Norway by Train: The Most Scenic Railway Itinerary

Day 1-2: Oslo

Oslo is the perfect place to begin your Norway itinerary. While it’s often overlooked compared to the fjords, it gives you an easy introduction to the country before diving into more remote and logistically complex regions. The city is clean, compact, and very easy to navigate, making it ideal for the first couple of days of your trip. Spend your time exploring the waterfront, visiting a few museums, and adjusting to Norwegian prices (which can be a bit of a shock at first). Oslo has a relaxed, modern feel, and it’s a great place to ease into the slower pace of travel in Norway.

Oslo is the perfect place to begin your Norway itinerary. While it’s often overlooked compared to the fjords, it gives you an easy introduction to the country before diving into more remote and logistically complex regions. The city is clean, compact, and very easy to navigate, making it ideal for the first couple of days of your trip. Spend your time exploring the waterfront, visiting a few museums, and adjusting to Norwegian prices (which can be a bit of a shock at first). Oslo has a relaxed, modern feel, and it’s a great place to ease into the slower pace of travel in Norway. You don’t need a packed itinerary here. Instead of rushing between sights, I recommend taking it slow – walking along the harbor, grabbing coffee at a local café, and enjoying the atmosphere before heading into the fjords.

Oslo is also one of the best-connected cities in Norway, which is why it works so well as a starting point for this itinerary. You’ll likely arrive either at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), which is well connected to the city center, or by train from Stockholm (highly recommend this journey!). From here onwards, you’ll take the famous Bergen Railway, one of the most scenic train routes in Europe.

Day 3-5: Flåm and nearby fjords

Now the scenic magic begins. Take the Bergen Railway west from Oslo toward Myrdal. The route crosses dramatic mountain scenery, remote plateaus, waterfalls, and some of Norway’s wildest landscapes. At Myrdal, switch to the legendary Flåm Railway (make sure to book in advance, even if you have flexible interrail – while you get a discount, Flåm Railway is not part of the interrail ticket, and books out fast!). This is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world and delivers some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery in a relatively short ride.

Once ou reach Flåm, the main highlight becomes the fjord itself. One of the best ways to experience it is by boat through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord – a narrow fjord with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and tiny villages that feel completely untouched. You have two options here:

• Fjord cruise (tourist boat): more comfortable, designed for sightseeing
• Public ferry: cheaper, less crowded, and honestly just as scenic

If accommodation in Flåm is sold out (very common in summer), or you just want a more interesting route, this is what I did: Take the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen as sightseeing (this is one of the most scenic stretches of the fjord, and you’re seeing exactly the same landscapes as the expensive cruises). Instead of returning to Flåm, stay overnight in Gudvangen, then take a bus the next day to Voss. From Voss, rejoin the train toward Bergen.

If you have more time or good weather, you can also:

• Visit the Stegastein viewpoint (one of the best fjord views)
• Rent a bike and explore the valley
• Go kayaking on the fjord

Day 6: Bergen

After a few travel-heavy days through the fjords, arriving in Bergen feels like a reset. Bergen is one of the most charming cities in Norway: colorful, compact, and surrounded by mountains and water. It has a completely different atmosphere from Oslo: more historic, more relaxed, and a bit moodier (yes, it rains a lot – but it honestly adds to the experience).

Start with the iconic Bryggen waterfront, with its colorful wooden houses and historic trading buildings. It’s touristy, but still worth seeing, especially early in the morning or in the evening when it’s quieter. One of the best things to do is take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and surrounding fjords. From there, you can walk back down if the weather is nice. Other easy highlights include the Fish Market (good for a quick walk, not necessarily for eating), the Harbor area and waterfront and Cafés and bakeries (perfect on a rainy day).

You’ll arrive in Bergen from the fjords by train either:

• via Voss → train to Bergen (if you followed the Gudvangen route)
• or via Flåm → Myrdal → Bergen (classic route)

From Bergen, you will need to return to Oslo to continue north. Instead of “wasting” a full daytime journey returning east, you can take the night train, which saves you one hotel night and one transport day. Either way, your route now shifts from classic fjords to more rugged and less touristy landscapes as you continue north toward Åndalsnes.

Day 7-8: Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is a small town surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. Compared to places like Flåm or Bergen, it feels much less touristy and more raw, with steep peaks rising straight out of the valley and endless opportunities for hiking and viewpoints. This is one of my favorite stops in Norway because it adds something completely different to the itinerary. Instead of fjords and boat trips, you get mountains, ridgelines, and that feeling of being deep in nature.

