🚞 What makes the Oslo–Trondheim (Dovrebanen) railway route unique
Dovrebanen is a one-day ‘cross-section’ of central Norway: the lake shores of Mjøsa, the rivers and farms of Gudbrandsdalen, the mountain plateau of Dovrefjell and the wide open spaces towards Trondheim. The train journey takes about 7 hours, gently changing the climate and terrain, and in the highlands you have a chance to spot musk oxen (if you're lucky, you'll see their silhouettes on patches of snow from the window). Comfort, panoramic views and convenient connections make this line ideal for a first encounter with ‘inner’ Norway.
🗺️ What you will see along the way — areas ‘with character’
- Oslo → Mjøsa: Norway's largest lake horizon, the white towns of Eidsvoll/Hamar.
- Lillehammer → Gudbrandsdalen: river terraces, farms and stave churches in the distance.
- Dombås → Dovrefjell Plateau: tundra hummocks, snow tongues, the Snøhetta massif on the horizon.
- Oppdal → Gaula → Trondheim: deep gorges, a wide valley and the approach to the historic city.
🧭 Step-by-step route timeline
🪑 Where to sit by the window and how to take photos ‘on the move’
- Lake Mjøsa: when travelling north, it is often better to sit on the left side, as the shore and water are closer to you.
- Dovrefjell: views on both sides; change sides in the vestibule between carriages (without blocking the passage).
Blur-free photos: keep 1/500–1/1000 during the day, ISO 200–400; reflect in the window — press your palm/hood against the glass.
🚉 Useful stops and ‘branches’
- Lillehammer: the old town centre, Olympic venues, open-air museum — good for a day break.
- Dombås: a hub for the mountains. From here, the Raumabanen departs for Ondalsnes (the bridge over the Rauma and the Troll Wall — an excellent day trip).
- Oppdal: a base for trekking and fishing.
- Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral, quays with warehouses, warm gastronomy.
🧩 Combo plans for 1/2/3 days
Day 2: Åndalsnes → Dombås → Trondheim.
Day 2: Lillehammer → Dombås → Oppdal (overnight / light trekking).
Day 3: Oppdal → Trondheim.
🌤️ When to go and what to expect from the seasons
- June–August: long days, green valleys, light warm haze over the plateau.
- September–October: ‘golden’ foliage, clear air, the most contrasting views.
- November–March: snow, hoarfrost and blue silence on Dovrefjell; colder, but cosy on the train.
- Wind and delays: weather delays are possible in the mountains — plan for a 1–2 hour buffer for connections.
🧩 Seasonal calendar
Photo cheat sheet from a train window
- Day: f/5.6–8 · 1/500–1/1000 · ISO 100–400; keep the lens close to the glass.
- Cloudy/twilight: 1/125–1/250, ISO 800–1600; shoot in bursts, rest your elbow on something.
- Smartphone: HDR, turn on the grid, use the 2-second timer, don't press against the very centre of the window — move away from glare.
🧩 Mini-master of settings
🦌 Woolly sheep and observation safety
On Dovrefjell, you can sometimes see woolly sheep — silhouettes on the plateau. These are wild and powerful animals: if you plan to go hiking on other days, go with a guide, keep a very large distance and do not approach them for the sake of a photo. From the train, we can admire them safely from a distance; binoculars are welcome.
🎒 Checklist for travelling by train
💵 Estimated budget calculator (ticket + food + options)
🧭 Practical tips for a successful trip
- Time buffer: arrive early for boarding; weather delays are possible in mountainous areas.
- Food and water: not all trains have a café car, and it may be closed — bring a snack.
- Warmth: even in summer, it is cool on the plateau — layers will come in handy if you get off at stations.
- Ecology and etiquette: stand by the window, but do not block the aisle; when taking photos, respect the personal space of your neighbours.
- Combo ideas: add Raumabanen for a ‘mountain day’; Dovrebanen itself is a convenient link between Oslo and Trondheim without a flight.
Conclusion: Dovrebanen is a convenient and cinematic corridor through the heart of Norway. Sit by the window, bring layers and snacks, set a buffer — and in one day you will have a ‘journey through four landscapes’ and, if you wish, a ‘bonus day’ on Raumabanen.
❓FAQ
On average, about 7 hours for a direct connection between Oslo and Trondheim. Take into account the season and possible weather delays in the mountains — keep a buffer for transfers.
On the Oslo → Mjøsa section, when travelling north, the left side is usually better (the water is closer). On Dovrefjell, both sides are beautiful; The logic is simple: change sides depending on the light and the terrain.
Sometimes — yes, but it's a matter of luck: they are visible as dark spots against the background of snow/tundra. To be sure, you need separate guided walking tours and a long observation distance.
Dovrebanen is more mountainous and panoramic (Dovrefjell plateau). Rørosbanen is rural, intimate and slower; it is a good ‘quiet’ alternative for the return journey.
Lillehammer (city + museums), Dombås (junction on Raumabanen), Oppdal (trekking). In Trondheim — Nidaros Cathedral, old embankments.
Press your visor/palm against the glass, turn off the flash and auto-ISO ‘to the ceiling’, keep 1/500–1/1000 during the day. Smartphone — HDR and elbow support.
Sometimes yes, but bring your own snacks and water: the selection and opening hours depend on the train and the day.
Yes — a light hat/buff and fleece will come in handy if you plan to get off at stations high in the mountains: it is always cool on the plateau.
Yes: go to Dombås on Raumabanen to Ondalnes, return the same way and continue to Trondheim — you will get a ‘mountain insert’ without changing bases.
Of course. Bring layers, snacks, educational toys/games and choose window seats: children will be interested in watching how nature changes from lake to tundra.
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