🚂 Why the Oslo–Bergen route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world

The Bergensbanen train connects the capital Oslo with the coastal city of Bergen, taking you through kaleidoscopic landscapes in ~6.5–7.5 hours: from the lakes and valleys of Hallingdal to the windy high-altitude plateau of Hardangervidda, then down to waterfalls, gorges and the mild maritime climate on the outskirts of Bergen. The highlight is the section around Finses (the highest station on the route), where the altitude exceeds 1,200 metres and the views are of a glacier and an endless plateau. It's a “postcard of Norway” in one trip — without the need to hire a car or deal with complicated logistics.

🏆 What makes the Bergen Road truly special

• Contrasting landscapes. In one day, you will see valleys and farms, mirror-like lakes, snow-covered plateaus, gorges and waterfalls, and finally, gentle hills by the sea.
• The Hardangervidda highlands. The train runs above the tree line: harsh panoramas, snowfields even in late spring, the feeling of being on the ‘roof of Norway’.
• Engineering beauty. Tunnels, snow galleries and viaducts, thanks to which the line operates all year round.
• Accessibility and convenience. Frequent services, cafés and almost entirely seated carriages — suitable for families and older travellers.
• Connection with Flåmsbanen. At Myrdal station, change to the legendary Flåmsbanen to the fjord (ideal for 1-2 day ‘combo’ routes).

🗺️ The route: sections and ‘wow’ moments

• Oslo S → Hønefoss / Gol / Geilo. The forests and lakes of eastern Norway, the gentle valleys of Hallingdal.
• Geilo → Haugastøl → Finse. Exit to the highlands, stone fields, snow patches and wind ripples on the lakes.
• Finse → Myrdal. Transition to the ‘fjord’ mountains, sharper contrasts in the relief.
• Myrdal → Voss. Waterfalls, gorges and green slopes — the gateway to the fjords.
• Voss → Bergen. Tunnels and gentle coastal landscape, finishing in the capital of Western Norway.

💡 The direction does not matter. On the Oslo→Bergen route, the plateau and descent to the sea are beautifully revealed; on the return route, the ascent to Finså. Adjust to a convenient flight and weather conditions.

⏱️ How long does the trip take and when is the best time to go?

• Travel time: approximately 6.5–7.5 hours one way.
• Best time of day: morning/afternoon — better chances of light over the plateau and photos without ‘noisy’ ISO. Evening flights are comfortable, but some of the views may be at dusk (especially in autumn/winter).
• Buffer for transfers: if you are connecting with Flåmsbanen or domestic flights/ferries, allow 30–60 minutes.

🌦️ Seasons and types: what to expect by month

• May–September. Green valleys, powerful waterfalls, long days. There may still be snow on the plateau in May–June.
• April and October. Changeable weather, fewer people; rare snowstorms and fog are possible on the plateau.
• November–March. Snow and ‘lunar’ panoramas on Hardangervidda, short daylight hours, slippery platforms. It is warm on the train, but there may be draughts at the doors and in the vestibules — dress in layers.

🎫 Tickets, seats, luggage: what you need to know

• Tickets. Choose a convenient flight time; during peak months, it is better to plan ahead.
• Seats. Some trains have free seating, while others have assigned seating according to the crew's instructions/carriages; follow the information boards and staff instructions.
• Where to sit. The view is beautiful on both sides — the landscape ‘rolls’ by. Look for a clean window without scratches, glare or water droplets.
• Luggage. The more compact, the more convenient. Suitcases go in the designated areas, backpacks go under the seat or on the shelf.
• Food. Bring water and snacks: you don't want to miss the views because of the queues in the café car.
• Clothing. The carriage is warm, but there may be a draught near the doors; on the platforms and in Bergen, there is wind and rain. Layers, a membrane, and a hat are recommended all year round.

📍 Where to stop along the way (and how to fit in Flåm Railway)

• Finset. High mountains and views of the glacier; in summer — trails of varying difficulty, in winter — skiing activities (for the prepared). An atmospheric stop ‘in the middle of nowhere’ for the sake of the panoramic views.
• Myrdal. A hub for transferring to the Flåmsbanen — the perfect combo day with a fjord cruise.
• Voss. A convenient base for active recreation (cable cars, lakes, trails) and more budget-friendly accommodation.

🪟 Where to sit and how to take photos: mini-guide

• Side of the carriage. Views ‘roll by’. On ascents/descents to Fins — both sides are good; a clean window without glare is more important than ‘left/right’.
• Photo tips. Shoot at an angle to the glass, cover the lens with a cloth/buff, turn off the flash. In tunnels, keep the exposure shorter than 1/250, on the plateau — be prepared for gusts of wind on the platform.
• Best light. Daytime/early evening in summer provides a soft, voluminous image and cloud ‘texture’ on the plateau.

⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Tight connections with Flomsbanen/cruise. Allow extra time — mountains love surprises.
• Inappropriate clothing. A train carriage is not the street: but it is damp and windy on the platforms and in Bergen. Layers, membrane, closed shoes.
• Plan for dusk in autumn/winter. Book a daytime flight to see the plateau in daylight.
• Bet on ‘only one side’ for photos. A clean window and a willingness to move around the carriage when permitted are key.
• Waiting for the Northern Lights. At this latitude, it is a rarity; to see it, you have to fly north (Tromsø, Lofoten).

🧭 Ready-made options (substitute convenient times)

⏳ 1 day: ‘non-stop’

Oslo → Bergen direct flight: morning departure, daytime plateau, evening walk in Bergen. Maximum views in one daylight hour.

🔗 1–2 days: with Flåmsbanen

Oslo → Myrdal (transfer) → Flåm (Flåmsbanen) → fjord cruise → bus to Voss → train to Bergen (or overnight stay in Flåm/Voss and finish the next day).

🏔️ 2 days: with a stop on the plateau

Day 1: Oslo → Finse (walk on the plateau, overnight stay). Day 2: Finse → Bergen (via Myrdal and Voss). Atmospheric and unhurried.

🌄 3–4 days: ‘with taste’

Add a day in Bergen (Bryggen, Fløyen) and/or Voss (cable car, walks). If you are travelling in summer, add another day for easy trails near Geilo.

Conclusion: the Oslo–Bergen route is like a ‘Norwegian movie’ in one day: highlands, waterfalls, valleys and coastline. If you want to see the country in its natural changing scenery, hop on a train. And if you have a little more time, add Finsete, Myrdal with Flåm Railway or Voss — and you'll have the perfect first (or repeat) route through Norway.