From Oslo, take the day train to Dombås, then connect to the Rauma Railway toward Åndalsnes. This route is an underrated scenic rail trip that really deserves more attention – it winds through valleys, rivers, dramatic cliffs, and some absolutely stunning Norwegian scenery.

What to do in Åndalsnes? The highlight is the hike to Rampestreken, a viewpoint overlooking the town and fjord. It’s relatively short but steep, and the views are some of the best you’ll get in Norway without doing a full-day hike. If you’re up for something more challenging try the Romsdalseggen ridge hike (long but incredible). If you prefer something easier there are great scenic walks around the valley and viewpoints accessible by car or short hikes. If you have extra time or are traveling by car, you can also visit Trollstigen (one of Norway’s most famous scenic roads) and Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical rock face).

Day 9: Trondheim

From Åndalsnes, reach Trondheim by train the same way you came, via the Rauma Railway (6-7h).

Trondheim is a charming university city with colorful wooden houses, a scenic riverfront, and a slower pace that makes it a perfect one-night stop on your way north. It’s not a place where you need to pack your schedule, but it’s definitely worth breaking up the journey here instead of traveling straight through.

The highlight is the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral, one of the most important historical landmarks in Norway. Even if you’re not usually into churches, it’s worth seeing. From there, walk along the river and across the Old Town Bridge to the colorful wooden houses lining the water – this is easily the most photogenic part of the city. Other easy things to do:

• stroll through the old town (Bakklandet)
• stop at a café along the river
• enjoy a relaxed dinner before continuing your trip

Day 10: Bodø

From Trondheim, take the night train further north to Bodø, your gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Apart from a flight, this is one of the best ways to maximize your time, since northern Norway distances get serious.

By the time you reach Bodø, you’ve officially made it to northern Norway, and the landscape starts to feel different again. Bodø itself is not a major sightseeing destination, but it plays an important role in your itinerary. It’s the gateway to the Lofoten Islands and a natural stop to break up what would otherwise be a very long travel day. Think of this as a transition: from fjords and mountains to Arctic coastline and island landscapes.

You don’t need a packed schedule here, but there are a couple of worthwhile stops if you have time. The most famous is Saltstraumen, one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. Watching the water move through the narrow strait is surprisingly impressive, especially if you time it right with the tides. Otherwise: walk along the harbor, enjoy the coastal views or catch a sunset (in summer, the light here is incredible).

From Bodø, continue to the Lofoten Islands via ferry to Moskenes (in the south) or a short flight to Leknes (in the middle) or Svolvær (in the north). If weather allows, I highly recommend taking the ferry – arriving in Lofoten by sea is unforgettable.

Day 11-14: Lofoten Islands

This is where your Norway itinerary reaches its peak. The Lofoten Islands are one of the most unique landscapes in Europe – sharp mountains rising straight out of the sea, tiny fishing villages with red cabins, and beaches that look almost tropical on a sunny day. After everything you’ve seen so far, Lofoten still manages to feel different. It’s more remote, more dramatic, and less structured than the rest of the itinerary. This is where you slow down, explore at your own pace, and let the scenery take over.

Lofoten is one of the few places in this itinerary where I strongly recommend renting a car. Public transport exists, but it’s limited and will restrict your flexibility. Having a car allows you to stop at viewpoints freely, explore small villages and chase good weather (very important here) There’s no strict to-do checklist here, and that’s exactly the point. The best thing you can do is explore slowly:

• Visit villages like Reine and Hamnøy
• Drive along the E10 (one of the most scenic roads in Norway)
• Stop at beaches like Haukland or Uttakleiv
• Take short hikes if the weather allows

From Lofoten, you can either fly out via Leknes or Svolvær, return to Bodø by ferry or continue exploring northern Norway (if you have more time).

Night trains in Norway: what to expect

Night trains in Norway are one of the smartest ways to make this itinerary work. Are they worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. They help you save hotel nights, avoid wasting daytime on long transit and make Norway’s huge distances much more manageable.

What accommodation options exist?

