stop if you want to taste real alpine weather. There is no road access, which gives the place a frontier feel. Bring a jacket even in July.
Myrdal
Change here for the Flåm Railway down to Aurland and the Nærøyfjord area. If you are doing the classic train-to-fjord combo, build at least 60 minutes buffer between the Bergen Line and Flåm trains in case of weather or seasonal congestion.
Voss
Western valleys, broad rivers, and waterfalls. From here you can reach Tvindefossen, try rafting in season, or continue by bus to Gudvangen and the Nærøyfjord.
Arna and Bergen
After a series of tunnels, the landscape softens and you roll into Bergen, backed by seven mountains and a harbor full of history.
When To Ride: Seasons and Daylight
You can travel the Bergen Line all year, but the experience changes with light and weather.
Summer and early autumn
Long days and brighter colors. Lakes are deep blue, the plateau is green and grey with patches of snow. This is the most popular time for the Flåm connection and for hiking stopovers.
Winter
Snow transforms the line. Expect white-on-white vistas, frosted lakes, and a gentle glow of low winter sun when the weather is clear. The flipside is shorter daylight, especially from late November to January. If you ride then, choose a departure that maximizes daylight across the Hardangervidda segment. Delays can happen during storms, but the railway is built to cope and crews are experienced.
Spring
Mixed conditions. You may watch winter break up as you descend west, with waterfalls in full voice. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Choosing Seats and Cars
Both sides of the train have good views, but a few pointers help.
Oslo to Bergen
The right-hand side is generally stronger after Geilo across sections of the plateau and later in parts of the descent toward Voss. Earlier in the journey, forest views are similar on both sides.
Bergen to Oslo
Flip that logic. The left-hand side will give you more of the dramatic western valley scenery and, on a clear day, grand sweeps across the high plateau.
If your party cares about scenery more than silence, avoid the Quiet Zone car. If you need low noise and a calmer vibe, it is worth selecting. Families with small children often prefer sitting close to the café car for easier snack runs and quick stretch breaks.
Tickets, Reservations, and Rail Passes
Seats on the Bergen Line are reserved, which is a gift on a long ride. Book as early as you can if you are traveling in summer, on weekends, or during school holidays. You will usually find a mix of ticket types, including discounted advance fares and flexible options. If you hold a rail pass, check the reservation rules before you travel; a seat reservation is still required in high season.
If your itinerary includes the Flåm Railway or a fjord cruise, align times carefully. It pays to keep at least one train buffer so a minor delay does not ripple through your day.
Onboard Experience: What To Expect
The trains are comfortable and straightforward. Here is how to make the most of your hours onboard:
Café Car
Hot dishes vary but you can always count on coffee, tea, soft drinks, simple sandwiches, and pastries. Prices are typical for Norway. Bringing your own snacks is perfectly normal.
Wi-Fi and Power
Wi-Fi is free but can drop in tunnels or remote stretches. Power outlets are at most seats. Download podcasts or playlists in advance, especially if you plan to edit photos as you go.
Baggage
Put larger luggage on the racks near the doors and keep smaller bags overhead. If you have outdoor gear, pack it in a way that keeps aisles clear. In winter, stow poles and skis so they do not shift during braking.
Accessibility and Comfort
Trains have accessible seating and toilets. If you need step-free assistance, request it during booking. Temperatures onboard are stable, but pack a warm layer if you plan to step off at high-altitude stations like Finse.
Bicycles and Pets
Bikes usually require a reservation and spaces are limited. Pets are allowed in designated areas. If you are sensitive to fur, avoid those cars.
Photography and Window Etiquette
The Bergen Line is a dream for window photographers, but a few habits help you and everyone else.
Clean windows are not guaranteed. Bring a soft lens cloth to wipe interior smudges. Shoot slightly angled to reduce reflections. If your seatmate is trying to film, tilt your reading light off. Avoid leaning into the aisle during tunnels. If you need a quick photo through an open door at a stop, make it quick and stand well clear of the edge. The conductor will not wait for a sunset shot.
Classic Combinations: Make It a Bigger Trip
Flåm Railway and Nærøyfjord
The most popular combo is Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal, then down to Flåm and by boat through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, finishing by bus to Voss and back on the train. It is a long day but it works if connections are timed. If you can, break it into an overnight in Flåm or Aurland for unhurried fjord walks.
Geilo and Finse for Hike or Ski
Ride to Geilo for a couple of days of skiing in winter or family-friendly hikes in summer. Finse is for those who want the feeling of being properly out there. There is no road, just train and trail. The wind can be bracing, which is half the charm.
Voss for Adventure
Voss makes a good western base with easy access to waterfalls and activities like ziplining or rafting in season. It is also a practical starting point for bus connections to fjords without the crowds of Flåm.
Bergen City Break
If you finish in Bergen, keep a half day free for Bryggen, the fish market, and the Fløibanen funicular. Trains arrive centrally, and baggage lockers are available if you are squeezing in a stroll before a late flight or ferry.
Practical Planning Tips from a Local
Start Early or Late
Midday departures can be busy in summer. Early trains often feel calmer and give you daylight across the plateau. In winter, choose a departure that places Hardangervidda during your brightest hours.
Layer Up
You will cross multiple climate zones. A light down jacket and a beanie take no space and make station stops more pleasant.
Snacks and Water
The café is handy, but a refillable bottle and a few snacks keep you flexible. Norwegian tap water is excellent. Fill up before boarding.
Respect Weather and Timing
Even well-run lines slow down in storms. Build buffers into your day, especially if you have a cruise or flight later. Never schedule a same-day short connection with a departure you cannot miss.
Sit With Purpose
If views matter, choose your side based on direction. If you are traveling as a pair, window plus aisle on the same side beats facing pairs for scenery. Families do well with a table, which makes games and snacks easier.
Headphones Help
Announcements are useful but brief. For the rest of the ride, a playlist or audiobook pairs nicely with the moving scenery.
What It Feels Like
This is not just transport. It is the slow reveal of Norway from forest to fjord. You pull out of Oslo with commuters on their laptops and a few hours later you are in a world of rock and sky that shuts everyone up in the best way. The drop to the west is the exhale: rivers widen, waterfalls multiply, and you glide into Bergen with salt in the air and gulls calling over the platforms.
If you give the Bergen Line a full day in your itinerary, it will give you back a memory that anchors the rest of your trip. Ride it once for the bucket list. Ride it twice in another season and you will see a different country entirely.