Travel Trends & Tips

The Most Scenic Rail Journeys in Norway

Travel Blog

Author: Paul Tavener, Owner Marvellous Escapes Mar 06, 2026 05 Minutes Read

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There are few countries where rail travel feels quite so cinematic as it does in Norway. Here, tracks thread their way between towering mountains, trace the edges of mirror-still fjords, and sweep across vast, untouched plateaus. A Norway rail holiday is never simply about getting from A to B — it is about immersion in landscapes that feel both dramatic and deeply serene.

For travellers seeking truly unforgettable scenic train journeys, Norway offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Europe. From iconic routes that descend from high mountain stations to sea-level fjords, to sweeping cross-country lines that carry you through Arctic wilderness, exploring Norway fjords by train is as inspiring as it is effortless.

Below, we explore some of the most remarkable routes that showcase Norway’s most scenic train journeys, combining comfort, spectacle and a sense of adventure.

THE FLÅM RAILWAY

No list of scenic train journeys in Norway would be complete without the legendary Flåm Railway. Often described as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, this short yet spectacular route runs between the mountain station of Myrdal and the fjord-side village of Flåm.

In just under an hour, the train descends nearly 900 metres, navigating steep gradients and hairpin bends. Waterfalls tumble beside the track; snow-capped peaks rise overhead, and emerald valleys unfold beneath vast Nordic skies. The famous Kjosfossen waterfall provides a dramatic highlight, particularly in late spring and early summer, when meltwater surges at full force.

Arriving in Flåm places you at the heart of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord. It is here that travellers truly appreciate the magic of experiencing Norway fjords by train — stepping directly from panoramic carriage to waterfront village in a matter of moments.

THE BERGEN LINE

Connecting Oslo and Bergen, the Bergen Line is a triumph of engineering and scenery alike. Crossing the vast Hardangervidda plateau — Europe’s highest mountain plateau — this route delivers a sense of scale that is uniquely Norwegian.

In winter, snow blankets the landscape in near-Arctic silence; in summer, wildflowers scatter colour across the tundra. The remote station of Finse, accessible only by rail or on foot, feels like a frontier outpost perched high above the tree line.

As the train descends towards Bergen, the terrain softens and fjords begin to appear. For those wishing to experience Norway’s fjords by train, this line forms the backbone of many itineraries, linking city, mountain and coast in one seamless sweep. The journey takes around seven hours, yet every moment reminds you why it is considered one of Norway’s most scenic rail journeys.

NORDLAND LINE

For those seeking something truly extraordinary, the Nordland Line offers a journey into the Arctic. Running from Trondheim to Bodø, this route crosses the Arctic Circle and stretches across 700 kilometres of varied terrain.

Expect vast lakes reflecting endless skies, pine forests that thin into tundra and distant mountain ranges etched against the horizon. In winter, the possibility of glimpsing the Northern Lights adds an ethereal dimension, making for one of the best winter train journeys. In summer, near-midnight sun bathes the landscape in golden light.

Although the Nordland Line ventures far north, it still connects seamlessly with coastal routes, making it another compelling way to experience Norway’s fjords by train as part of a wider Norwegian adventure.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

There is something undeniably refined about drifting past waterfalls, glaciers, and cobalt-blue inlets without lifting a finger. Norway’s trains combine engineering brilliance with understated comfort, transforming travel into an experience in its own right. For those drawn to exceptional scenic train journeys, Norway offers a collection of routes that feel both exclusive and elemental — and exploring Norway fjords by train remains one of the most elegant ways to encounter this extraordinary landscape.

If you are ready to plan your rail holiday of a lifetime, then get in touch with our expert team to begin planning.