🚂 Why you should choose the Northern Norway Railway (Nordlandsbanen) route
Nordlandsbanen is Norway's northernmost railway line, connecting Trondheim and Bodo in approximately 9.5–10 hours. Along the way, you will see the Namdal and Helgeland valleys, mountain plateaus, lakes, river canyons and cross the Arctic Circle on the Saltfjellet plateau between Mu-i-Rana and Fauske. This route is designed for those who want to see the harsh and beautiful nature of the North without leaving the comfort of the train: sit by the window, drink coffee and watch the landscape change from gentle fjord shores to Arctic tundra.
🧭 What is this line and what makes it special?
- Route: Trondheim S ↔ Bodø with key stops along the way (Steinkjer, Mosjøen, Mo i Rana, Lønsdal, Fauske).
- Special feature: the only line in the Norwegian network that crosses the Arctic Circle (Saltfjellet area).
- Trip formats: daytime ‘panoramic’ trip or night train with seating/sleeping accommodations; many combine a day trip one way and a night trip the other way.
- For whom: for lovers of vast landscapes, leisurely travel, photo hunting for northern hues, and in winter — for the northern lights (when the sky is clear and dark).
🏆 9 reasons to add Nordlandsbanen to your itinerary
- Contrasting landscapes in one day: valleys, plateaus, tundra expanses and coastline.
- The Arctic Circle ‘live’: a rare opportunity to cross it by train.
- Flexibility: stops in interesting towns along the way (Mosjøen, Mo i Rana) and a convenient finish in Bodo.
- Access to spectacular ‘add-ons’: Saltstraumen (powerful tidal currents), Lofoten (ferry from Bodo), islands and coastal trails.
- Day vs night: in summer — white nights and soft ‘cinematic’ light; in winter — a chance to catch the aurora.
- Comfort: large windows, café car (on some trains), power sockets in carriages, warm saloons.
- Eco-friendly: huge distances — no car needed.
- Photogenic in any weather: fog and low clouds are not a hindrance here, but rather part of the scenery.
- Painless logistics: start from the major hub of Trondheim and finish in Bodo with its airport/port.
🗺️ The route: key sections and ‘wow’ moments
- Trondheim → Steinhjer: the green fields of Trøndelag, bays and farms — a gentle start.
- Steinhjer → Grong (Namdalen): the Namsen River, forests and sedge bogs; more ‘wildness’.
- Grong → Mosjøen (Helseland): lakes, mountain spurs, the wooden centre of Mosjøen — a cosy place for a short stop.
- Mosjøen → Mo i Rana: valleys, lakes and the ‘entrance’ to the mountain belt north of the Arctic Circle.
- Mu-i-Rana → Lendsdal (Saltfjellet): climb up to the plateau; sparse forest gives way to tundra landscapes. This is where the Arctic Circle crosses.
- Lendsdal → Fauske → Bodo: a gentle descent to the sea, bays and northern lights; in Bodo — a spacious harbour and island panoramas.
💡 The direction is not critical. If you want to see the plateau during the day, take a daytime flight in the direction where the light hits the middle of the journey.
📏 Key facts (guidelines)
- Line length: ~730 km.
- Travel time: ~9.5–10 hours (one way).
- Climate and views: from coastal valleys to Arctic tundra on the Saltfjellet plateau.
- Arctic Circle: crossed at approximately 66°33′ north latitude between Mu-i-Rana and Fauske.
- Day/night: daytime flight — for panoramic views; night-time flight — for sleeping and ‘saving’ daylight hours.
🌤️ When to go: seasons and light
- May–September: green slopes, velvety light, long days; closer to the north — white nights/polar day at the height of summer.
- October: golden autumn, fog, dramatic clouds.
- November–March: snowy panoramas, short days, northern lights in clear weather and darkness.
- April: a mix of seasons: snow on the plateau and spring in the valleys.
🎫 Logistics and locations: how to travel comfortably
- Daytime train: for panoramic views, photos and the feeling of the ‘changing ribbon’ of the North.
- Night train: saves daytime hours; during the dark season, you can ‘catch’ the glow from the window between lit sections.
- Seats in the carriage: views ‘roll’ from side to side — a clean window is more important than the side. On some trains, seating is free, so follow the crew's instructions.
- Luggage/pram: the more compact, the easier; there are designated areas for luggage.
- Food: bring water and snacks — you don't want to ‘trade’ the gorgeous views for queues.
- Clothing: layers, membrane, hat/buff all year round; platforms (especially in the north) can be windy and slippery.
A clean window without scratches or reflections matters more than “left vs right”. If safe and allowed, change sides at stops to vary viewpoints.
Shoot at an angle to the glass, press a dark cloth or buff to the lens, and turn off the flash.
When moving, keep shutter faster than 1/250s; on windy plateaus secure the camera well to reduce blur.
For aurora shots pick the darkest stretches and minimize interior light — cover screens and dim cabin lights where possible.
