Mr NordicNorway is a beautiful country to explore with your own car or camper during the summer months. Via Denmark you drive over bridges to Sweden or with one of the many ferries you sail directly to Norway. From there you immediately start your tour of Norway, through the land of beautiful fjords, high mountains and rugged nature. Another unique way to explore this beautiful country is by train. The ride from Oslo to Bergen with the Bergensbanen is one of the most beautiful train journeys you can make in Europe, according to Lonely Planet.
Leaving Oslo by train
With a start or end to your trip to Oslo you can take the time to discover this special capital of Norway. Oslo lies beautifully between the vast Norwegian forests and on the Oslofjord. There is much to see in the city, from nature, culture to modern architecture. The City Hall is beautifully situated on the harbor of Oslo. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year in this striking building.
The route that the train travels between Oslo and Bergen in Norway (also known as the Bergensbanen) is called one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe
Continue your way to Akershus. This castle was built in 1299 and has been adapted several times in the following years. The castle used to protect Oslo and the Oslofjord from invaders. Nowadays it can be visited and there is a museum located.
Another beautiful landmark in Oslo is the modern Opera House. Just like its iconic Australian counterpart, the Opera House is on the water and is a beautiful building on the boulevard and close to the town hall. A maximum of 1,364 people can attend a show. Skaters can enjoy themselves on the roof of the Opera House, but it will also give a wonderful view of Oslo to other people.
Bergensbanen
After a few days in Oslo you continue your journey with the Bergensbanen. The Oslo – Bergen Railway. It is also the highest main railway line in Europe and reaches a maximum height of 1200 meters above sea level. It is pure enjoyment during the journey of 6-7 hours. Do not take the time for a book, but look outside and enjoy the view as the train drills its way through the Norwegian landscape. Slowly but surely the train gets higher and higher and from the “warm” Oslo you can even see the snow on the tops of the Norwegian mountains even in the middle of the summer. Awesome!
Arriving in Bergen
The 6-7 hour journey will undoubtedly have flown by when you arrive at Bergen station. It is the second largest city in Norway in terms of size, but when you walk through the center it feels just like a small village. In the center you quickly see the colored houses on the harbor. The Bryggen are a series of old trading houses, which nowadays have shops. Since 1979, the buildings have also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
From a tourist point of view, Bergen is perhaps Norway’s most popular destination. Not only the city itself is interesting, Bergen is also a great destination as a base. Think not only of the fjord cruises, but also of the fabulous train ride around the town of Flåm. Most tourists stay one or two days in the mountains themselves. That is basically enough to see the highlights of the city.
Bergen is also the ideal base to discover the spectacular Norwegian fjords. The city, itself situated in a mountainous cove, is called the “Gateway to the Fjords” for a reason.
You will experience a holiday in Bergen in Norway’s second city, a place with colorful wooden houses, fresh fish from the sea and an energetic student life. The university town on the Norwegian west coast is literally named after the surrounding landscape, seven mountains that offer endless possibilities for walks and outdoor activities.
The Bergensbanen train journey between Oslo and Bergen can be made both ways, the train will then follow the same route. So you can also go from Bergen to Oslo.
To take a walk and at the same time get a wonderful view over the city of Bergen, take the Fløibanen cable car up to the top of the Fløyen. One of the seven Bergen, from which the city owes its name. At the end of the cable car you will find a beautiful vantage point and a restaurant. Various hiking trails across the mountain also start from here.
Cruise
From the port of Bergen many cruises depart daily through the nearby Fjords of Bergen. A cruise on one of the ships is a relaxed way to see something more of the area and from the water. You can see waterfalls entering the fjord and sea birds. All in all a great ending to a special Norway trip.
Last Updated on September 22, 2019
