Bergensbanen
Photo: Kabelleger / David Gubler, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bergensbanen, translating literally to Bergen Line, is no doubt one of the most scenic train journeys one can take anywhere in the world. The 371-kilometre-long train journey connects the Norwegian capital of Oslo to the country's second-largest city of Bergen, taking about 6–7 hours in total.
UnderstandThe Bergensbanen is one of Norway's most scenic railway lines. Running from the capital, Oslo, it cuts across the Hardangervidda Plateau, all the way to the West Coast city of Bergen.
PrepareFor travel on regional trains operated by Vy (formerly NSB) along the Oslo–Bergen route, an advance (free) seat reservation is mandatory and is purchased alongside your ticket.
Get inThose wishing to cycle the Rallarvegen (de), the old workers' road running alongside the Bergensbanen dating back to the railway's construction, can get off at Haugastøl, cycle the ~80 km to Myrdal, and then take the…
GoThe Bergensbanen has 21 stations along its route. Some are suburban stations within Oslo, others serve reasonably-sized towns (for Norwegian standards), while some truly drop you in the middle of the countryside.
Eat and drinkAll Vy services, including the Bergensbanen, have a dedicated café car. The specific English menu can be found on Vy's website. Beer, cider and wine are also sold in the café car.
SleepIf you're taking the once-daily sleeper train, you have four options, with the cheapest usually starting at about 400 kr.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Bergensbanen" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Kabelleger / David Gubler, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons