Our new grand tour of Norway by rail

Begin your adventure in Bergen

This town is renowned for the colourful wooden structures of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those with a passion for culture can visit Troldhaugen, the former home of composer Edvard Grieg, which now houses a museum and concert hall where his music is still performed.

Stay here for three nights at the Bergen Børs Hotel – a four star synthesis of historic and modern décor in the centre of Bergen with its own Michelin-starred restaurant.

From Bergen to Oslo

From Bergen, travel by train to Myrdal before transferring to the famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard gauge lines in the world. Stay for two nights in Flåm. Enjoy a boat trip from Flåm along the stunning Sognefjord before continuing via the Flåmsbana back to Oslo for a three-night stay.

While in Oslo, delve into Scandinavian history with a visit to the Bygdøy Peninsula, home to five national museums, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum. The Akershus Fortress, a 14th-century stronghold strategically located at the tip of the headland, is also worth exploring. For a tranquil escape, visit Frogner Park, home to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, which features over 200 striking sculptures and is one of Norway’s top attractions.

Stay at the Hotel Bristol - the first of the Thon hotel brand in Norway and a historic, four-star landmark in the city with ornate decorations and chandeliers.

Onwards to Trondheim

Next, head north on the Dovre Line, changing at Dombås for the Rauma Line. This scenic route winds through the Romsdalen Valley, passing iconic landmarks such as the Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen wall, as well as the remote beauty of Reinheimen National Park. With 32 bridges and six tunnels, the journey is an unforgettable experience. Arrive in Åndalsnes and stay for one night, known as Norway’s mountaineering capital, before continuing on the Dovre Line to Trondheim, the country’s ancient capital.

Trondheim, situated along the Trondheimfjord, is Norway’s third-largest city and home to Nidaros Cathedral, the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. Once the coronation site of Norwegian kings, it is now open to visitors. Wander the charming streets of Bakklandet, lined with colorful wooden warehouses, or take in panoramic views of the city from the top of Tyholttårnet, Norway’s tallest building. For a fascinating day trip, take the Røros Line to the UNESCO-listed town of Røros, a historic mining settlement with a well-preserved traditional mountain village.

Stay in the Britannia Hotel in Trondheim for three nights, a 5-star hotel in the city-centre, recently refurbished with four restaurants, two bars and a spa.

Final stop in Bodø

Finally, depart Trondheim aboard the Nordland Railway—also known as the Polar Express—on a breathtaking 10-hour journey across the Saltfjellet mountain range to Bodø. Stay here for two nights at the Wood Hotel – an outdoor resort just 7 minutes from the city centre with cosy rooms and incredible sea views.

Final thoughts

Waterfalls, mountains, fjords and spectacular natural scenery – visible from the comfort of up to six scenic railways! We cannot recommend this enough for exploring Norway. Take a look here at our Grand rail tour.