Some train journeys are memorable for the people, the activity, the engine, the atmosphere. Some just to say you did them, but some are memorable because of the view, the location, and one of Scandinavia’s best journeys is memorable for just that.
From Norway’s capital, Oslo, travelling westwards to the coastal town of Bergen (a great city to visit by the way, stunningly beautiful and full of history). I had a Scandinavian Rail Pass at the time which proved great value – better value for money than Eurail. So if you’re heading to Scandinavia, well, I’d look into it!
Between Olso and Bergen, both port cities, is the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda – the highest of its kind in Europe. The train stops at Finse, midway between the two cities, which are 496 metres apart by rail as the train rises to over 1000 metres high. Here, in the peak of Summer (August) there is still snow. The train stopped (when I was on it) for a long enough period for people to disembark and take photos of the snow plateau before slowly descending to Bergen.
Bergen was a great little place too surrounded by hills and woods, with an interesting history surrounding World War Two. The hostel there was a makeshift summer hostel with many mattresses on the floor of a big old hall on the first floor, and I remember the reception staff were watching Aussie crime dramas in the evening on TV which was not something I was expecting!
On the way back, I took the overnight train but was extremely glad that I took the day train one way. If you are looking for an incredibly scenic rail journey in Europe, this has to be one of the very best.
A couple of useful links –
Sadly I can’t find any information on the rail pass I used which encompassed Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. It seems today the passes are just for the individual countries unless you want to go the big Eurail pass that basically covers ALL of Europe. I’m sure these all still represent good value for money though!
Thanks for reading today! In a couple of days my journey in 1999 continues on the blog with more from Egypt! Until then – may the journey never end.
Andy's World Journeys 
Wow, that looks like a magical trip. I’m envious of your travels. Thanks again for sharing.
Haha, i think you can probably put that up as your official slogan…May the journey never end!
yeah I think it is!! I used it a bit on the podcast. Im not sure I need one though… thanks for reading!
Pretty cool trip! Must be an interesting and beautiful view along the way…thanks for the tip!
Thanks for reading! It really is beautiful there!
Wow, Bergen IS beautiful! Lovely pics – will need to make it there some day! And the Scandinavian Rail Pass sounds like a good idea. Are there enough railways in Scandinavia to make it worth it?
Scandinavia is well connected by rail. Definitely was worth the pass price back when I was there, but always a good idea to weigh it up against individual fares online which is really easy to know it’s value today. I’m sure it;s worthwhile though, although only individual country passes may be available today.
I LOVE traveling by train, it’s my fave:-) Really lets you experience so much of the country…plus just has a very cool 1940’s feel to it, right? Gorgeous photos!
thanks for reading, as you can seem, I love train travel too!
That must be really a wonderful train trip! Whenever I make it to Oslo I have to spend more time so I can visit Bergen too, and I will for sure travel by train, looks amazing! Lucky you 😀
Worth it just for the train journey! Thanks for reading
I do believe you 😀
Looks like a trip to consider.
defintiely! Thanks for reading!
We went as far as Bergen-> Flam and back again. If it continues like that all the way to Oslo all I have to say is what a trip! We definitely need to go back, having lost ALL our photos…
Norway is a country that I’d definitely would like to go to, you simply encouraged me to do so, plus I love train journeys 😉