Experiences
Oslo to Bergen train: the Bergen Railway across Hardangervidda
Seven hours from the eastern fjord city to the western one, over snowy plateaus and past Finse, the highest station. How to get the most out of the Bergen Railway, and where to stop and stay along the way.
The train leaves Oslo in the morning light. First forest and fields, then valleys with rivers, and after a couple of hours it climbs above the tree line. Suddenly everything is white. Hardangervidda lies flat and endless outside the window, and at Finse, 1,222 metres above sea level, people step off with skis on their shoulders in the middle of April.
The Bergen Railway is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. Here is everything you need to plan the Oslo to Bergen train, and the places to stop and stay along the way.
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What the journey is like
The journey between Oslo and Bergen takes about seven hours, with several departures a day, including a night train. The most beautiful stretch is from Geilo to Voss, across Hardangervidda and down towards western Norway.
Seats: choose a window seat, ideally facing forward. The views are good on both sides.
Finse: the highest station on the line, at the foot of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. In winter you can ski straight from the platform.
Myrdal: change here for the Flåm Railway down to the fjord at Flåm.
Night train: saves a hotel night, but you miss the views.
Book the experience: See tours and activities in Bergen
Stops along the way
To see more than the view from the window, split the journey with a night along the way. Geilo is perfect in winter, while Voss and Flåm suit summer best.
Read more about the Flåm Railway and Stegastein and Voss.
Dr. Holms Hotel, Geilo
Dr. Holms is Geilo’s classic hotel, dating from 1909, with lounges, fireplaces and legendary winter life. It sits right by the station and the Geilo ski area, with three restaurants and two bars.
Book your stay: See rooms at Dr. Holms Hotel
Fleischer’s Hotel, Voss
Fleischer’s sits right by the station in Voss, on Lake Vangsvatnet. Perfect if you want a day of rafting, the gondola or the Nærøyfjord before continuing to Bergen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Fleischer’s Hotel
Where to stay in Oslo and Bergen
Amerikalinjen
Amerikalinjen sits right by Oslo Central Station.
Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Amerikalinjen occupies the former headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, right by Oslo Central Station. You roll your suitcase straight from the hotel to the train.
Book your stay: See rooms at Amerikalinjen
Bergen Børs
The Frescohallen at Bergen Børs Hotel.
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen Børs sits in the heart of Bergen, a short walk from Bryggen and the Fish Market, in the old stock exchange building. The Frescohallen is one of the city’s most beautiful dining rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bergen Børs Hotel
When is the best time to take the Bergen Railway?
February to April: snowy mountains, sunshine and skiers at Finse. Many think this is the most beautiful time.
June to September: green valleys, waterfalls and light evenings.
Autumn: the mountains change colour, and there are fewer travellers.
Oslo to Bergen train FAQ
How long is the train from Oslo to Bergen?
About seven hours, depending on the departure. Trains run several times a day, and there is also a night train.
What is the highest station on the Bergen Railway?
Finse, 1,222 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
Where do you change for the Flåm Railway?
At Myrdal station. From there the Flåm Railway runs down to Flåm at the head of the Aurlandsfjord.
Which side should I sit on?
The views are good on both sides. Across Hardangervidda it is spectacular either way, so the most important thing is a window seat.
Where should I stay along the Bergen Railway?
Amerikalinjen is right by Oslo Central Station and Bergen Børs Hotel is in central Bergen. To stop on the way, Dr. Holms in Geilo and Fleischer’s in Voss are classic choices.