See Norway’s most beautiful nature on the Bergen Line

A spectacular scenic experience

A trip on the Bergen Line offers one of the most spectacular scenic experiences in Europe. It crosses the Hardangervidda National Park, onto the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau.

The Bergen Railway opened in 1909 and runs over the highlands between Oslo and Bergen, the two largest cities in Norway. The Bergen Line is Northern Europe’s highest railway line. Read Lonely Planet’s description of the Bergen Line⁠External link.

Experience beautiful nature from the train

Oslo–Geilo

The first part of your journey goes from Oslo to Geilo. From Drammen, the train follows the Drammenselva river, which is an excellent salmon river. After Vikersund, you’ll reach Norway’s fifth-largest lake, Tyrifjorden, which is 330 meters deep. Soon you’ll get your first glimpse of the mountains, along with lovely views of Norefjell and Krøderfjorden. The area around Flå is known as an old bear habitat.

So far, you’ve travelled through classic Norwegian inland scenery, with forests, rivers, and the occasional low mountain. After Ål, however, the landscape begins to change noticeably as the Bergen Railway starts to climb.

Geilo–Voss

The next leg goes from Geilo to Voss, crossing Hardangervidda – Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Here you’ll find dramatic, wide-open nature, with Hardangervidda National Park in the west and Hallingskarvet National Park in the east. Hardangervidda National Park is home to Norway’s largest wild reindeer population, with more than 9,000 reindeer roaming the area.

Learn more about Hardangervidda at visitnorway.com⁠External link.

At Hallingskeid you’ll quickly notice the train beginning its unique descent through the landscape and down toward the sea. Look out for the Gravhalstunnel between Myrdal and Voss. It’s 5,311 meters long and took 10 years to build.

Voss–Bergen

The final stretch of the Bergen Railway runs between Voss and Bergen. This part of the route doesn’t take you higher than 57 meters above sea level, but it still offers wonderful nature experiences. Here you can see tall mountains, deep valleys, and narrow fjords.

Activities along the Bergen Line

Here are some stops along the way where you can access activities and outdoor adventures.

Skiing and winter fun

• Voss offers all kinds of skiing activities, with great cross-country trails and two of Western Norway’s biggest ski resorts.
• In Geilo, you’ll find cross-country trails and alpine skiing close to the station, with 46 slopes and 20 lifts ready for you.
• From Gol Station, you can hop on a shuttle bus to Hemsedal Ski Resort – one of Norway’s largest ski areas, with slopes, jumps, and forest freeriding.

Hiking

• Hop off the train at Finse and step straight onto the high mountain plateau. Choose from a wide range of hikes on Hardangervidda – all year round.
• If you get off at Myrdal, you’ll find hiking routes for all skill levels. This is also where you can explore the beautiful Flåmsdalen valley.
• In Geilo, you can choose from mountain hikes of all difficulties, from summit hikes and viewpoint trails to easier, family‑friendly walks.
• Discover the stunning nature around Voss on foot – whether you want a short stroll or a multi‑day adventure.

Cycling

• Rallarvegen is one of Norway’s most famous cycling routes and is easily reached from Haugastøl, Finse, and Myrdal stations. The road is 80 km long and a fairly demanding ride, but the scenery is spectacular.
• From Finse you can choose between several bike routes, like Finse–Flåm (53 km) or Finse–Hallingskeid (21 km).
• Experience Voss by bike! Here you’ll find routes on asphalt, gravel, and mountain terrain. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one locally.

Other outdoor adventures

• Voss is famous for extreme sports and offers everything from rafting, ziplines, and skydiving to river paddling. Every year, Voss hosts Ekstremsportveko – the world’s biggest extreme sports festival. Check our guide for more activities in Voss.
• Haugastøl on Hardangervidda is one of the world’s best spots for snowkiting, and you can even take courses if you want to learn.
• Near Myrdal you’ll find the longest zipline in the Nordics at 1,318 meters. Flåm Zipline takes you from Vatnahalsen Station on the Flåm Railway down into Flåmsdalen.

Sights to See

• Bjørneparken in Flå is just a couple of kilometers from Flå Station. Here you can get up close to many of Norway’s wild animal species.
• Near Gol Station, you’ll find an exact copy of the 13th‑century Gol Stave Church. The original church was moved to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo in 1884.
• The majestic and beautiful Hardangerjøkulen glacier is Norway’s sixth‑largest glacier, and the closest train stop is Finse Station.

The Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway runs from Myrdal Station on the Bergen Line down to Flåm. It’s one of Norway’s most popular attractions and is considered one of the world’s best train journeys. The ride takes about an hour, and once in Flåm you can enjoy beautiful nature, activities, sightseeing, and great food.

Want the very best views?

For the best views of the Hardangervidda when travelling on the Bergen Line, sit on the left-hand side when travelling from Oslo, and the right-hand side when travelling from Bergen (in the direction of travel). If you want to enjoy the dramatic fjords and valleys of western Norway, sit on the right-hand side from Oslo, and the left-hand side from Bergen. With a Flex ticket, you can choose your own seat and secure the best view.

Views during the winter

The Bergen Line is beautiful in the winter, however daylight is limited. If you want the best views, it’s wise to choose one of our morning or early afternoon departures. On the Hardangervidda, there is daylight from about 09–15.