Depending on route, you’ll generally find standard seats, reclining seats, sleeper compartments and private cabins. For a price comparison, let’s use the Bergen-Oslo overnight route as a realistic example, since it’s one of the most relevant for this itinerary. Prices vary hugely depending on season, demand, and how early you book, but roughly:

Standard Seat: ~NOK 300–700 (€25–60): Cheapest option. This is a normal train seat, not a bed. Seats recline somewhat, but this is still very much “sleeping in a chair.”

PlusNight Lie-Flat Seat: ~NOK 700–1,200 (€60–105): This is actually a very interesting newer option. Think: airline business class style lie-flat pod. You get a fully reclining lie-flat seat, more privacy, a blanket + eye mask / basic amenity kit and more personal space. For solo travelers, this may be one of the smartest options. Cheaper than a full private sleeper, but dramatically more comfortable than a normal seat.

Sleeper Compartment: ~NOK 1,200–2,500+ (€105–220+): This is the premium option. You get your own private 2-bed compartment, a proper mattress, duvet + pillow, towels, sink in the cabin, soap and bottled water (plus a wake-up call :P) And importantly, you always book the whole compartment, even solo.

Rest Compartment (group-style): Pricing varies but usually sits between lie-flat and premium sleeper. This is a simpler 6-berth compartment. Important: you are booking the entire compartment! This is a good option for families, groups or budget travelers splitting costs. 

What’s included?

Usually: bed / bunk, bedding, power outlets, shared toilets, luggage storage. Usually there are no showers on trains. Norwegian sleepers are practical, clean, and efficient – but not luxury spa trains.

When to visit Norway

Norway is a highly seasonal destination, and the best time to visit depends largely on what you want to experience. Unlike many countries, Norway feels completely different depending on the time of year – from long summer days with the midnight sun to snowy winters with northern lights.

Thanks to its geography, the country has several distinct regions, from the milder western fjords to the Arctic north above the Arctic Circle. Weather patterns vary significantly between places like Oslo, Bergen, the fjords, and northern Norway. While summer offers the most stable conditions for travel, winter brings unique experiences like snow-covered landscapes and aurora viewing.

Choosing the right timing can make a big difference, especially if you’re planning scenic train journeys, fjord cruises, hiking routes like Trolltunga, or visiting destinations like the Lofoten Islands.

For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, regional weather guide, and the best travel windows for each destination, read: When to Visit Norway: Best Time to Go.

Getting Around Norway

One of the most important things to understand about traveling in Norway is just how large the country is, and how long journeys can take, even when destinations don’t look that far apart on the map. Mountains, fjords, winding roads, ferry crossings, and weather conditions can all make travel significantly slower than expected. Fortunately, Norway has an excellent transport network, and getting around independently is surprisingly easy once you understand which mode of transport makes the most sense for each route.

For longer distances, domestic flights are often the most practical option – especially if you’re traveling between southern Norway and destinations like Lofoten Islands, Bodø, or Tromsø. For scenic routes, trains are one of the best ways to travel. Some journeys, like the Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway, and Rauma Railway, are genuinely part of the experience rather than just transportation. Ferries also play an important role in Norway, whether you’re crossing fjords, reaching islands, or simply enjoying some of the most scenic arrivals in the country.

You definitely do not need a car for all of Norway, especially if you’re following a route between cities and major destinations using trains and ferries. However, some areas, like the Lofoten Islands, Trollstigen, or certain fjord regions, become much easier and more flexible with a rental car.

I explain exactly which transport to use (and when), how to book scenic train journeys, when renting a car actually makes sense, and common mistakes travelers make in my complete guide: How to get around Norway

How expensive is Norway?

COST OF TRAVEL

Norway is one of the most expensive countries to travel in Europe – and possibly the world – but it can still be done in a way that feels worth it. While prices are high across the board, the quality of infrastructure, transport, and overall experience is also extremely high. Scenic trains run on time, ferries feel like part of the experience, and even simple accommodations are usually well-designed and comfortable.

You can travel Norway on a mid-range budget, but it requires more planning than in most destinations. Expect to spend significantly more on accommodation, transport, and eating out compared to southern or eastern Europe. Budget travelers can reduce costs by using supermarkets, staying in simpler guesthouses, and prioritizing nature-based activities, while luxury options such as boutique fjord hotels, design cabins, and unique stays are widely available.

Because costs vary a lot depending on your route, travel style, and whether you rent a car, I’ve broken everything down in a separate guide – including realistic daily budgets, accommodation prices, transport costs, and a sample 2-week Norway itinerary budget.

Read the full breakdown here: Cost of Travel in Norway