🧭 Stops and ‘add-ons’ along the way
- Mosjøen. Atmospheric wooden centre, waterfront, short walks.
- Mo i Rana. Gateway to Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park; in summer — trails, caves/caverns in the surrounding area.
- Lønsdal. Access to the Saltfjellet plateau; for lovers of tundra walks in the warm season.
- Fauske. A convenient hub before Bodø.
- Bodø. Cable cars/viewpoints, islands, beaches, Saltstraumen (tidal whirlpools). There is a ferry from Bodø to Lofoten (Moskenes) — an ideal continuation of the route.
💵 Budget: quick guide (+ calculator)
- Train, seated: varies depending on season/date.
- Sleeping accommodation (overnight): additional charge to seated fare.
- Overnight stays along the way: Mosjøen/Mu-i-Rana/Bodo — convenient bases.
- Add-ons: cable cars/excursions/ferry to Lofoten — separate fares.
🧩 Insert: simple budget calculator (approximate ranges)
📸 Photo spots and mini tips
- Saltfjellet / Lendsdal: tundra landscapes and Arctic Circle markers — keep your shutter speed fast and your exposure short.
- Lakes north of Mu-i-Rana: mirror-like surfaces and patches of snow even in summer.
- Approach to Bude: bays, islands, light ‘through the clouds’ — beautiful on a cloudy day.
- Namdalen: river and forest glades — work well in early/evening light.
Saltfjellet (Saltfjellet Plateau)
Tundra, patches of snow and the Arctic Circle markers — classic wide-frame scenes.
Approach to Bodø
Coastal bays and islands; the light strips across water feel distinctly northern.
Namdalen Valley
River corridors and forest clearings — excellent for multi-shot panoramas.
Mosjøen Town
Wooden architecture, bridges and the waterfront — great for atmospheric walking shots.
⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Trying to ‘guess’ the only correct side of the carriage. Views come from both sides; a clean window and a willingness to move around are what count.
- Tight connections in Bodo/along the way. Allow for buffers for ferries/excursions and night flights.
- Underestimating the weather. It is windy and cool on the plateau even in summer; layers and a membrane are essential.
- Planning ‘everything in one day’: if you want Lofoten/Saltstraumen, add a day or two.
- Ignoring the light: for ‘wow’ panoramas, a daytime flight is better, especially for the Saltfjellet section.
🧭 Ready-made route options
⏳ Day 1: ‘panorama in one day’
Trondheim → Bodo (daytime flight) → evening by the sea; return trip the next day.
🌙 1.5 days: ‘day there, night back’
Daytime — Trondheim → Bodo (panoramas), night — night train Bodo → Trondheim (sleeping accommodation).
🏘️ 2–3 days: with stops
Day 1: Trondheim → Mosjøen (overnight stay).
Day 2: Mosjøen → Mu-i-Rana → Bodo (overnight stay).
Day 3: Saltstraumen/islands, walks, departure.
⛴️ 4–5 days: ‘Northern Combo Tour’
Nordlandsbanen → Bodo (overnight) → Lofoten (ferry; 2–3 nights) → return via Bodo → train.
Conclusion: Nordlandsbanen is a long but very eventful ‘movie train’ of the North: from the gentle fjords of Trøndelag to the tundra of Saltfjellet and the rugged beauty of the Bodo coast. If you want to experience the scale and light of northern Norway, take a seat by the window and let the road take you across the Arctic Circle.
❓FAQ
On the Saltfjellet plateau between Mu-i-Rana and Fauske, near Lensdal station. From the window, you can see characteristic tundra landscapes and markers.
If you are travelling for the scenery, take the day train: all the action is on the plateau and towards Bodo. The night train is good for saving daylight hours; in the dark season, it gives you a chance to see the aurora from the window (if you are lucky with the sky).
Yes. There are luggage areas on trains; prams are also allowed. Arrive early for boarding and keep an eye on your belongings — platforms in the north can be narrow and slippery.
Both sides are beautiful; it is more important to have a clean window without scratches or glare. Change sides at stops if possible and permitted.
In winter — yes, it is possible if: (1) it is dark, (2) it is clear, (3) there is aurora activity. Turn off your screen backlight and look at the northern horizon in dark areas.
Closer to Bude in summer — white nights and very short twilight; at the height of summer, the northern areas go into almost continuous daylight mode.
On some trains, yes. But queues distract from the views, so it's better to bring water and a light snack with you. Power outlets are often available, but check the specific train.
In summer and on weekends, it's better to do so: you can secure convenient seats/flights and connections (ferry, plane). It's less crowded in the off-season, but you should still arrive early for boarding.
Layers + a membrane jacket, closed shoes with protective soles, a light hat/buff — even in summer, it is cool and windy on the plateau.
Finish in Bodo: Saltstraumen is a short trip from the city; Lofoten is accessible by the Bodo–Moskenes ferry. It is best to allow at least 2–3 days for the islands.
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