In Norway, the train isn’t just transportation — it’s the experience. With panoramic windows, dramatic landscapes and a rhythm that invites reflection, these rail journeys are built for travelers who want to slow down and soak it all in.
The Flåm Railway – A Vertical Masterpiece
Start: Myrdal Station • End: Flåm Station
Often called the world’s most beautiful train ride, The Flåm Railway descends 866 meters over just 20 kilometers, winding through tunnels, waterfalls and steep valleys. Highlights include Kjosfossen (map) and views of the Aurlandsfjord (map). It’s short, steep and unforgettable.
The Bergen Line – Fjords, Glaciers and Mountain Plateaus
Start: Oslo Central Station • End: Bergen Station
Connecting Oslo and Bergen, the Bergen Line crosses Hardangervidda (map), Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Stop at Finse Station (map) — once a filming location for Star Wars — and transfer to the Flåm Line for a fjordside descent. It’s seven hours of pure Norwegian drama.
The Rauma Line – Trolls, Bridges and Vertical Rock Faces
Start: Dombås Station • End: Åndalsnes Station
Running from Dombås to Åndalsnes, the Rauma Line is Lonely Planet’s pick for Norway’s most beautiful railway. You’ll pass the towering Trollveggen (map) cliff, cross the iconic Kylling Bridge (map) and glide through the Romsdalen valley (map). It’s a short ride with cinematic scenery.
The Nordland Line – Crossing the Arctic Circle
Nordland Line (Nordlandsbanen)
Start: Trondheim Central Station • End: Bodø Station
Norway’s longest rail journey, the Nordland Line stretches 729 kilometers from Trondheim to Bodø. It’s the only train that crosses the Arctic Circle, offering views of the Saltfjellet mountains (map), reindeer herds and — in winter — the Northern Lights. The night train is a favorite among slow travel fans.
The Dovre Line – Musk Ox and Mountain Majesty
Start: Oslo Central Station • End: Trondheim Central Station
Running between Oslo and Trondheim, the Dovre Line passes through Gudbrandsdalen valley and Dovrefjell National Park (map). Keep an eye out for musk oxen and stop at Kongsvold (map) for gourmet meals in alpine surroundings. It’s a safari by rail.
The Røros Line – Forests, Wildlife and UNESCO Heritage
Start: Hamar Station • End: Trondheim Central Station
Norway’s oldest main line connects Hamar and Trondheim via the UNESCO-listed town of Røros (map). The Røros Line runs through Østerdalen’s forests (map), where moose, lynx and even bears roam. It’s a quieter route with deep cultural roots.
The Ofoten Line – Arctic Views from Narvik
Start: Narvik Station • End: Bjørnefjell Station
Originally built for iron ore transport, the Ofoten Line now offers tourist trips from Narvik to Bjørnefjell and beyond. Expect dramatic fjords (map), waterfalls and mountain passes — plus the option to continue into Sweden by sleeper train.
Planning Your Journey
- Book early — summer departures and sleeper cabins sell out fast.
- Use Entur to plan and book tickets across Norway’s rail network.
- Travel light — many scenic trains have limited luggage space.
- Bring a camera — panoramic windows mean nonstop photo ops.
Whether you’re chasing fjords, crossing the Arctic or gliding past glaciers, Norway’s railways offer a front-row seat to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. Slow travel never looked so good.
