Taking the Bergensbanen through the Heart of Norway

Traveling from Oslo to Bergen by train is one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in Europe. The Vy Bergen Line, known locally as the Bergensbanen, crosses the heart of Norway in under seven hours. Along the way, the landscape shifts from thick forests to open mountain plateaus, from icy lakes to deep fjords. Every curve of the track reveals something new. The train connects fourteen stops, each with its own charm and story. The best part is the freedom to step off, explore, and rejoin the next train when ready. This journey is not just about getting from one city to another. It’s about taking the time to see how nature shapes the culture and rhythm of life in Norway.

For travelers used to fast connections and crowded airports, the Bergensbanen offers something different. The pace is slow, the views are endless, and the comfort of train travel means time to truly see the landscape. The ride is perfect for those who love nature, photography, or just quiet moments between destinations. Reserve a window seat, bring snacks or coffee, and keep the camera close. The scenery changes every few minutes, from gentle valleys to snowy peaks. Whether it’s a first visit to Norway or a return to familiar ground, this journey reminds every traveler what makes Scandinavian travel so special.

Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda - Caroline Brundle Bugge

Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau and one of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. Sitting high above sea level, it stretches between the eastern and western parts of the country, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age. Today, it’s a mix of vast tundra, rocky ground, and quiet lakes that shimmer under the sky. In winter, snow turns it into a white desert. In summer, the moss and heather glow green and gold. This is a place where weather changes fast and the air feels untouched.

Hardangervidda is also home to Norway’s biggest wild reindeer herd, and spotting them from the train window feels like catching a secret glimpse of nature. The area became a national park in 1981 to protect its wildlife and fragile ecosystem. It’s one of those places that remind travelers how much open land still exists in Europe.

For visitors, Hardangervidda offers a real sense of space and silence. Many hop off at the small mountain station of Finse, the highest point on the line, for a taste of this wilderness. Finse has hiking trails that lead straight into the park, with simple mountain lodges where travelers can rest or enjoy local food. The trails vary from easy walks along the lake to longer routes that cross stone fields and glaciers. In the summer, cyclists ride along the Rallarvegen, a historic construction road built for the railway workers, now one of Norway’s most famous bike paths. In winter, cross-country skiing takes over, with marked trails and deep peace all around.

Tvindefossen Waterfall

Tvindefossen Waterfall in Voss Ryhor Bruyeu - Grigory Bruev

Tvindefossen, near the town of Voss, is one of the most photogenic stops on the Bergensbanen route. The waterfall drops about 110 meters down a green cliff, forming white veils of water that shimmer in sunlight. It’s a sight that draws both locals and travelers who pass by on their way to Bergen. The area around the waterfall is calm and easy to access, which makes it a great short stop on the train journey.

Voss itself sits between mountains and lakes, long known for its outdoor spirit. The town’s history goes back to Viking times, but today it’s more famous as Norway’s adventure capital. Paragliding, kayaking, and hiking are popular here, but Tvindefossen remains the star attraction for visitors looking for a quick taste of Norway’s natural drama.

Tourists often stop to take photos or simply stand near the base of the waterfall and listen to the roar of water. Some believe the water has rejuvenating powers, a story that dates back to the 1990s when visitors began collecting it in bottles to take home. Whether the legend is true or not, the sight of the falls alone feels refreshing. There’s a small picnic area near the base, perfect for a break before continuing westward.

Bergen

Bergen - CHUNYIP WONG

At the end of the line lies Bergen, a coastal city full of color, history, and sea air. Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city but feels like a small, friendly town. The first impression is unforgettable: rows of wooden houses painted in reds, yellows, and whites, standing along the harbor with the mountains rising behind them.

Bergen’s history goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Hanseatic trading network. Merchants from across Europe brought goods like fish, grain, and cloth through its busy harbor. Today, that same harbor—Bryggen—is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking along its narrow lanes gives a sense of old times, with wooden buildings leaning slightly from age but still alive with shops, cafés, and small museums.

The city’s setting between seven mountains makes it a dream for travelers who love to mix urban culture with nature. The Fløibanen funicular takes visitors up Mount Fløyen for a wide view of the city and fjords. On clear days, the sea stretches far into the distance. The path down passes through pine forests and lookout points, with small wooden huts selling waffles and coffee along the way.

For tourists, Bergen offers a balance between adventure and relaxation. The fish market near the harbor is a classic stop, with stalls selling fresh salmon, shrimp, and local cheese. Some places serve traditional dishes like “fiskesuppe,” a creamy fish soup, or “skillingsboller,” Bergen’s famous cinnamon buns. Cafés and bakeries line the cobbled streets, each with its own character—some modern and minimal, others cozy and old-fashioned.

From Bergen, many travelers continue by boat to explore the nearby fjords. The Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are both reachable for day or overnight trips. These deep, narrow inlets lined by cliffs and waterfalls are the image of Norway that most people dream of.

Happy Traivelling! ☺️🌿🚅

18.10.2025