Rail holidays to Norway

Scenic rail journeys of Norway

Norway’s size and variety of landscapes make it the perfect location for scenic rail journeys, and we incorporate a number of these in our holiday itineraries. The Flåm railway, which runs between the villages of Flåm and Myrdal on the southern banks of the Sognefjord, is one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world and takes you past dramatic mountainsides, tumbling waterfalls and awe-inspiring canyons. Myrdal is also a stop on the incredible Bergen Railway line which runs between the cities of Oslo and Bergen. Cross the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau, and pass through several popular ski resorts, keeping an eye out for some of Norway’s spectacular wildlife. Further north, the Nordland Railway is Europe’s longest line and runs between Trondheim and Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle in the Saltfjellet mountain range. This can be done as a night train journey, but to get the full experience we recommend embarking on the 10-hour trip during the day. These journeys can either be the focus of the holiday or incorporated into a longer touring itinerary.

Rail tours of Norway

Expressions Holidays offers tours of Norway for individuals (you don’t join a group on a set departure date) which incorporate rail travel as both a means of traversing the vast distances and as a scenic attraction it its own right. These tours vary in length and usually involve flying to and from Norway before continuing either by train or car. There is also a variety of destination type offered: choose to focus on Norway’s cities such as Trondheim and Oslo, or else venture further north and experience Arctic Norway from the comfort of your train carriage. Due to the conditions in the far north of the country, Norway’s railway system finishes in Bodø, but you may wish to continue by car and/or ferry to experience more of what Norway’s Arctic regions have to offer. You can travel on any date of your choice subject to restrictions based on whether conditions in certain regions and you can extend the stay in any of the places included.

Flåmsbana

Flåm to Myrdal, just 20 kms in length, but one of the steepest standard gauge lines in the world, constructed between 1923 and 1940, with 80% of the journey running on a gradient of 5.5%. There are 20 tunnels, with one taking a 180 degree turn inside the mountain. Myrdal is a stop on the Oslo to Bergen route, so the connection with the Flåmsbana is from there. This journey is featured of our Oslo, the Sognefjord and Bergen touring holiday.

Bergen Railway

Oslo to Bergen, which runs across the Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau (about 7 hours). This connects with the Flåm Railway.

Nordland Line

Also known as the Polar Express, from Trondheim to Bodø – 729 kms, about 10 hours. This crosses 293 bridges and travels through 154 tunnels, into the Arctic Circle. The route crosses the Saltfjellet mountain range. There is a good chance of seeing reindeer and even sea eagles. The train also passes several sites of historic interest including many from World War II. In spring and early summer, the landscape outside the window will be full of blooming flowers and plants. If you don’t want to complete the journey in one day, there are several places to break the journey and explore: Verdal, Steinkjer, Lassemoen, Majavatn, Mosjøen (at the geographic centre of Norway), Mo i Rana, Lønsdal, Valnesfjord. From Bodø take the ferry or express ferry to the Lofoten islands, Salten or the Helgeland coast.

Dovre railway

From Oslo to Trondheim – 485 kms, about 6.5 hours. Opened officially in 1921 but it took 70 years to complete. The route passes through the picturesque Gudbrandsdalen valley and crosses the Dovrefjell mountain plateau. This area is a national park and home to 300 wild musk ox. Stations along this route connect to the Rauma Line, the Nordland Line and the Røros Line.

Rauma Line

From Dombås to Åndalsnes, a branch line of the Dovre railway, 115 kms long and takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. The route passes through the Romsdalen valley and passes sites such as the Kylling Bridge and the Trollvegen wall, as well as going through the remote Reinheimen National Park. The track has 32 bridges and six tunnels.

Røros Line

From Hamar to Trondheim. The route is 431 kms long and takes about six hours. You can reach Hamar from Oslo in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From May to September, there is also a direct train on this line from Oslo to Trondheim. The Røros Line runs along the Glomma river, through forests and the historic, mining town of Røros (whose history dates from 1644 when copper was discovered in the mountains outside the town). Today the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are also many charming, historic station buildings along the way.

Narvik to Stockholm

This journey of about 16 hours leaving Narvik at 15.10 and arriving at Stockholm central station at 9.25 the next morning. There are daily departures. There is a variety on accommodation on-board but we recommend taking the sole occupancy of a 3-berth compartment.

Sørlandet Line

The route from Oslo to Stavanger takes eight hours. The train travels south to Kristiansand, through areas of forest, mountains and coast and then continues north-west to Egersund where it runs on the same route as the Jaeren railway. There is also a night train from Oslo to Stavanger with sleeping compartments. Stops en route might be at Kristiansand, Flekkefjord and Egersund. Or, change trains at Nelaug onto the Arendalsbanen Line which takes you to the charming coastal town of Arendal.