The Beautiful Bergen Line

After saying goodbye to our friends in Oslo, (click here to read that post), we headed to Oslo Sentralstasjon to catch the train to Bergen.

This seven hour train ride between Oslo and Bergen is considered to be one of the most scenic train-lines in all of Europe. This stunning ride twists past waterfalls, fjords, lakes, valleys, mountains, lush landscapes, and was one of the highlights of our Norway trip.

As we left Oslo we went through tunnels for a least 30 minutes as we passed through commercial and industrial areas. Soon after, the landscape changed to the beautiful autumn colors we had been enjoying since arriving in Norway.

Eventually we could feel the train climbing up and up to Hardangervidda Plateau, where the landscape changed from autumn to winter.

As we descended from the plateau, winter changed back to autumn again, with bright blue skies, golden trees, and brilliant amber foliage.

Unfortunately for us, we had to get off the train in Voss and take a bus for the last 90 minutes of the ride due to maintenance work on the tracks. I hear this is a particularly beautiful section of the ride, most of which was obstructed during the bus ride. C’est la vie.

Here are some interesting facts about the Bergen Line:

1. The route covers 308 miles (496 km) and has been in operation for over 100 years.

2. When crossing Hardangervidda Plateau at 4,058 feet (1,237m) the train reaches the highest elevation of any train-line in Northern Europe.

3. There are 180 tunnels along the route, many of them located as the train leaves Oslo.

4. I found the most interesting feature of the Bergen Line to be the twin sisters Gudrun and Halldis Folkedal, also known as the Locomotwins, who are both regular drivers on the route. They say they have the best office view in the world and both love being drivers. Click here to read more about these amazing sisters and their passion for the Bergen Line.

Click here for additional information regarding train times and ticket prices for the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line).

Next week I’ll write about our time in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city.

Have you taken the train to Bergen? Even if you haven’t, I would love to hear from you.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia